Plandipity Doer's Community

I was curious if I could use ChatGPT to bulk create testimonials, so I had to try it. And guess what—it worked! So cool. I got a little excited and created the video to show you before I even had a template ready. I don’t recommend doing it that way, but hey, why waste time and recreate it when I can just be real, right? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process so you can easily turn your customer reviews into stunning, branded testimonial graphics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bulk Creating Testimonial Graphics

1. Plan Your Graphics:

   • Start by planning your testimonial graphics in Canva. Choose or create a template that matches your brand’s colors, fonts, and style. Make sure your design looks exactly how you want it before moving on to the bulk creation process.

   • Focus on keeping your layout simple and easy to replicate across multiple testimonials.

2. Gather and Format Your Testimonials:

   • Head over to your Google Reviews page and copy the testimonials you want to feature.

   • Paste them directly into ChatGPT and ask it to format them into a table with columns for the review text, the reviewer’s name, and any other details you want to include. This will save you tons of time!

   • If you want to save these for future use, you can copy the table into a spreadsheet. This also allows you to download it as a CSV file, which can be directly uploaded into Canva's Bulk Create tool.

3. Use the Bulk Create Tool:

   • With your graphic template open in Canva, find the Bulk Create App on the left menu. If it’s your first time using it, you can search for it under Apps.

   • If you have your testimonials in a spreadsheet, you can upload the CSV file directly into Canva’s Bulk Create tool. Alternatively, just copy the columns from the table ChatGPT provided and paste them into the Bulk Create tool manually.

   • Link each column to the corresponding text box in your Canva template.

   • Once everything is connected, click Generate to create your testimonial graphics.

4. Review and Tweak:

   • Review each graphic to make sure everything looks cohesive and aligns properly. Check the alignment, spacing, and overall aesthetic.

   • Make any necessary tweaks to individual graphics to ensure they maintain a consistent, polished appearance.

5. Export in Bulk:

   • Establish a consistent file naming system—whether by the date you plan to post or the content each graphic contains—so you can easily locate your testimonials later.

   • Once you’re satisfied with your designs, download them all at once. Choose JPEG for social media, and select Download All Pages.

6. Organize and Store for Future Use:

   • I recommend using Trello to organize your content. Personally, I organize by content type and label by the month or date it will be posted, but find what system works best for you.

   • Remember, it’s fun to create these graphics, but they’re only valuable if you can find and use them when you need to!

Sharing reviews and testimonials is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and credibility with your audience. When potential customers see real people raving about your products or services, it helps them feel more confident in choosing you. And don’t worry about sharing the same testimonial more than once—repetition can actually reinforce your message.

You can easily repurpose the same testimonial in different ways. For example, create one version of your graphic with a simple, elegant design for your website, and another more vibrant version for Instagram. You could also pair the text with different background images or even create a series of posts that highlight various aspects of the same review. The key is to keep your testimonials in rotation, so they continue to build momentum for your brand.

So, go ahead and use Canva’s Bulk Create feature to keep your content fresh and engaging. And remember, each time you share a testimonial, you’re reinforcing the value of what you offer.

Happy Creating! 🩵🩷🩵
Samantha

You know how much I love Canva's Bulk Create feature, and one of the questions I often get asked is, "Can I use this with different images?" Yes, you can! And while it isn't difficult, it does require a bit more know-how than what I typically cover in the Effortless Content Creation System. This guide will walk you through the steps so you can start creating multiple customized graphics with ease, even when you're working with a variety of images. Plus, you can watch the accompanying video to see me demonstrate the entire process in action!Step-by-Step Guide to Bulk Creating Graphics in Canva

1. Plan Your Visuals:

   • Before jumping into design, take a moment to outline what you need. Jot down your ideas and decide on the type of images you want to use for each graphic.

   • Organize your images in folders within Canva to keep everything easily accessible during the design process.

2. Design Your Template:

   • Choose or create a template that fits your brand. Keep it simple but consistent with your brand's colors, fonts, and style.

   • Add placeholders for your images—these must be frames, not grids, to ensure compatibility with the Bulk Create App.

