Simplify Your Content Creation with Canva

Published 8 months ago • 3 min read

Welcome to The Advantage Playbook. Each week, we share one big idea you can implement for your small business, along with a curated roundup of resources to help you level up your marketing game.

This Week’s Big Idea: Simplify Your Content Creation with Canva

You might be thinking, "I already know how to use Canva. That’s not a big idea." But let’s pause for a moment—are you really using Canva efficiently? Are you creating intentional, branded templates or just grabbing random designs and calling it a day?

If it’s the latter, you’re missing out on Canva’s full potential.

As a small business, you may not be quite ready to hire a graphic designer; Canva is the next best thing—but only if you know how to use it to your advantage and build a visual identity that's memorable.

Before diving in, make sure you have your logo(s) and brand colors handy. Don’t have one yet? No worries—pause here and check out our recommended list of Fiverr pros that offer branding services at an affordable rate.

How to Create a Canva Brand Kit

Step 1: Add Your Logos

  1. Go to the Brand section and start building your brand kit.
  2. Upload your logos—ensure they’re in PNG format for transparent backgrounds.
  3. Pro tip: Have at least three versions of your logo (full color, black, and white) for flexibility in designs.

Step 2: Add Your Colors

  1. Add your brand’s color palette using hex codes (e.g., #C4CF97).
  2. If you don’t have a palette yet, you can experiment with Canva’s color tools.

Step 3: Add Your Fonts

  1. Upload custom fonts if you have them.
  2. Set your primary fonts for headings, subheadings, and body text.
  3. Only have one font? No problem! Create a visual hierarchy using different sizes, weights (bold), or italics.

Your Brand Kit is now functional! This kit is a living and breathing document that you'll continuously be refining, but today, you’ve just laid the foundation for creating visually consistent content that reinforces your brand identity.

Step 4: Create Branded Templates

Instead of starting from scratch every time, branded templates will save you hours in the long run.

The templates you need will depend on your business and the type of content you create. For example:

  • Coaches and Consultants: Carousel posts for storytelling and tips.
  • Fashion Brands: Product announcement templates and pop-up/event flyers.
  • Service Providers: Informational graphics and promotional banners.

How to Create a Carousel Template

  1. Start with an existing carousel design or choose one from Canva’s Design tab.
  2. Go to Styles:
    • Apply your Brand Fonts to all pages.
    • Cycle through your Brand Colors until you find a combination you like.
  3. Add your logo in a visible, legible spot.
  4. Tweak the template: Adjust font sizes and placements, and add your social handle to every page.
  5. Save as a brand template.
  6. Pro tip: Batch-create templates for recurring content (think monthly product announcements and event flyers) to stay consistent and save time. Aim for three reusable designs to rotate.

When you're ready to create a new design, simply go to brand templates under Brand and choose which template you want to use for your design.

Bonus Tip: Curate Your Stock Photos

If you use Canva's stock photos or videos, spend some time upfront curating visuals that align with your brand. This makes content creation even faster and reduces the startup cost of creating content for your socials. Here are two articles on using keywords effectively in your search: Best Canva Stock Photos, and 130+ of the Best Canva Keywords.

By planning ahead and building templates, you’ll simplify your process and stay consistent with less effort. That's what we call a win-win situation!

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