Templates are my jam.

Since I’ve become a blogger, I’ve seen others struggle with design. They weren’t sure how to make printables, social media images ended up being a time suck that never got them the traffic they expected and they struggled to bring their product ideas to life.

For a long time, I struggled with a blog I had little passion for. I wanted to be a blogger and so I just started writing. I kept my graphic design background tucked away and utilized it to grow my blog. But as I scrolled through Facebook groups, my creative side ached.

I knew that I could help these bloggers by teaching them how to use simple program, like Canva, to rock graphic design. I knew that if they had the right tools they would be able to fly. So one day, I took a leap. I started a new blog– this blog– to teach bloggers how to grow their business through graphic design.

I started creating templates for bloggers to use and I was overwhelmed by the feedback I got.

So I wanted to give you completely unedited run down of the top 3 ways to use templates to grow your blog.

1.  Social Media Images

There’s nothing like writing a blog post. People often think that it’s as simple as writing 300-2000 words and you’re done. Personally, my own blogging checklist is well over 30 items long.

There’s outlining, researching, writing, editing, formatting, images, promotion, etc etc etc. It takes time to pump out quality content and it definitely takes time to create quality social media images to go with it.

All of that adds up and when you are working in the margins of life, between kids and naptime and preschool pick up and drop off.. It’s crazy.

When you use social media templates, you cut down on not only time but frustration.

You no longer need to start from scratch every single time. You don’t need to think about layout, colors, or fonts anymore. Just switch out the picture, switch out the words and click download.

Just ask Emilie who couldn’t wait to show off her new social media graphics, “Not that long ago I reached out to [Kara from Simplifying DIY Design] looking for Canva templates. Holy Moly. I MADE THIS GRAPHIC. ME. I DID THAT. Because of Kara’s templates… I feel so much better”

Or Kathryn who excitedly messaged me, “I made a PIN! with my new template! Kara! it took FIVE MINUTES! You have literally changed my life for-EVAR!”

2. Lead magnets

Tough love time. No one cares about “signing up to get your newsletter”. In the world of blogging and online business, you must be willing to give something of value away for free.

No, this doesn’t have to cost anything, but it does have to be something your target audience truly needs.

You will have some total failures (#askmehowIknow) but eventually, you’ll throw the spaghetti at the wall and it will stick.

Creating a killer lead magnet is really intimidating for some people. Not just creating the content but the design part.

Bringing it to life.

Putting it out there for the world to see. 

Even if it’s scary.

Let me tell you two truths:

1. If you aren’t constantly working to grow that list then you are losing money.
2. You’ll never know if your lead magnet will be a swing-and-a-miss or a huge win unless you actually finish it and put it out there.

Lizann is a great example, “Your free templates were a HUGE time-saver! Once I adapted them to my brand colors, I could crank out lots of great-looking pages in a minimum amount of time. Sooo helpful!”

She admitted, “Images and design were one of the weaknesses that held me back from blogging at first, but your models were easy to adapt to my brand so I could create a great new deployment guide for military spouses!”

3. Digital Products

The best way to a passive income is through products. There are so many ways that products can help you automate your income.

• The tripwire or “upsell”- an instant offer once someone subscribes to your freebie. It’s usually offered at a discounted price and will turn your subscribers into buyers immediately. It also allows you to set up Facebook ads to grow your list FAST and make up the cost (and exceed it).
• Products to launch or add to your funnel (or both). Once you have a bit of an audience, survey them. Find out what they are struggling with and make a product. It doesn’t have to cost a ton of money or take a ridiculous amount of time when you use a template.

Products are an amazing way to monetize while also HELPING your readers.

Take Rosemarie for example, her workbook has helped over 65,000 families and generated over 6 figures within just a few months of being released!

She said, “Kara’s graphic design skills were a game changer for our blog. Her eye for colors, appreciation for details and an understanding of the blogging and marketing world made for eye-catching graphics, increased exposure, professional messaging and increased revenue. Plus, she’s a pretty cool chick.”

Or Amanda, who claims “When it comes to making graphics the hardest part for me is starting with a blank page. Kara’s templates are a lifesaver. They give you a starting point to jump off from. And then once I get started the ideas start flowing and I create beautiful products I could have only dreamed about.”

There are countless reasons to use templates.

They save time.

They give you a starting point for your design.

They allow you to get your projects done and out there.

You can use them over and over.

The list goes on.

If you want to find out for yourself, click here.