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Last Updated on February 7, 2021 by Kelly Thoreson
In this tutorial, I’m going to take you through the first step of creating professional-looking blog images with no graphic design training: sign up for Canva!
Unlike many blogging support services, the free version of Canva is actually useful.
No, not just useful – irreplaceable. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s true. While I do pay for and highly recommend the Pro version, it’s completely usable in the free edition as well!
Let’s get started!
What is Canva?
Canva is a beginner-friendly designing program. It makes the process of creating high-quality images, e-books, and other design elements doable for the common layman!
Why Sign Up for Canva?
I’m pretty picky about what blogging support services (like social media automation, image creation, and email list managers) I will actually pay for.
A lot of the time, I will opt for the free version of a support service until I am absolutely certain the service is something worth my hard-earned dime.
Even so, I pay for the Pro version of Canva. Why? Its value add to my blog well outweighs the minimal cost (about $10/mo).
Also, you can try it out free for 30 days – a no brainer.
Also, I have ZERO graphic design experience/training. I love Canva because it makes me look like I know what I’m doing (even when I don’t lol).
Canva has taken my images and brand from obvious novice to professional beyond my years. Observe:
Before Canva:
This is the sort of image I created before Canva. Not bad, but off-brand and kind of obvious that I made it using MS Paint. It has an air of newbie blogger about it.
After Canva:
What a difference!
On brand!
Text in big bold colors!
Looks like a professional designed it!
Now, Let’s look at how to set up your free Canva account!
Tutorial: How to sign up for Canva
1. Go to Canva
Access Canva by going to Canva.com and either signing up or logging in.
2. Choose Your Sign Up Method
You can sign up with Google, Facebook, or your email.
3. Enter Your Info
Enter your name, email and desired password. Then click, “Get started, it’s free!”.
4. Tell Canva Why You’re Here
Don’t lose sleep over the, “Can you tell us what you’ll be using Canva for?” question. For the sake of blogging, pick either small or large business, both will make it so that relevant templates are brought to your attention.
5. Free 30 Day Trial: You Choose!
Next, Canva will ask you if you want to try a free 30 day trial of Canva Pro. Like I said before, I have Pro and it is worth the entire $10/mo I paid for it – no regrets. But, this is your decision boo – you do you. 🙂
If you chose to sign up for Canva Pro, you can choose either yearly billing at $9.95/mo or monthly at $12.95/mo. Again, dealer’s choice!
6. Invite Yo Team
If you’re blogging as a team, you can add your teammate’s emails so you can collaborate on designs. If you’re flying solo (ain’ nothing wrong with that!) just click Skip in the upper right-hand corner.
7. Done
That’s it! Now you can start creating!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to sign up for Canva, you can begin creating professional images, which is vital to the success of your blog.
Want more free blogging tutorials? I go live at least once a week in my free blogging Facebook group to answer your specific questions and show you how to blog like a pro! I’d love to have you in the group, see you there!
NEXT STEP: 3 Easy Steps to a Badass Color Scheme for Your Blog
and …
NEXT STEP: How (and why) to Set up Your Brand Colors in Canva