Creating and selling templates like CVs, planners, and other digital products is an excellent way to earn passive income. Here’s a clear roadmap on how you can earn by creating templates:
1. Choose Your Template Niche
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Popular types:
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CVs/resumes
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Cover letters
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Planners (daily, weekly, monthly)
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Budget trackers
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Social media templates (Instagram posts, stories)
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Business cards, invoices, proposals
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Wedding invitations, event programs
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Pick niches you’re familiar with or interested in.
2. Design Your Templates
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Use design tools like:
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Canva (user-friendly, popular)
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Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop (for advanced design)
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Microsoft Word or Google Docs (for CVs/resumes)
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Focus on clean, modern, and customizable designs.
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Create templates in formats your buyers will find easy to use (PDF, DOCX, Canva links, editable PowerPoint, etc.).
3. Set Up a Selling Platform
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Popular marketplaces:
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Etsy (great for creative templates)
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Creative Market
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Gumroad
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TemplateMonster
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Your own website or Shopify store
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Optimize your product listings with clear titles, keywords, and appealing preview images.
4. Price Your Templates
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Research competitors’ prices to stay competitive.
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Start with affordable prices ($5–$20) and increase as you build a reputation.
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Offer bundles or packages for more value.
5. Promote Your Templates
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Share on social media (Pinterest is especially great for templates/planners).
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Join relevant Facebook groups or forums.
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Collaborate with influencers or bloggers.
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Use SEO on your listings to get organic traffic.
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Consider running ads on Etsy or Pinterest to boost visibility.
6. Provide Great Customer Support
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Offer clear instructions on how to use the templates.
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Respond promptly to customer queries.
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Update your templates based on feedback.
Bonus: Ideas for Template Themes That Sell Well
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Minimalist CVs for professionals
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Creative CVs for designers/marketers
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Academic planners for students
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Fitness or meal planners
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Budgeting spreadsheets
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Social media content calendars
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Wedding or party invitation templates