Home Blog Business How to Present a Case Study: Examples and Best Practices
How to Present a Case Study: Examples and Best Practices
Marketers, consultants, salespeople, and all other types of business managers often use case study analysis to highlight a success story, showing how an exciting problem can be or was addressed. But how do you create a compelling case study and then turn it into a memorable presentation? Get a lowdown from this post!
Table of Content s
Why Case Studies are a Popular Marketing Technique
Popular case study format types, how to write a case study: a 4-step framework, how to do a case study presentation: 3 proven tips, how long should a case study be, final tip: use compelling presentation visuals, business case study examples, what is a case study .
Let’s start with this great case study definition by the University of South Caroline:
In the social sciences, the term case study refers to both a method of analysis and a specific research design for examining a problem, both of which can generalize findings across populations.
In simpler terms — a case study is investigative research into a problem aimed at presenting or highlighting solution(s) to the analyzed issues.
A standard business case study provides insights into:
- General business/market conditions
- The main problem faced
- Methods applied
- The outcomes gained using a specific tool or approach
Case studies (also called case reports) are also used in clinical settings to analyze patient outcomes outside of the business realm.
But this is a topic for another time. In this post, we’ll focus on teaching you how to write and present a case study, plus share several case study PowerPoint templates and design tips!
Besides presenting a solution to an internal issue, case studies are often used as a content marketing technique . According to a 2020 Content Marketing Institute report, 69% of B2B marketers use case studies as part of their marketing mix.
A case study informs the reader about a possible solution and soft-sells the results, which can be achieved with your help (e.g., by using your software or by partnering with your specialist).
For the above purpose, case studies work like a charm. Per the same report:
- For 9% of marketers, case studies are also the best method for nurturing leads.
- 23% admit that case studies are beneficial for improving conversions.
Moreover, case studies also help improve your brand’s credibility, especially in the current fake news landscape and dubious claims made without proper credit.
Ultimately, case studies naturally help build up more compelling, relatable stories and showcase your product benefits through the prism of extra social proof, courtesy of the case study subject.
Most case studies come either as a slide deck or as a downloadable PDF document.
Typically, you have several options to distribute your case study for maximum reach:
- Case study presentations — in-person, virtual, or pre-recorded, there are many times when a case study presentation comes in handy. For example, during client workshops, sales pitches, networking events, conferences, trade shows, etc.
- Dedicated website page — highlighting case study examples on your website is a great way to convert middle-on-the-funnel prospects. Google’s Think With Google case study section is a great example of a web case study design done right.
- Blog case studies — data-driven storytelling is a staunch way to stand apart from your competition by providing unique insights, no other brand can tell.
- Video case studies — video is a great medium for showcasing more complex business cases and celebrating customer success stories.
Once you decide on your case study format, the next step is collecting data and then translating it into a storyline. There are different case study methods and research approaches you can use to procure data.
But let’s say you already have all your facts straight and need to organize them in a clean copy for your presentation deck. Here’s how you should do it.
1. Identify the Problem
Every compelling case study research starts with a problem statement definition. While in business settings, there’s no need to explain your methodology in-depth; you should still open your presentation with a quick problem recap slide.
Be sure to mention:
- What’s the purpose of the case study? What will the audience learn?
- Set the scene. Explain the before, aka the problems someone was facing.
- Advertise the main issues and findings without highlighting specific details.
The above information should nicely fit in several paragraphs or 2-3 case study template slides
2. Explain the Solution
The bulk of your case study copy and presentation slides should focus on the provided solution(s). This is the time to speak at length about how the subject went from before to the glorious after.
Here are some writing prompts to help you articulate this better:
- State the subject’s main objective and goals. What outcomes were they after?
- Explain the main solution(s) provided. What was done? Why this, but not that?
- Mention if they tried any alternatives. Why did those work? Why were you better?
This part may take the longest to write. Don’t rush it and reiterate several times. Sprinkle in some powerful words and catchphrases to make your copy more compelling.
3. Collect Testimonials
Persuasive case studies feature the voice of customer (VoC) data — first-party testimonials and assessments of how well the solution works. These provide extra social proof and credibility to all the claims you are making.
So plan and schedule interviews with your subjects to collect their input and testimonials. Also, design your case study interview questions in a way that lets you obtain quantifiable results.
4. Package The Information in a Slide Deck
Once you have a rough first draft, try different business case templates and designs to see how these help structure all the available information.
As a rule of thumb, try to keep one big idea per slide. If you are talking about a solution, first present the general bullet points. Then give each solution a separate slide where you’ll provide more context and perhaps share some quantifiable results.
For example, if you look at case study presentation examples from AWS like this one about Stripe , you’ll notice that the slide deck has few texts and really focuses on the big picture, while the speaker provides extra context.
Need some extra case study presentation design help? Download our Business Case Study PowerPoint template with 100% editable slides.
Your spoken presentation (and public speaking skills ) are equally if not more important than the case study copy and slide deck. To make a strong case study, follow these quick techniques. Alternatively, you can learn how to present a business case here.
Focus on Telling a Great Story
A case study is a story of overcoming a challenge, and achieving something grand. Your delivery should reflect that. Step away from the standard “features => benefits” sales formula. Instead, make your customer the hero of the study. Describe the road they went through and how you’ve helped them succeed.
The premises of your story can be as simple as:
- Help with overcoming a hurdle
- Gaining major impact
- Reaching a new milestone
- Solving a persisting issue no one else code
Based on the above, create a clear story arc. Show where your hero started. Then explain what type of journey they went through. Inject some emotions into the mix to make your narrative more relatable and memorable.
Experiment with Copywriting Formulas
Copywriting is the art and science of organizing words into compelling and persuasive combinations that help readers retain the right ideas.
To ensure that the audience retains the right takeaways from your case study presentation, you can try using some of the classic copywriting formulas to structure your delivery. These include:
- AIDCA — short for A ttention, I nterest, D esire, C onviction, and A ction. First, grab the audience’s attention by addressing the major problem. Next, pique their interest with some teaser facts. Spark their desire by showing that you know the right way out. Then, show a conviction that you know how to solve the issue—finally, prompt follow-up action such as contacting you to learn more.
- PADS — is short for Problem, Agitation, Discredit, or Solution. This is more of a sales approach to case study narration. Again, you start with a problem, agitate about its importance, discredit why other solutions won’t cut it, and then present your option.
- 4Ps — short for P roblem, P romise, P roof, P roposal. This is a middle-ground option that prioritizes storytelling over hard pitches. Set the scene first with a problem. Then make a promise of how you can solve it. Show proof in the form of numbers, testimonials, and different scenarios. Round it up with a proposal for getting the same outcomes.
Take an Emotion-Inducing Perspective
The key to building a strong rapport with an audience is showing that you are one of them and fully understand what they are going through.
One of the ways to build this connection is by speaking from an emotion-inducing perspective. This is best illustrated with an example:
- A business owner went to the bank
- A business owner came into a bank branch
In the second case, the wording prompts listeners to paint a mental picture from the perspective of the bank employees — a role you’d like them to relate to. By placing your audience in the right visual perspective, you can make them more receptive to your pitches.
One common question that arises when creating a case study is determining its length. The length of a case study can vary depending on the complexity of the problem and the level of detail you want to provide. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide how long your case study should be:
- Concise and Informative: A good case study should be concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff and filler content. Focus on providing valuable information and insights.
- Tailor to Your Audience: Consider your target audience when deciding the length. If you’re presenting to a technical audience, you might include more in-depth technical details. For a non-technical audience, keep it more high-level and accessible.
- Cover Key Points: Ensure that your case study covers the key points effectively. These include the problem statement, the solution, and the outcomes. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the context and the significance of your case.
- Visuals: Visual elements such as charts, graphs, images, and diagrams can help convey information more effectively. Use visuals to supplement your written content and make complex information easier to understand.
- Engagement: Keep your audience engaged. A case study that is too long may lose the reader’s interest. Make sure the content is engaging and holds the reader’s attention throughout.
- Consider the Format: Depending on the format you choose (e.g., written document, presentation, video), the ideal length may vary. For written case studies, aim for a length that can be easily read in one sitting.
In general, a written case study for business purposes often falls in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 words. However, this is not a strict rule, and the length can be shorter or longer based on the factors mentioned above.
Our brain is wired to process images much faster than text. So when you are presenting a case study, always look for an opportunity to tie in some illustrations such as:
- A product demo/preview
- Processes chart
- Call-out quotes or numbers
- Custom illustrations or graphics
- Customer or team headshots
Use icons to minimize the volume of text. Also, opt for readable fonts that can look good in a smaller size too.
To better understand how to create an effective business case study, let’s explore some examples of successful case studies:
Apple Inc.: Apple’s case study on the launch of the iPhone is a classic example. It covers the problem of a changing mobile phone market, the innovative solution (the iPhone), and the outstanding outcomes, such as market dominance and increased revenue.
Tesla, Inc.: Tesla’s case study on electric vehicles and sustainable transportation is another compelling example. It addresses the problem of environmental concerns and the need for sustainable transportation solutions. The case study highlights Tesla’s electric cars as the solution and showcases the positive impact on reducing carbon emissions.
Amazon.com: Amazon’s case study on customer-centricity is a great illustration of how the company transformed the e-commerce industry. It discusses the problem of customer dissatisfaction with traditional retail, Amazon’s customer-focused approach as the solution, and the remarkable outcomes in terms of customer loyalty and market growth.
Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola’s case study on brand evolution is a valuable example. It outlines the challenge of adapting to changing consumer preferences and demographics. The case study demonstrates how Coca-Cola continually reinvented its brand to stay relevant and succeed in the global market.
Airbnb: Airbnb’s case study on the sharing economy is an intriguing example. It addresses the problem of travelers seeking unique and affordable accommodations. The case study presents Airbnb’s platform as the solution and highlights its impact on the hospitality industry and the sharing economy.
