Getting ready to give a demo? Whether it's a new product, service, or a cool feature, a good demo can make all the difference. It can be the turning point that wins over your audience. To make sure you hit the mark, there are a few key things you need to focus on and some common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Know Your Audience

First things first, know who you're talking to. Are you pitching to tech experts or a bunch of execs who just want the main points? Tailor your demo to fit their needs. Too much tech talk can turn people off, but being too basic can lose their interest. Find that sweet spot. Do a bit of homework about your audience before the demo. Understanding their pain points and what they care about the most will help you connect better. If you’re talking to a finance team, emphasize cost savings and ROI. If it’s a tech team, focus on the technical benefits and integrations.

2. Keep It Simple and Focused

Don't try to show off every single feature your product has. Pick the key features that solve your audience's problems or that will impress them the most. Stick to those and go deep. Less is more here. You don't want to overwhelm them with too much information. Show them what really matters. Break down complex features into simple steps. Use plain language and avoid jargon. Show how each feature benefits them in real-life situations. The goal is to make it easy for them to see the value without getting lost in the details.

3. Tell a Story

People love stories. Instead of just listing features, put them in a context your audience can relate to. Show how your product can solve a problem they have. Paint a picture of a better future with your product in their lives. This makes your demo more engaging and memorable. For example, instead of saying, "Our software automates reports," say, "Imagine never having to spend hours compiling reports again. With our software, you can generate detailed reports with just a few clicks, giving you more time to focus on strategy and growth."

4. Be Ready for Questions

You’re gonna get questions. Lots of them. Be ready. Know your product inside and out so you can handle anything they ask. If you don’t know the answer, don’t guess. Be honest and tell them you’ll find out and get back to them. It’s better to be genuine than to fumble through an answer. Write down common questions and rehearse your answers. It’s okay to say, "I don’t have that information right now, but I’ll get back to you with the details." This shows you’re trustworthy and committed to providing accurate information.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

You can't just wing a demo. Practice until you know it backwards and forwards. Run through it with a colleague or friend. Time yourself. Make sure you hit all your key points without going overboard. The smoother your delivery, the more confident you’ll appear. Practice different scenarios. What if the internet goes down? What if someone asks a tricky question? The more you practice, the more prepared you’ll be for anything that comes your way.

6. Engage Your Audience (Very Important)

Get them involved. Ask questions, encourage them to ask questions, and make it interactive. If you can, let them try out the product themselves. The more they interact, the more invested they'll be. For example, you can say, "How do you currently handle this task?" and then show how your product can make it easier. If possible, hand them the controls and guide them through a quick task. This hands-on experience can make a big impact.

7. Keep an Eye on the Clock

Respect your audience's time. Keep your demo within the time limits you’ve promised. If you say it's a 30-minute demo, don’t go over. If you can, finish a little early to leave room for questions or discussion. Plan your demo in sections, with a clear start, middle, and end. Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself so you don’t rush through important points or run out of time for questions at the end.

8. Follow Up Promptly

After the demo, don’t just disappear. Follow up with a thank you and any additional information they might need. Answer any questions that came up during the demo and keep the conversation going. This shows you’re serious about their business and keeps you top of mind. A good follow-up email can go a long way. Recap the key points from the demo, provide any requested information, and suggest next steps. This keeps the momentum going and shows that you’re proactive and organized.

Make Your Demos Unforgettable

So, there you have it – some key tips to make your demos unforgettable. Keep it simple, know your audience, and be prepared. Make it engaging, follow up, learn from each experience, and you'll be demo-ing like a pro in no time. And of course, don’t forget to let your prospect try out the product. Nothing beats hands-on experience! When they can see and feel the benefits for themselves, it makes a lasting impression.