When securing funding for your business, it’s essential to put your best foot forward. That means creating the best pitch decks highlighting your company’s strengths and potential.
However, there are also a few things that you should avoid when making your presentation. Here are the things you should not do when pitching to your investors:
Don’t underestimate the importance of a great pitch deck.
Whether you’re raising money for a startup or trying to land a big client, your pitch deck is often the first impression you make. And first impressions are critical.
Fortunately, you can follow a few simple tips to create a pitch deck to help close the deal:
- Focus on your story. What about your company or product will resonate with your audience?
- Keep it visual. Use high-quality images and infographics to illustrate your points.
- Practice your presentation. The more confident you are in your presentation, the more likely you will win over your audience. So don’t underestimate the importance of a great pitch deck – it could be the key to your success.
Don’t make your pitch deck too long or too short.
When putting together a good pitch deck for investors, it’s essential to strike the right balance between too much information and too little. If your deck is too long, you risk losing your audience’s attention before you make your key points.
On the other hand, if it’s too short, you may not give investors the data they need to decide. So how can you tell if your deck is the right length? A good rule of thumb is to keep it to around 20 slides. It will give you enough room to cover all the essential information without bogging down your presentation.
Of course, this is just a general guideline – ultimately, you’ll need to use your judgment to determine the best length for your particular pitch.
Image from Unsplash
Don’t include irrelevant information.
It’s important to remember that a pitch deck is not a lengthy business plan. Instead, it should be a concise overview highlighting the most critical information about your company.
It means that you need to be selective about what you include. Only include information that is directly relevant to your fundraising goals. Otherwise, you run the risk of confusing and frustrating potential investors.
So, before you start putting together your pitch deck, take some time to think about what information will be helpful in convincing investors to give you their money.
Don’t forget to proofread your pitch deck.
Even small mistakes can make your deck look unprofessional and make investors question your competence. If you’re not confident in your proofreading skills, consider hiring a professional editor or copywriter to help you out.
Either way, taking the time to ensure that your deck is error-free will pay off in the long run.
Don’t make your pitch deck too technical.
If your pitch deck is too technical, you risk alienating or confusing your audience. On the other hand, if you don’t include enough technical information, you may come across as uninformed or unprepared.
The key is to find a middle ground where you can provide enough detail to demonstrate your expertise without overwhelming your listeners.
Image from Unsplash
Don’t make your pitch deck too heavy on the sales.
You risk becoming desperate or pushy if your deck is too heavy on the sales pitch.
On the other hand, if it’s too light on information, you won’t be able to effectively communicate your vision or convince investors to take you seriously.
So focus on creating an informative and engaging deck without being heavy on the sales pitch.
Don’t forget to customize your pitch deck for each investor.
While it’s essential to have top pitch decks that outline your company’s story and goals, it’s just as important to tailor that deck to each investor. After all, each investor is looking for something different in a potential investment.
Some might be primarily interested in the financials, while others might be more interested in the organizational chart or the management team. By tailoring your pitch deck to the interests of each individual investor, you’re more likely to make a lasting impression and secure the funding you need.
Don’t neglect the design.
What makes a good design?
First and foremost, it should be visually appealing. The slides should be well-organized and easy to read, with plenty of white space and clear headers. It’s also essential to use high-quality images, preferably ones relevant to your business. And finally, make sure to choose a professional and easy-to-read font.
Don’t forget to practice before you present it to investors.
Before you give your big pitch to potential investors, it is crucial that you practice first. It will help you iron out any kinks in your presentation and ensure that you deliver your message in the most effective way possible.
Take the time to rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice. If you can deliver your pitch with confidence and charisma, you will likely convince investors to support your business.
Conclusion
Remember, your pitch deck can significantly help you secure your business funding. So take the time to create a well-crafted, informative, and engaging pitch deck that will convince investors to support your venture. And don’t forget to practice before you present it! With these reminders, you can avoid making a bad pitch deck.
If you want to know more about great pitch decks, you can visit Venngage. You can check the best pitch deck template that works for you.