These examples showcase the diversity of case studies in the business world and how they effectively communicate problems, solutions, and outcomes. When creating your own business case study, use these examples as inspiration and tailor your approach to your specific industry and target audience.
Finally, practice your case study presentation several times — solo and together with your team — to collect feedback and make last-minute refinements!
1. Business Case Study PowerPoint Template
To efficiently create a Business Case Study it’s important to ask all the right questions and document everything necessary, therefore this PowerPoint Template will provide all the sections you need.
Use This Template
2. Medical Case Study PowerPoint Template
3. Medical Infographics PowerPoint Templates
4. Success Story PowerPoint Template
5. Detective Research PowerPoint Template
6. Animated Clinical Study PowerPoint Templates
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Business Intelligence, Business Planning, Business PowerPoint Templates, Content Marketing, Feasibility Study, Marketing, Marketing Strategy Filed under Business
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Case study presentation: A comprehensive guide
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the right topic to designing your slides and delivering your presentation.
Raja Bothra
Building presentations
Hey there, fellow content creators and business enthusiasts!
If you're looking to take your presentations to the next level, you've come to the right place.
In today's digital age, a powerful case study presentation is your secret weapon to leave a lasting impression on potential clients, colleagues, or stakeholders.
It's time to demystify the art of case study presentations and equip you with the knowledge to create compelling and persuasive slides that showcase your expertise.
What is a case study?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of creating a compelling case study presentation, let's start with the basics. What exactly is a case study? A case study is a detailed analysis of a specific subject, often focusing on a real-world problem or situation. It serves as a valuable tool to showcase your expertise and the impact your solutions can have on real issues.
Case study presentations are not just reports; they are powerful storytelling tools designed to engage your audience and provide insights into your success stories. Whether you're a marketer, a salesperson, or an educator, knowing how to present a case study effectively can be a game-changer for your business.
Why is it important to have an effective case study presentation?
The importance of a well-crafted case study presentation cannot be overstated. It's not just about sharing information; it's about convincing your audience that your product or service is the solution they've been looking for. Here are a few reasons why case study presentations matter:
Generating leads and driving sales
Picture this: a potential customer is exploring your website, trying to figure out if your product or service is the right fit for their needs. An effective case study can be the clincher, demonstrating how your offering has guided other businesses to success. When prospects witness a proven track record of your product or service making a difference, they are more inclined to place their trust in you and forge a partnership. In essence, case studies can be the catalyst that transforms casual visitors into paying customers.
Building credibility and social proof
In the realm of business, credibility is akin to gold. A well-crafted case study is your gateway to establishing authority and unveiling the remarkable value you bring to the table. It's not just you saying you're the best; it's your satisfied clients proclaiming it through their experiences. Every compelling case study is a testimonial in itself, a testament to your capability to deliver tangible results. In essence, it's a vote of confidence from others in your field, and these votes can be a potent motivator for potential clients.
Educating and informing your target audience
Education is a cornerstone of building lasting relationships with your audience. Case studies are an invaluable tool for teaching potential clients about the merits of your product or service and how it can address their specific challenges. They're not just stories; they're lessons, revealing the real-world benefits of what you offer. By doing so, you position your company as a thought leader in your industry and cultivate trust among your audience. You're not just selling; you're empowering your audience with knowledge.
Increasing brand awareness
Your brand deserves to be in the spotlight. Case studies can serve as a beacon, promoting your brand and its offerings across a multitude of platforms. From your website to social media and email marketing, case studies help you amplify your brand's presence and appeal. As you increase your reach and visibility, you also draw the attention of new customers, who are eager to experience the success stories they've read about in your case studies.
Different types of case study presentation
Now that you understand why case study presentations are vital, let's explore the various types you can use to showcase your successes.
Business case studies presentation : Business case studies presentation focus on how your product or service has impacted a specific company or organization. These are essential tools for B2B companies, as they demonstrate the tangible benefits your solution brings to other businesses.
Marketing case studies presentation : If you're in the marketing game, you've probably come across these frequently. Marketing case studies dive into the strategies and tactics used to achieve specific marketing goals. They provide insights into successful campaigns and can be a great resource for other marketers.
Product case studies presentation : For companies that offer products, a product case study can be a game-changer. It shows potential clients how your product functions in the real world and why it's the best choice for them.
KPIs and metrics to add in case study presentation
When presenting a case study, you're not just telling a story; you're also showcasing the concrete results of your efforts. Numbers matter, and they can add significant credibility to your presentation. While there's a vast array of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics you can include, here are some that you should definitely consider:
Conversion rate : This metric is a reflection of how effective your product or service has been in driving conversions. It demonstrates the rate at which visitors take the desired actions, whether it's signing up for your newsletter, making a purchase, or any other valuable engagement.
ROI (return on investment) : It's the financial impact that counts, and ROI is the king of financial metrics. It's a clear indicator of how your solution has provided value, showing the return on the investment made by your client.
Engagement metrics : Engaging your audience is a vital part of the puzzle. Metrics like click-through rates and social media interactions reveal how effectively your solution has drawn people in and kept them engaged.
Customer satisfaction : A satisfied customer is a loyal customer. Showcase customer satisfaction scores or even better, let the clients themselves tell their stories through testimonials. These scores and testimonials are potent proof of your ability to meet and exceed expectations.
Sales growth : When applicable, include data on how your solution has catalyzed sales growth. Sales growth is a pivotal indicator of the practical, real-world impact of your product or service.
However, it's important to note that there are some general KPIs and metrics that are commonly used in case study presentations. These metrics are not only universal but also highly effective in conveying the success of your case study:
- Website traffic : The number of visitors to your website over a specified period is an important indicator of the reach and impact of your case study. It shows how many people were interested enough to seek more information.
- Conversion rate : This percentage reveals how successful your website is at converting visitors into taking a desired action. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or any other specific action, a high conversion rate signifies effective engagement.
- Customer lifetime value (CLV) : The CLV is a valuable metric, representing the average amount of money a customer spends with your company over their lifetime. It's a testament to the long-term value your product or service provides.
- Average order value (AOV) : The AOV showcases the average amount of money a customer spends in a single transaction. It's a metric that demonstrates the immediate value your solution offers.
- Net promoter score (NPS) : This customer satisfaction metric measures how likely your customers are to recommend your company to others. A high NPS indicates satisfied customers who can become advocates for your brand.
Incorporating these KPIs and metrics not only adds credibility to your case study presentation but also provides a well-rounded view of your success story. It's the data that speaks the loudest and validates the impact of your product or service.
How to structure an effective case study presentation
Structuring an effective case study presentation is essential for conveying information clearly and persuasively to your audience. Whether you're presenting to colleagues, clients, or students, a well-organized case study presentation can make a significant impact. Here are some key steps to structure your case study presentation effectively:
1. Introduction :
Start with a brief introduction that sets the stage for your case study. Explain the context, the purpose of the study, and the key objectives you aim to achieve. This section should pique the audience's interest and provide a clear understanding of what to expect.
2. Background and context :
Provide a comprehensive overview of the background and context of the case study. This might include the industry, company, or problem under consideration. Explain why the case study is relevant and the issues it addresses. Make sure your audience understands the "why" before delving into the details.
3. Problem statement :
Clearly define the problem or challenge that the case study focuses on. This is a critical element as it helps the audience grasp the significance of the issue at hand. Use data and evidence to support your claims and emphasize the real-world impact of the problem.
4. Methodology :
Describe the methods and approach you used to analyze the case. This section should outline your research process, data collection tools , and any methods or frameworks employed. It's important to demonstrate the rigor of your analysis and data sources.
5. Findings and analysis :
Present the key findings and insights from your case study. Use data, charts, graphs, and visuals to make the information more accessible and engaging. Discuss your analysis and provide explanations for the findings. It's crucial to show a deep understanding of the problem and its implications.
6. Solution or action plan :
Outline the solution, recommendations, or action plan you've developed based on your analysis. Explain the rationale behind your proposed solution and how it directly addresses the problem. Include implementation steps, timelines, and any potential obstacles.
7. Results and outcomes :
Highlight the results and outcomes of implementing your solution, if applicable. Use before-and-after comparisons, success metrics, and tangible achievements to illustrate the effectiveness of your recommendations. This helps demonstrate the real-world impact of your work.
8. Lessons learned :
Share any lessons learned from the case study. Discuss what worked well, what didn't, and any unexpected challenges. This reflective element shows that you can extract valuable insights from the experience.
9. Conclusion :
Summarize the key takeaways from your case study and restate its significance. Make a compelling case for the importance of the findings and the applicability of the solution in a broader context.
10. Recommendations and next steps :
Provide recommendations for the future, including any further actions that can be taken or additional research required. Give your audience a sense of what to do next based on the case study's insights.
11. Q&A and discussion :
Open the floor for questions and discussion. Encourage your audience to ask for clarification, share their perspectives, and engage in a constructive dialogue about the case study.
12. References and appendices :
Include a list of references, citations, and any supplementary materials in appendices that support your case study. This adds credibility to your presentation and allows interested individuals to delve deeper into the subject.
A well-structured case study presentation not only informs but also persuades your audience by providing a clear narrative and a logical flow of information. It is an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the value of your work in a practical setting.
Do’s and don'ts on a case study presentation
To ensure your case study presentation hits the mark, here's a quick rundown of some do's and don'ts:
- Use visual aids : Visual aids like charts and graphs can make complex data more digestible.
- Tell a story : Engage your audience by narrating a compelling story.
- Use persuasive language : Convincing your audience requires a persuasive tone.
- Include testimonials : Real-life experiences add authenticity to your presentation.
- Follow a format : Stick to a well-structured format for clarity.
Don'ts:
- Avoid jargon : Keep it simple and free from industry jargon.
- Don't oversell : Be honest about your product or service's capabilities.
- Don't make it too long : A concise presentation is more effective than a lengthy one.
- Don't overload with data : Focus on the most relevant and impactful data.
Summarizing key takeaways
- Understanding case studies : Case studies are detailed analyses of specific subjects, serving to showcase expertise and solution impact.