   • Take note of the text boxes that will change in each graphic. Each text box corresponds to a column in your spreadsheet.

3. Create Your List/Spreadsheet:

   • Make a spreadsheet with a column for each text box that will be replaced. For instance, if you're creating "This or That" style posts, you’ll need two columns: one for "This" and one for "That."

   • Tip: Use ChatGPT (or your preferred AI tool) to help brainstorm and organize the content. It’s a great way to generate ideas quickly!

4. Use the Bulk Create Tool:

   • With your chosen graphic open, find the Bulk Create App on the left menu. If you’ve never used it before, you can search for it under Apps.

   • Select Enter Data Manually.

   • Copy the relevant columns from your spreadsheet and paste them into the table inside the Bulk Create App.

   • Add an image column for each image placeholder you have in your template.

   • Click on the plus button in each box to locate your images and attach them to the corresponding row.

   • Once everything is set, connect each column to the corresponding element in your graphic.

   • Select Generate, and voilà—your graphics are ready!

   • FYI: Each row represents an individual graphic, and the columns are the elements to be replaced.

5. Review and Tweak:

   • Go through each graphic to ensure everything looks cohesive. Check for alignment, spacing, and overall aesthetic.

   • Don’t hesitate to make small tweaks to individual graphics to ensure each one stands out while maintaining consistency.

6. Export in Bulk:

   • Suggestion: Name each page before downloading to keep things organized.

   • Once you’re happy with your designs, download them all at once. Go to the download button, choose your file format (JPEG is usually best for social media), and select Download All Pages.

By following these steps, you can efficiently create multiple graphics in Canva, each with its unique text and image, while saving time and maintaining a consistent brand presence. Perfect for keeping your content fresh and engaging without the last-minute rush!

Once you've created your graphics, organization is key to maximizing their impact. Start by establishing a consistent file naming system—whether by the date you plan to post or by the content each graphic contains. This way, you can easily find and use your designs when needed. I recommend using Trello to keep your content organized; I typically arrange mine by content type and label it with the month or date it will be posted. However, there are many ways to stay organized, so find what works best for you. Remember, while it’s fun to create stunning graphics, they’ll only be effective if you can easily access and use them when the time comes.

Happy Creating! 🩵🩷🩵
Samantha

I discovered Canva’s Bulk Create tool a while back, and it completely changed how I approach graphic creation. If you haven't seen me demo it before, you should know it is a game-changer, especially when you’re pressed for time all the time but want high-quality branded graphics. In this demo, I’m going to show you how to combine Canva with ChatGPT to streamline your process even further.

Here’s how it works: I start by using ChatGPT to brainstorm content ideas—whether it’s quotes, tips, or quick facts. ChatGPT is fantastic for generating a bunch of ideas in no time. Once I’ve got my content, I ask ChatGPT to organize it into a table format, which makes it easy to work with.

From there, I simply paste the table into a spreadsheet and download it as a CSV file. This step is super important because it allows you to upload all your content into Canva’s Bulk Create tool in one go. With everything set up, I can create multiple graphics in just a few moments!

This process is perfect for when you need to fill gaps in your content calendar with engaging, branded graphics, and it’s so efficient that it’s become a staple in my content creation routine.

Here’s how it works:

• Brainstorm Content with ChatGPT: Start by using ChatGPT to generate ideas for your filler content, such as quotes, tips, or quick facts.

• Organize Ideas into a Table: Ask ChatGPT to format the generated content into a table. This structure makes it easy to transfer the content into a spreadsheet.

• Paste into a Spreadsheet: Copy the table and paste it into a spreadsheet. This step is essential for organizing your content.

• Download as a CSV: Save the spreadsheet as a CSV file. This format is what Canva’s Bulk Create tool requires for easy uploading.

• Upload into Canva’s Bulk Create Tool: Open Canva, select your template, and use the Bulk Create tool to upload your CSV file.

• Generate Graphics Instantly: With everything set up, Canva will create multiple graphics in moments, saving you tons of time and effort.

