5 Fail-proof Tips To Deliver Software Demo Like A Pro

When someone interested in your product gets their hands on a software demo, it\’s usually their first experience with what you have to offer. So, it\’s super important to make a really good impression that sticks with them.

A great demo can do wonders for your business. It helps create trust, shows that you know your stuff, and can even seal the deal in the end.

But if your demo falls flat and doesn\’t impress potential customers, it can harm your brand\’s reputation and turn people away.

In this blog post, we\’ll dive into the important things you need to include in a successful software demo.

We will cover what a software demo is, what makes it effective and pro tips on how to deliver the perfect software product demo.

So let\’s get on with it!

 

What Is A Software Demo?

A software demo is like a sneak peek or a test drive of a software product. It\’s a way for the company to show potential customers what their software can do and how it works.

It\’s kind of like when you go to a car dealership and the salesperson takes you on a ride to showcase all the cool features of a car.

Or, for example, imagine you\’re interested in buying a new video editing software.

The company might offer a software demo where they walk you through the different editing tools, show you how to import and arrange clips, apply effects, and create amazing videos. You get to see the software in action, try out its features, and get a feel for its usability.

The purpose of a software demo is to give customers a firsthand experience, so they can see if the software meets their needs and if they find it user-friendly. It helps them make an informed decision before purchasing the product.

Why Are Software Product Demos Effective?

Software demos are super effective when it comes to helping people make decisions about which software to buy.

Why?

Well, let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, demos give potential buyers the chance to witness the software in action. It\’s like giving them a firsthand look at the software\’s capabilities and what it can do.

And you know what?

In Gartner Digital Markets\’ survey in 2022, software buyers were asked what kind of information they find most helpful when deciding which software to buy. Turns out, video tutorials and product demos were some of the top picks!

 

Professional software demos can be a game changer for boosting sales. Here\’s why:

• Engages and educates potential buyers: A study by HubSpot found that 86% of buyers prefer interactive content like demos during the decision-making process.
• Showcases product value: A well-executed demo demonstrates the unique value and benefits of the software, helping buyers understand how it can solve their pain points effectively.
• Personalizes the sales process: Customizing a demo to address specific buyer needs creates a personalized experience, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
• Overcomes objections: By addressing potential concerns or doubts through live demonstrations, demos help alleviate buyer objections and increase confidence in the software\’s effectiveness.
• Enables collaboration: Software demos enable stakeholders to participate, ask questions, and provide feedback, fostering collaboration and consensus-building within the buying team.

Utilizing professional software demos effectively can significantly impact sales conversions, as they engage, educate, and convince potential buyers about the value and capabilities of the product.

 

5 Tips To Deliver The Perfect Software Demo For Your Saas Product

 

A demo is like a quick show-and-tell of a product or technique. The goal is to convince the customer by walking them through how the product works and its features. Think of it as a presentation, but more hands-on.

To help you rock your demo session, I\’ve gathered some super handy tips that can make a real difference. These points will come in handy and make your demo session a success.

1. Establish A Fixed Agenda For Your Product Demo

Setting an agenda with your clients before a product demo is crucial because it helps establish clear expectations and ensures that the demo aligns with their specific needs and goals. It allows you to focus on the most relevant features and address any specific concerns or areas of interest.

For example, let\’s say you\’re showcasing a new project management software to a client. By setting an agenda beforehand, you can understand their key pain points and prioritize demonstrating features that directly address those pain points, such as task tracking, collaboration tools, or reporting capabilities.

This targeted approach ensures that the client sees the software\’s value in solving their specific challenges, increasing the chances of a successful demo and potential conversion.

 

2. Include Your Technical Team During The Demo

If you\’re in the Marketing or Sales field and don\’t consider yourself a tech whiz, it\’s always a smart move to bring along some technical experts. These team members can be a lifesaver when it comes to tackling those tricky technology-related questions.

Picture this: you\’re in a meeting with a client, and they throw some complex technical queries your way. Maybe they want to know about coding, the tech stack, API integration, or even third-party apps. Sure, you might have a basic understanding of these things, but let\’s be real, you can\’t be expected to have all the answers.

That\’s where your technical team members come in clutch.

