Wondering how to get started on Canva or have questions? We have put together this article to help you get to know how to utilize all that Canva has to offer! You can follow along for the video format of this lesson here. Throughout this article, you will find Canva tutorials, videos, walk-throughs, and even some graphic templates for you to use or use as a guide in creating your own.
You are welcome to utilize any of these templates for your business but do remember to update them with your information, which can include your business name, phone number, direct Dumpling URL, or images. Remember to confirm any QR codes link to your Dumpling shop page!
First, let's start with what Canva is and how to best utilize it. Canva allows users to create all sorts of graphics, business marketing, invitations, and much more! They have a free version that will work for anyone, and they also offer a Pro version of the app which some may find beneficial but it is not necessary to use Canva.
We do recommend using Canva on your computer or laptop if you have one as it can be easier to create graphics. However, it is possible to create them from a mobile phone or tablet as well.
Let's touch on some things to avoid when creating graphics. The first would be too much text, remember that less can be more. The more text you have, the less chance someone will fully read it. Make sure the points you list in your marketing are the things you want people to remember, such as the same shopper every time, in-store pricing & get the receipt, can shop at any local store, supporting a locally owned business, etc. Using bullet points can be helpful to make it clear and easy to read. If you feel like you have too much information to share, and are designing social media posts, consider splitting up what you are saying into more than one graphic to post separately or leaving less on the graphic but elaborating within the caption of the post itself.
Next would be colors and fonts. You always want to make sure that the font you choose is legible, remember people of all ages will be reading your marketing and you don't want it to deter potential clients because you picked a font that is hard to read. If you are including QR codes to use in your designs (which you can do right within Canva) consider writing out the link as well for those who are not comfortable using QR codes. Bright colors don't tend to work well as it can be harder to make out what is being said so keep any colors easy to read. If you need to include more text opt for a less distracting background. Additionally, you can consider reducing the transparency of the background to mute it as needed. You'll find this within the checkerboard icon in the toolbar. You can find an example of minimal text with a busier background in this template, Relax & let us shop.
Canva Getting Started: Tutorials
How to find free-to-use images within Canva: Canva YouTube Tutorial
Branding-Logos, Brand colors, etc: Canva Branding Tutorial
Design with ease: Canva Designs
Create a QR code
Canva Design School: Tutorials
Dumpling Logos: Powered By Dumpling
Within Canva you have the ability to choose different layouts, from Instagram Stories to Facebook Posts and even Flyers. Canva takes the guesswork out of which size you would need. If you're cross-posting between social media platforms it can be best to go with the Instagram post sizing and sharing from within Instagram.
Instagram Templates:
The two different templates you'd utilize most for Instagram would be the Instagram Stories and Instagram Post templates.
Instagram Post: What's New At [Store]
Instagram Story: Get Ready For Summer
Facebook Templates:
Canva offers many different templates for Facebook such as Post, Cover Photo, Ad's, Story and much more! Whatever you need to create, Canva will likely have what you are looking for.
Facebook Post: Pet Stores
Flyer Templates: Business Flyer
Announcing a new service: Farmer's Market
Holidays: Cinco de Mayo
Notable subscription features:
Not all of the Canva Pro features are going to be relevant to those running a delivery business, but there are a few worth noting. Some of these features you can even play with for free, and they often offer a trial period of paid features as well. These features would be best suited for someone doing a large amount of visual marketing who already knows they are comfortable with Canva.
Pro users have access to many more templates, elements, and images than free users do.
Canva has its own scheduled social media posting tool. If you are already paying for a platform that helps you with this you may be able to bundle costs. Do note that while you can post to Instagram you will need an actual Facebook business page to set this feature up.
'Brand kits' is one of the most popular pro tools. This feature allows you to have the same logo, fonts, and colors across all of your marketing.
If you have other employees in your business the 'team' features is an incredible collaboration tool where you can even go above the 'brand kit' and have a 'brand guideline'. Do note that some of the teams features are a higher cost point than just the pro membership itself.
You can find more information on what is included within each plan here, Canva Pricing & Canva Pro.
Notable new Features:
Canva has recently released some new features. Some of these will most likely be subscription-only features in the future, however for now they allow users on all levels to play with them and even have some great tutorials to guide you through trying them. You can find these on the 'home' page or within the 'apps' section of Canva. Let's walk through a couple that may make sense for your business.
'Smartmockups' is perfect for people running an app-based business! You can take a screenshot from the Dumpling app and create a graphic that will show that image inside a phone. This could make sense if you want to show customers how to leave you a review, what it will look like when they are connected to you in the app, or how to add a neighborhood store. You can create these from the 'Apps' section and even slide images in and out while you are working on a design. This feature has several free options available and looks incredible!
The 'Text to image' tool is an AI tool that reduces the time it takes you to find the perfect image that goes along with what you are wanting. It often populates vibrant photos that do not include branding. Do be sure when using any of their AI features to double-check the options you choose to ensure that there are no errors in the image, such as extra limbs.
'Draw', which allows you to create hand-drawn digital art, is great for instances where you would want to highlight, cross-out, or otherwise notate a piece of text, such as if you were recently featured in a local publication.
While the 'background remover' and 'eraser' options are typically only available for paid users the new AI 'Magic Edit' feature is so easy to use. Imagine that you took a great drop-off photo that you'd love to post but your client's house address is right in the middle - you could simply switch that out to something else!
Practice Makes Perfect:
Remember, the best way to become comfortable with Canva is to continue using it! Canva offers a periodic design challenge that they email users that can help inspire you to practice. You can also use them for your own projects (like birthday invites).
Simply browsing their templates and elements can help give you ideas for what you would like to create next. Consider 'starring' elements you come across that match your style but maybe don't work for your current project. In the future, you can browse through these in your 'projects' tab.
As always, you can reach out to the Coaching team through the Help Center in the Boss app under 'Contact a Coach' if you would like another set of eyes on your marketing or if you just have questions, we are happy to help!