- Importance of effective case study presentations : They generate leads, build credibility, educate the audience, and increase brand awareness.
- Types of case study presentations : Business, marketing, and product case studies focus on different aspects of impact.
- KPIs and metrics : Key metrics, such as conversion rates, ROI, engagement metrics, customer satisfaction, and sales growth, add credibility.
- Structuring an effective case study presentation : Follow a structured format with an introduction, background, problem statement, methodology, findings, solution, results, lessons learned, conclusion, recommendations, and Q&A.
- Do's : Use visuals, tell a compelling story, use persuasive language, include testimonials, and follow a structured format.
- Don'ts: Use jargon, oversell, make it too long, or overload with unnecessary data.
1. How do I create a compelling case study presentation?
To create a compelling case study presentation, you can use a case study template that will help you structure your content in a clear and concise manner. You can also make use of a case study presentation template to ensure that your presentation slides are well-organized. Additionally, make your case study like a pro by using real-life examples and a professional case study format.
2. What is the best way to present a case study to prospective clients?
When presenting a case study to prospective clients, it's essential to use case study presentation template. This will help you present your findings in a persuasive way, just like a professional presentation. You can also use a powerpoint case study template to make your case study presentation in no time. The length of a case study can vary depending on the complexity, but a well-written case study is key to helping your clients understand the value.
3. Where can I find popular templates to use for my case study presentation?
You can find popular case study presentation powerpoint templates online. These templates are specifically designed to help you create a beautiful case study that will impress your audience. They often include everything you need to impress your audience, from the case study format to the presentation deck. Using templates you can use is one of the best ways to create a case study presentation in a professional and efficient manner.
4. What is the purpose of a case study in content marketing, and how can I use one effectively?
The purpose of a case study in content marketing is to showcase real-world examples of how your product or service has solved a problem or added value to clients. To use a case study effectively, write a case study that features a relevant case study example and use a case study like a pro to make your case. You can also embed your case study within your content marketing strategy to help your clients and prospective clients understand the value your business offers.
5. How can I ensure that my case study presentation stands out as the best in my industry?
To ensure your case study presentation stands out as the best, you can follow a compelling business case study design. Use a case study template that includes everything you need to present a compelling and successful case, just like PowerPoint case study presentations. Make sure your case study is clear and concise, and present it in a persuasive way. Using real-life examples and following the sections in your template can set your presentation apart from the rest, making it the best case study presentation in your field.
Create your case study presentation with prezent
Prezent, the communication success platform designed for enterprise teams, offers a host of valuable tools and features to assist in creating an impactful case study presentation.
- Brand-approved design : With access to over 35,000 slides in your company's brand-approved design, your case study presentation can maintain a consistent and professional look that aligns with your corporate brand and marketing guidelines.
- Structured storytelling : Prezent helps you master structured storytelling by offering 50+ storylines commonly used by business leaders. This ensures your case study presentation follows a compelling and coherent narrative structure.
- Time and cost efficiency : Prezent can save you valuable time and resources. It can help you save 70% of the time required to make presentations and reduce communication costs by 60%, making it a cost-effective solution for creating case study presentations.
- Enterprise-grade security : Your data's security is a top priority for Prezent. With independent third-party assurance, you can trust that your sensitive information remains protected while creating and sharing your case study presentation.
In summary, Prezent empowers you to create a compelling case study presentation by offering personalized audience insights, brand-compliant designs, structured storytelling support, real-time collaboration, efficiency gains, and robust data security. It's a comprehensive platform for achieving communication success in the world of enterprise presentations.
Are you ready to take your case study presentations to the next level? Try our free trial or book a demo today with Prezent!
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9 Creative Case Study Presentation Examples & Templates
Learn from proven case study presentation examples and best practices how to get creative, stand out, engage your audience, excite action, and drive results.
9 minute read
helped business professionals at:
Short answer
What makes a good case study presentation?
A good case study presentation has an engaging story, a clear structure, real data, visual aids, client testimonials, and a strong call to action. It informs and inspires, making the audience believe they can achieve similar results.
Dull case studies can cost you clients.
A boring case study presentation doesn't just risk putting your audience to sleep—it can actuallyl ead to lost sales and missed opportunities.
When your case study fails to inspire, it's your bottom line that suffers.
Interactive elements are the secret sauce for successful case study presentations.
They not only increase reader engagement by 22% but also lead to a whopping 41% more decks being read fully , proving that the winning deck is not a monologue but a conversation that involves the reader.
Let me show you shape your case studies into compelling narratives that hook your audience and drive revenue.
Let’s go!
How to create a case study presentation that drives results?
Crafting a case study presentation that truly drives results is about more than just data—it's about storytelling, engagement, and leading your audience down the sales funnel.
Here's how you can do it:
Tell a story: Each case study should follow a narrative arc. Start with the problem, introduce your solution, and showcase the results. Make it compelling and relatable.
Leverage data: Hard numbers build credibility. Use them to highlight your successes and reinforce your points.
Use visuals: Images, infographics, and videos can enhance engagement, making complex information more digestible and memorable.
Add interactive elements: Make your presentation a two-way journey. Tools like tabs and live data calculators can increase time spent on your deck by 22% and the number of full reads by 41% .
Finish with a strong call-to-action: Every good story needs a conclusion. Encourage your audience to take the next step in their buyer journey with a clear, persuasive call-to-action.
Visual representation of what a case study presentation should do:
How to write an engaging case study presentation?
Creating an engaging case study presentation involves strategic storytelling, understanding your audience, and sparking action.
In this guide, I'll cover the essentials to help you write a compelling narrative that drives results.
What is the best format for a business case study presentation?
4 best format types for a business case study presentation:
- Problem-solution case study
- Before-and-after case study
- Success story case study
- Interview style case study
Each style has unique strengths, so pick one that aligns best with your story and audience. For a deeper dive into these formats, check out our detailed blog post on case study format types .
What to include in a case study presentation?
An effective case study presentation contains 7 key elements:
- Introduction
- Company overview
- The problem/challenge
- Your solution
- Customer quotes/testimonials
To learn more about what should go in each of these sections, check out our post on what is a case study .
How to motivate readers to take action?
Based on BJ Fogg's behavior model , successful motivation involves 3 components:
This is all about highlighting the benefits. Paint a vivid picture of the transformative results achieved using your solution.
Use compelling data and emotive testimonials to amplify the desire for similar outcomes, therefore boosting your audience's motivation.
This refers to making the desired action easy to perform. Show how straightforward it is to implement your solution.
Use clear language, break down complex ideas, and reinforce the message that success is not just possible, but also readily achievable with your offering.
This is your powerful call-to-action (CTA), the spark that nudges your audience to take the next step. Ensure your CTA is clear, direct, and tied into the compelling narrative you've built.
It should leave your audience with no doubt about what to do next and why they should do it.
Here’s how you can do it with Storydoc:
How to adapt your presentation for your specific audience?
Every audience is different, and a successful case study presentation speaks directly to its audience's needs, concerns, and desires.
Understanding your audience is crucial. This involves researching their pain points, their industry jargon, their ambitions, and their fears.
Then, tailor your presentation accordingly. Highlight how your solution addresses their specific problems. Use language and examples they're familiar with. Show them how your product or service can help them reach their goals.
A case study presentation that's tailor-made for its audience is not just a presentation—it's a conversation that resonates, engages, and convinces.
How to design a great case study presentation?
A powerful case study presentation is not only about the story you weave—it's about the visual journey you create.
Let's navigate through the design strategies that can transform your case study presentation into a gripping narrative.
Add interactive elements
Static design has long been the traditional route for case study presentations—linear, unchanging, a one-size-fits-all solution.
However, this has been a losing approach for a while now. Static content is killing engagement, but interactive design will bring it back to life.
It invites your audience into an evolving, immersive experience, transforming them from passive onlookers into active participants.
Which of these presentations would you prefer to read?
Use narrated content design (scrollytelling)
Scrollytelling combines the best of scrolling and storytelling. This innovative approach offers an interactive narrated journey controlled with a simple scroll.
It lets you break down complex content into manageable chunks and empowers your audience to control their reading pace.
To make this content experience available to everyone, our founder, Itai Amoza, collaborated with visualization scientist Prof. Steven Franconeri to incorporate scrollytelling into Storydoc.
This collaboration led to specialized storytelling slides that simplify content and enhance engagement (which you can find and use in Storydoc).
Here’s an example of Storydoc scrollytelling:
Bring your case study to life with multimedia
Multimedia brings a dynamic dimension to your presentation. Video testimonials lend authenticity and human connection. Podcast interviews add depth and diversity, while live graphs offer a visually captivating way to represent data.
Each media type contributes to a richer, more immersive narrative that keeps your audience engaged from beginning to end. You can upload your own interactive elements or check stock image sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, and many more. For example, Icons8, one of the largest hubs for icons, illustrations, and photos, offers both static and animated options for almost all its graphics, whether you need profile icons to represent different user personas or data report illustrations to show your findings.
Prioritize mobile-friendly design
In an increasingly mobile world, design must adapt. Avoid traditional, non-responsive formats like PPT, PDF, and Word.
Opt for a mobile-optimized design that guarantees your presentation is always at its best, regardless of the device.
As a significant chunk of case studies are opened on mobile, this ensures wider accessibility and improved user experience , demonstrating respect for your audience's viewing preferences.
Here’s what a traditional static presentation looks like as opposed to a responsive deck:
Streamline the design process
Creating a case study presentation usually involves wrestling with an AI website builder .
It's a dance that often needs several partners - designers to make it look good, developers to make it work smoothly, and plenty of time to bring it all together.
Building, changing, and personalizing your case study can feel like you're climbing a mountain when all you need is to cross a hill.
By switching to Storydoc’s interactive case study creator , you won’t need a tech guru or a design whizz, just your own creativity.
You’ll be able to create a customized, interactive presentation for tailored use in sales prospecting or wherever you need it without the headache of mobilizing your entire team.
