How to Create an Elevator Pitch so You Don't Stumble in Key Moments
- Simon. P
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 27
If you can’t explain your business in 30 seconds, you don’t understand it well enough — and neither will your customers.
Most founders overcomplicate their messaging. They try to say everything, and end up saying nothing memorable.
We’ve helped thousands of startups go from “I do a bit of everything” to crystal-clear pitches that close investors and clients in a single sentence.
This guide gives you the structure, examples, and clarity to craft an elevator pitch that sticks.
What Is an Elevator Pitch and Why It Matters
An elevator pitch is a short, punchy description of what your business does, who it helps, and why it matters — all in under 30 seconds.
Creating an elevator pitch is often over complicated unnecessarily.
It’s not a tagline. It’s your first impression.
You’ll use it:
In investor meetings or pitch events
At networking functions or startup expos
On your website, social media bios, or LinkedIn
With media, partners, or when hiring
In Australia, having a clear pitch is critical for accelerator applications, startup grants, and winning B2B clients fast.
Why Elevator Pitches Matter for Founders
It builds instant credibility. People trust founders who sound clear and confident.
It opens the right doors. A strong pitch attracts the right clients, investors, and collaborators.
It forces business clarity. If you can’t explain your value in 1 line, it’s time to sharpen your strategy.
It converts attention into action. You’ll get more yeses, intros, and second meetings.
Real World Example
Founder: SaaS startup in legal tech
Problem: Long-winded intro in investor meetings
Fix: Reframed pitch to focus on value, not features
Result: Got 4 second meetings in 1 pitch night
Our Strategy Tip: Lead with who you help and why it matters. Not your tech stack.
Real World Example
Our Client: A Sydney Creative Agency
Problem: Pitch sounded like “we do everything”
Result: Unable to close in the last 3 months
Fix with a Noize Strategy:
Crafted niche-specific pitch
Anchored on result-driven outcomes
Added data points for credibility
Result: Closed $80K deal after one email intro
Our Strategy Tip: Clarity closes. Vagueness loses.
What You Need Before You Start
Clear definition of your target audience
Understanding of your core value proposition
At least one real outcome or benefit you deliver
Your unique differentiator (USP)
Mentor Tip: If your pitch works for anyone, it converts no one. Get specific.
How to Create an Elevator Pitch in Australia:
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Define Your Core Value
What result do you create for your ideal customer?
Is it faster, simpler, cheaper, or better than others?
What makes that outcome valuable?
This becomes the foundation of your pitch — real impact, not generic fluff.
Step 2: Nail Your Target Audience
Who exactly do you help? Be specific (not “everyone”).
Use industry, role, or pain point to tighten it.
Example: “We help tradies track jobs and get paid faster.”
People want to hear “this is for me” in the first line.
Step 3: Craft the One-Liner Framework
Use this proven structure:
We help [target audience] achieve [result] through [product/service].
Other versions:
I run a [type of business] that solves [problem] for [audience].
Keep it to one or two sentences max.
Step 4: Test It Out Loud
Say it to a friend who doesn’t know your business
Watch if they “get it” — or look confused
Refine for clarity and tone
If they can repeat it back to you, it’s working.
Step 5: Tailor for Format
Adapt your pitch for:
Networking event intros (spoken)
Email bios or LinkedIn summaries
Website “About” or “Hero” section
Grant or accelerator applications
Your pitch should work everywhere — with zero confusion.
Cost of Crafting a Great Elevator Pitch
Tool or Resource | Cost Range |
Strategy Session (with Noize) | $250 – $800 |
DIY Worksheet | Free |
Copywriter for pitch refinement | $150 – $500 |
Startup program coaching | $0 – $1,500 |
Money-Saving Tip: Use a DIY pitch worksheet to draft, then book a strategy call to sharpen it — not the other way around.
Common Mistakes Business Owners Make
Using buzzwords and jargon
If people don’t get it, they won’t care.
Making it too long
If your elevator pitch takes a flight of stairs, you’ve lost them.
Not testing it out loud
Your pitch lives in conversations — not Google Docs.
Focusing on you, not your customer
Talk benefits and transformation, not credentials.
Being vague
Clarity converts. “Creative solutions” is not a pitch — it’s wallpaper.
What to Do Right Now
✅ Get your pitch built for you. Book a 1:1 strategy session with Noize to create your pitch and have a presentation created for [noize.com.au]
✅ Grab the full StartUp Deck. Your go-to resource for building, protecting, and launching your startup the right way — with expert tools across every area of the business. [theStartUpDeck.com]
COMING SOON...
✅ Download our free 1 page Elevator Guide from [ProDesk.com]
FAQs
Do I really need an elevator pitch if I’m not pitching investors?
Yes. You’re always pitching — clients, partners, team members, and even your barista.
How long should an elevator pitch be?
One or two sentences max — around 30 seconds spoken.
Should I memorise my elevator pitch?
You should know it so well it sounds natural, not rehearsed.
Can I have different pitches for different audiences?
Yes, tweak depending on who you’re speaking to, but keep the core message consistent.
What if I offer multiple services?
Pick one entry point that’s most valuable or repeatable. You can expand later.
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