Hire a Pitch Deck Professional or Make your own? What’s Best for Your Startup

Starting a business often involves tough decisions, especially when resources are limited. With 77 percent of entrepreneurs relying on personal savings to fund their ventures, the pressure to make cost-effective choices is immense. 

Many startups face the dilemma of whether to tackle tasks like creating a pitching deck themselves or hire professional help. While one-third of small businesses begin with less than $5,000, the average startup requires at least $10,000 to launch—making every dollar count.

This blog aims to guide entrepreneurs through the decision-making process of building a pitching deck in-house versus outsourcing to experts. Understanding how to create a pitch deck that effectively communicates your startup's vision and value is crucial to securing funding. Let’s jump right in!

Mastering Pitch Deck Creation Basics

Crafting a compelling pitching deck begins with a clear understanding of your startup’s core vision and business model. Before seeking funding, ensure your business model is robust and scalable, as this will form the foundation of your pitch. Investors want to see not only potential but also a well-thought-out strategy for growth.

Strategic Decisions to Make Early

1. DIY vs. Professional Assistance
   Decide early whether you will create the pitch deck yourself, use a pre-designed template, or hire expert help. While a DIY approach can save costs, professional assistance often ensures a polished and impactful presentation. Templates can be a middle ground, offering structure without the need for design expertise.
2. Budget Allocation
   Budgeting for your pitch deck is crucial. Whether you opt for professional services or invest in premium templates, allocate resources wisely to ensure your deck aligns with your startup’s goals.
3. Mindset and Planning
   Approach the process with the mindset of storytelling. Your pitch deck should not only present facts but also inspire confidence and excitement about your startup’s vision. Early strategic planning helps you identify what to include in a pitch deck, ensuring that every slide adds value.

A well-crafted pitching deck is more than a presentation—it’s your gateway to attracting investors and securing funding. By focusing on clarity, strategy, and presentation quality, you can effectively communicate your startup’s potential.

Evaluating Pros and Cons of Pitch Deck Options

Choosing the right method for creating a pitching deck involves weighing time, cost, and effectiveness. Each approach offers unique advantages and challenges, making it essential to align your choice with your goals and resources.

DIY Pitch Deck Creation

Crafting a pitching deck on your own can be a rewarding yet demanding endeavor. While this option allows full control over content and design, it often requires a significant time investment—50 to 100+ hours, depending on your experience. For startups with limited budgets, this method can be appealing, as costs may remain under $500. However, the trade-off lies in the potential compromise on design quality and effectiveness. Investors expect clarity and visual appeal, and without professional expertise, achieving these standards can be difficult. 

Professional Services

Hiring experts to design your pitching deck can save time and ensure a polished result. Professional services typically range from $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the provider and scope of work. While this option involves a higher upfront cost, it guarantees high-quality design and effective communication tailored to investor engagement. For startups seeking an edge, the benefits of hiring a pitch deck consultant include professional insights and tailored strategies to impress investors.

Balancing Cost and Quality

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. If time and design expertise are limited, investing in professional help may be the most effective route. On the other hand, a DIY approach can work for those with creative skills and the ability to dedicate substantial time to writing a pitch deck. Regardless of the method, focusing on design quality is crucial.

Exploring Alternative Design Strategies for Your Pitch Deck

Crafting a pitching deck involves balancing cost, time, and design quality. Whether you're a startup founder or an entrepreneur, the approach you choose can significantly impact your presentation's effectiveness. Below, we explore six distinct strategies to help you decide which fits your needs best.

1. DIY Pitch Deck Creation

For those on a tight budget, creating your pitch deck yourself can be a practical option. This method allows complete control over the design and content, but it demands substantial time and effort. If you're unfamiliar with design tools or storytelling techniques, the process can become overwhelming, potentially affecting the deck's quality.

2. Using Templates for Speed

Templates offer a quick solution for building a pitch deck. They provide pre-designed slides, simplifying the structure and layout. However, templates often lack the personalized touch or strategic guidance needed to tailor your deck to your audience. While they save time, they may not convey your brand's uniqueness effectively.

