In today’s digital world, the demand for well-designed, easy-to-use resume templates is booming. Job seekers want resumes that look professional and modern, but not everyone knows how to design one from scratch. That’s where you come in. If you have an eye for design and some creativity, you can make money by creating and selling resume templates using Canva.
In this full guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from designing your first resume template to listing it for sale and making your first dollar.
Why Sell Resume Templates?
Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. Here’s why selling resume templates is a great online income opportunity:
- ✅ Low Startup Costs – Canva is free to use, and platforms like Etsy or Creative Market are easy to join.
- ✅ Passive Income Potential – Design once, sell forever.
- ✅ High Demand – Millions of people update or create resumes every year.
- ✅ Work from Anywhere – All you need is a laptop and internet connection.
What You Need to Get Started
- A Canva Account – Sign up for free at www.canva.com. Pro is optional but helpful.
- Basic Design Skills – Canva is beginner-friendly, no graphic design degree needed.
- An Idea of Your Niche – Think: corporate, creative, minimal, colorful, modern, etc.
- A Platform to Sell On – Like Etsy, Creative Market, or your own website.
- Payment Setup – PayPal or a payment processor to receive money.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Resume Templates in Canva
Step 1: Understand Resume Structure
A great resume template includes the following sections:
- Header (Name, Title, Contact Info)
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications/Awards
- Optional: Hobbies, References, Languages
Tip: Look at trending resume templates online for inspiration.
Step 2: Open Canva and Choose a Document Size
- Open Canva
- Click “Create a Design”
- Choose A4 (210mm × 297mm) or US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) depending on your target market.
Step 3: Choose or Create a Layout
You can:
- Start with a blank page and build from scratch, OR
- Use Canva’s existing resume templates as a base (but customize heavily to make it original).
Design tips:
- Use professional fonts like Montserrat, Lato, or Open Sans.
- Keep it clean and easy to read.
- Use consistent spacing and alignment.
- Avoid too many colors — 2–3 max.
- Use Canva grids and guides to align items properly.
Step 4: Add Placeholders for Easy Editing
Make sure to add:
- Placeholder name, email, phone number, LinkedIn
- Dummy text for summary and experience
- Icons (optional) to add style
- Shapes or lines to separate sections
Important: Use consistent font sizes for headings and body text.
Step 5: Make It Editable for Buyers
If you’re going to sell your resume template as a Canva template, you must:
- Use free elements only, unless your buyer has Canva Pro.
- Group elements (Ctrl + G) to avoid users accidentally shifting items.
- Use Canva’s “Text” elements for every section (not images of text).
Then:
- Click “Share”
- Choose “Template Link”
- Click “Anyone with the link can use this template”
Step 6: Create a Downloadable Instruction Guide
Since many buyers might be new to Canva, provide a simple PDF instruction guide that includes:
- How to open the Canva link
- How to edit the text, fonts, and colors
- How to download as PDF
- Printing tips (if relevant)
You can create this in Canva too!
Where to Sell Your Resume Templates
Here are some top platforms to list your Canva-made resume templates:
1. Etsy
- Popular for digital downloads
- Set up your shop for free
- Add product mockups, description, and Canva template link
2. Creative Market
- Great for designers
- Upload a ZIP with PDF instructions and template links
- Passive income from design lovers
3. Gumroad or Payhip
- Simple to use
- Sell directly from social media or your own blog/website
- You keep more profits
4. Your Own Website
- Total control
- Build a brand and sell directly
- Use Shopify, WordPress + WooCommerce, or Gumroad embeds
How to Price Your Resume Templates
Pricing depends on your design quality, niche, and platform. Common prices:
- Single Resume Template – $4.99 to $14.99
- Resume + Cover Letter Bundle – $9.99 to $19.99
- Multi-Pack Templates – $15.99 to $29.99
Tip: Offer multiple formats (Canva, PDF, Word) if possible to add value.
Marketing Tips to Boost Sales
Just creating great templates isn’t enough. Here’s how to get them seen:
- 🎯 SEO-Friendly Titles & Tags – Use keywords like “modern resume template,” “editable Canva resume,” “minimal resume design”
- 🖼️ Mockups Matter – Use Canva to create images showing the resume in action
- 📱 Promote on Pinterest & Instagram – These are visual platforms that love templates
- 💬 Collect Reviews – Ask happy customers to leave feedback
- 📦 Offer Bundles & Discounts – People love deals!
Do’s and Don’ts of Selling Resume Templates
✅ DO:
- Create original designs
- Test templates before selling
- Use free fonts and elements
- Make mobile-friendly previews
- Update old designs as trends change
❌ DON’T:
- Copy Canva’s templates directly
- Use paid Pro elements unless specified
- Forget to proofread for grammar or layout issues
- Over-design — simplicity is key for resumes!
Bonus: Ideas for Expanding Your Product Line
Once you get the hang of it, try creating and selling:
- Cover letter templates
- Portfolio templates
- Matching business cards
- Resume writing service upsells
- Job application kits (bundles)
FAQs About Selling Resume Templates on Canva
❓ Can I sell Canva templates legally?
Yes — if you create them yourself and share them as “template links,” you’re allowed. Never resell Canva’s existing templates as your own.
❓ Do I need Canva Pro to sell templates?
Not necessarily. You can create and sell using free elements only. Canva Pro gives you more features, but it’s optional.
❓ How do customers get the file?
You provide a PDF guide with a Canva template link. They click, open in their Canva account, and start editing.
❓ What’s the best-selling resume style?
Modern, clean, minimal, and ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) resumes tend to sell best.
❓ Can I make money doing this full-time?
Yes — many sellers make hundreds or even thousands per month, especially if they offer bundles and upsells.
Final Thoughts
Creating and selling Canva resume templates is one of the easiest and most creative ways to build passive income online. With just a few hours of design work, you can create a digital product that keeps earning while you sleep.
Whether you’re a beginner or a side hustler looking to grow, now is a great time to get started. So, open Canva, start creating, and turn your designs into dollars!
Ready to sell your first Canva resume template?
🛠️ Open Canva → ✏️ Design your template → 💸 List it online → 🎉 Start earning!
Let me know if you’d like a Canva instruction guide or sample resume text to include in your product!
Would you like a matching Pinterest Pin design or mockup template for your Etsy listing? I can create that too.