Everybody needs design. From a simple email template or menu to a website, social post or brochure to a billboard. And ‘getting something designed’ can be so much easier said than done - not to mention expensive. Not to take away anything from the skill and training that designers bring to what they do - sometimes you just want to get it done yourself whether for reasons around time , money or both. And when you’re at this point or simply fancy having a go at being your own designer: nothing beats Canva!
You’ve almost definitely heard of it, but in case you haven’t: Canva is an online graphic design platform that allows you to create stunning visuals with ease. Using Canva, you can create just about anything, from social media posts to business cards to presentations. Let’s take a look at what Canva is and some of the ways using Canva can be great for your business.
What is Canva?
Canva is an online design platform that provides users with an easy-to-use interface and a seriously wide range of design options. The platform was created in 2012 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams and it’s quickly become an immensely popular tool for both individuals and businesses to create professional designs.
What are Canva's features?
Canva’s features help users create visually appealing designs with no experience needed. Some of these features include:
- Templates - Canva has a variety of templates that you can use to create designs quickly. Templates are available for everything from social media posts to presentations.
- Stock images - Canva has a vast library of stock images that you can use in your designs. You can search for images based on keywords or browse through various categories.
- Design elements - Canva offers a range of design elements, such as shapes, icons, and illustrations, that you can use to enhance your designs.
- Fonts - Canva has an extensive library of fonts to use when adding text to designs. You can also upload your own fonts.
- Collaboration - Canva allows you to collaborate with others on your designs. You can invite team members to work on designs together and share comments and feedback.
- Magic writer - Magic Writer at Canva is an AI-powered text generation tool that helps users create engaging and well-written content in just a few clicks. By understanding the context and purpose, it automatically generates creative copy, making content creation faster and easier for Canva users.
How to use Canva for your business
Using Canva for your business is easy and can save you time and money. Here's how to get started:
- Sign up for Canva - To use Canva, you'll need to sign up for an account. You can sign up for a free or paid account, depending on your needs.
- Choose a template - Once you've signed up for Canva, choose a template that fits your needs. Canva offers a wide range of templates for social media posts, presentations, business cards, and more.
- Customise your design - After selecting a template, customise your design by adding your own text, images, and branding elements. Canva makes it easy to customise designs with its drag-and-drop interface.
- Save and share your design - Once you've completed your design, save it and share it with your team or clients. You can also download your design in various formats, such as JPEG or PDF.
How Canva can benefit your business
Using Canva for your business can have several benefits. Here are a few ways Canva can help your business:
- Saves time and money - Canva provides businesses with an affordable and easy-to-use design platform. By using Canva, businesses can save time and money on design costs.
- Enhances branding - Canva allows businesses to create consistent and professional-looking designs that align with their brand.
- Increases engagement - Eye-catching designs are more likely to capture the attention of potential customers and increase engagement on social media and other digital platforms.
- Streamlines design processes - Canva's drag-and-drop interface and pre-designed templates can help businesses streamline their design processes.
Canva tips and tricks for businesses
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of Canva for your business:
- Use consistent branding - Use consistent colours, fonts, and branding elements across all your designs to create a cohesive brand identity
- Utilize Canva's design tools - Canva has a range of design tools, such as the ability to add drop shadows and adjust transparency, that can help you create professional-looking designs.
- Experiment with different design elements - Try experimenting with different design elements, such as icons and illustrations, to create unique and eye-catching designs.
- Don't be afraid to ask for feedback - Canva's collaboration features make it easy to share your designs with others and get feedback. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your team or clients to improve your designs.
- Keep up with design trends - Stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and incorporate them into your designs to keep them fresh and relevant.
Canva vs. hiring a designer
While Canva is a powerful design tool for businesses, it's important to consider the differences between using Canva and hiring a professional designer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Skill level - Canva is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require a high level of design skill. However, professional designers have years of experience and training, and can provide a higher level of design expertise.
- Customization - While Canva offers a wide range of templates and design elements, it may not be able to fully meet your specific design needs. A professional designer can create custom designs tailored to your business.
- Cost - Canva offers affordable pricing options, while hiring a professional designer can be more expensive. However, it's important to weigh the cost against the value of high-quality, custom designs.
In conclusion, Canva is an excellent tool for businesses looking to create professional-looking designs quickly and easily. With its range of features and user-friendly interface, Canva can help businesses save time and money on design costs, enhance their branding, and increase engagement on social media and other digital platforms. However, businesses should also consider the benefits of hiring a professional designer for their specific design needs.
wamo customers can get Canva Pro free for 30 whole days. Pro is well worth checking out with additional graphics, templates and features that you’ll want to be able to use once you know they’re there!