Here's a brief summary of an article I wrote for SoftwareMag.com about building your software demo in-house or outsourcing it.  You can read the full piece at http://www.softwaremag.com/l.cfm?doc=1094-11/2007.

Four quick questions to consider when deciding whether to produce your software demo in-house or outsource it:

#1.) Have you ever given a live demo before?

Building an automated demo is never as easy as it seems. Most live demos run anywhere from 20 to 60-minutes. A good automated demo should stay between four to six-minutes in length. No matter how robust your software, four to six-minutes is the sweet spot for keeping prospects on the line.

#2.) How will you determine content and design?

Crafting the content for your automated demo is crucial. What actions will you show and how do you write the narration for each action? If this is your first experience creating an automated demo, then you need to do your homework. It's best to leave the marketing jargon and sales messaging to a minimum when it comes to your demo.

To help narrow your content, choose your three key selling points and demo those features. Good content includes narration that syncs effortlessly with the actions you demonstrate. To look professional, the content and design of the demo has to blend perfectly.

#3.) What about the voice?

To fully engage your viewer, you should include a voiceover to narrate what is being shown. The voiceover you record could possibly be the one variable that makes or breaks your demo. When it comes to recording audio for your software demo, do not go lightly into the recording studio.  A demo that has expert content matched with professional instructional design will crash and burn if the voiceover sounds unprofessional.

#4.) What technology are you going to use?

In the world of web 2.0, there is no room for patience. Now that everyone has access to high-speed Internet options, no one wants to wait for anything online, especially your demo. If the technology you are using to build your demo takes forever to load, or asks the viewer to download a plug-in ( gasp!), then you are already behind the curve.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Your automated demo may just be the first time someone spends anytime with your company or software. Put your best foot forward by producing a professional demo that puts your software in the best light possible.

Success Stories:

Autodemo builds demos that deliver results. Go to our case studies page to find real life examples of how our demos have helped clients generate leads and drive sales.