Goal: Make your product look pro in an hour.
“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.”
Paul Rand, design guru
You don’t need to be a designer to make something beautiful. You just need a clear message and a tool that does the heavy lifting. That’s where software like Canva comes in. It has a free tier, it’s intuitive and it gives you just enough structure to keep things simple without boxing in your creativity.
Sign up for Canva (if you haven’t already)
Head to canva.com and create a free account. The free tier has everything you need for this project.
Option 1: Design it yourself
Search for “presentation”, “ebook,” “guide,” or “workbook” in the template library.
Pick a layout that looks clean, clear and close to your vibe. (Don’t stress about finding a perfect match - you can edit everything later.)
Keep your layout simple
You want the reader to glide through your product. Here’s how to keep things clean:
One idea per page
Each page should focus on a single tip, thought or section.
Up to 200-ish words per page
Aim for short paragraphs and simple sentences. This is not a book - it’s a snackable product.
Keep your text in a narrow column
Wide text is hard to read. Stick to 1 or 2 columns max - ideally no wider than 70 characters per line.
Use images wisely
Images make your product easier to understand and more enjoyable to look at but only when they add value.
Use images to:
Show what you’re describing
Add visual breaks between sections
Reinforce your brand style
Avoid:
Cheesy stock photos
Overcrowding the page
Using images to fill space
Canva has a free photo library. Search by theme or mood and keep it consistent.
Option 2: Use Canva AI
Here’s where the magic happens.
Click Canva AI (you’ll see it when you start a new doc).
Enter your version of the following info:
Title:
The Procrastinator’s Reset: A 7-Day Focus System for Freelancers
Product type:
Mini PDF guide
Audience:
New freelancers who struggle to focus
Problem it solves:
Chronic procrastination, overwhelm and time-wasting
Transformation offered:
Gives freelancers a simple, repeatable 7-day system to rebuild focus, start work faster, and create momentum without burning out
Voice:
Clear, encouraging, a bit cheeky
Then upload your copy. Canva will instantly generate layout suggestions and templates. Pick the one that feels closest to your personality and don’t worry about perfection at this stage.
Step 3: Make it yours
Now we customise.
Fonts and colours:
Choose no more than 2 fonts and 3 colours (plus black, white and grey). Less is more. Pick something that reflects your brand personality (calm, bold, playful, etc)Images and icons:
Use Canva’s free library to add visual interest or upload your own.
One image per page is enough.Your name and logo:
This is your product so own it. Add a footer with your name or brand.
Step 4: Keep the reader in mind
Always design with them, rather than yourself, in mind. Ask:
Is this easy to read?
Does it feel welcoming?
Would I want to scroll or turn the page?
Optional: Add a call-to-action
At the end of your product, invite your audience to take the next step:
Join your community
Try your paid course
Follow you on WithMe
You’ve earned their attention, now give them a reason to stick around.
The goal today
Turn your rough draft into a real product. Something you’d be proud to put your name on. You now have a digital product - designed and one step closer to launch.
Next up:
Tighten the screws. Make it ready to sell