Q1: How long should a SaaS product demo be?
A: Long enough to cover the value, but short enough to hold attention. Typically, 20 to 30 minutes is a sweet spot for a live demo. This allows time to showcase key features without overwhelming the prospect. Busy stakeholders appreciate when you get to the point. If the prospect has more time and wants to dive deeper, you can always extend the conversation or schedule a technical follow-up session.

Q2: What’s the best way to handle technical issues during a demo?
A: First, try to prevent them – test your demo environment beforehand. But if something does go wrong (e.g., slow internet, a bug appears), stay calm and transparent. Acknowledge the hiccup with a quick apology, and either have a backup plan (screenshots or a pre-recorded segment) or offer to skip that part and follow up later with a detailed explanation. Prospects will generally be understanding if you remain professional and don’t panic. In fact, handling a glitch gracefully can showcase your problem-solving attitude.

Q3: Should I use a live demo or a pre-recorded demo video?
A: Each has its place. A live demo (or a live walk-through) is great for interaction – you can adjust to the prospect’s questions and interests on the fly, making it very personal. A pre-recorded demo video is polished and can be reused, and it ensures you hit all the points in a consistent way. Many teams use a hybrid approach: a live conversation aided by some pre-recorded snippets for complex features or to ensure a stable view of something that’s finicky. If you do live, always have that backup (like a video or slides) in case of technical issues. If you do recorded, try to be present (on a call or chat) to add commentary and answer questions, so it doesn’t feel too static.

Q4: How can I make my demo more engaging for larger audiences (like in a webinar)?
A: For group demos or webinars, engagement tactics are key. Use interactive elements like polls (“Which of these challenges is biggest for you?”) or Q&A breaks after each section. Storytelling is powerful here – maybe present a mini case study: “Let me show you how Company X used this feature to achieve Y.” Visually, keep things dynamic: switch between your screen, slides with big visuals, and even your on-camera presence if possible, to create variety. And always encourage questions – maybe have attendees type into chat and have a moderator feed them to you. An engaged audience is less likely to drop off mid-demo, even if it’s a one-to-many format.

Q5: What if the prospect wants to see something I didn’t plan for?
A: This is common, and it’s actually a good sign of interest! If it’s something you can show quickly, go for it – a flexible demo that adapts to the prospect’s curiosity can be very effective. Just be mindful of time; you might say, “Sure, I can show that briefly,” and then give a quick peek. If it’s a deep area that would derail the flow, acknowledge it: “That’s a great question – it’s a bit outside of today’s scope, but I’m happy to schedule a follow-up to dive into that feature in detail.” This way you validate their request without compromising the structure too much. Always circle the conversation back to the main value points after an unplanned detour.

Q6: Can AI or agents really help with my demos?
A: Yes, AI can assist in several ways. Some companies use AI tools to analyze prospects (from LinkedIn or prior interactions) and suggest which product features to emphasize. AI can also be used in the demo itself – for example, an AI chatbot could be built into your demo environment to answer simple questions (“What does this term mean?”) so the presenter can focus on the bigger picture. There are even AI-driven interactive demo platforms that let prospects experience a product on their own, guided by an AI, either before or after your live session. Think of AI as an augmenting tool: it won’t replace the personal touch of a live salesperson, but it can handle repetitive tasks and personalize the experience at scale.

Q7: What’s the best way to follow up after a demo?
A: Send a follow-up within 24 hours, while the demo is fresh in their mind. The follow-up should thank them for their time, recap the main points of interest (reinforcing how your solution can help them), and provide any resources you promised (like a slide deck, demo recording, or a custom trial link). Importantly, include a clear call to action – such as scheduling the next meeting or steps to start a trial. If multiple people attended, send a personalized note to each if possible, or at least tailor the content to the group. This prompt and tailored follow-up shows professionalism and keeps the momentum going toward a sale.