They\’re the ones who can dive deep into the technical stuff and provide detailed explanations. Having them by your side not only ensures that all the client\’s concerns are addressed but also boosts your credibility. It shows that you\’ve got a well-rounded team that can handle any aspect of the job.

 

3. Let Questions Be Asked Initially As Well

Start your demonstration by checking if the prospect has any questions about how the demo will go. Then, it\’s your turn to ask some questions of your own.

Make sure you understand their goals by saying, \”So, if I got it right, your main goals are X, Y, and Z. Am I on the right track?\”

Find out about their challenges with their current software provider, like, \”I heard you\’re dealing with X challenge. Are you looking to solve this issue with the new software you choose?\”

Also, ask about their criteria for selecting the next software or solution, saying, \”What factors are important to you in picking the next software/solution?\”

By asking these questions, you can fill in any gaps in your research. During the demo, you\’ll address their questions and, who knows, you might even discover another advantage that your software can offer.

 

4. Emphasize Business Value More Than Product Features In A Software Demo

When conducting a demo, it is essential to prioritize highlighting the business value rather than getting caught up in a feature- or function-based focus. This approach can bring numerous benefits to your sales efforts.

Appealing to decision-makers and executives is crucial when selling software. By emphasizing the business value, you speak their language and address their concerns.

When it comes to buying something, demos are an important step that comes after checking references and reading reviews. They set the groundwork for what buyers do next, like asking for a proposal or trying out a sample.

 

Now, during the demo, it\’s crucial to resist the urge to showcase every single feature of your product. Instead, stay laser-focused on the business results that matter to the potential buyer. Highlight why they approached you in the first place and how your product can meet their needs. By doing this, you\’ll reinforce their desire for change and demonstrate the true value of your product.

 

5. Leave Room For Questions At The End

After your software demo wraps up, make sure to leave a little space for any final questions from the potential customer. If there\’s something you didn\’t have time to cover during the demo, follow up with an email summarizing the discussion and suggesting another meeting. It\’s important to include a recap of what was discussed to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Here\’s an example to illustrate why communicating the next steps at the end of a software product demo is a good practice:

Imagine you\’re a software salesperson giving a demo to a potential client. Throughout the demo, you showcase the software\’s features, answer questions, and address their concerns.

As you near the end, you say, \”Before we wrap up, do you have any last-minute questions or anything you\’d like to discuss further?\”

The potential customer then asks about the software\’s integration capabilities with their existing systems, which you didn\’t cover in detail during the demo.

You acknowledge their question and respond, \”That\’s a great point. I\’ll make sure to address that in a follow-up email, along with a recap of everything we discussed today. We can schedule another meeting to dive deeper into the integration aspect. How does that sound?\”

By communicating the next steps and promising a follow-up email, you demonstrate your commitment to addressing their specific needs and ensure that nothing is left unaddressed.

 

Bonus Tip: Don\’t Demean Your Competition

 

Demeaning your competition during a software product demo is a big no-no, and let me tell you why. First and foremost, it reflects poorly on your professionalism and integrity. Instead of focusing on the strengths of your product, you divert attention by bashing others, which can make potential customers question your credibility.

Also, demeaning your competition can create a negative perception of your brand. Customers want to see confidence in what you offer, not an attempt to undermine others. It may give the impression that you lack confidence in your own product\’s capabilities.

What may not work for one person might be a perfect fit for another. By respecting your competition, you acknowledge the market\’s diversity and show potential customers that you value their choices.

Ultimately, the best approach is to focus on highlighting the unique features and benefits of your product. Let it shine on its own merits, and customers will appreciate your honesty and professionalism.

 

Conclusion

A demo that\’s presented well can hide any weaknesses in your software. But if the demo goes wrong, even top-rated software can lose its credibility.

So, in conclusion, delivering a successful software product demo is crucial for leaving a lasting positive impression on potential customers. A great demo can build trust, demonstrate expertise, and ultimately lead to successful conversions.

Think of it as a golden opportunity to wow your clients. Leave no stone unturned to give them the absolute best demo possible. By following the timeless tips on handling a software demo like a pro, you\’ll be closing those sales in no time!