Incorporating Canva’s Bulk Create tool into your content creation process, especially when combined with ChatGPT, can revolutionize how you produce filler content. Not only does it save you time, but it also allows you to maintain a consistent, polished brand presence across all your platforms. Once you start using these tools together, you’ll find that creating multiple graphics in minutes is not just possible but incredibly easy. It’s a powerful way to keep your content fresh and engaging without the stress.

Happy Creating! 🩵🩷🩵
Samantha

P.S. If you want to dive deeper into these techniques, check out the next Effortless Content Creation System Workshop. And don’t forget to use your Plandipity Doer code DOER15 to save 15% on the next in-person or virtual workshop.

In today’s visually-driven digital landscape, having polished and professional images can make a significant difference in the impact of your content. Canva provides powerful tools like the Photo Editor and Background Remover that allow even beginners to produce stunning visuals. Whether you’re a social media manager, a small business owner, or a content creator, these tools in Canva can help you refine your images effortlessly. Here’s how to use them to transform your designs.

Mastering the Photo Editor

Canva’s Photo Editor offers a comprehensive set of features that can enhance your photos. You can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and more, or apply filters to achieve the desired mood.

How to Use the Photo Editor

1. Open Your Image in Canva: Upload your image or select one from Canva’s extensive library.

2. Access the Editor: Click on the image, then select the ‘Edit image’ button on the top toolbar.

3. Adjust Settings: Use the sliders to adjust the image properties like brightness, contrast, and saturation to refine your photo.

4. Apply Filters: Explore the range of filters for different effects and select one that complements your design.

5. Fine-Tuning: Take advantage of advanced features like cropping, flipping, or adding a vignette to focus attention exactly where you want it.

Using the Background Remover Tool

Canva’s Background Remover tool is a game-changer for creating sleek, focus-driven visuals. It lets you remove the background from any photo with just a few clicks, ideal for highlighting products or creating professional portraits.

How to Use the Background Remover

1. Select Your Image: Upload your own image or choose one from Canva’s library.

2. Remove the Background: Click on the image, then select ‘Edit image’ from the top toolbar. Find the ‘Background Remover’ tool and click it.

3. Refine Edges: Sometimes, the tool might miss a few spots or remove areas it shouldn’t. Use the ‘Erase/Restore’ brush to correct any imperfections manually.

4. Apply New Backgrounds: Once the background is removed, you can either leave it transparent or add a new background from Canva’s collections to suit your design theme.

Creative Ways to Use These Tools in Your Designs

• Social Media Posts: Use the Background Remover to highlight products without any distracting elements and use the Photo Editor to ensure the product looks appealing.

• Marketing Materials: Create clean and attention-grabbing promotional images by isolating subjects and enhancing colors or brightness for added impact.

• Personal Projects: Design personalized greeting cards or invitations by editing personal photos to fit the theme perfectly.

Tips for Best Results

• High-Quality Images: Start with high-resolution images for the best outcomes, especially when removing backgrounds.

• Consistent Style: Maintain a consistent aesthetic in your edits to ensure your brand or personal style is easily recognizable.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Experiment with different settings and features to understand how they affect various types of images.

With Canva’s Photo Editor and Background Remover tools, you’re equipped to create visually compelling content that stands out. These tools are designed to be intuitive, making professional-grade design accessible to everyone. Dive into Canva today and start transforming your images into works of art that capture attention and convey your message with clarity and style!

Canva's continuous innovation brings you another groundbreaking feature—now you can import your PDFs directly into Canva for editing! This feature is a game-changer for businesses, educators, marketers, and designers who work extensively with PDF documents. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the most of this new capability.

How to Import Your PDF into Canva

Canva makes it incredibly easy to bring your PDFs into the platform, offering several methods to suit your preferred workflow:

From the Homepage

• Quick Upload: Drag and drop your PDF right onto the homepage or click the Upload button in the top corner of the homepage banner. You can also browse and select your file here.

• Project Management: Navigate to Projects from the side menu, drag your file to the page, or click on the Add new button. Once uploaded, click on your PDF to open it in the editor.

From the Editor

• Direct Drag-and-Drop: Simply drag your PDF to the editor area.

• File Menu: Go to File > Upload a file to choose your PDF.

