So, you’ve had that lightbulb moment...

You’re a coach, nutritionist, therapist, or all-round wellbeing wizard, and you’ve realised: “I should totally create a journal for my clients!” And you’re right. But between idea and ink-on-paper, there’s a bit of a journey—one that can feel a tad overwhelming if you’re not sure where to begin.

Fear not. Whether you’re a Canva queen or you still get flashbacks from Year 9 IT lessons, this guide will walk you through the entire process of turning your brilliant idea into a beautifully printed journal that supports your clients and strengthens your brand.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Before you even open a design template, get clear on why you’re creating this journal. Ask yourself:

• Who is this journal for?

• What transformation or support does it offer?

• Is it meant to complement your 1:1 sessions, act as a standalone product, or both?

This is your journal’s North Star—keep it in sight at every stage.

Step 2: Sketch Out the Content

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be the next J.K. Rowling. Start with a rough outline of the sections or pages you want to include. These might be:

• Daily reflection prompts

• Food or symptom trackers

• Weekly goal setting

• Monthly check-ins

• Inspirational quotes (go wild)

• Your signature frameworks or exercises

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd it. Your clients are busy humans. Make it easy, practical, and calming to use.

Step 3: Choose the Format

Time to get specific. Do you want a:

• 90-day guided journal?

• Undated daily planner?

• Weekly goal-setting workbook?

• One-topic mini tracker (like mood, energy, or water intake)?

Pick a format that suits your niche and your clients’ routines. Short and sweet can be just as powerful as comprehensive and chunky.

Step 4: Design Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not One)

If you haven’t met Canva yet, you’re in for a treat. It’s user-friendly, beautiful, and packed with templates. Choose a size (6x9 inches is a classic journal size for Amazon KDP) and:

• Stick to your brand colours and fonts

• Keep page layouts clean and consistent

• Use soft, calming visuals that reflect your niche

And yes, white space is your friend.

Step 5: Test and Tweak

Once you’ve got a first draft, don’t publish it yet. Print a copy or share a PDF with a few trusted clients or peers. Ask for feedback:

• Are the prompts helpful?

• Is it easy to follow?

• Are there too many or too few pages?

Their input will help you catch any clunky bits before they’re forever immortalised in print.

Step 6: Prepare for Publishing

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. You’ve got two main options:

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Pros:

• No upfront printing costs

• Global reach

• Easy to update if you make changes

Cons:

• Slightly less control over paper quality and print finishes

Local or Online Print Services

Pros:

• Higher-end paper and binding options

• Ideal if you want to sell direct or use in workshops

Cons:

• Upfront cost for batches

• You’ll need to handle shipping/admin

Whichever you choose, make sure your file is formatted correctly (KDP has a free template tool, and Canva now has KDP-sized templates too).

Step 7: Create a Gorgeous Cover

Yes, people absolutely judge books by their covers. Make yours inviting, on-brand, and professional. Canva can help here, too—or hire a designer if you want that polished, luxe look.

Bonus tip: Add your name or business subtly, and include a little blurb on the back cover about who it’s for and what they’ll get from using it.

Step 8: Upload, Publish, and Celebrate

Upload your files, check the digital preview, hit publish—and then do a happy dance. You did it. You turned an idea into a tangible, helpful, beautiful thing your clients can hold in their hands. That’s no small feat.

Step 9: Let People Know It Exists

Don’t let your journal gather digital dust. Tell the world (well, at least your followers):

• Share a flip-through video on Instagram

• Create a special bundle for new clients

• Offer it as a gift with your programmes

• Add it to your email signature or website shop

And when clients start sharing how much they love it? Screenshot those testimonials and shout them from the rooftops.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own wellbeing journal isn’t just a creative project—it’s a way to extend your impact, support your clients in practical ways, and grow your business with intention.

So if that journal idea has been sitting in the back of your mind for a while now, consider this your sign. You’ve got the tools, the vision, and the guidance. Now go forth and design something that makes your clients say, “Ooh, I need this in my life.”

And remember: you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start. ✨