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Thinking about turning your creativity into passive income? If you love designing and staying organized, selling Goodnotes templates could be the perfect side hustle—or even a full-time business.

Digital note-taking is booming. More people are ditching paper planners for apps like Goodnotes, where they can write, plan, and stay on top of everything—right from their iPad. But here’s the thing: they need beautifully designed templates to make it all work. That’s where you come in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start creating and selling Goodnotes templates that people actually want to buy. From brainstorming your designs to packaging your digital products and listing them on platforms like Etsy or your own website—we’ve got you covered.

Let’s break it down step by step.

What Are Goodnotes Templates?

Goodnotes templates are pre-designed pages you can import into the Goodnotes app to make digital note-taking easier, more organized, and a lot more visually appealing.

Think of them like printable planners—but for your iPad. Instead of starting with a blank page every time, you get ready-made layouts that guide how you take notes, plan your day, track habits, or manage projects.

Some popular types of Goodnotes templates include:

• Planners (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Study notes and Cornell note-taking templates
• Bullet journal layouts
• Project planners
• Habit trackers
• Budget planners
• Recipe books
• Wedding planners
• Goal setting worksheets

The beauty of Goodnotes templates is that they combine the flexibility of digital tools with the familiarity of paper notebooks, creating an intuitive and productive experience for users.

Why Sell Goodnotes Templates?

If you're looking for a creative side hustle with real earning potential, selling Goodnotes templates is a smart move—and here’s why.

1. Low Startup Investment

Unlike physical products, digital templates require minimal upfront costs. You'll need design software and possibly some digital assets like fonts or graphics, but there's no inventory to manage or shipping to coordinate.

2. Passive Income Potential

Once you create a template, you can sell it repeatedly without additional work. This scalability means your income potential isn't limited by your time—you create once and earn indefinitely.

3. Growing Market

As digital note-taking becomes more popular, the demand for well-designed templates continues to rise. The Goodnotes app has millions of users worldwide, all potential customers for your templates.

4. Creative Freedom

Designing templates allows you to express your creativity while creating functional tools that help others. You can develop templates that reflect your unique style and perspective.

5. Flexibility

Creating and selling templates can be a side hustle or full-time business, depending on your goals. You control your workload, pricing, and marketing strategy.

How To Create Goodnotes Templates That Sell

If you want your templates to stand out and actually sell, it’s not just about making something pretty—it needs to be practical, easy to use, and designed with your audience in mind.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create templates people will love (and pay for):

1. Research The Market

Before you dive into designing anything, take some time to figure out what people are already buying—and what’s missing.

Here’s how to do it:

• Browse popular marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market, and Gumroad. Search for “Goodnotes templates” and look at the top-selling products.
• Check out customer reviews. What are people praising? What are they complaining about? This gives you real insight into what works and what doesn’t.
• Spot gaps in the market. Maybe there’s a lack of templates for teachers, freelancers, or niche hobbies. Look for underserved audiences you can create for.
• Note the pricing. How much are daily planners going for? What about budgeting templates or digital notebooks? Use this info to help set your own prices.

Once you have a clear picture of the market, you’ll be in a much better position to create templates that actually meet people’s needs.

Want help narrowing down your niche before you start designing? Download our free worksheet to define your niche in under 10 minutes and build templates that actually sell.

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2. Choose Your Design Tools

To create polished, high-quality templates, you’ll need the right tools. Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a pro designer to get started. It all depends on your style, budget, and what you’re most comfortable using.

Here are some popular tools creators use to design Goodnotes templates:

• Adobe Illustrator – Great if you want total control over every detail. It’s powerful and professional, but it does have a steeper learning curve.
• Affinity Designer – A solid alternative to Illustrator that’s more budget-friendly, with many of the same features.
• Canva Pro – Super beginner-friendly. You’ll find tons of drag-and-drop elements, fonts, and templates to help you get started fast.
• Procreate – Perfect for hand-drawn or custom illustrations, especially if you’re using an iPad with an Apple Pencil.
• Keynote or PowerPoint – Surprisingly effective for creating basic layouts. If you’re just starting out, this can be a great way to test ideas before moving to more advanced tools.

Pick the tool that fits your workflow best. You can always switch or upgrade later as your skills and goals grow.

3. Plan Your Template Design

Before you even open your design tool, take a few minutes to map things out. A little planning upfront can save you hours later—and help you create a template that actually works for your customers.