• Uploads Tab: Click on Uploads on the editor side panel, then Upload files. Here, you can either drag and drop your PDF or select files to upload.

From PDF Editor and Converter Pages

• Dedicated Upload: On any dedicated PDF editor or converter page on Canva, click on Upload your file or Upload your PDF, select your file, and log in to continue editing in Canva.

What to Expect with PDF Imports in Canva

• Capacity: Import PDFs of up to 100MB in size and up to 300 pages.

• Editable Elements: Text and images within your PDF will be broken up for editing. However, scanned documents or designs will be treated as images and are not editable.

• Font Matching: Canva attempts to identify and match the fonts used in your PDF. However, due to the vast range of fonts available, an exact match isn’t always possible.

• Color Editing: The ability to edit colors in your imported PDF depends on whether the original image is a vector or a flat image.

Creative Uses of PDF Imports for Social Media

• Brand Consistency: Quickly update marketing materials like brochures or flyers and maintain brand consistency across all platforms.

• Educational Content: Convert educational PDFs into interactive lessons or presentations that can be shared on educational platforms or social media.

• Interactive Reports: Turn static PDF reports into engaging presentations that can highlight key data dynamically for your audience.

The ability to import and edit PDFs directly in Canva is not just a convenience; it revolutionizes how professionals handle documents, bridging the gap between static files and dynamic design capabilities. Whether you’re looking to update business documents, educational materials, or promotional content, Canva’s new PDF import feature ensures your workflow is more streamlined and efficient than ever. Embrace this new feature and watch your productivity soar!

What are your thoughts, pop into the community and leave me a comment.

Layers are a fundamental component in design, allowing you to organize various elements in your projects for optimal creativity and control. In Canva, understanding how to use layers can significantly enhance your ability to produce polished and professional-looking designs. Whether you're creating social media graphics, business presentations, or marketing materials, mastering layers in Canva is essential. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature.

Understanding Layers in Canva

Layers in Canva refer to the stack of different elements (like text, images, shapes, and videos) that make up your design. Each element you add to your design is placed on a new layer, which can be adjusted independently without affecting other layers.

How to Move and Adjust Layers

Step 1: Selecting Elements

Click on any element in your design to select it. The selected element will be highlighted, showing that it's active and ready to be edited.

Step 2: Moving Elements

• Drag and Drop: Simply click on the element and drag it to a new position within the canvas.

• Arrow Keys: For more precise adjustments, select the element and then use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge it in the desired direction.

Step 3: Layering Elements

• Forward and Backward: With the element selected, use the position options in the toolbar above the editor. You can choose to move an element forward or backward one layer at a time by selecting Forward or Back.

• To the Front or Back: To move an element directly to the top or bottom of the stack, select To front or To back. This is especially useful for working with backgrounds or overlay elements.

Tips for Managing Layers in Canva

• Lock Layers: If you're satisfied with the position of certain elements and don't want to accidentally move them, you can lock the layer. Just select the element and click the lock icon in the upper right corner of the editor.

• Group Elements: For easier management, group related elements together. Select multiple elements by clicking and dragging over them or by holding Shift and clicking each one, then right-click and select Group. This allows you to move or edit them as a single unit.

Creative Uses of Layers in Social Media Designs

• Dynamic Text Overlays: Layer text over images to create eye-catching social media posts. Adjust the layering to ensure text stands out against the background.

• Step-by-Step Guides: Use layers to create visual step-by-step guides by stacking elements in a clear and orderly fashion.

• Interactive-Looking Images: Simulate interaction in your designs, like a pop-up or tooltip, by strategically layering shapes and text.

Layers are a powerful tool in Canva that can transform the way you create and manage your designs. By understanding how to manipulate and adjust layers, you can increase the efficiency and aesthetic appeal of your projects.

Let’s talk about a simple but super-effective way to level up your content game. Canva’s Alternative Text (Alt Text) feature isn’t just for accessibility (though that’s awesome on its own)—it’s a secret weapon for SEO that helps your visuals work harder, both on and off social media.