Storydoc will automatically adjust any change to your presentation layout, so you can’t break the design even if you tried.
Case study presentation examples that engage readers
Let’s take a deep dive into some standout case studies.
These examples go beyond just sharing information – they're all about captivating and inspiring readers. So, let’s jump in and uncover the secret behind what makes them so effective.
What makes this deck great:
- A video on the cover slide will cause 32% more people to interact with your case study .
- The running numbers slide allows you to present the key results your solution delivered in an easily digestible way.
- The ability to include 2 smart CTAs gives readers the choice between learning more about your solution and booking a meeting with you directly.
Light mode case study
- The ‘read more’ button is perfect if you want to present a longer case without overloading readers with walls of text.
- The timeline slide lets you present your solution in the form of a compelling narrative.
- A combination of text-based and visual slides allows you to add context to the main insights.
Marketing case study
- Tiered slides are perfect for presenting multiple features of your solution, particularly if they’re relevant to several use cases.
- Easily customizable slides allow you to personalize your case study to specific prospects’ needs and pain points.
- The ability to embed videos makes it possible to show your solution in action instead of trying to describe it purely with words.
UX case study
- Various data visualization components let you present hard data in a way that’s easier to understand and follow.
- The option to hide text under a 'Read more' button is great if you want to include research findings or present a longer case study.
- Content segmented using tabs , which is perfect if you want to describe different user research methodologies without overwhelming your audience.
Business case study
- Library of data visualization elements to choose from comes in handy for more data-heavy case studies.
- Ready-to-use graphics and images which can easily be replaced using our AI assistant or your own files.
- Information on the average reading time in the cover reduces bounce rate by 24% .
Modern case study
- Dynamic variables let you personalize your deck at scale in just a few clicks.
- Logo placeholder that can easily be replaced with your prospect's logo for an added personal touch.
- Several text placeholders that can be tweaked to perfection with the help of our AI assistant to truly drive your message home.
Real estate case study
- Plenty of image placeholders that can be easily edited in a couple of clicks to let you show photos of your most important listings.
- Data visualization components can be used to present real estate comps or the value of your listings for a specific time period, making it ideal for any real estate platform .
- Interactive slides guide your readers through a captivating storyline, which is key in a highly-visual industry like real estate .
Medical case study
- Image and video placeholders are perfect for presenting your solution without relying on complex medical terminology.
- The ability to hide text under an accordion allows you to include research or clinical trial findings without overwhelming prospects with too much information.
- Clean interactive design stands out in a sea of old-school medical case studies, making your deck more memorable for prospective clients.
Dark mode case study
- The timeline slide is ideal for guiding readers through an attention-grabbing storyline or explaining complex processes.
- Dynamic layout with multiple image and video placeholders that can be replaced in a few clicks to best reflect the nature of your business.
- Testimonial slides that can easily be customized with quotes by your past customers to legitimize your solution in the eyes of prospects.
Grab a case study presentation template
Creating an effective case study presentation is not just about gathering data and organizing it in a document. You need to weave a narrative, create an impact, and most importantly, engage your reader.
So, why start from zero when interactive case study templates can take you halfway up?
Instead of wrestling with words and designs, pick a template that best suits your needs, and watch your data transform into an engaging and inspiring story.
Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.
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10-Step Guide To Crafting A Successful Case Study Presentation
- By Judhajit Sen
- May 2, 2024
Key Takeaways
- An effective case study is a blueprint for convincing an audience and explaining a solution’s rationale and potential impact.
- The ideal time for a business case study is when you have to make your presentation to persuade clients, solve internal problems, back up arguments with real examples, or discuss an idea’s viability for a firm.
- Case study template presentations aren’t just about presenting solutions; they’re powerful storytelling tools that engage audiences with real-world examples and provoke critical thinking.
- Key elements of an effective case study presentation template include an executive summary, problem statement, solution, execution details, key results, inclusion of quotes and testimonials, acknowledgment of contributors, call to action, conclusion, and Q&A session.
A case study is like your argument’s blueprint, explaining the why, how, where, and who to persuade your audience. It’s your solution to a clear question, like expanding in a market or launching a product. Case studies help convince clients, analyze internal issues, and provide real-life use cases.
So, when should you make your case study like a pro? When you need to:
– Persuade clients about your services.
– Solve internal problems for a company.
– Back up arguments with real examples.
– Discuss an idea’s viability for a firm.
It’s not just about finding a solution—it’s about influencing your audience with your findings. Case study formats organize a lot of information in a clear, engaging way for clients and stakeholders, often using templates.
In simpler terms, a professional case study is an in-depth look at a specific topic, often tackling real-world problems. It showcases your expertise and how your solutions can solve actual issues.
In social sciences, it’s both a method and a research design to examine problems and generalize findings. Essentially, it’s investigative research aimed at presenting solutions to analyzed issues.
In business, case study examples delve into market conditions, main problems, methods used, and outcomes gained. It’s a powerful tool for understanding and addressing complex business challenges.
Case Study Presentation
Good case study PowerPoint templates explore a specific subject, whether it’s an individual, group, event, or organization. It’s like solving a puzzle with your audience, pushing you to think creatively.
Unlike a standard report, the goal here is to stimulate critical thinking. You’re not just throwing numbers around; you’re using real-life examples to provoke thought and offer different perspectives.
In marketing, case studies showcase your solutions’ effectiveness and success in solving client problems. These research presentations use written content, visuals, and other tools to tell compelling stories. They’re perfect for sales pitches, trade shows, conferences, and more—whether in-person or virtual.
But the best case study presentation slides aren’t just reports; they’re powerful and persuasive storytelling tools. Whether you’re a marketer or salesperson, knowing how to present a case study can be a game-changer for your business. It’s all about engaging your audience and sharing insights in a clear and compelling way.
Looking to make a compelling presentation? Check out our blog on persuasive presentations.
Importance of a Case Study Presentation
To write a compelling case study presentation is more than just sharing information—it’s about convincing your audience that your product or service is the solution they need. Case study presentations help in –
Generating leads and driving sales: Case studies showcase your product’s success, turning potential customers into paying clients.
Building credibility and social proof: They establish your authority and value through real-life examples, earning trust from clients and prospects.
Educating and informing your target audience: Case studies teach potential clients about your product’s benefits, positioning you as an industry leader.
Increasing brand awareness: Case studies promote your brand, boost your visibility, and attract new customers.
Stats back up the power of case studies:
– 13% of marketers rely on them in their content strategy.
– They help boost conversions by 23% and nurture leads by 9%.
– 80% of tech content marketers include case studies in their strategy.
But case studies aren’t just marketing fluff; they’re about solving problems and showcasing accurate results. They’re valuable in various scenarios, from business cases to analyzing internal issues.
To create a compelling case study presentation effectively is your chance to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based argument that informs and persuades your audience. It’s like solving a puzzle, exploring every piece until you reach a clear conclusion. It’s about connecting data with real-world scenarios in a compelling narrative.
Whether in sales pitches, job interviews, or content marketing, case study presentation examples are your secret weapon for success. They provide tangible proof of your product’s value, helping you stand out in a cluttered marketplace.
Following are ten essential steps to crafting a successful case study presentation.
Begin With The Executive Summary
Leaders often seek a quick snapshot of important information, and that’s where the executive summary plays a vital role. Begin with a short introduction, laying out the purpose and goals of the case study in a straightforward manner. Capture your audience’s attention and provide a clear path for what follows.
Follow the introduction with a brief of the entire case study, allowing the audience to grasp the main points swiftly. Delve into the subject’s relevance and significance, explaining why the case study is essential and who benefits from its insights. This establishes the tone for the rest of the study, encouraging the audience to explore further.
Check out our expert tips and techniques to master creating an executive summary for presentations.
Define the Problem Statement
Focus on the problem or challenge central to the case study. Provide background for the audience to grasp the issue, backing it up with data, graph or metrics to highlight its seriousness.
Need help visualizing your data? Check out our guide on mastering data visualizations.
Outline the goals and purpose of the case study and the questions it seeks to answer. This entails outlining the main issues from the customer’s viewpoint, making it understandable to the audience.
Start with a brief recap of the problem, clarifying the purpose of the study and the expected audience learnings. Explain the situation, shedding light on the hurdles faced. Present the key issues and findings without delving into specific details.
Highlight the importance of the problem using data and evidence to emphasize its real-world impact. Encapsulate the analysis’s purpose, aligning the issues identified with the study’s objectives.
Propose The Solution
At the heart of a presentation lies its solution. Reveal the steps taken to address the identified problem, including the methodology, experiments, or tests carried out and the considerations of various options. Clarify why the final solution was chosen over others.
Illustrates the shift from the problem-filled “before” to the successful “after.”
Detail the proposed solution, recommendations, or action plan based on analyses. This includes explaining its reasoning and outlining implementation steps, timelines, and potential challenges.
Describe the analytical methods and approach used, demonstrating the thoroughness of the analysis, including research processes, data collection tools, and frameworks employed.
Present the essential findings and insights, utilizing data, charts, and visuals to enhance comprehension and engagement. Thoroughly discuss the analyses and the implications of the findings.
Show How the Solution was Executed
The execution slide of a case study presentation describes careful planning, consideration of risks, and measurement of metrics crucial for implementing the solution.
Delve into the steps taken to attain desired client results, including identifying project key performance indicators (KPIs), addressing issues, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
Detail the journey towards helping the client achieve results. Outline the planning, processes, risks, metrics, and KPIs essential for maximizing outcomes. This includes discussing any challenges encountered during execution and the strategies to overcome them, ensuring a seamless implementation process.
Highlight the practical steps taken to turn the proposed solution into tangible results for the client.
Present the Key Results
Cover the outcomes achieved through the implementation of the solution. Leverage data and metrics to evaluate whether the solution successfully met its objectives and the extent of its impact on stakeholders. Acknowledge any setbacks or areas for improvement.
