Breadcrumb Abstract Shape
Breadcrumb Abstract Shape
Breadcrumb Abstract Shape

How to Start Selling Canva Templates in Nigeria

How to Start Selling Canva Templates in Nigeria | Canva Templates to Sell Free in Nigeria

Many young people in Nigeria want a side hustle but feel stuck because they believe they need money to get started. The truth is, you don’t.
One powerful way to start is by creating and selling Canva templates—and you can do it using Canva’s free plan.
Nigerian small businesses post daily on Instagram and WhatsApp Status, needing quick social media graphics. Canva templates fill that gap; editable files for stories, flyers, and posts—delivered as share links without design skills from buyers.
If you can use a phone or laptop and you like designing simple things like posters or CVs, you already have what it takes.
This article will guide you step-by-step. By the end, you’ll understand what Canva templates are, why people buy them, and exactly how you can start selling them in Nigeria without spending money.

Doing Nothing Keeps You Stuck

If you keep waiting for the “perfect time” or a “big opportunity,” months and years can pass. Meanwhile:
  • You depend fully on others for money
  • You miss chances to build digital skills
  • You feel frustrated watching others earn online
The online world is moving fast. Those who learn simple digital skills early have an advantage. Designing Canva templates is one of those skills—easy to learn, useful, and in demand.

How to Start Selling Canva Templates in Nigeria

What Is Canva?

Canva is an online design tool. It helps people create designs like:
  • CVs (resumes)
  • Instagram posts
  • Business flyers
  • Presentations
  • Planners and worksheets
You don’t need to be a professional designer. Canva uses drag-and-drop, meaning you move text and pictures around easily.
Best part?
You can start with a free Canva account.

What Are Canva Templates?

A template is a design that others can reuse and edit.
For example:
  • You design a clean CV layout
  • Someone buys it
  • They edit their name, photo, and details
People love templates because they save time and look professional.

Why People Buy Canva Templates

Here’s why templates sell:
  1. Not everyone likes designing
  2. Templates save time
  3. They look neat and professional
  4. They are affordable compared to hiring a designer
In Nigeria, many people need CVs, business flyers, and social media designs. This creates a strong market for Canva templates.

Templates That Move Locally

Target Instagram carousels for churches and boutiques in Lagos or Abuja. Event flyers for owambe parties and JAMB prep planners sell steady—bundles of 10 at ₦2,000-5,000 each.​
Church bulletin and market poster packs. Add Yoruba or Pidgin text layers for quick customization. Test demand with 5 free samples on Facebook groups first.​
Localize asoebi graphics or buka menus outperform generics by 3x in first-month sales.
Here are Canva templates you can create and sell for free:
You don’t need Canva Pro to start. With the free version, you can design:
1. CV and Resume Templates
Very popular among students and job seekers.
2. Instagram Post Templates
Small businesses need social media designs.
3. Business Flyers
For events, sales, and promotions.
4. School Planners and Study Timetables
Students love organized study tools.
5. Presentation Slides
Used for school projects and business pitches. Start with one category. Don’t try to do everything at once.

How to Start Selling Canva Templates in Nigeria

How to Start Selling Canva Templates in Nigeria

Step 1: Open a Free Canva Account
Go to Canva and sign up using your email or Google account.
Step 2: Choose One Template Type
Pick something simple, like CVs or Instagram posts.
Step 3: Design with Free Elements Only
Use:
  • Free fonts
  • Free shapes
  • Free icons
Avoid items marked “Pro.”
Step 4: Make It Editable
Ensure buyers can change:
  • Text
  • Colors
  • Photos
This is what makes it a template.
Step 5: Save and Create a Share Link
Canva allows you to create a shareable template link.

Where to Sell Your Canva Templates in Nigeria

You don’t need a website to start. Here are beginner-friendly options:
1. WhatsApp and Telegram
  • Share samples in groups
  • Post on your status
2. Instagram
  • Post mockups of your designs
  • Use simple captions
3. Gumroad or Selar
These platforms help you:
  • Upload your template link
  • Collect payments
  • Deliver automatically
They are beginner-friendly and widely used in Nigeria.

Pricing Your Canva Templates

Don’t overthink pricing.
For beginners:
  • ₦1,500 – ₦5,000 per template is okay
  • Bundles can cost more
As you gain experience and reviews, you can increase your price.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Pro elements (buyers won’t access them)
  2. Overdesigning – keep it clean and simple
  3. No instructions – include short steps on how to edit
  4. Giving up too early – sales take time

How to Build Trust and Get More Sales

  • Use clear previews of your templates
  • Show before-and-after examples
  • Write simple explanations
  • Be polite and responsive to buyers
Trust grows when people see clarity and honesty.

Skills You Gain From This Side Hustle

Even beyond money, you gain:
  • Design skills
  • Digital marketing knowledge
  • Confidence using online tools
  • A portfolio you can show others
These skills can help you get jobs or freelance work later.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Create one simple template today. Improve tomorrow. Share consistently. Many people earning online today started with small steps like this.
If you’re looking for a great place to begin, start with a Canva cv template and grow from there. Your side hustle journey can start now—no money, just effort and consistency.
Select your currency
NGN Nigerian naira