Making your visual content accessible and SEO-friendly is essential in today’s digital landscape. Alt text plays a key role by making images understandable to visually impaired users and search engines. Here’s how to add and test alt text in Canva to maximize its potential:

Why Add Alt Text?

• Accessibility: Helps visually impaired users "see" your images through screen readers.

• SEO Benefits: Proper descriptions boost search engine indexing, increasing discoverability.

• Backup Text: Ensures your message gets through, even if images don’t load.

• Social Media Optimization: Enhances visibility within platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

• Detailed Context: Explains complex visuals like infographics or charts.

How to Nail Alt Text in Canva

1. Write SEO-Savvy Alt Text:

   • Be concise (around 125 characters).

   • Use natural keywords, e.g., “Bright yellow desk with a planner, coffee cup, and laptop for a productive workspace.”

   • Think about what your audience would search to find this image.

2. Add Alt Text in Canva:
   Step 1: Open your design and select the image.
   Step 2: Click the more options icon (three dots or a gear).
   Step 3: Choose Alternative Text from the dropdown.
   Step 4: Enter a concise, descriptive text that includes relevant keywords.
   Step 5: Save your changes.

OPTIONAL: Test Your Alt Text Effectiveness

1. Using Screen Readers:

   • Windows: Press Ctrl + Win + Enter to launch Narrator.

   • Mac: Press Cmd + F5 to activate VoiceOver.

   • Navigate to your image and listen to the description. Ensure it’s clear, accurate, and contextual.

2. Inspect Element:

   • Use your browser’s developer tools to verify the alt attribute and ensure your text is correctly applied.

Alt text isn’t just an SEO boost—it’s a way to create inclusive content for everyone. Adding it is quick, but the benefits—improved discoverability and accessibility—are huge.

Let’s keep creating content that connects and engages! By starting with these simple steps in Canva, you’re making your visuals both impactful and accessible.

Double Your Impact with Strategy

Repost your optimized designs across platforms and watch your reach grow. You’re not just creating visuals—you’re building content that’s easy to find, share, and love.

Let’s keep building and boosting together! You’ve got this! 💪

Using the right color can make your design pop, convey emotions, and even strengthen brand identity. Canva's color dropper tool is a fantastic feature that helps you maintain color consistency throughout your designs by allowing you to easily pick and apply colors from one part of your design to another. Here’s how you can use this tool to enhance your projects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Color Dropper Tool

Step 1: Select Your Element

Open your design in Canva and click on the element you wish to edit. This could be text, shapes, backgrounds, or any other design element that has color.

Step 2: Access Color Options

Once you select the element, you’ll see one or more color tiles appear on the toolbar above the editor. These tiles represent the colors currently used in the selected element.

Step 3: Choose the Color to Change

Click on the color tile for the color you want to change. This action will bring up your document colors, color palettes you’ve created previously, and other suggested colors.

Step 4: Apply or Change Color

• To apply a new color to your selected element, simply click a color from the options shown on the color panel.

• If you want a color that’s not displayed, click the Add a new color tile from the color panel. Here, you can drag the circle to select your desired color or enter a hex color code directly. You can also choose to apply gradients here.

Step 5: Use the Color Dropper

• For precision color matching, after clicking on the rainbow tile, select the Eyedropper tool.

• Hover your mouse over the part of your design from which you want to pick the color. You’ll see a magnifier helping you to pinpoint the exact spot.

• Click on the part to apply the picked color directly to your selected element.

Watch It in Action!

Watch this video for a visual demonstration of these steps. I show you exactly how to use the color dropper tool in Canva, making it even easier to follow along.

Why Use the Color Dropper Tool?

• Consistency: Ensures your design maintains a consistent color scheme, essential for branding.

• Efficiency: Saves time by allowing you to quickly match colors within your design without manually searching for or guessing color codes.

• Precision: Offers a high level of precision in color selection, improving the overall aesthetic of your design.

Canva’s color dropper tool is a simple yet powerful feature thatcan help you to create visually cohesive and stunning graphics.

Don’t forget to check out the video for a hands-on tutorial to get started!