Outline the solution’s positive impact on the client’s project or business, highlighting aspects such as financial results, growth, and productivity enhancements. Reinforce these assertions with supporting evidence, including images, videos, and statistical data.
Emphasize the remarkable outcomes resulting from the solution, substantiating tangible success with relevant data and metrics. Illustrate the effectiveness of your recommendations through before-and-after comparisons and success metrics, highlighting their real-world impact.
This solidifies the rationale behind your proposal, showcasing its substantial impact on the business or project, particularly in terms of financial benefits for clients.
Include Quotes and Testimonials
Incorporate quotes and testimonials directly from customers who have experienced the transformation firsthand, adding authenticity and credibility to your case study. These voices of customers (VoC) provide firsthand accounts of the benefits and effectiveness of your solution, offering extra social proof to support your claims.
To gather compelling testimonials, plan and schedule interviews with your subjects. Design case study interview questions that allow you to obtain quantifiable results to capture valuable insights into the customer experience and the impact of your solution.
Include testimonials from satisfied customers to bolster the credibility of your case study and provide potential clients with real-life examples of success. These quotes serve as powerful endorsements of your offerings, helping to build trust and confidence among your target audience.
Acknowledge your Contributors with References and Citations
Express gratitude to those who played a vital role in shaping your case study’s outcomes. Extend heartfelt thanks to individuals whose insights and collaboration were essential in problem-solving.
Acknowledges the valuable contributions of external resources, reports, and data sets. Citing these sources maintains transparency and credibility, ensuring due credit is given and providing a solid foundation for further investigation.
Incorporate a comprehensive list of references, citations, and supplementary materials in the appendices supporting the case study’s findings and conclusions. These additional resources demonstrate the thoroughness of the research and offer interested parties the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic.
Thank those who contributed, and encourage the audience to explore the provided references to better understand the insights presented in the case study.
Give a Call to Action (CTA)
As the well-crafted case study presentation slides near their end, it’s crucial to outline actionable steps for stakeholders going forward. Recommend the following strategies to the audience to build upon the success achieved.
Ask stakeholders to integrate the proven solutions highlighted in the case study into existing processes or projects. These strategies have shown effectiveness and can be valuable tools in driving further success.
Encourage audience members to participate in a detailed consultation or product demonstration. Leveraging expertise and solutions can expedite goal achievement and overcome any remaining challenges.
Recommend further research and analysis to explore additional opportunities for improvement or innovation. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in today’s dynamic business environment, with support available every step of the way.
Proactive steps based on insights from the case study will position organizations for continued growth and success. Urge the stakeholders to take action and seize the opportunities ahead.
Check out our blog on framing an effective call to action to learn more about crafting presentation CTAs.
Conclude your Case Study Presentation
Conclude the presentation by recapping the main points and highlighting their importance. Show that the solution presented effectively tackled the identified problem, delivering concrete results and benefits for the clients.
Summarize the key takeaways, underscoring how the findings can be applied in similar situations and showcasing the solution’s relevance across various contexts. This demonstrates not only its effectiveness but also its potential to yield positive outcomes in diverse scenarios.
Reiterate the power of strategic problem-solving and innovative solutions in driving success, and end by thanking the audience for their attention and participation.
To know more about concluding a presentation, check out our blog on helpful tips to end a presentation successfully.
Open the Floor for Q&A, Feedback and Discussion
After your presentation ends, conduct a Q&A session. Encourage the audience to share their thoughts, ask questions for clarification, and engage in a constructive dialogue about the case study presented.
Feedback is valuable, so ask everyone to share their perspectives and insights. Also, encourage questions or comments, as they can provide further depth to the understanding of the subject matter.
This is an opportunity for mutual learning and exploring different viewpoints. Urge everyone to speak up and contribute to the conversation. The aim is to listen and exchange ideas to enrich the understanding of the topic.
Unlocking Success: Mastering the Art of Case Study Presentations
Case study presentations are not just reports; they’re dynamic storytelling tools that help sway clients, dissect internal issues, and provide real-world illustrations.
These presentations aren’t just about offering solutions; they’re about influencing audiences with findings. Organizing vast amounts of data in an engaging way, often using templates and case studies, provides a clear path for clients and stakeholders.
Case study presentations delve deep into subjects, pushing presenters to think creatively. Unlike standard reports, they aim to provoke thought and offer varied perspectives. They’re powerful tools for showcasing success in solving client problems and using written content, visuals, and other elements to tell compelling stories.
Mastering case study presentations can be a game-changer, whether you’re a marketer, salesperson, or educator. It’s about engaging your audience and clearly and persuasively sharing insights into success stories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I consider doing a case study?
Case studies are beneficial when you need to persuade clients about your services, solve internal problems for a company, back up arguments with real examples, or discuss the viability of an idea for a firm.
2. What is the primary purpose of a case study presentation?
The primary goal of a case study presentation is to offer a comprehensive and evidence-based argument that informs and persuades the audience. It’s about presenting solutions to analyzed issues in a compelling narrative format.
3. What makes a case study presentation different from a standard report?
Unlike a standard report, a case study presentation aims to stimulate critical thinking by using real-life examples to provoke thought and offer different perspectives. It’s not just about presenting data; it’s about engaging the audience with compelling stories.
4. Where can case study presentations be effectively used?
Case study presentations are perfect for sales pitches, trade shows, conferences, and more—whether in-person or virtual. They are valuable storytelling tools that showcase the effectiveness of solutions and success in solving client problems.
Transform Your Business with Prezentium’s Case Study Presentations
Are you looking to captivate your prospective clients with compelling case study presentations? Look no further than Prezentium ! Prezentium, an AI-powered business presentation service provider, offers various services tailored to your needs.
Overnight Presentations : Need a professional presentation in a pinch? Our overnight presentation service has you covered. Email your requirements to Prezentium by 5:30 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST), and we’ll deliver a top-notch presentation to your inbox by 9:30 am PST the following business day.
Prezentation Specialist : Our team is here to help you transform ideas and meeting notes into exquisite presentations. Whether you need assistance with case study design, templates, or content creation, we’ve got you covered.
Zenith Learning : Elevate your communication skills with our interactive workshops and training programs. Combining structured problem-solving with visual storytelling, Zenith Learning equips you with the tools you need to succeed.
Unlock the power of case study presentations with Prezentium. Contact us today to learn more and take your business to new heights!
Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.
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What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template
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How to write a case study
Case study template, case study examples, types of case studies, what are the benefits of case studies , what are the limitations of case studies , case study vs. testimonial.
In today's marketplace, conveying your product's value through a compelling narrative is crucial to genuinely connecting with your customers.
Your business can use marketing analytics tools to understand what customers want to know about your product. Once you have this information, the next step is to showcase your product and its benefits to your target audience. This strategy involves a mix of data, analysis, and storytelling. Combining these elements allows you to create a narrative that engages your audience. So, how can you do this effectively?
What is a case study?
A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing a business's success in helping clients achieve their goals. It's a form of storytelling that details real-world scenarios where a business implemented its solutions to deliver positive results for a client.
In this article, we explore the concept of a case study , including its writing process, benefits, various types, challenges, and more.
Understanding how to write a case study is an invaluable skill. You'll need to embrace decision-making – from deciding which customers to feature to designing the best format to make them as engaging as possible. This can feel overwhelming in a hurry, so let's break it down.
Step 1: Reach out to the target persona
If you've been in business for a while, you have no shortage of happy customers. But w ith limited time and resources, you can't choose everyone. So, take some time beforehand to flesh out your target buyer personas.
Once you know precisely who you're targeting, go through your stable of happy customers to find a buyer representative of the audience you're trying to reach. The closer their problems, goals, and industries align, the more your case study will resonate.
What if you have more than one buyer persona? No problem. This is a common situation for companies because buyers comprise an entire committee. You might be marketing to procurement experts, executives, engineers, etc. Try to develop a case study tailored to each key persona. This might be a long-term goal, and that's fine. The better you can personalize the experience for each stakeholder, the easier it is to keep their attention.
Here are a few considerations to think about before research:
- Products/services of yours the customer uses (and how familiar they are with them)
- The customer's brand recognition in the industry
- Whether the results they've achieved are specific and remarkable
- Whether they've switched from a competitor's product/service
- How closely aligned they are with your target audience
These items are just a jumping-off point as you develop your criteria. Once you have a list, run each customer through it to determine your top targets. Approach the ones on the top (your "dream" case study subjects) and work your way down as needed.
Who to interview
You should consider interviewing top-level managers or executives because those are high-profile positions. But consider how close they are to your product and its results.
Focusing on an office manager or engineer who uses your product daily would be better. Look for someone with a courtside view of the effects.
The ways to request customer participation in case studies can vary, but certain principles can improve your chances:
- Make it easy for customers to work with you, respecting their valuable time. Be well-prepared and minimize their involvement.
- Emphasize how customers will benefit through increased publicity, revenue opportunities, or recognition for their success.
- Acknowledge their contributions and showcase their achievements.
- Standardizing the request process with a script incorporating these principles can help your team consistently secure case study approvals and track performance.
Step 2: Prepare for the interview
Case study interviews are like school exams. The more prepared you are for them, the better they turn out. Preparing thoroughly also shows participants that you value their time. You don't waste precious minutes rehashing things you should have already known. You focus on getting the information you need as efficiently as possible.
You can conduct your case study interview in multiple formats, from exchanging emails to in-person interviews. This isn't a trivial decision. As you'll see in the chart below, each format has its unique advantages and disadvantages.
