How to write a better investor update

A lot of advice on how to write investor updates asserts that the main reason for producing them is to provide accountability for the founder. Some founders who take this to heart write their updates like a personal diary. Sadly, most diaries are terribly boring.

What if you didn’t write updates for you, but for your audience? Chances are, your investors would be more likely to read them and help you more. Here are some tips to make your emails more interesting to your readers:

1) Start with a metrics graphic. Only explain changes (up or down).

2) Lead with clear requests. The lower in the email it is, the less help you’ll get.

3) Stick to major news and breakthroughs. Secretly, investors want you to teach us something we didn’t know. 

4) Include a gratitude list. Tell us who’s helping you (and make us want to get on your list).

What if there aren’t any major news or breakthroughs? Rather than pad out your update, ask yourself why that’s the case. And fix it for the next update instead.