Presentations are not just about slides and text anymore. With Canva's "Record your presentation" feature, you can bring your presentations to life by recording yourself as you speak, making your content more personal and engaging. This feature is especially useful for educators, marketers, business professionals, and even social media influencers who want to connect more effectively with their audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you utilize this innovative feature.

How to Record Your Presentation in Canva

Step 1: Setup Your Presentation

• Access the Feature: On your computer, open your Canva design and click on Present in the editor menu bar. If you don’t see it, click on Share first.

• Choose to Record: Select Present and record, then click Next.

Step 2: Prepare to Record

• Enter the Studio: Click Go to recording studio. Grant Canva access to your microphone and camera.

• Select Devices: If you have multiple devices, choose the camera and mic you want to use.

Step 3: Start Your Recording

• Begin Recording: Hit Start recording and deliver your presentation as if you were speaking to a live audience.

• End Your Session: Click End recording when you’re done. Wait for your recording to upload.

Step 4: Manage Your Recording

• Share Your Presentation: To share, click Copy link to get a link to your recording.

• Download Options: You can download your presentation by clicking Download, or delete it by selecting Discard.

• Save and Return: Click Save and exit to keep your recording and go back to the editor.

Engaging Ways to Use Recorded Presentations for Social Media

Create Mini-Learning Sessions

Record bite-sized tutorials or learning sessions that you can share on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. These are great for positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

Behind-the-Scenes Looks

Give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at how you create your products or services. Record your presentation detailing the process and share it as exclusive content.

Webinar Snippets

Turn sections of your webinars into short clips that highlight key points or exciting announcements. These snippets are perfect for sharing on Instagram Stories or Facebook posts.

Customer Testimonials

Combine customer testimonials with a presentation of your product features. This approach adds credibility and visually demonstrates your product’s impact.

Accessibility Features

Remember, you can also turn on automatic subtitles for your presentations to make them more accessible. Just follow these steps:

• Enable Subtitles: Open your presentation link, select (Show subtitles) to turn on automatic closed captions.

Recording your presentation in Canva not only enhances the way you communicate with your audience but also allows you to create dynamic, engaging content suitable for various platforms, including social media. By personalizing your approach and making your content accessible, you can connect more deeply with your viewers and leave a lasting impact.

How will you use it?

How to Use the STAR Folder Feature in Canva

Organizing your Canva designs just got a whole lot easier with the STAR folder feature! Perfect for busy entrepreneurs and business owners, this feature helps streamline your creative process and ensures your essential designs are always just a click away. Let’s dive into how you can use the STAR folder to keep your designs neat and tidy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the STAR Folder in Canva

Step 1: Access Your Canva Dashboard

Start by logging into your Canva account. Once you're in, navigate to the home dashboard where all your designs are displayed.

Step 2: Identify Important Designs

Scroll through your existing designs or folders. As you review your projects, decide which ones you frequently use or need quick access to.

Step 3: Star Your Favorite Designs

Hover over the design or folder you want to prioritize. Look for a small star icon in the corner of the design thumbnail. Click on this star to mark it as a favorite. Once starred, the design will automatically move into your STAR folder.

Step 4: Access the STAR Folder

On your Canva dashboard, you’ll notice a new section or folder labeled ‘Starred’. All your starred items will be grouped here. This makes it super easy to find what you’re looking for, especially when you're in a rush!

Step 5: Manage Your Starred Items

Keep your STAR folder updated by regularly adding new items that become relevant or removing ones that are no longer a priority. To unstar an item, simply click the star icon again, and it will be removed from the STAR folder.

Step 6: Organize for Efficiency

Use the STAR folder to group designs by project, campaign, or any category that suits your workflow. This organization can save you a ton of time, especially when you're juggling multiple tasks.

Benefits of Using the STAR Folder in Canva

Quick Access: Instantly find your most important designs without searching through hundreds of files.

Better Organization: Keep your workspace clutter-free by prioritizing designs that you frequently use or need to keep handy.

Enhanced Workflow: Streamline your design process by having all your essential tools in one easily accessible location.

The STAR folder is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your efficiency on Canva. By keeping your most used designs at your fingertips, you can speed up your content creation process and focus more on growing your business. Give it a try and see just how much smoother your design workflow can be!