PROFESSIONAL TIPS FOR PITCH DECK

Are you a firm believer that the first impression is the last impression?

Do you agree that humans have an innate desire to make a lasting impression?

Or you are not sure because you believe in ‘there is always a second time?’

Let’s dig deeper.

Don’t you want your things, your personality, or your overall appearance to stand out?

We bet you do!

The same goes for a pitch deck design!

So, if you are a start-up founder looking for funds, a start-up all set to hit the series A round of funding, or a VC looking to polish and make your portfolio shine, don’t worry we got you covered.

We understand the struggle of convincing people and when money gets involved, it’s not just a struggle but a full-fledge battle (well…not literally) and a battle that is justified. No one wants to invest in any business until and unless they are sure that it is going to drive huge revenues.

It is on the pitcher to pitch it the right way.

So, let’s take it this way, when someone is about to enter the battlefield, they make sure that they not only have the appropriate weaponries and armament but are also backed by ideas, strategies and tactics to guarantee their win.

This is exactly what you have to do with your start-up pitch deck …. You have to make sure that you follow some tips and tricks. This will not just help you develop a winning and top-notch pitch deck but will help you get all the attention that you need for wonders to happen for you and your start-up.

So, without any delay let’s discuss professional tips to design a pitch deck….

Know Your Investor!

Remember when we said that everyone wants to stand out?

Give that to your investor. Show them that you know how you can make them stand out with your business. Investors usually come to see you impress them but in reality, they want to stand out. They want to get all the attention as an investor once your business will be a success!

Assure them through your pitch deck that your idea aligns with their values, meets their growth projections, and guarantees a good return on their investment.

Catering to the likes and dislikes of the investors and clients is a sure-shot recipe to design a perfect pitch deck.

Be to the Point:

Opening, introduction, or foundation…whatever you call it, make sure it short, crisp, and to the point.

Let us make it more understandable for you. Is it not painfully boring to endure the oh-so-long-intros containing names of writers, directors, actors, and producers before a movie in a cinema hall? We bet you don’t take seconds skipping the intro while Netflix-ing!

This is where we recommend all the start-up pitch decks to follow the marketing expert Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule. The rule simply states that the deck should be no more than 10 slides long, should take no more than 20 minutes of talking, and must be typed in less than 30-point font.

Sounds like a task? Have a look at our pitch deck structure to learn more on how to layout the slides and where to start.

Present a Problem to Offer a Solution:

No one likes their problems pointed out unless if solutions are given. Besides so many other things a pitch deck should include, its ability to solve a problem takes the lead! Make sure your pitch deck design not just presents the problems but reminds the investors and VCs of the solution your start-up has to offer.

Instil the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):

Doesn’t matter if you are a start-up pitching before an investor or a founder pitching before a potential VC, get your pitch deck designed in a manner that not only stands out but also creates urgency in the minds of everyone looking at your pitch.

Use numbers, facts, images, surveys, get brutally honest and painfully realistic to remind them what they will miss by letting you go.

Make the Pitch a Visual Delight:

The saying, a picture is worth a thousand words holds, immense value for a pitch deck design. We know that facts and figures are a must in any pitch deck, however; a visually appealing pitch deck with the right colors, shapes, and transitions not only makes the pitch deck look and feel good but also helps the message get across in a much better and more fun manner.

Thomas Richards of Parallel explained it beautifully and we quote:

“A drab pitch deck with minimal information and unconsidered design sends the message that this is how they approach all parts of their business. Whereas, if someone has thought about design and presentation, they can typically think more creatively when they get thrown a curveball in their day-to-day operations,”

We hope now you understand what we mean when we say make the pitch a visual delight and let it do the talking!

Get to the Nitty-Gritty:

Include charts, organize with icons, use the brand, and investor-targeted colors, and discuss the evolution of success or the vision behind your start-up.

Add an Emotional Appeal:

The other name for human beings is an emotional being. Yes, you read that right. Logic and reasoning do not always get the job done. Yes, the numbers plead your case but emotions can keep them hooked and make you a winner.

Create a storytelling line, use images that speak for themselves, and hit the pressure points providing solutions that only YOU have!

Show that Team Work Make Dreams Work:

Show your investors that you love your team and they are the core pillars and USP of your venture. Show that you lead them. Show them that you are preparing leaders of tomorrow. Show them that you are producing talent.

Even if no one from your team speaks during the pitch, make sure they are visible in the pitch. As Mark Suster, the Managing Partner of Upfront Ventures, a California-based firm, quotes, “Investors love teams.”

Don’t Forget the Testimonials!

We all know that testimonials are effective. When investors, who are skeptical about investing in your start-up, come across people and businesses that have benefitted from your services, can give that push to convince and fund your start-up.

Remember…..

Your pitch deck is the first and the last impression that you and your venture make. Those few slides, full of valuable information reflecting your goals and vision are a gateway to the growth of your business.

We have covered all the professional tips that will come in handy for convincing pitch decks. Once you will fully utilize the tips we have shared, we are sure that you will nail your start-up pitch deck!

If you are still not sure, worry not. We will be your saviour!

Yes.

We understand that one pitch deck design cannot and just does not work for everyone. Each start-up or founder has a different story, audience, investors, VCs, and competitors. So your pitch deck needs to have that EDGE.

We at Pitch Deck Edge will not only help design your pitch deck with confidence, style, and value to produce an impact but make sure that you enjoy that EDGE over others!

Yes, get in touch and let us help you seal the deal!