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How to Sign Up for Canva (for Free) + Why Canva Pro is Worth Every Penny

Last Updated on March 6, 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 Canva Pro, 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!

Screen shot of Canva homepage — Canva makes it easy to create professional-looking images!

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!

Get Canva Pro free for 30 days page that has two options: monthly for $12.95/mo or yearly for $9.95/mo — For Canva Pro, you can pay yearly for $9.95/mo or monthly for $12.95/mo – your 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.