In the bustling market of personal organization, planners stand out as a beacon of order and intentionality. The rise of productivity culture has paved the way for an array of planners, catering to every imaginable preference and lifestyle. However, crafting a planner that not only meets organizational needs but also captures the hearts (and wallets) of consumers requires a thoughtful approach. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the process of creating a planner to sell; one that stands out in the market, from concept to sale.
Video Tutorial
So, you’ve been flirting with the idea of creating a digital planner for a while now. But let’s be honest, the process can look daunting. Sure, you could go for those fancy programs like GoodNotes or Keynote, but if you’re a Canva aficionado like Megan (our YouTube digital design tutor), why not stick with what you know?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a digital planner on Canva from scratch. Whether you’re an organizing aficionado or a tech-savvy newbie looking to create something neat and sell it online, this guide has got you covered.
Understanding Your Audience
Before diving into design and production, it is crucial to understand who you are creating your planner for. Conduct market research to gather insights about potential customers. Who are they? What are their pain points when it comes to organization? How do they plan their day? Online surveys, focus groups, and social media polls can be invaluable in this stage.
Conceptualization: More Than Just Dates and Spaces
The concept of your planner should resonate with your intended audience. It should offer a unique value proposition that distinguishes it from competitors. Will it cater to students, professionals, parents, or maybe even niche hobbyists? Will it focus on mindfulness, productivity, or goal-setting? The concept will guide every other decision in the planner’s creation, from layout to marketing.
Designing Your Planner
Layout and Structure
The layout is the heart of your planner. It is where form meets function. Decide on the time frame: will it be a daily, weekly, or monthly planner? Consider including sections for goals, to-do lists, habit trackers, and reflection prompts. The layout should be intuitive and facilitate ease of use.
Aesthetics
The visual appeal of your planner is paramount. It is often the first thing a customer notices. Select a color scheme and typography that align with the mood and purpose of your planner. Use high-quality images and illustrations to add personality. The cover design, especially, should be eye-catching and reflective of the planner’s essence.
Quality and Sustainability
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, the materials you choose can set your planner apart. Opt for durable, high-quality paper that is a pleasure to write on. Consider using recycled materials or partnering with sustainable vendors. A planner that lasts and is kind to the planet is a powerful selling point.
Prototyping and Feedback
Once you have a design, create a prototype. This is a test version of your planner that you can share with a small group for feedback. Encourage honesty. Is the planner user-friendly? Does it meet their needs? Iterate on the design based on this feedback until you have a product that is both functional and appealing.
Manufacturing and Pricing
When it comes to manufacturing, you have options: local production or overseas, large batch or print-on-demand. Each choice comes with its own set of costs and benefits. Research thoroughly to find what works best for your business model.
Pricing your planner can be tricky. It should cover your costs and leave a margin for profit, but also be attractive to consumers. Analyze the pricing of competitors and consider the perceived value of your planner. Remember, the right price can attract customers and establish the worth of your product.
Branding and Storytelling
Your brand is the narrative thread that connects all aspects of your planner. It’s not just a logo or a tagline, but the story of your planner’s creation and the promise it holds for the consumer. Craft a compelling narrative that aligns with your audience’s values and aspirations. Your brand should inspire and evoke emotion.
Marketing and Sales Channels
With your planner designed and ready, it’s time to get it into the hands of customers. Identify the most effective channels to reach your audience. Will you sell online, in stores, or both? Utilize social media, content marketing, and email campaigns to build anticipation and demand.
Launching Your Planner
Plan a launch that makes a splash. Consider pre-orders or a launch discount to incentivize early adopters. Collaborate with influencers or thought leaders in your target market to expand your reach. Ensure that your launch is an event that your audience won’t want to miss.
Customer Experience and Feedback
After the launch, the work isn’t over. Focus on providing an excellent customer experience. Be responsive to questions and concerns. Encourage reviews and feedback, and use this information to improve your planner. A satisfied customer is not only likely to repurchase but also to recommend your planner to others.