Here’s what to think about:

• What’s the purpose? What problem does your template solve? Is it helping someone stay on top of their daily tasks, budget better, or plan a wedding? Be clear on this before you start designing.
• Who is it for? A student? A small business owner? A busy parent? Knowing your audience helps you design something that feels like it was made just for them.
• What will the structure look like? Think about the layout. Will it be one page, or a set of coordinated pages? Sketch out what each page should include—headers, to-do lists, trackers, calendars, etc.
• Is it easy to use? Look at it from the user’s perspective. Is everything clear and uncluttered? Can they easily find what they need?
• Can it be customized? Some users like to add their own text or rearrange elements. Leave enough blank space or add areas where people can write freely.

Once you’ve got a clear vision, then you’re ready to bring it to life in your design software.

4. Design Your Template

Now comes the fun part—bringing your ideas to life. This is where you turn your sketches into a clean, functional, and beautiful template that’s ready to use in Goodnotes.

Here’s how to do it right:

Set Up Your Document

Before you start designing, make sure your document is set up for the iPad screen:

• Use dimensions of 2388 x 1668 pixels (ideal for the 11-inch iPad Pro).
• Set the resolution to 300 DPI for crisp, high-quality results.
• Choose RGB color mode since your design will be displayed digitally.

Create A Cohesive Design

To make your template look professional and appealing, focus on visual consistency:

• Pick a color palette of 3 to 5 complementary colors.
• Use clean, readable fonts—usually one for headings and one for body text.
• Keep your spacing, margins, and alignment consistent across all pages.
• Add functional elements like lined sections, checkboxes, calendars, or tables.
• Use subtle textures or backgrounds to give it personality without being distracting.

Make It User-Friendly

Good design is more than just looks—it needs to work well for the user:

• Make sure text areas are large enough to write in comfortably using a stylus.
• Add clear labels and section headers so users know exactly where to write what.
• For multi-page templates, consider adding clickable hyperlinks to help users navigate easily between sections.
• Test the template yourself in Goodnotes before you publish. This is the best way to catch design issues or usability problems.

5. Export And Prepare Your Template

Once your design is complete, it’s time to get it ready for sale. Start by exporting your template as a PDF—this is the format Goodnotes works best with. Make sure everything looks exactly how you intended, and double-check that elements like text boxes, lines, and hyperlinks are all positioned correctly.

To give your customers more options, consider creating multiple versions of your template. This could mean offering it in different color schemes, layouts, or even dated vs. undated versions. Variations can help your product appeal to a wider audience without much extra work on your end.

Next, prepare your supporting materials. This includes preview images that clearly show what’s inside the template, a short set of instructions on how to import and use it in Goodnotes, and any bonus items like digital stickers, covers, or extra pages. These extras can add real value and help your listing stand out.

Finally, don’t skip the testing step. Import the PDF into Goodnotes and use it like a customer would. Write on it, tap through any hyperlinks, and make sure it all functions smoothly. Catching any small issues now will save you headaches later—and lead to better reviews from your buyers.

6. Price Your Templates

Pricing your templates isn’t just about picking a number—it’s about finding the sweet spot between what your work is worth and what your audience is willing to pay.

Start by researching other sellers. Go on Etsy or Creative Market and look at templates similar to yours. What are they charging? Use that as your baseline, but don’t copy blindly. Take note of how detailed their templates are compared to yours.

Then:

• Consider complexity: The more detailed, functional, or time-consuming your template is, the more you can reasonably charge. A full planner with hyperlinks, for example, can command a much higher price than a single-page checklist.
• Think about bundles: If you’ve created related templates (like daily, weekly, and monthly planners), group them together and offer a small discount. Bundles tend to attract more buyers and increase your overall sales.
• Test different price points: Start somewhere in the middle—around $5 to $10—and see how it performs. You can always adjust the price later based on customer interest and feedback.

Most Goodnotes templates sell for between $3-15, with complex planners or large bundles reaching $20-30.

How To Sell Goodnotes Templates

With your templates ready to go, it's time to set up your sales channels and start marketing your products:

1. Choose Where To Sell Your Templates

You have several great options when it comes to selling Goodnotes templates. Each platform has its own strengths, so think about your goals, audience, and how much control you want over the sales process.

• �쿴��������: An all-in-one platform perfect for digital creators looking to sell downloads with complete control over branding, marketing, and customer relationships. �쿴�������� offers powerful tools for email marketing, website building, and analytics to help you grow your template business.
• Etsy: A popular marketplace with a large audience already searching for digital planners and templates.
• Gumroad: A simple platform for selling digital products with lower fees than some alternatives.
• Creative Market: Focused on design resources with a quality-conscious audience.
• Your own website: Gives you complete control but requires more setup and marketing effort.
  

