Scribble & Co Designs

Want to Start Selling Printables? Start Simple—Here’s How

If you’ve been watching creators talk about passive income from printables, it probably sounds dreamy: make a cute template once, and sales roll in while you sleep. But if you’re anything like I was, you’re wondering: where the heck do I even begin?

Here’s the truth no one tells you: you don’t need to create the next viral product. You just need to start—small, simple, and real.

When I first discovered Canva and the world of digital products, I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t a graphic designer. I didn’t feel “creative” in that Pinterest-perfect way. And the idea of pouring hours into something that might not sell? Terrifying.

But I also knew I wanted more freedom—more flexibility, more income on my terms. So instead of chasing trends or comparing myself to Etsy superstars, I made a promise to myself: just start with something useful.

No glitter, no gimmicks. Just a few clean, helpful templates that solved everyday problems—because that’s what people are actually looking for.

Here are 5 beginner-friendly printable ideas that are always in demand:

🗓 Daily or Weekly Planners – Everyone’s trying to get their life together, especially around New Year, back-to-school, or “I need a fresh start” moments.

🍲 Meal Planners & Grocery Lists – These are gold for busy parents, students, and anyone who’s tired of the 5 p.m. dinner panic.

🎨 Kids Activity Sheets – Think coloring pages, scavenger hunts, I Spy games, or simple learning printables. Perfect for parents, teachers, or even party packs.

✅ Checklists – Morning routines, travel packing, self-care, decluttering. These may seem basic, but they make people’s lives easier—and that’s what sells.

🎉 Party Invitations – Birthdays, baby showers, holidays… Everyone needs them, and they’re surprisingly easy to design with a Canva template and a pop of personality.

My advice? Start with one.

Pick a category you use in your own life. Open a free Canva template, customize it with your own flair, and hit download. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to solve a problem and be easy to use.

You don’t need fancy fonts or perfect branding to begin—you need a clear layout and the courage to put it out there.

Uploading your printable to Etsy or Stan Store feels amazing—but heads up: that’s not the end of the story. Sales don’t magically appear.
You’ll need a few key things to set yourself up for success:

🔍 Keywords (SEO) – So people can find your product in search
🖼 Mockups – So they can see how great it’ll look in their life
📌 Pinterest – So you can share your product in a place that keeps working long after you post

The first listing might take you longer than you expect. That’s normal.
But the second one will be faster. And the third? Easier. Before long, you’ll have a mini digital shop working in the background while you live your life.

When I launched Scribble & Co Designs, I had no idea it would grow the way it has. I started with one simple printable—a basic weekly planner I designed for myself—and uploaded it with shaky hands and zero confidence.

But guess what? That one product sold. And I realized: I didn’t need to be “extra,” I just needed to be helpful.

👉 Want inspiration or real-life examples?
Take a peek at Scribble & Co Designs. Every product there was once a blank page—just like the one you’re staring at now.

💬 What’s holding you back from starting? Is it the tech, the design, or the fear no one will buy? Drop a comment below—let’s talk through it. You’re so much closer than you think.