3. Pay-Per-Slide Customization

For a middle-ground option, pay-per-slide services allow you to outsource specific slides for professional design. This approach ensures higher quality for critical sections of your deck while keeping costs manageable. However, consistency across the entire deck might be a challenge if you're combining custom slides with DIY ones.

4. Collaborating with General Designers

Working with a general graphic designer can elevate your pitch deck's aesthetic appeal. Designers bring creative expertise but may lack experience in pitch deck-specific storytelling. This option is ideal for those who prioritize visual design over strategic content alignment.

5. Content Coaching for Clarity

If your primary concern is the narrative, content coaching can refine your messaging and structure. While this doesn't address design, it ensures your pitch deck communicates your ideas effectively. Pairing coaching with a designer can yield a well-rounded result.

6. Hiring a Pitch Deck Design Specialist

For a premium experience, hiring a pitch deck design agency or specialist offers end-to-end support. These professionals combine design expertise with storytelling skills, ensuring your deck is both visually compelling and strategically sound. Although this option is the most expensive, it delivers top-tier quality and saves time.

Understanding how to choose a pitch deck consultant ensures that startups find an expert who aligns with their goals and budget.

7. Partnering with Full-Service Branding Firms

For a comprehensive solution, branding firms handle everything from pitch deck design to overall brand strategy. This option is ideal for businesses seeking cohesive branding across all platforms. While the cost is significant, the results are often unmatched in quality and consistency.

Each strategy comes with trade-offs, so consider your priorities—whether it's cost, time, or design quality—before making a decision.

Selecting Platforms and Templates for Your Pitch Deck Creation

Choosing the right platform for creating your pitching deck depends on your design expertise and project requirements. Beginners often find tools like Canva ideal for their needs. Canva provides free and customizable pitch deck templates, allowing users to quickly prototype their deck designs without requiring advanced design skills.

For those seeking greater customization and collaborative features, Figma is an excellent choice. This advanced design tool offers full control over layouts, making it perfect for complex, design-heavy decks. Figma enables detailed customization, ensuring your presentation aligns with your brand’s identity.

If you’re looking to enhance your deck’s aesthetics with premium design assets, marketplaces like Creative Market and Envato Elements are worth exploring. Creative Market offers unique graphic elements that can elevate your deck’s visual appeal, while Envato Elements provides a wide range of professional templates and assets tailored for high-quality pitch decks.

Whether you’re creating a pitch deck from scratch or refining an existing one, these platforms cater to different skill levels and design goals. Beginners can start with Canva’s user-friendly interface, while seasoned designers may prefer Figma for its advanced capabilities. For those seeking ready-made assets, Creative Market and Envato Elements offer a wealth of options to enhance your presentation.

Selecting the right tool is crucial for crafting a compelling pitch deck that resonates with your audience. Consider your design experience and project needs to make the best choice.

Understanding the Role of a Pitch Deck Writer

Crafting a compelling pitching deck requires more than just assembling slides; it demands a blend of storytelling, strategy, and precision. A pitch deck writer is a professional who specializes in creating investor-ready presentations that encapsulate a startup's vision, market potential, and financial viability. Their expertise extends beyond writing, encompassing market research, brand messaging, and even financial projections to ensure every aspect of the deck aligns with investor expectations.

These professionals play a pivotal role in helping startups articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. By integrating research insights with a cohesive narrative, they ensure the content resonates with potential investors. Furthermore, a pitch deck writer collaborates with designers to harmonize the visual presentation with the messaging, creating a polished and impactful final product.

Writing a pitch deck also involves tailoring the content to highlight key metrics, competitive advantages, and growth potential. This strategic approach not only captures attention but also builds confidence in the startup's ability to deliver results. For entrepreneurs aiming to secure funding, a pitch deck professional becomes an invaluable partner in translating their vision into a presentation that inspires action.

Getting Ready to Hire a Pitch Deck Writer

Preparing to hire a pitch deck writer involves more than just finding someone with writing skills. To ensure a seamless collaboration and an impactful final product, it’s essential to take a few preparatory steps that align your business needs with the writer’s expertise.

1. Define Clear Goals

Start by identifying the purpose of your pitching deck. Are you seeking funding, attracting partners, or showcasing your business to potential clients? Defining these goals will help you communicate your expectations clearly to the writer. This clarity ensures the writer tailors the pitch deck to meet your specific objectives and aligns with your startup’s vision.

