Sales deck checklist: 12 checks before you send.
Run these twelve checks on any sales deck before it reaches a customer. They cover what the deck claims, how it looks, what it asks for, and what you will know once it has been sent. Most take seconds; together they prevent the mistakes that cost deals.
Is everything in it true?
Every number has a source
You can name the document and page behind each figure.
Every customer named may be named
Logos and stories have permission, and are current.
Nothing belongs to another customer
No leftover names, numbers or logos from the last deck.
Capabilities are current
Nothing describes a product as it was a year ago.
Does it read well on its own?
It opens with their problem
In their words, not your company history.
Each title states the point
Someone skimming only the titles gets the argument.
Every slide earns its place
Anything that doesn’t serve this decision moves to an appendix.
The ask is clear
One next step, with a date.
Does it look like your company?
One theme throughout
Fonts, colours, layouts and logo all match.
Readable everywhere
Text contrast is sufficient and charts are distinguishable for colour-blind readers.
Will you know what happens next?
Send a link, not an attachment
So you can see opens and slides read; readers should be told what is recorded.
Plan the follow-up
Decide what you will do if they reread pricing, skip the proof, or forward it to someone new.
Checklist questions.
What should I check before sending a sales deck?
That every claim is sourced and current, nothing belongs to another customer, the titles carry the argument, the ask is clear, the brand is consistent, and you will be able to see what happens after sending.
How many slides should a sales deck have?
As many as the buyer’s questions need and no more; move supporting detail to an appendix.
See it on your own material.
Bring a handful of your decks. We’ll set up your workspace and build a first deck from them, with every line traced.