Stop Using Canva for Your UGC Portfolio

Hey GenX Creators – (Here’s Why)

Quick Take (Because We All Have Lives):

• You don’t need a website or a portfolio. But what you do need is something those things can get you.
• Look, I get it – Canva’s convenient. But we’re professionals, not college kids starting a side hustle.
• Canva isn’t gonna help you get found online. A website designed correctly, will.
• I built something better: A Portfolio Template That Doesn’t Scream “Amateur Hour”

Hot Take For UGC Creators…

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You don’t need a website. You don’t need a portfolio. YOU NEED RESULTS. YOU NEED BRANDS CHASING YOU! Think about it. As a GenX gal, we don’t chase…we attract!

What if a better website portfolio could do that? Get you results without you working twice as hard to get the leads? What if that website led brands to you instead of you chasing leads? That’s what a well-built website portfolio can do.

So Here’s the Deal…

Fun fact: I never thought I’d be creating a UGC portfolio website templates or creating GenX UGC content. Like many of us who grew up waiting patiently for our favorite songs to come on to curate the most epic mix tape to surviving dial-up internet (you know you heard the famous AOL sound), I figured social media marketing was for the TikTok generation.

But here is the plot twist. Turns out brands are desperate for creators who actually understand their target audience. You know, people who remember when Amazon only sold books and Netflix mailed DVDs. (Wild, right?)

Now, what if when a brand found you or you sent your portfolio, you looked different than all the other creators out there. What if your online presence, aka, your website actually looked like you have your life together? First impressions are a BIG DEAL. Your website is the first impression you make with companies. Let’s make a good one!

Let’s Talk About Canva (And Why It’s Not Cutting It)

Using Canva for your UGC portfolio is like showing up to a client meeting in your old Nirvana t-shirt. Sure, it’s comfortable, but…

Forced to pay for Canva Pro ($119.99/year) just to get a custom domain – and that’s before any real website features:

Zero SEO game (and I mean zero):

• Google can’t find you, like that one Blockbuster video you never returned
• Canva automatically renames your images and videos, killing any SEO benefits
• Your content builds Canva’s domain authority, not yours
• Missing out on local search visibility (goodbye, nearby clients!)
• Analytics so basic they make Windows 95 look sophisticated
• Screams “I just started” when you’ve got decades of professional experience

Limited growth potential:

• No proper portfolio categorization
• Can’t add advanced features as you grow
• No integration with professional tools
• Stuck with Canva’s limited template options
• About as flexible as a dial-up connection

Meanwhile, with a website like Squarespace, you’re getting:

• Professional domain control from day one 
• Real analytics that actually help you understand your audience (not just page views)
• Built-in SEO tools that get you found by the right clients (because your work deserves to be seen)

Room to grow with features like:

• Professional client scheduling
• Organized portfolio categories
• Integration with your favorite tools
• Email marketing that actually works
• Real e-commerce options if/when you’re ready

5 Ways a Real Website Makes You Money (No MLM Required)

Why I Built This Squarespace Website Template (Beyond Just Being Annoyed)

After watching one too many talented GenX creators struggle with cookie-cutter UGC Canva portfolio solutions, I had that moment.

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So I built what we actually need: A portfolio template that respects your experience level. I tried to think of EVERYTHING you would need, and then thought, I would even be there to hold your hand if you get lost! I wanted to make it as easy as possible while still creating something that looked more professional than a Canva template. And the ONE THING I didn’t want…is you wasting time trying to figure out a platform OR how to build a website. We want to get paid for UGC not building a website…so that is the focus!!!

Also, don’t get me wrong, I love Canva. And when I say that…I mean I LOOOOOVEEEE Canva. I’ve used it for as long as it’s been available. I’ve watched it grow into a powerhouse for marketing. But it’s not a website builder.

So, why not use the internet and a solid portfolio to help brands find you? Think of all the work you can save by having the right website presence online. (And another cool benefit, the stinkin’ thing will grow with you! ) Do you need the fanciest website around, no, but you can have an amazing one without pulling your hair out or looking like a teenager just found the latest craft fad.

Questions You’re Too Professional to Ask (But Totally Should)

Ready to Graduate from the Kids’ Table?

You wouldn’t use WordArt in your professional presentations (anymore). Why settle for Canva in your UGC portfolio?

P.S. – Remember when we thought Myspace would be around forever? Let’s not make the same mistake with Canva portfolios.

Pss. And while you are upping your game, be sure to check out why you need a privacy policy if you have a contact box on your website and other legal information you should know about being online. (Whether it’s a Canva portfolio or not.)

I’m Jennifer, I’m a web designer and organic SEO strategist. I help people get found online and I help brands and businesses stay on your website to learn more about you and ultimately get in contact with you so you can GET THINGS DONE.