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Designing templates is an easy way to turn your eye for organization into downloadable products. Whether you’re helping students plan ahead or supporting job seekers with clean resumes, templates are in demand, and you don’t need expensive tools to get started.

This guide focuses on editable templates like calendars, slides, and forms that can be sold or shared online.

1. What Templates Can Include at a Beginner Level
Start with the types of templates you already use or enjoy:

• Resumes and cover letter formats
• Monthly or weekly calendars
• Project planners or class assignment trackers
• Presentation slides for school reports
• To-do lists, goal-setting pages, or checklist templates
• Basic budgeting sheets or journaling layouts

Keep it clean and simple. You’re not designing a textbook—just something useful and editable.

2. Free Tools to Create Your Templates
Stick with beginner-friendly tools that let you design and export easily:

Tool	Best For
Google Docs/Slides	Resumes, checklists, slides, editable forms
Canva (Free)	Calendar layouts, resume designs, planners
PowerPoint	Slides, editable forms, basic graphic layouts
Google Sheets	Budgeting, goal tracking, planning spreadsheets

Tips for designing your template:

• Use clean fonts and clear sections
• Leave space for users to fill in their own content
• Label everything so it’s easy to follow
• If you want it editable after download, use Google Docs/Slides links or PowerPoint files

3. How to Save and Export Your Templates
Depending on what you’re selling, export your design as either:

• Editable file — like .PPTX, .DOCX, or Google Docs shareable links
• Fillable PDF — for users who just want to print and write
• Template folder — for bundles, zipped with preview images included

Always test your file before selling:

• Check that it opens properly
• Make sure nothing is cut off or locked
• Confirm it’s editable (or marked as “view-only” if needed)

4. Where and How to Sell Your Templates
Choose a platform that allows file delivery and safe listing setup. See a list of suggestions below.

Sample listing description:
“This downloadable resume template is perfect for first-time job seekers. Clean layout, editable in Google Docs or Word, with space for skills, education, and references. Personal use only.”

5. Suggested Starter Pricing

Template Type	Starter Price Range
Single resume template	$3–$5
Calendar or planner page	$2–$4
Slide presentation template	$3–$6
Multi-template bundle	$5–$8

Start low to test the market and build reviews. Raise prices after multiple downloads or when offering themed bundles.

6. What to Expect and Why This Hustle Matters
Not every template will be a hit—but that’s okay. You’re learning what designs people need and how to package tools that help them succeed. Whether you sell 5 copies or none, each project builds real design, layout, and marketing experience.

As a teen, it’s the perfect time to explore how organization, presentation, and clean formatting can become both useful and profitable.

Online Site Suggestions

Here’s a breakdown of platforms that can be beginner-friendly and used by teen creators:

1. Etsy
Teens 13–17 can sell with parental supervision
Great for editable resumes, calendars, student planners, slides, and printable kits
Built-in search traffic; small fees; adult help required for payments

2. Gumroad
Good for selling zipped template folders or editable files
Teens need parental support to set up Stripe payouts
You must promote your own listing

3. Payhip
Simple coupon tools and email list collection
Offers storefront tools
Use for bundles, planners, or productivity kits
Requires adult help for payouts and tax setup

4. Ko-fi
Best for free templates or resource shares among students
Tip-based; not a searchable marketplace
Good starter site for experimenting

5. Stan Store
Perfect for social media creators
Best for linking templates from social media
Lets you link downloads directly from your bio
Use for resume packs, study slides, or planner collections

Important Reminders for Teens:

• Most platforms require adult help to set up payout tools
• Never share personal contact info like your home address or school name
• Test all templates for clarity before listing
• Use preview images and clear instructions so users understand what they’re buying
• Offer free versions or sample pages to build trust

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