Canva Do’s and Don’ts: How to Stop Designing Like an Amateur and Start Looking Like a Brand
Introduction:
Let’s be honest - Canva is a total game changer for small business owners. It’s the difference between messy, mismatched content and clean, professional designs that make people stop scrolling.
But here’s the catch: while Canva makes it easy to design, it also makes it easy to get it wrong.
From cluttered templates to font chaos, there’s a fine line between "scroll-stopping" and "scroll-past".
If you’ve ever opened Canva, got lost in templates, and ended up creating something that looked more like a GCSE art project than a business post - you’re not alone.
So this week, as I get ready for my Live training on Canva Do’s and Don’ts, I’m breaking down the biggest mistakes I see (and how to fix them).
1. Don’t Use Every Font in the Library
I get it - Canva has more fonts than a kid in a sweet shop has options. But mixing five different styles in one post makes your content look messy and unprofessional.
Do this instead:
Stick to 2 fonts maximum - one for headings, one for body text. Even better, use your brand fonts consistently so your audience instantly recognises your style.
2. Don’t Change Colours on Every Post
Inconsistent colour palettes scream "DIY". One day you’re posting pink, the next teal, then purple - your feed looks like a mood ring gone rogue.
Do this instead:
Set up your brand kit in Canva with your colour palette, fonts, and logo. Consistency builds recognition - and recognition builds trust.
3. Don’t Overload Your Design
Your post doesn’t need fireworks, five graphics, and a motivational quote all fighting for attention. When everything stands out, nothing does.
Do this instead:
Less is more. Leave white space, simplify text, and keep your message clear. Your audience should get the point in under 3 seconds.
4. Don’t Rely on Canva Templates Alone
Templates are a great starting point, but if you never customise them, your posts will look exactly like everyone else’s.
Do this instead:
Use templates as inspiration, not a crutch. Swap the fonts, colours, and imagery to fit your brand. Make it yours - that’s how you stand out.
5. Don’t Ignore Alignment and Spacing
Nothing screams "beginner" like text that’s slightly off-centre or elements that don’t line up. These tiny details make a big difference in how professional your brand looks.
Do this instead:
Turn on Canva’s alignment guides and spacing tools. They’ll keep everything balanced and neat. It’s a small step that completely upgrades your visuals.
6. Do Batch Your Designs
Creating one post at a time is a fast track to burnout and inconsistency.
Do this instead:
Batch design your content weekly or monthly. Once you’ve got your templates ready, you can swap out text and images in minutes.
7. Do Keep Your Branding Visible
Your logo, colours, and tone of voice are what make your content yours. If someone can’t instantly tell it’s your post when they see it, you’re blending in.
Do this instead:
Add subtle branding to every design - a logo, a signature colour, or a recognisable layout. You want people to stop scrolling and think, "Oh, that’s so you."
8. Do Save Time With Folders and File Names
If your Canva account looks like a digital junk drawer, you’re wasting time before you’ve even started creating.
Do this instead:
Organise your designs in folders - reels, stories, carousels, lives, etc. Name files clearly so you can reuse, tweak, and repurpose without hunting for old designs.
Conclusion
Canva isn’t just a design tool - it’s your brand’s visual shop window. But only if you use it strategically.
Stop letting Canva chaos dilute your message. Simplify your designs, stay consistent, and treat every post like it’s representing your business on its best day.
If you want to learn more, join me live this week where I’ll be breaking down the Canva Do’s and Don’ts across the whole month of November - showing you exactly how to make your content look professional, on-brand, and effortless. Follow here for more info.