For most creators, starting with �쿴�������� or combining platforms like Etsy and Gumroad offers the best mix of control, exposure, and ease of use. As your business grows, you can always expand to more channels.

2. Create Compelling Listings

Your product listing plays a big role in whether someone buys your template. It should clearly communicate what’s included, who it’s for, and why it’s useful—while showing off your design in the best possible way.

Start by presenting your product visually and making the information easy to understand.

• Use high-quality mockups: Show your template in use on an iPad. This helps potential buyers picture how it will look once imported into Goodnotes and adds a professional touch to your listing.
• ‍Include multiple preview images: Don’t just show the cover page. Display different layouts, inner pages, and any standout features like clickable tabs or trackers.‍
• Write clear descriptions: Let buyers know exactly what they’re getting. Mention the purpose of the template, how it works, and how it solves a specific problem.‍
• Highlight key features: Use bullet points to list the main benefits—like undated layouts, minimal design, hyperlinks, or reusable sections. Make it easy to scan.‍
• List technical specifications: Include details like file format (usually PDF), number of pages, compatibility (e.g. Goodnotes, Notability), and any interactive elements.

A strong, well-organized listing builds trust and increases conversions—so take the time to make it count.

3. Develop A Marketing Strategy

Even with beautifully designed templates, they won’t sell unless people know they exist. A solid marketing strategy helps you get your products in front of the right audience and build long-term visibility for your brand.

Focus on channels where visual content performs well and where digital planners hang out online.

• Use social media: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your templates. Post mockups, planning tips, behind-the-scenes design content, and user-generated photos if you have them.
• Create tutorial videos: Short videos showing how your templates work can build trust and drive sales. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are great platforms for this.
• Start a blog: Write content around productivity, digital planning, or Goodnotes tips. This builds SEO traffic and positions you as an expert in your niche.
• Build an email list: Offer a freebie like a simple daily planner in exchange for email sign-ups. Then send out updates, product launches, and exclusive discounts to your subscribers.
• Collaborate with influencers: Reach out to digital planning influencers and offer your templates for free in exchange for a shoutout or feature. Their audience is already your ideal customer.

The key is consistency. Keep showing up, offering value, and staying visible—your audience and sales will grow over time.

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4. Provide Excellent Customer Support

Great customer support sets you apart from other sellers and helps turn one-time buyers into loyal fans. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews, recommend your shop, and come back for more.

Even with digital products, the experience matters—so make it easy and stress-free for your customers.

• Create clear instructions: Include a simple PDF guide that explains how to import and use your templates in Goodnotes. This prevents confusion and cuts down on support requests.
• Respond promptly to questions: Aim to reply to customer messages quickly, especially in the first 24 hours. A helpful and friendly response can turn a hesitant buyer into a happy one.
• Address issues quickly: If a buyer reports a problem—like a broken link or a formatting error—fix it as soon as possible and send them the updated file.
• Ask for reviews: After a successful sale, kindly ask buyers to leave a review. Good feedback boosts your credibility and helps future customers feel confident buying from you.

The better the experience, the more likely your customers are to spread the word and support your business long term.

Best Practices For Creating Successful Goodnotes Templates

Creating and selling Goodnotes templates isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s about delivering a functional, enjoyable experience your customers will love and keep coming back for. These best practices can help you maintain high quality and stand out in a growing market.

1. Focus On Quality Over Quantity

It's better to create a few exceptional templates than many mediocre ones. Pay attention to details like alignment, spacing, and overall polish.

2. Solve Specific Problems

The most successful templates address particular needs or pain points. For example, a study planner designed specifically for medical students or a project planner for creative entrepreneurs.

3. Create Template Families

Develop templates with consistent styling that work together. This encourages customers to buy multiple products and creates a recognizable brand.

4. Stay Current With Trends

Follow design trends and Goodnotes updates to ensure your templates remain relevant and functional.

5. Listen To Customer Feedback

Use reviews and direct feedback to improve your templates and develop new ones that meet customer needs.

6. Continuously Learn And Improve

Invest time in improving your design skills and understanding of what makes templates effective and appealing.

How To Sell Goodnotes Templates Successfully

Beyond creating quality products, long-term success comes down to smart strategy. These practical approaches can help you boost visibility, grow your audience, and increase your overall sales.

