Over the years, I have spend a many hours prepping bids and creating estimates for clients interested in a PowerPoint. Sometimes it’s a new, fresh design. Sometimes it’s a redesign or an “upgrade.” Either way, the time spent is still time spent but there are obviously varying degrees of energy exerted on projects based on need.
Some of what to consider for a PowerPoint presentation bid are the following:
- Are there to be flow-charts or graphs?
- Any custom illustration or photo research involved?
- Copywriting or ceondensing of material?
- Revamp or over-haul of the design or just a simple template?
- Light animation or very detailed animation?
- Due tomorrow (ie: rush fee)?
With this check-list in mind, I have developed a rough per page price, plus design time for charts, and production of the entire piece. It helps for range estimates. Then the client sees it.
Many times, the bids are received and we move into scheduling stages and into production. Other times, I may be questioned on my estimates. And then I talk to the client about their needs and why they came to me in the first place. Here is my reasoning as to why you should spend money on a PowerPoint (hence the above title…see, I was getting to it people, have some patience).
A lot of companies use their PowerPoint as their brochure. They may be pitching to someone else who has perhaps seen some of their collateral, at least their web site and maybe talked to someone in person. But usually, a power point is emailed or presented in person by the company as their first — and last — impression.
When a company goes to XYZ Ad Agency to get a brochure completed, the design time and the printing costs can get high. PowerPoints, in my book, are brochures with legs. They move. They morph. They can be adjusted. They jump off the screen or onto a page, into a PDF. They have some spirit and some zing.
A recent company that contacted me, after finding me here I might add, respected the cost and understand the value incorporated into a good PowerPoint. Below is a sample of the presentation I worked up for their proposals. And they are a venture capital company, knowing where and how to move money for smart investments. And they just made a smart investment in themselves. Something I recommend all companies do from time to time – invest in your PowerPoints – I promise it will be worth it!!
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True Venture — Based in San Francisco, True Ventures contacted me to liven up their existing presentation. They wanted to stay inline with their web site but add a level of slickness, high-tech and advanced feeling to their PowerPoint. By picking some gradations and updated colors (greens and bright blues), along with some layers for texture, we were able to create something fresh. There was even some soft animation added for some sophistication.