Seeing each other's facial expressions puts everyone at ease and encourages case study participants to open up. It's a good format if you're simultaneously conferencing with several people from the customer's team. | Always be on guard for connection issues; not every customer knows the technology. Audio quality will probably be less good than on the phone. When multiple people are talking, pieces of conversation can be lost. | |
It is a more personal than email because you can hear someone's tone. You can encourage them to continue if they get really excited about certain answers. Convenient and immediate. Dial a number and start interviewing without ever leaving the office. | It isn't as personal as a video chat or an in-person interview because you can't see the customer's face, and nonverbal cues might be missed. Don't get direct quotes like you would with email responses. The only way to preserve the interview is to remember to have it recorded. | |
The most personal interview style. It feels like an informal conversation, making it easier to tell stories and switch seamlessly between topics. Humanizes the customer's experience and allows you to put a face to the incredible results. | Puts a lot of pressure on customers who are shy or introverted – especially if they're being recorded. Requires the most commitment for the participant – travel, dressing up, dealing with audiovisual equipment, etc. | |
Gives customers the most flexibility with respect to scheduling. They can answer a few questions, see to their obligations, and return to them at their convenience. No coordination of schedules is needed. Each party can fulfill their obligations whenever they're able to. | There is less opportunity for customers to go “off script” and tell compelling anecdotes that your questions might have overlooked. Some of the study participant's personalities might be lost in their typed responses. It's harder to sense their enthusiasm or frustration. |
You'll also have to consider who will ask and answer the questions during your case study interview. It's wise to consider this while considering the case study format. The number of participants factors into which format will work best. Pulling off an in-person interview becomes much harder if you're trying to juggle four or five people's busy schedules. Try a video conference instead.
Before interviewing your case study participant, it is crucial to identify the specific questions that need to be asked. It's essential to thoroughly evaluate your collaboration with the client and understand how your product's contributions impact the company.
Remember that structuring your case study is akin to crafting a compelling narrative. To achieve this, follow a structured approach:
- Beginning of your story. Delve into the customer's challenge that ultimately led them to do business with you. What were their problems like? What drove them to make a decision finally? Why did they choose you?
- The middle of the case study. Your audience also wants to know about the experience of working with you. Your customer has taken action to address their problems. What happened once you got on board?
- An ending that makes you the hero. Describe the specific results your company produced for the customer. How has the customer's business (and life) changed once they implemented your solution?
Sample questions for the case study interview
If you're preparing for a case study interview, here are some sample case study research questions to help you get started:
- What challenges led you to seek a solution?
- When did you realize the need for immediate action? Was there a tipping point?
- How did you decide on the criteria for choosing a B2B solution, and who was involved?
- What set our product or service apart from others you considered?
- How was your experience working with us post-purchase?
- Were there any pleasant surprises or exceeded expectations during our collaboration?
- How smoothly did your team integrate our solution into their workflows?
- How long before you started seeing positive results?
- How have you benefited from our products or services?
- How do you measure the value our product or service provides?
Step 3: Conduct the interview
Preparing for case study interviews can be different from everyday conversations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Create a comfortable atmosphere. Before diving into the discussion, talk about their business and personal interests. Ensure everyone is at ease, and address any questions or concerns.
- Prioritize key questions. Lead with your most crucial questions to respect your customer's time. Interview lengths can vary, so starting with the essentials ensures you get the vital information.
- Be flexible. Case study interviews don't have to be rigid. If your interviewee goes "off script," embrace it. Their spontaneous responses often provide valuable insights.
- Record the interview. If not conducted via email, ask for permission to record the interview. This lets you focus on the conversation and capture valuable quotes without distractions.
Step 4: Figure out who will create the case study
When creating written case studies for your business, deciding who should handle the writing depends on cost, perspective, and revisions.
Outsourcing might be pricier, but it ensures a professionally crafted outcome. On the other hand, in-house writing has its considerations, including understanding your customers and products.
Technical expertise and equipment are needed for video case studies, which often leads companies to consider outsourcing due to production and editing costs.
Tip: When outsourcing work, it's essential to clearly understand pricing details to avoid surprises and unexpected charges during payment.
Step 5: Utilize storytelling
Understanding and applying storytelling elements can make your case studies unforgettable, offering a competitive edge.
Source: The Framework Bank
Every great study follows a narrative arc (also called a "story arc"). This arc represents how a character faces challenges, struggles against raising stakes, and encounters a formidable obstacle before the tension resolves.
In a case study narrative, consider:
- Exposition. Provide background information about the company, revealing their "old life" before becoming your customer.
- Inciting incident. Highlight the problem that drove the customer to seek a solution, creating a sense of urgency.
- Obstacles (rising action). Describe the customer's journey in researching and evaluating solutions, building tension as they explore options.
- Midpoint. Explain what made the business choose your product or service and what set you apart.
- Climax. Showcase the success achieved with your product.
- Denouement. Describe the customer's transformed business and end with a call-to-action for the reader to take the next step.
Step 6: Design the case study
The adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is familiar, but people tend to do just that quite often!
A poor layout can deter readers even if you have an outstanding case study. To create an engaging case study, follow these steps:
- Craft a compelling title. Just like you wouldn't read a newspaper article without an eye-catching headline, the same goes for case studies. Start with a title that grabs attention.
- Organize your content. Break down your content into different sections, such as challenges, results, etc. Each section can also include subsections. This case study approach divides the content into manageable portions, preventing readers from feeling overwhelmed by lengthy blocks of text.
- Conciseness is key. Keep your case study as concise as possible. The most compelling case studies are precisely long enough to introduce the customer's challenge, experience with your solution, and outstanding results. Prioritize clarity and omit any sections that may detract from the main storyline.
- Utilize visual elements. To break up text and maintain reader interest, incorporate visual elements like callout boxes, bulleted lists, and sidebars.
- Include charts and images. Summarize results and simplify complex topics by including pictures and charts. Visual aids enhance the overall appeal of your case study.
- Embrace white space. Avoid overwhelming walls of text to prevent reader fatigue. Opt for plenty of white space, use shorter paragraphs, and employ subsections to ensure easy readability and navigation.
- Enhance video case studies. In video case studies, elements like music, fonts, and color grading are pivotal in setting the right tone. Choose music that complements your message and use it strategically throughout your story. Carefully select fonts to convey the desired style, and consider how lighting and color grading can influence the mood. These elements collectively help create the desired tone for your video case study.
Step 7: Edits and revisions
Once you've finished the interview and created your case study, the hardest part is over. Now's the time for editing and revision. This might feel frustrating for impatient B2B marketers, but it can turn good stories into great ones.
Ideally, you'll want to submit your case study through two different rounds of editing and revisions:
- Internal review. Seek feedback from various team members to ensure your case study is captivating and error-free. Gather perspectives from marketing, sales, and those in close contact with customers for well-rounded insights. Use patterns from this feedback to guide revisions and apply lessons to future case studies.
- Customer feedback. Share the case study with customers to make them feel valued and ensure accuracy. Let them review quotes and data points, as they are the "heroes" of the story, and their logos will be prominently featured. This step maintains positive customer relationships.
Case study mistakes to avoid
- Ensure easy access to case studies on your website.
- Spotlight the customer, not just your business.
- Tailor each case study to a specific audience.
- Avoid excessive industry jargon in your content.
Step 8: Publishing
Take a moment to proofread your case study one more time carefully. Even if you're reasonably confident you've caught all the errors, it's always a good idea to check. Your case study will be a valuable marketing tool for years, so it's worth the investment to ensure it's flawless. Once done, your case study is all set to go!
Consider sharing a copy of the completed case study with your customer as a thoughtful gesture. They'll likely appreciate it; some may want to keep it for their records. After all, your case study wouldn't have been possible without their help, and they deserve to see the final product.
Where you publish your case study depends on its role in your overall marketing strategy. If you want to reach as many people as possible with your case study, consider publishing it on your website and social media platforms.
Tip: Some companies prefer to keep their case studies exclusive, making them available only to those who request them. This approach is often taken to control access to valuable information and to engage more deeply with potential customers who express specific interests. It can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage interested parties to engage directly with the company.
Step 9: Case study distribution
When sharing individual case studies, concentrate on reaching the audience with the most influence on purchasing decisions
Here are some common distribution channels to consider:
- Sales teams. Share case studies to enhance customer interactions, retention , and upselling among your sales and customer success teams. Keep them updated on new studies and offer easily accessible formats like PDFs or landing page links.
- Company website. Feature case studies on your website to establish authority and provide valuable information to potential buyers. Organize them by categories such as location, size, industry, challenges, and products or services used for effective presentation.
- Events. Use live events like conferences and webinars to distribute printed case study copies, showcase video case studies at trade show booths, and conclude webinars with links to your case study library. This creative approach blends personal interactions with compelling content.
- Industry journalists. Engage relevant industry journalists to gain media coverage by identifying suitable publications and journalists covering related topics. Building relationships is vital, and platforms like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) can facilitate connections, especially if your competitors have received coverage before.
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It can seem daunting to transform the information you've gathered into a cohesive narrative. We’ve created a versatile case study template that can serve as a solid starting point for your case study.
With this template, your business can explore any solutions offered to satisfied customers, covering their background, the factors that led them to choose your services, and their outcomes.
The template boasts a straightforward design, featuring distinct sections that guide you in effectively narrating your and your customer's story. However, remember that limitless ways to showcase your business's accomplishments exist.
To assist you in this process, here's a breakdown of the recommended sections to include in a case study:
- Title. Keep it concise. Create a brief yet engaging project title summarizing your work with your subject. Consider your title like a newspaper headline; do it well, and readers will want to learn more.
- Subtitle . Use this section to elaborate on the achievement briefly. Make it creative and catchy to engage your audience.
- Executive summary. Use this as an overview of the story, followed by 2-3 bullet points highlighting key success metrics.
- Challenges and objectives. This section describes the customer's challenges before adopting your product or service, along with the goals or objectives they sought to achieve.
- How product/service helped. A paragraph explaining how your product or service addressed their problem.
- Testimonials. Incorporate short quotes or statements from the individuals involved in the case study, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
- Supporting visuals. Include one or two impactful visuals, such as graphs, infographics, or highlighted metrics, that reinforce the narrative.
- Call to action (CTA). If you do your job well, your audience will read (or watch) your case studies from beginning to end. They are interested in everything you've said. Now, what's the next step they should take to continue their relationship with you? Give people a simple action they can complete.