1. Offer Freebies To Build Your Audience

Create a simple but valuable template to give away for free. This introduces potential customers to your work and helps build your email list.

2. Bundle Related Templates

Create themed bundles at a slight discount compared to buying templates individually. This increases your average order value.

3. Launch New Templates Regularly

Maintain customer interest by releasing new designs periodically. This gives you reasons to contact your email list and post on social media.

4. Create Seasonal Templates

Develop templates tied to specific times of year (academic planners for back-to-school, goal planners for New Year, etc.) to tap into seasonal buying patterns.

5. Collaborate With Complementary Creators

Partner with digital sticker creators or other template designers to cross-promote each other's products.

6. Track Your Results

Monitor which templates sell best, which marketing efforts drive sales, and how changes to your pricing affect purchases. Use this data to refine your strategy.

Common Challenges And How To Overcome Them

Creating and selling Goodnotes templates can be rewarding, but it’s not without obstacles—especially when you’re just starting out. Here are some of the most common challenges you might face, along with practical ways to handle them.

1. Standing Out In A Crowded Market

It’s easy to feel lost when there are so many other template creators selling similar products. To stand out, focus on developing a unique style or targeting a specific niche. Maybe you create minimalist templates for students, colorful planners for busy moms, or templates tailored to creative freelancers.

When your designs have a consistent, recognizable look and serve a clear purpose, customers are more likely to remember—and choose—your brand.

2. Dealing With Copycats

Unfortunately, digital products are easy to copy. While you can’t control what others do, you can protect your work and build a brand that’s hard to replicate. Start by watermarking your preview images so others can’t just steal and reuse them. If needed, look into copyright registration for your best designs. But most importantly, focus on delivering value, building trust with your audience, and staying consistent—because a strong brand can’t be copied.

3. Maintaining Consistent Sales

Sales can be unpredictable, especially when you rely on one or two templates to carry your shop. To stay steady, keep your product range fresh and diverse. Offer seasonal templates, experiment with new designs, and build an email list so you can promote directly to past customers. Don’t rely only on marketplaces—create your own customer base that you can reach anytime.

4. Technical Issues With Templates

If a customer can’t use your product, they’ll ask for a refund or leave a bad review. That’s why testing is key. Before listing your template, import it into Goodnotes yourself and make sure everything works as expected—hyperlinks, spacing, formatting, etc. Also include a clear instruction guide with each purchase to make the setup process easy. And if a customer does run into an issue, respond quickly and offer a fix. Good support turns problems into positive experiences.

5. Marketing Effectively

One of the biggest struggles for creators is getting people to actually see their work. Don’t try to be everywhere at once—focus on platforms where your audience hangs out. For visual products like templates, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube are great starting points. Use high-quality visuals, share how your templates solve real problems, and don’t be afraid to show your face or personality. People connect with people—especially when buying from small digital shops.

Conclusion

Creating and selling Goodnotes templates is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a real opportunity to build a business that brings in passive income while helping others stay organized, focused, and productive.

Success doesn’t come from design alone. It comes from understanding what your audience truly needs, offering well-crafted templates that solve specific problems, and consistently improving based on feedback and results.

And when it comes to actually selling your templates, the platform you choose can make all the difference.

If you want full control over your brand, marketing, and customer experience, the best platform to sell your Goodnotes templates is �쿴��������. It gives you everything in one place—customizable sales pages, secure digital delivery, and built-in marketing tools to grow your audience and boost sales.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Can I Make Selling Goodnotes Templates?

Income varies widely based on template quality, marketing efforts, and volume. Successful sellers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars per month to several thousand, with top creators building six-figure businesses.

Do I Need To Be A Professional Designer To Create Templates?

No, but you do need basic design skills and an eye for layout and functionality. Many successful template creators are self-taught and improved their skills over time.

What Types Of Goodnotes Templates Sell Best?

Planners (especially academic and business), bullet journal layouts, and specialized organizational tools tend to sell well. Templates that solve specific problems for defined audiences typically outperform generic designs.

How Do I Protect My Templates From Being Copied?

Include terms of use with your templates, watermark preview images, and consider registering copyright for your most valuable designs. Building a strong brand also helps, as customers will prefer buying from trusted creators.

Can I Sell Templates I Created Using Elements From Other Designers?

Only if you have the appropriate licenses for commercial use. Always check the terms of any fonts, graphics, or other elements you incorporate into your templates.

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