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How to Make Your Content Look Expensive (Without Expensive Tools)
- Jane Auxilio
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Let’s be real: you don’t need the fanciest apps or the most high-tech software to make your content look polished and premium. It’s not about the price tag of the tool; it’s about the design choices you make. I’ve seen gorgeous designs emerge from free tools, and on the flip side, messy work created with the most advanced software.
The secret? Understanding design principles. Let’s break them down.
1. It’s Not the Tool, It’s the Principles
The Adobe vs. Canva debate is old news. Use whatever helps you work faster and smarter.
What really matters is whether your design choices make your content clear, cohesive, and intentional.
If you’ve got the principles down, your work will look expensive, even if you’re creating it on your phone.
2. Negative Space Is Your Best Friend
Ever seen a design where the text is crammed up against the edge?
It instantly feels cheap.
✨Pro tip: Give your elements room to breathe. Generous margins and intentional space make your design feel polished and thoughtful.
Less clutter = more class.
3. Master Type Hierarchy
Text without hierarchy looks chaotic.
If everything is bold and oversized, your audience won’t know where to look first.
✨ Pro tip: Differentiate your headings, subheadings, and body text. Consistent sizing and spacing guide the eye and make your design feel balanced and professional.
5. Balance Your Layout
When everything is shoved to one side or clustered awkwardly, your design feels off.
✨ Pro tip: Think about visual weight.
Your design doesn’t need to be symmetrical, but it should feel balanced. Spread elements thoughtfully so the viewer’s eye flows naturally.
6. Keep It Cohesive Across All Posts
One polished post isn’t enough; your feed needs to feel consistent. Cohesion builds brand trust and makes your content feel high-end.
✨ Pro tip:
Use the same font pairings throughout
Keep your logo placement consistent
Stick to repeating colour schemes
Reuse graphic styles and elements
The more recognisable your content is, the more premium it appears.
7. Intentionality Is Everything
At the end of the day, expensive-looking content is about making intentional choices.
Every font, every colour, every margin should serve your message.
When your design supports your content instead of competing with it, you hit that premium, polished look.
Your “Expensive Content” Checklist ✅
Here’s a quick rundown to use before you hit publish:
◻️ Did I leave enough negative space for breathing room?
◻️ Is my type hierarchy clear (heading, subheading, body)?
◻️ Am I sticking to a cohesive color palette?
◻️ Does the layout feel balanced and natural?
◻️ Are my fonts, colours, and styles consistent with my brand?
◻️ Does this design support my message rather than distract from it?
If you can tick these boxes, you’re golden. ✨
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