Automated design tools have made it easier than ever to throw together a flyer, etc. and call it a day. I see the effects of this constantly. On the surface, it feels like a win, saving time and money, but what’s the real cost?

I recently attended an annual event I’ve been going to for years. This time, something was different; the turnout was awful! Attendance was maybe half of what it usually is. And yet, the organizers had to increase their budget for entertainment and activities.

So what changed?

When I spoke with the event chair, they told me that instead of hiring a designer, they used free software to create flyers and boosted those on Facebook. The result? Low engagement and poor registration.

The problem wasn’t the platform, it was the presentation.

Their flyer was packed with everything, a full weekend schedule, food vendors, entertainment, contact info, graphics, logos, so much clutter that it became unreadable, especially on a mobile screen. Rather than capturing attention, it caused people to scroll right past.

The intention was good. The execution failed.

Design isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about how effectively it communicates. Yes, DIY tools can be helpful, but bad design can cost you far more than hiring a professional ever would.

So before you save a few bucks with free tools, ask yourself, are you standing out for the right reasons?