Case studies are proven marketing strategies in a wide variety of B2B industries. Here are just a few examples of a case study:
- Amazon Web Services, Inc. provides companies with cloud computing platforms and APIs on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. This case study example illustrates the benefits Thomson Reuters experienced using AWS.
- LinkedIn Marketing Solutions combines captivating visuals with measurable results in the case study created for BlackRock. This case study illustrates how LinkedIn has contributed to the growth of BlackRock's brand awareness over the years.
- Salesforce , a sales and marketing automation SaaS solutions provider, seamlessly integrates written and visual elements to convey its success stories with Pepe Jeans. This case study effectively demonstrates how Pepe Jeans is captivating online shoppers with immersive and context-driven e-commerce experiences through Salesforce.
- HubSpot offers a combination of sales and marketing tools. Their case study demonstrates the effectiveness of its all-in-one solutions. These typically focus on a particular client's journey and how HubSpot helped them achieve significant results.
There are two different types of case studies that businesses might utilize:
Written case studies
Written case studies offer readers a clear visual representation of data, which helps them quickly identify and focus on the information that matters most.
Printed versions of case studies find their place at events like trade shows, where they serve as valuable sales collateral to engage prospective clients. Even in the digital age, many businesses provide case studies in PDF format or as web-based landing pages, improving accessibility for their audience.
Note: Landing pages , in particular, offer the flexibility to incorporate rich multimedia content, including images, charts, and videos. This flexibility in design makes landing pages an attractive choice for presenting detailed content to the audience.
Written case study advantages
Here are several significant advantages to leveraging case studies for your company:
- Hyperlink accessibility. Whether in PDF or landing page format, written case studies allow for embedded hyperlinks, offering prospects easy access to additional information and contact forms.
- Flexible engagement. Unlike video case studies, which may demand in-person arrangements, written case studies can be conducted via phone or video streaming, reducing customer commitment and simplifying scheduling.
- Efficient scanning . Well-structured written case studies with a scannable format cater to time-strapped professionals. Charts and callout boxes with key statistics enhance the ease of information retrieval.
- Printable for offline use. Written case studies can be effortlessly printed and distributed at trade shows, sales meetings, and live events. This tangible format accommodates those who prefer physical materials and provides versatility in outreach, unlike video content, which is less portable.
Written case study disadvantages
Here are some drawbacks associated with the use of case studies:
- Reduced emotional impact. Written content lacks the emotional punch of live video testimonials, which engage more senses and emotions, making a stronger connection.
- Consider time investment. Creating a compelling case study involves editing, proofreading, and design collaboration, with multiple revisions commonly required before publication.
- Challenges in maintaining attention. Attention spans are short in today's ad-saturated world. Using graphics, infographics, and videos more often is more powerful to incite the right emotions in customers.
Video case studies
Video case studies are the latest marketing trend. Unlike in the past, when video production was costly, today's tools make it more accessible for users to create and edit their videos. However, specific technical requirements still apply.
Like written case studies, video case studies delve into a specific customer's challenges and how your business provides solutions. Yet, the video offers a more profound connection by showcasing the person who faced and conquered the problem.
Video case studies can boost brand exposure when shared on platforms like YouTube. For example, Slack's engaging case study video with Sandwich Video illustrates how Slack transformed its workflow and adds humor, which can be challenging in written case studies focused on factual evidence.
Source : YouTube
This video case study has garnered nearly a million views on YouTube.
Video case study advantages
Here are some of the top advantages of video case studies. While video testimonials take more time, the payoff can be worth it.
- Humanization and authenticity. Video case studies connect viewers with real people, adding authenticity and fostering a stronger emotional connection.
- Engaging multiple senses. They engage both auditory and visual senses, enhancing credibility and emotional impact. Charts, statistics, and images can also be incorporated.
- Broad distribution. Videos can be shared on websites, YouTube, social media, and more, reaching diverse audiences and boosting engagement, especially on social platforms.
Video case study disadvantages
Before fully committing to video testimonials, consider the following:
- Technical expertise and equipment. Video production requires technical know-how and equipment, which can be costly. Skilled video editing is essential to maintain a professional image. While technology advances, producing amateurish videos may harm your brand's perception.
- Viewer convenience. Some prospects prefer written formats due to faster reading and ease of navigation. Video typically requires sound, which can be inconvenient for viewers in specific settings. Many people may not have headphones readily available to watch your content.
- Demand on case study participants. On-camera interviews can be time-consuming and location-dependent, making scheduling challenging for case study participants. Additionally, being on screen for a global audience may create insecurities and performance pressure.
- Comfort on camera. Not everyone feels at ease on camera. Nervousness or a different on-screen persona can impact the effectiveness of the testimonial, and discovering this late in the process can be problematic.
Written or video case studies: Which is right for you?
Now that you know the pros and cons of each, how do you choose which is right for you?
One of the most significant factors in doing video case studies can be the technical expertise and equipment required for a high level of production quality. Whether you have the budget to do this in-house or hire a production company can be one of the major deciding factors.
Still, written or video doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Some B2B companies are using both formats. They can complement each other nicely, minimizing the downsides mentioned above and reaching your potential customers where they prefer.
Let's say you're selling IT network security. What you offer is invaluable but complicated. You could create a short (three- or four-minute) video case study to get attention and touch on the significant benefits of your services. This whets the viewer's appetite for more information, which they could find in a written case study that supplements the video.
Should you decide to test the water in video case studies, test their effectiveness among your target audience. See how well they work for your company and sales team. And, just like a written case study, you can always find ways to improve your process as you continue exploring video case studies.
Case studies offer several distinctive advantages, making them an ideal tool for businesses to market their products to customers. However, their benefits extend beyond these qualities.
Here's an overview of all the advantages of case studies:
Valuable sales support
Case studies serve as a valuable resource for your sales endeavors. Buyers frequently require additional information before finalizing a purchase decision. These studies provide concrete evidence of your product or service's effectiveness, assisting your sales representatives in closing deals more efficiently, especially with customers with lingering uncertainties.
Validating your value
Case studies serve as evidence of your product or service's worth or value proposition , playing a role in building trust with potential customers. By showcasing successful partnerships, you make it easier for prospects to place trust in your offerings. This effect is particularly notable when the featured customer holds a reputable status.
Unique and engaging content
By working closely with your customer success teams, you can uncover various customer stories that resonate with different prospects. Case studies allow marketers to shape product features and benefits into compelling narratives.
Each case study's distinctiveness, mirroring the uniqueness of every customer's journey, makes them a valuable source of relatable and engaging content. Storytelling possesses the unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, a dimension that statistics alone often cannot achieve.
Spotlighting valuable customers
Case studies provide a valuable platform for showcasing your esteemed customers. Featuring them in these studies offers a chance to give them visibility and express your gratitude for the partnership, which can enhance customer loyalty . Depending on the company you are writing about, it can also demonstrate the caliber of your business.
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It's important to consider limitations when designing and interpreting the results of case studies. Here's an overview of the limitations of case studies:
Challenges in replication
Case studies often focus on specific individuals, organizations, or situations, making generalizing their findings to broader populations or contexts challenging.
Time-intensive process
Case studies require a significant time investment. The extensive data collection process and the need for comprehensive analysis can be demanding, especially for researchers who are new to this method.
Potential for errors
Case studies can be influenced by memory and judgment, potentially leading to inaccuracies. Depending on human memory to reconstruct a case's history may result in variations and potential inconsistencies in how individuals recall past events. Additionally, bias may emerge, as individuals tend to prioritize what they consider most significant, which could limit their consideration of alternative perspectives.
Challenges in verification
Confirming results through additional research can present difficulties. This complexity arises from the need for detailed and extensive data in the initial creation of a case study. Consequently, this process requires significant effort and a substantial amount of time.
While looking at case studies, you may have noticed a quote. This type of quote is considered a testimonial, a key element of case studies.
If a customer's quote proves that your brand does what it says it will or performs as expected, you may wonder: 'Aren't customer testimonials and case studies the same thing?' Not exactly.
Testimonials are brief endorsements designed to establish trust on a broad scale. In contrast, case studies are detailed narratives that offer a comprehensive understanding of how a product or service addresses a specific problem, targeting a more focused audience.
Crafting case studies requires more resources and a structured approach than testimonials. Your selection between the two depends on your marketing objectives and the complexity of your product or service.
Case in point!
Case studies are among a company's most effective tools. You're well on your way to mastering them.
Today's buyers are tackling much of the case study research methodology independently. Many are understandably skeptical before making a buying decision. By connecting them with multiple case studies, you can prove you've gotten the results you say you can. There's hardly a better way to boost your credibility and persuade them to consider your solution.
Case study formats and distribution methods might change as technology evolves. However, the fundamentals that make them effective—knowing how to choose subjects, conduct interviews, and structure everything to get attention—will serve you for as long as you're in business.
We covered a ton of concepts and resources, so go ahead and bookmark this page. You can refer to it whenever you have questions or need a refresher.
Dive into market research to uncover customer preferences and spending habits.
Kristen McCabe
Kristen’s is a former senior content marketing specialist at G2. Her global marketing experience extends from Australia to Chicago, with expertise in B2B and B2C industries. Specializing in content, conversions, and events, Kristen spends her time outside of work time acting, learning nature photography, and joining in the #instadog fun with her Pug/Jack Russell, Bella. (she/her/hers)
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How to Present a Case Study: 6 Steps to Get You Started
When you're tasked with creating a case study for your business, it's important to remember that this is an opportunity to show off your company's successes and market your services or product. The case study should be about a specific project or campaign that you've undertaken and highlight the results you've achieved. But simply writing about your successes isn't enough – you also need to ensure that your case study is well-written and engaging.
Furthermore, you can boost sales by 185% simply by presenting a case study, which is a startling and truly amazing fact. With a strong &succinct case study instead of marketing, we can build our company as quickly as feasible.
