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Writer's pictureMrunalini Dhas

How to make a Teaser Deck [Guide for startups]

Recently, I had a virtual meeting with Josh, a long-term client and fintech startup founder. We've been developing pitch decks for his company since its pre-seed stage, and they're now at Series A.

While discussing the Series A pitch deck, Josh proposed an interesting idea: "First, I want to develop an anonymous deck without any information about the company, team, or detailed financials. I'll send this to potential investors. Later, when they express interest, we'll have them sign an NDA before presenting the actual pitch deck."


I initially agreed, thinking it was a great idea. However, Josh then hesitated, asking, "Is there such a thing? Like, a deck that can be anonymous?"


I explained, "Yes, it's called a teaser deck, typically no longer than 10 slides. While it doesn't have to be anonymous, it's used to generate initial interest. To complement your outreach strategy, we can develop this teaser deck anonymously."


This conversation made me realize that many founders and others working on pitch decks might not be familiar with teaser decks. As a result, we've decided to publish an article covering the details of teaser decks. We hope you'll find this information helpful!


Note: If you’re in the process of making a teaser deck, we can help.




What's a Teaser Deck?

Defining the Art of Teasing

A teaser deck is a condensed and strategically crafted document designed to pique the interest of potential investors, partners, or acquirers. It's a concise introduction to your business, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what makes your venture compelling.


The primary objective of a teaser deck is to initiate a conversation and generate interest without overwhelming the recipient with excessive information. Think of it as the teaser trailer before the main feature—a captivating preview.


What's the Usage & Purpose of a Teaser Deck?

The Power of the First Impression

The usage and purpose of a teaser deck are clear-cut:

  1. Initiating Interest: Teaser decks are your initial foot in the door. They aim to grab the attention of your target audience and prompt them to inquire further.

  2. Generating Curiosity: By offering just enough information to spark curiosity, teaser decks entice potential investors or partners to want to know more.

  3. Time-Efficient Communication: In a world where time is precious, teaser decks respect the brevity of your audience's attention span. They communicate your value proposition concisely.

  4. Qualifying Leads: Teaser decks help filter out genuine prospects. Those who express interest after viewing your teaser are likely more qualified and genuinely intrigued.


How to Make a Teaser Deck? [Steps & Tactics]


1. Understand Your Audience: Uncover Their Unspoken Desires

Before you begin crafting your teaser deck, dive deep into understanding your target audience—the individuals who hold the key to your venture's success. This involves:

  • Preferences: Get to know their preferences, inclinations, and what resonates with them. What kind of content do they engage with?

  • Pain Points: Identify their pain points and challenges. How does your solution address these issues?

  • Interests: Explore their interests, hobbies, and passions. This insight can help you connect on a more personal level.

Tailoring your teaser deck to align with your audience's mindset is like speaking their language. It's about offering solutions to their problems and aligning your message with their interests.


2. Clarity in Messaging: The Power of Simplicity

With teaser decks, clarity reigns supreme. Keep your messaging crystal clear and concise. Avoid the temptation to drown your audience in industry jargon, buzzwords, or overly technical language. Here's how:

  • Simplify Complex Ideas: If you're dealing with intricate concepts, distill them into digestible nuggets of information.

  • Jargon-Free Zone: Steer clear of industry-specific jargon that might alienate or confuse readers.

  • One Core Message: Focus on one core message per slide. This prevents information overload and enhances retention.

Your messaging should be so clear that a 30-second glance at a slide tells your audience exactly what you're all about.


3. Highlight Value Proposition: Your Unique Shine

Your venture has something unique and valuable to offer the world. Your teaser deck is the canvas to showcase it. Ensure your deck effectively communicates:

  • Uniqueness: What sets your venture apart from the competition? Highlight your unique selling points.

  • Value: Define the value you bring to customers, partners, or investors. What problem do you solve, and how do you solve it differently?

Remember, a compelling value proposition is the golden thread that ties your venture to your audience's needs.


4. Visual Appeal: The Art of Visual Storytelling

Your visuals should do more than just decorate slides—they should tell a story. Here's how to use the power of visual elements:

  • Captivating Imagery: Incorporate captivating images and graphics that resonate with your message.

  • Data Visualization: If you have data, transform it into visually digestible charts or graphs.

  • Storytelling through Images: Use visuals to narrate your story and evoke emotions.

Visual elements should be more than eye candy; they should complement and enhance your message, making it memorable.


5. Brevity is Key: Respect the Clock

In a world where attention spans are measured in seconds, brevity is your ally. Limit the length of your teaser deck to a few slides—typically between 5 to 10. Why? Because your audience's time is precious, and brevity:

  • Retains Attention: Keeps your audience engaged from start to finish.

  • Forces Focus: Encourages you to prioritize the most critical information.

  • Promotes Action: This leaves your audience wanting more and eager to take the next step.

Remember, in the teaser deck world, less is often more.


6. Contact Information: The Bridge to Engagement

Your teaser deck's purpose is to initiate connections. Don't forget the bridge that leads to further engagement—clear and accessible contact information. Ensure it's prominently displayed, making it easy for interested parties to reach out. After all, you've crafted an enticing teaser; now it's time to invite your audience into a meaningful conversation.


Teaser Deck vs. Pitch Deck [How are they different]

When it comes to presentations, it's important to know that teaser decks and pitch decks serve distinct purposes...


1. Content Depth: Teaser decks are designed to provide a high-level overview, giving the audience a glimpse of what's to come.


For instance, if you're launching a new product, a teaser deck might showcase its key features and benefits without diving into technical details. In contrast, pitch decks dive into the nitty-gritty details and data. In a pitch deck for the same product, you would delve into specifications, market analysis, and financial projections.


2. Length: Teaser decks are all about brevity. They are typically short and sweet, containing only a handful of slides.


For example, a teaser deck for a movie might include slides introducing the cast, the genre, and a tantalizing tagline. On the other hand, pitch decks tend to be longer. Imagine a pitch deck for a film project; it could include slides on the script, budget breakdown, and revenue projections, among others.


3. Audience: Teaser decks are crafted for initial engagement. They aim to pique the audience's interest and curiosity, making them want to learn more. Consider a teaser deck for an upcoming book release. It might include slides about the author, a brief synopsis, and endorsements.


Pitch decks, however, cater to a more in-depth presentation for a serious audience, often including potential investors or stakeholders. If you're seeking funding for that book, the pitch deck would include detailed financials, marketing strategies, and a clear ask from investors.


4. Call to Action: In a teaser deck, the goal is to prompt the audience to express interest or take the next step in the journey. It's like laying the foundation for future interactions. Let's say you're creating a teaser deck for a new mobile app. The call to action might encourage viewers to sign up for updates or follow your social media accounts. In contrast, pitch decks typically conclude with specific requests or proposals, asking for a commitment or investment.


For instance, a pitch deck for a tech startup might conclude by asking potential investors for funding to accelerate product development.


Work with us

link to our pitch deck design services

Are you in a similar position to Josh, looking to create a compelling teaser deck or a full-fledged pitch deck? We're here to help. Visit the contact section on our website to get in touch with our team. For your convenience, you can also schedule a consultation directly through the contact page.

 


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