2. Outline Your Brand Voice and Key Messages

Consistency in messaging is crucial when presenting your business to stakeholders. Before hiring a writer, outline your brand voice and key messages. If you already have brand guidelines, consult them to ensure the pitch deck aligns with your existing branding. This step will help the writer maintain a cohesive tone and style, reinforcing your brand identity throughout the presentation.

3. Assess Current Resources

Evaluate the materials you already have, such as financial models, business plans, and previous presentations. This assessment helps identify gaps that the writer can address. Additionally, having these resources ready saves time during the writing process and allows the writer to focus on crafting a compelling narrative.

4. Consider Budgeting

Understanding the cost of hiring a pitch deck designer is another critical step. Proper budgeting ensures you can afford a professional whose expertise matches your industry needs, ultimately saving time and money by avoiding revisions or misaligned expectations.

By taking these preparatory steps, you’ll set the stage for a productive collaboration with a pitch deck professional. A well-prepared approach not only streamlines the process but also ensures the final product effectively communicates your business’s value proposition.

Assessing the Expertise of Your Pitch Deck Writer

Finding the right professional to craft your pitching deck is crucial for presenting your startup’s vision effectively. To make an informed choice, evaluate potential writers based on three essential criteria: experience, industry knowledge, and proven results.

1. Experience and Expertise

A skilled pitch deck professional should have a solid track record of helping startups secure funding. Look for someone who demonstrates strong storytelling abilities, as this skill is vital for creating a compelling narrative that resonates with investors. Writers with experience in fundraising often understand how to structure content that aligns with investor expectations, making them invaluable for your project.

2. Industry and Niche Understanding

A writer familiar with your industry can tailor the pitch deck to highlight the most relevant aspects of your business. This ensures the content speaks directly to your target audience. Whether your startup focuses on technology, healthcare, or another niche, selecting someone with domain expertise can make all the difference in presenting your unique value proposition effectively.

3. Verifiable Track Records

Portfolios and case studies provide insight into a writer’s past performance. Review these materials to assess their ability to deliver high-quality work. A history of successful pitch decks is a strong indicator of their capability to translate your vision into a persuasive presentation.

Selecting the right writer ensures your pitching deck stands out and drives results.

Final Decision-Making: Last Steps in Choosing Your Pitch Deck Strategy

The final stage of selecting your pitch deck strategy is about ensuring every detail aligns with your goals. Begin by revisiting your evaluation process to confirm that all critical factors—such as clarity, structure, and audience focus—are met. This step ensures that your pitch deck contents resonate effectively with potential investors or stakeholders.

Equally important is establishing clear contractual terms with any professional service you choose to collaborate with. A demonstrable track record of success should be a non-negotiable criterion when outsourcing pitch deck creation. This guarantees that the expertise you’re paying for translates into tangible results.

Balancing DIY creativity with professional input is key to crafting a compelling pitch deck. While your personal touch can add authenticity, professional guidance ensures that the deck adheres to industry standards and effectively communicates your vision.

As you finalize your decision, remember that the right strategy combines thoughtful evaluation with expert execution. A well-crafted pitching deck can be the cornerstone of your business success.

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling pitch deck is more than just assembling slides; it’s about telling a story that resonates with investors. Throughout this blog, we’ve explored essential strategies for creating a pitch deck that stands out, including focusing on clarity, aligning with investor priorities, and using evaluation criteria to refine your narrative. These elements are critical in presenting your startup’s vision effectively and securing funding.

A well-structured pitch deck not only conveys your business potential but also builds confidence in your ability to execute. By emphasizing a narrative-driven approach, you can ensure your deck captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.

If you're ready to elevate your pitch deck, we invite you to explore our Pitch Deck Creation service. Let us help you craft a deck that turns interest into investment. Click here to get started

Key Takeaways

• A clear pitch deck is crucial for securing startup funding.
• DIY pitch decks can save money but require a significant time commitment.
• Professional services, while costlier, offer design and narrative expertise.
• Choosing the right tools and platforms is essential for effective presentation.
• Thorough preparation and expert evaluation lead to better decision-making.