Continuous Improvement and Expansion
The planner market is dynamic, and staying relevant means continuously innovating. Keep an eye on trends and feedback. Update your planner annually, or consider releasing complementary products. Always be looking for ways to enhance the value you provide to your customers.
Creating a planner that sells is a journey that combines creativity with strategic planning. It’s about understanding your audience, designing with intent, and delivering quality. Your planner is more than a collection of pages; it’s a tool that can empower and inspire. With the right approach, your planner can carve out its own space in the crowded market and become an indispensable part of your customers’ lives.
By adhering to these steps and maintaining a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, you will be well on your way to creating a planner that not only sells but also becomes a beloved part of your customers’ daily routines
Lori Ballen
Hi, I’m Lori Ballen. I have a passion for taking successful processes and creating step-by-step models. I believe that breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps can make any process more efficient and achievable. Whether it’s developing a marketing strategy, implementing a sales process, or creating a project plan, I love finding ways to simplify and streamline workflows.
With my expertise, I can help businesses and individuals replicate success by providing clear and actionable models that can be easily implemented.
Why Canva?
So why Canva? First, it’s incredibly user-friendly. Plus, it’s free—unless you want to opt for Canva Pro (which you can try for 30 days with this link for Canva). Whether you’re a design novice or have been dabbling in digital art for years, Canva offers a smooth, uncomplicated experience that anyone can get behind.
Planning The Planner
Before you jump into Canva and start designing away, Megan suggests that you plan out your planner on Google Docs. Mapping out what tabs you’ll need can save you a whole lot of trouble later on. Remember, in Canva, you won’t be able to link the pages back and forth between each other until you’ve got all your ducks—err, pages—in a row.
How to Map out Tabs in Google Docs:
- Open Google Docs: Create a new blank document.
- Use Numbered List: List down what tabs you want to include. For instance, Home, January, February, and so on. Don’t forget a ‘Notes’ tab for extra space!
- Count: Make sure you’ve got the right number of pages. For example, if you’re creating a monthly planner with a homepage and a notes section, you’ll need 14 tabs in total. But remember, you’ll also need extra pages for other sections like ‘Lined Notes’ or ‘Blank Notes’.
Setting Up Canva
Once you’ve got a solid game plan, hop onto Canva and create a new design.
- Select Format: Opt for a U.S. letter document for a clean, simple layout.
- Name Your Pages: Take advantage of the grid view and name your pages according to the tabs you listed in your Google Docs. This makes life a lot easier when you get to the hyperlinking stage.
Designing The Cover Page
Whether you want a wood background for that rustic vibe or something darker and more elegant, Canva has a plethora of options.
- Choose Background: Go to Photos and type in “wood background” or any other texture you fancy. Drag and drop it onto the page.
- Elements: To add any rectangles or squares, simply press ‘R’ on your keyboard. This is especially useful if you want to create tabs.
Creating Tabs
- Hit ‘R’ Again: Press R to bring up a rectangle for your tab.
- Resize: Play around with the size to make sure all the tabs fit neatly down the side.
- Round the Edges: Canva allows you to round the edges of your rectangle. Go to ‘Corner rounding’ and adjust the slider to your liking.
Tip: If you’re struggling to get the sizing right, remember, this is the tedious part, but it’s all worth it in the end. Stick with it!
Finalizing Design and Interactivity
Once you’re done with the design aspect, it’s time to add functionality to your digital planner.
- Hyperlinking: Hyperlink each tab to its corresponding page. Canva makes it incredibly straightforward. Just click the tab and click the link icon; you’ll get an option to link to a page within the design.
- Testing: Always test the functionality before sharing or selling your planner.
Wrapping Up
Creating a digital planner on Canva might seem daunting at first, but with careful planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you’re more than capable of crafting something both beautiful and functional.
Interested in selling your digital planner online? Stay tuned for future tutorials on how to do just that. Meanwhile, you can try out Canva Pro for a 30-day free trial.
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to creating your digital planner on Canva. If you hit any bumps along the way, leave a comment below or reach out for personalized assistance. Happy planning!