How to Get Started with Digital Planner Creation
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Hi Planner Creators! 👋
If you're just dipping your toes into the exciting world of digital planners, welcome! This post is for all of you beginners out there—especially those who’ve seen planners online and thought, “I want to create something like that!”
Recently, I had a chat with someone on Threads about starting their digital planner journey. It was such a fun exchange, and I realized many of you might have similar questions. So, let’s dive in and cover the basics, including choosing software, getting organized, and making your planner ready for digital downloads.
Choosing Your Design Tool: PowerPoint, Canva, or More?
If you’re new, picking the right tool can feel overwhelming. Here’s what I always recommend:
- PowerPoint (Windows & Mac): A beginner-friendly choice with no file size limits. It’s perfect for adding clickable hyperlinks and works seamlessly on PCs. You can also use Master Slides to save time when designing recurring elements.
- Canva: If you’re already a Canva pro, this is a great starting point. Just be aware of its file size limitations if you’re designing large planners.
- Affinity Publisher/Designer: A one-time purchase option for those ready to level up their designs. It offers precision and control over your layouts.
- Keynote (Mac): A clean, intuitive alternative for Mac users.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using Canva but want an easier way to add hyperlinks to your planner, you’ll need an external tool like PDF-Linkr. It’s a lifesaver for automating links across pages!
Getting Started: Your First Planner
Begin with a simple layout. Think about what YOU would use in a planner:
- Decide on a Format: Are you creating a daily, weekly, or monthly planner?
- Pick a Theme: Minimalist? Floral? Goal-oriented? Themes make your planner cohesive and appealing.
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Organize Sections: Popular sections include:
- Tabs for months (January, February, etc.).
- Weekly pages with space for goals or to-dos.
- Daily pages with time slots for appointments.
Adding Navigation with Links
Here’s where digital planners stand out—hyperlinks! They make jumping between sections seamless for your users. If you’re using PowerPoint, you can:
- Highlight text (e.g., “January”) and link it to the corresponding page.
- Use macros (for PC users) to automate repetitive tasks, like duplicating slides and adding dates. (Macros are included with PDF-Linkr!!)
For tools like Canva, hyperlinks can be added manually, but using software like PDF-Linkr simplifies the process. Imagine linking all your tabs, weeks, and even individual days in minutes!
Selling Your Digital Planners
Once your planner is ready, the next step is getting it out there! Popular platforms include:
- Etsy: Perfect for beginners because of its built-in audience. Optimize your listings with keywords like “digital daily planner” or “goal-setting printable.”
- Payhip and Stan: Great for direct sales and simple checkout experiences.
- Printify Pop-Up Shops: An option if you already sell print-on-demand products and want to test planners as part of your offerings.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Be consistent with your marketing and listen to your audience’s needs.
Tips for Beginners
- Start Simple: Don’t overcomplicate your first design. Add more features as you get comfortable.
- Join Communities: Facebook groups (like ours!) are goldmines for advice and support.
- Use the Right Tools: Leverage automation tools like PDF-Linkr to save hours on hyperlinking.
Final Thoughts
Creating digital planners is not just a fun creative outlet—it’s an opportunity to share your unique vision with others and build a product people will love using. Whether you’re starting with Canva, PowerPoint, or exploring other tools, take it one step at a time.
Got questions or need help? Drop me a message in my Facebook group. Remember: Collaboration beats competition every time. Let’s create together!
Now, go forth and start creating your dream digital planner. You’ve got this! 😊