Startups are a bit like new relationships. They are exciting and full of potential; you cannot wait to see what happens next. However, there is also a lot of uncertainty, ambiguity, and doubt. Will it work out? Is this the right person for me?
Like new relationships, startups go through a lot of growing pains. There are highs and lows, moments of sheer joy, and times when you want to give up and call it quits. However, the payoff can be huge if you stick with it and keep working hard.
Enter the sales deck, the tool that can help you overcome all those startup relationship obstacles. Sales decks are the first things you should refine when you are planning to go after investors,
A sales deck is a presentation, usually 10 slides, that tells the story of your startup and why someone should invest in it. It is sort of like a business plan but much more visual and less text-heavy.
Think of it as your way of saying, “This is who we are, this is what we do, and this is why you should care.”
The best sales decks are clear, concise, and visually appealing. They tell a compelling story that grabs viewers’ attention and does not let go. Moreover, they do all this in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.
If you want to raise money for your startup, you need a killer sales deck. It is one of the most critical tools in your fundraising arsenal.
So how do you create a sales deck to help close the deal? Here are some tips:
1) Keep it short and sweet
Remember, you only have a few minutes to make a good impression, so do not try to cram too much information into your sales presentation. Stick to the essentials and make sure each slide pack a punch.
2) Make those sales decks visually appealing
Use strong visuals in your sales pitch presentation to tell your story and drive home your points. People are more likely to remember something if they can see it, so use images, charts, and graphs to make your deck more engaging.
3) Know your audience
Before you even start creating your sales pitch deck, you need to know your audience. This will determine the tone and content of your presentation. Are they decision-makers? Business owners? C-suite executives? Sales reps? Once you know whom you are speaking to, you can adjust your sales deck accordingly.
4) Please keep it simple
Your sales presentation should be on the simple side. You want to deliver a clear and concise presentation that your audience will remember. So stick to the essentials and leave out any unnecessary details.
5) Tell a story
People love stories, so make sure your sales deck tells a compelling one. Start with a strong opening that grabs the viewer’s attention and then take them on a journey through your startup’s history, highlighting your successes along the way.
6) Good sales deck examples focus on the benefits
Your sales deck should be all about the viewer, not you. So focus on the benefits of investing in your startup. What is in it for them? How will they make money? Answering these questions will help you close the deal.
7) Practice, practice, practice
You only get one shot at making a good impression, so do not leave anything to chance. Before going into your meeting, ensure you have practiced your presentation several times. This will help you confidently deliver it and ensure you hit all the key points.
Creating a strong sales deck is essential if you want to raise money for your startup. However, remember, it is not just about having an excellent presentation. You also need to have the right attitude and be able to answer any questions that come your way. So get out there and close that deal!
Bonus time! Elements of a good pitch deck
1) Good design will help your success
First impressions matter when trying to raise money, so ensure your sales deck is well-designed and professional-looking. This will show investors you’re serious about your business and give you a leg up on the competition.
2) Craft your brand’s story well
Investors are bombarded with pitches, so you need to make yours stand out. One way to do this is by telling a great story. Why don’t you tell your sales narrative instead of just going through the sales process? Learn how to harness a good story’s power when dealing with key elements, value proposition, target audience, etc.
3) Videos and infographics are great visuals for your sales pitch
Note that people are more likely to remember something if they can see it. So use visuals on your own sales deck and drive home your points. Videos and infographics are especially effective at getting your message across. A business sales deck would greatly benefit from this.
4) Make it memorable
When pitching to investors, you only have a few minutes in your slide deck to make an impression. So make sure your slide presentation is memorable. One way to do this is by using strong visuals and telling a story that resonates with the viewer.
5) Colors matter
The colors you use in your sales deck can significantly impact how investors perceive your business. So choose wisely! Generally speaking, warmer colors like red and orange are more exciting, while cooler colors like blue and green are more calming.
The best sales pitch deck knows how to pick out the right striking colors. Make sure to do a sales deck makeover right now!
6) Use fonts to your advantage
Like colors, the fonts you use in your sales deck can also affect how investors feel about your business. So make sure you choose wisely! Serif fonts like Times New Roman are classic and professional-looking, while sans-serif fonts like Arial are more modern and stylish.
7) Please keep it on brand!
Investors will look at your sales deck to understand your brand. So make sure it is on point! Use your company’s colors, fonts, and logo throughout the presentation to create a consistent look and feel.
Sell it to them!
A great sales deck is essential if you want to raise money for your startup. Nevertheless, remember, it is not just about having an excellent presentation. You also need to have the right attitude and be able to answer any questions that come your way. So get out there and close that deal!
