How to Convert a Blog Post to a PDF File

byJeffBrown4

1.4K followers

2 years ago

Did you ever wonder how to convert a blog post to a PDF file, we are going to do just that in this post together. Start reading whenever you are ready to begin learning, thank you for your support and sharing.

What is a PDF File

A PDF file stands for Portable Document Format. It's a common file format used to share documents that retain the original formatting and layout, regardless of the device or software used to view it. This makes PDFs a reliable way to share documents that you want to look a certain way, like brochures, official forms, or even ebooks.

Here's a breakdown of some key points about PDFs

• PDFs can be opened on pretty much any device with a PDF reader, which is widely available for free.
• The layout and formatting of the document are preserved, ensuring everyone sees the same thing.
• PDFs can contain text, images, and even forms that you can fill out electronically.
• While some PDFs allow for limited editing, they are generally designed for viewing and printing, not modifying.

Now that you know more about PDF files, let us learn how to use them in affiliate marketing.

How to Use PDF Files for Affiliate Marketing

PDFs can be a surprisingly versatile tool for affiliate marketing.

Here are a few ways you can leverage them

1. Create Valuable Lead Magnets

• Develop an informative PDF packed with valuable content related to your niche. This could be an ebook, a checklist, a cheat sheet, or even a short course.
• Embed affiliate links for relevant products or services that complement the information you provide.
• Offer the PDF as a free download in exchange for email addresses, building your email list for further marketing.

2. Repurpose Existing Content

• Already have a successful blog or website? Repurpose your high-performing content into a downloadable PDF.
• Include affiliate links within the PDF, strategically placed to enhance the reader's experience.

3. Offer Exclusive Content with Affiliate Promotions

• Create a premium PDF with in-depth content, exclusive tips, or case studies.
• This can be a paid download or offered for free to a limited audience through a signup form.
• Include affiliate promotions for relevant products or services that can help users achieve the results you describe in the PDF.

4. Partner with Other Affiliates

• Collaborate with complementary affiliate marketers to create a joint PDF resource.
• Each marketer can promote the PDF to their audience, expanding and earning potential.
• Include affiliate links for products or services from both individuals within the PDF.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when using PDFs for affiliate marketing

• Ensure the affiliate program you're promoting allows the use of PDFs with affiliate links. Some programs, like Amazon Associates, may have restrictions.
• Provide high-quality content that genuinely helps your audience. Don't just use PDFs as a sales brochure.
• Use UTM parameters or trackable links within your PDFs to monitor clicks and conversions.
• Spread the word about your PDFs through social media, email marketing, and other relevant channels.

By following these tips, you can leverage PDFs as a valuable tool to attract new leads, build trust with your audience, and ultimately generate affiliate sales.

Converting Blog Posts Using Canva

While Canva is a fantastic design tool, it isn't directly built for converting webpages into PDFs. However, you can achieve a similar result by copying and pasting the content of your blog post and then designing a visually appealing PDF using Canva's tools.

Here's a step-by-step guide

1. Prepare Your Blog Post Content:

• Open the blog post you want to convert into a PDF.
• Copy the entire text content of the post, including headings, subheadings, and paragraphs. You can use the "Select All" function (Ctrl + A on Windows or Command + A on Mac) and then copy (Ctrl + C or Command + C).

2. Open Canva

• Head over to https://www.canva.com/ and log in to your Canva account.

3. Choose a PDF Template (Optional)

Canva offers pre-made PDF templates in various sizes and layouts. While not specifically designed for blog posts, these templates can provide a good starting point for your PDF.

• Click on the "Create a design" button on the Canva homepage.
• In the search bar, type "PDF" and browse the available templates.
• Select a template that suits your content and desired layout.

Alternatively, you can create a custom PDF from scratch

* Click on the "Create a design" button on the homepage.
* Under "Custom dimensions," enter the desired width and height for your PDF. Standard page size is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm).

4. Paste Your Content and Design

In your chosen template or blank document, click on the text box to activate it.

Paste the copied blog post content (Ctrl + V or Command + V) into the text box.

Here's where you can get creative! Use Canva's design tools to enhance the look of your PDF:

• Add headings and subheadings using different fonts and sizes.
• Include images or illustrations to complement the text.
• Change the background color or add borders for a more polished look.
• Explore Canva's library of free and premium design elements to add visual interest.

5. Organize and Edit

• Canva allows you to add multiple text boxes and arrange them on your PDF page as needed.
• Use the editing tools to adjust font styles, colors, and text alignment for better readability.

6. Download as PDF

• Once you're happy with the design, it's time to download your creation as a PDF
• Click the "Share" button located at the top right corner of the Canva interface.
• In the dropdown menu, select "Download."
• Under "File type," choose "PDF Print." This option ensures your PDF is optimized for printing if needed.
• Click the "Download" button again. Canva will process your design and create the PDF file.

Here are some additional tips

• Large chunks of text can be overwhelming in a PDF. Consider using bullet points, numbered lists, or shorter paragraphs to improve readability.
• Images and illustrations can significantly enhance user engagement. Choose visuals that complement the content and maintain a consistent visual style.
• Do you want readers to subscribe to your blog, visit your website, or learn more about a specific topic? Include a clear call to action at the end of your PDF.
• Before downloading the final PDF, double-check for any typos or formatting inconsistencies.

By following these steps and using Canva's design features, you can transform your blog post content into a visually appealing and informative PDF document.

Canva Alternatives

Yes, there are easier methods to convert blog posts into PDFs compared to using Canva. Here are two options that require minimal effort

1. Free Online Conversion Tools

Several free online tools specialize in converting webpages, including blog posts, into PDFs. These tools are typically very user-friendly and offer some customization options

Here are some popular free conversion tools you can try

Print Friendly (https://www.printfriendly.com/)

• This is a popular and user-friendly option.
• Simply paste the URL of your blog post into the designated field and click "Convert."
• Print Friendly offers a preview mode where you can remove unwanted elements like ads or sidebars before downloading the PDF.
• It also allows you to adjust the layout for a cleaner PDF by making the text bigger or simplifying the layout.

2. PDF2Go (https://www.freepdfconvert.com/)

• This website offers various PDF-related tools, including a web page to PDF converter.
• Paste your blog post URL or upload the HTML file directly.
• While it has fewer customization options compared to Print Friendly, it offers a basic conversion with a focus on speed and efficiency.

3. HiPDF (https://www.hipdf.com/)

• HiPDF offers a free tier with a conversion limit.
• It boasts a user-friendly interface and allows you to choose the page size and orientation for your PDF.
• While the free plan limits the number of conversions, it can be a good option to try out the features before committing to a paid plan.

Final Thoughts

• Who are you creating these PDFs for? If it's for email subscribers, you might want to prioritize a clean and readable layout
• Once you have your PDFs, explore ways to promote them. Share them on social media, embed them on your blog, or offer them as lead magnets in exchange for email signups.
• The world of digital content creation is constantly evolving. There might be new tools or techniques available in the future for converting and sharing your blog posts.

I hope this information is helpful! If you have any other questions about PDFs, blog posts, or anything else related to language or information processing, feel free to ask.

Now you have the skills to convert your blog posts to PDF files, you have just learned a new skill in the time it took you to read this blog post.

Jeff