With that in mind, here's a step-by-step guide to writing a compelling case study. And this blogpost features comprehensive information on how to present an effective case study presentation . Go ahead to find it out.
What is a case study?
A case study is simply a written, graphic, or verbal representation of a real-world scenario that details the difficulties and triumphs of a particular company or idea. It explains the method used to implement a specific good or service. Also, it talks about the customer and how the service has helped them. Case studies are frequently used just like in marketing, advertising, and other business-related fields.
Why do You Need an Effective Case Study for Your Business?
● boost your brand awareness.
Gone are the days of thinking a case study is just a boring read. They are a chance to reach your target audience and share your success. They're also a way to get a few words out there to those interested in what you offer. Case studies are just one more way to standout. The case study will showcase the company's value and help you increase brand awareness in the marketplace.
● Attract more clients
Case studies are an effective way to showcase your marketing skills and appeal to new clients. This resource will help you craft compelling case studies and position your marketing skills. This type of case study is similar to a testimonial, but it's an in-depth look at a client's experience working with your business.
● Establish credibility in the minds of potential clients
An effective case study can be a powerful tool if you want to establish credibility and build trust with your audience. You can create a strong connection with your readers by sharing a real-world business example of how your product or service has helped solve a problem.
● Drive sales
The key is understanding the importance of case studies and how they can be used effectively. They are a great way to show the effectiveness of your product or service. They are an excellent marketing tool for businesses that want to demonstrate their value and help persuade potential customers and increase conversion rates.
● Gain word-of-mouth publicity
Showcasing the success of your product or service will encourage others to talk about it on their own, which is the easiest technique for producing word-of-mouth publicity for a business.
And the only way you can prove your incredible outcomes and best-in-class product is through a case study. In the end, case studies assist you in free marketing at a faster pace. Hence, a case study presentation is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to promote products and services.
● Build Customer Loyalty
Customers are always looking for the next best thing. They want to be able to rely on a business and be confident that they will always receive the same high level of service. Because of this, it's critical to demonstrate to customers how a business has gone above and beyond for them in the past.
An excellent approach to achieve this is via a case study, which highlights both what has been done in the past and what you might anticipate in the future. Similar to this, Starbucks' case study is a wonderful illustration of how they built customer trust and saw considerable business growth.
How to Create a Winning Case Study Template in 6 Steps
Step1: introduce the case study with an eye-catching title.
Become the buzz of the town with your clever headlines. Your case study's title is the first thing potential readers will see, so make sure it's attention-grabbing and relevant to the product/service you're describing. Keep the title straightforward, but ensure it is engaging enough to draw readers in and keep them reading. They ought to make the reader want to keep reading.
STEP2: Discuss the background of the case study
When working on a case study, it's important to discuss the history of your product/service or its benefits. By understanding the context of your product/service, you can more effectively craft a narrative that will engage and persuade your reader. Tell a compelling story that highlights your company's unique strengths and capabilities.
To that end, here are a few tips on how to research and write a case study with a strong background:
● Know your audience
● Do your research
● Be clear and concise
● Be persuasive
For example, if the case study is about a new product, you'll need to understand the competitive landscape and the customer's needs. If it's about a company, you'll need to understand the industry and the company's place within it.
STEP3: Describe the problem or challenge that is being faced
Are you working on a case study and feeling stuck? You're not alone. Many people struggle with how to write a winning case study.
A few key elements can make or break a case study. The first is to identify and describe the problem or challenge that is being faced. This is where many people get stuck. They either don't know what the problem is, or they don't know how to articulate it.
If you're having trouble identifying the problem, ask yourself these questions:
● What is the goal of the product/service?
● What are the objectives?
● What are the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?
Once the problem has been located, it needs to be precisely described. This means putting yourself in your reader's shoes and ensuring they understand your product/service. Don't try to cram too much information into one case study – if you have multiple success stories, choose one that will be most relevant to your audience.
STEP4: Present your solution or approach to solving the problem
The next step is to suggest a solution after you've detailed the issue. This is where you showoff your expertise and outline the steps you would take to solve the problem. Make sure your solution is clear, concise, and achievable.
STEP5: Summarize the results of your solution
The final step is to compile all of these processes into your case study. Start by introducing your product or service, and then explain the problem your business has successfully solved. Be sure to include results and metrics to show how your solution worked.
STEP6: Conclude with CTA
Once your case study draft is complete, it's time to add a call-to-action (CTA). This is your opportunity to encourage your readers to take the next step, whether buying the product, contacting you, or visiting your website.
Key components to present an effective case study
● choose the success story & make it relatable.
Source: Vectorstock
When choosing a story to share in your case study, look for one truly representative of your brand that will resonate with your audience. Your case study should be based on real data and actual customer experiences.
Don't try to exaggerate or make up a boring case study – it will only hurt your credibility in the long run. If you can find a way to connect your story to your reader's own experiences, you'll be more likely to make a lasting impression. Thus, make it relatable too.
● Mention your future goals and objectives
Think carefully about the goals you have for yourself. Do you want to increase brand awareness? Generate leads? Drive sales? Once you know your goal, you can begin to craft a story that will help you achieve it. Thus, don't forget to mention your future goals and objectives to show that you're constantly striving to improve and grow your business.
Think about what makes your brand unique and differentiates you from your competitors.
● What are your core values?
● What do your customers love about you?
● What are your future plans?
You'll want to focus on these elements in your case study.
● Use Best-in-class Templates
There are many ready-made templates for case study available to use, which not only give your case study a light, but it keeps the reader engaged. And this will help you increase conversions and making into the customer's heart.
● Creating Engaging Visuals
A picture is worth a thousand words, so don't skimp on the visuals. Use photos, infographics, and other visuals to help tell your story and make your case study more engaging.
● Promoting Your Case Study
The best way to promote your case study presentation is to provide the essential information for the reader to understand your work. This means you need to include: your main success statement, positive client testimonials , a summary of your key findings, and your conclusions.
Takeaways from Writing An Effective Case Study
As a company owner, you're constantly seeking methods to grow your business and stand out from the competition. Making successful case studies is one method of doing this. You might not have known about this before, but after reading this helpful article on how to write and how to present a case study in ppt , you could be able to make a decision. So, keep the important suggestions in mind while you create your successful case study.
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How to Write a Case Study (Examples & Best Practices)
Sudarshan Somanathan
Head of Content
July 19, 2024
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Promising your clients powerful solutions is great, but what wins them over is cold, hard proof that you’re successful at what you claim.
And that proof is a case study. Crafting one that grabs attention and showcases business expertise isn’t just about laying out the facts and figures—it’s about making your success stories come alive.
Whether you’re seasoned or just starting, let’s look at actionable tips to write compelling case studies. From integrating best practices and examples to using tools and templates that simplify the process, learn to write case studies that will win clients over! 🙌
Understanding Case Studies
1. identify the case, 2. research, 3. define the problem, 4. develop a hypothesis, 5. plan the structure, step 1: write an impactful introduction, step 2: provide context, step 3: show your research, step 4: present the solution, step 5: reveal the result, step 6: structure and polish, beyond the steps: different methodologies, leverage clickup for writing compelling case studies , narrative case studies , descriptive case studies , exploratory case studies , explanatory case studies , case study templates, case study examples, best practices for writing case studies, landing pages and onboarding , the role and benefit of case studies in various fields, tell powerful business stories with case studies.
A case study is an in-depth analysis of a real-life situation designed to showcase a concept or principle. It’s an impactful tool in problem-solving and decision-making that gives a detailed illustration of a particular issue and its solution within a real-world context.
Case studies uncover problems, propose solutions, and highlight successes, making them invaluable for businesses, educators, researchers, and professionals across various fields such as medicine and law.
Case studies help us explore complex issues through detailed contextual analysis. They help understand cause and effect, identify patterns, and develop strategies for future scenarios.
By studying how others overcame challenges, you can identify best practices and find new, effective approaches to solve problems that are specific to you.
For instance, a business might use a case study to understand how a specific marketing strategy led to increased sales, or a medical professional might examine a case study to understand the progression of a disease and the effectiveness of different treatments. This enables you to make informed decisions in similar future cases instead of decisions based purely on anecdotal theory or just raw data with no context.
Attaching a case study of your customer’s success to your proposals or response to Request for Proposal ( RFP) documents can lend credibility to your business’ capabilities and enhance your chances of winning over prospective customers.
How to Prepare for a Case Study
Preparation is key to crafting a compelling case study. Follow these steps to ensure you cover all bases:
Pick a relevant, unique subject that addresses a key customer pain point and provides valuable insights. The chosen case should provide a meaningful story and outcome.
Suppose you consider a local environmental group struggling to raise funds for a critical habitat restoration project. This could be a great case study to showcase how you, as a consultant, helped them develop a compelling fundraising strategy, identify new donor segments, and ultimately reach their financial goals.
Gather information and raw data relevant to your topic, including quantitative data (such as statistics and numerical data) and qualitative insights (such as interviews and observations).
For interviews, you might need to prepare a list of interviewees and research questions beforehand. Comprehensive research helps build a solid foundation for your case study. This is where research plan templates can come in handy. You can use them to structure your research process—from defining the key elements of your case study upfront to formulating clear research questions and outlining the methods you’ll use to gather data.
Let’s go back to our environment group example. To understand the environmental group’s fundraising struggles, you would gather data on their past fundraising campaigns, donor demographics, and website traffic. You would also interview key staff members and conduct focus groups with potential donors to understand their giving habits and concerns.
Clearly outline the issue or challenge faced. A well-defined problem sets the stage for a focused and effective analysis. Spend some time fine-tuning your case study.
In our example, based on your research, you define the problem as the environmental group’s reliance on traditional fundraising methods that were no longer reaching new donors, leading to stagnant funding for critical projects.
Formulate a potential solution or theory to address the problem. Crafted carefully in one or two sentences, this thesis statement will guide your investigation and analysis.
To help the group, your hypothesis could be that by implementing a multi-channel fundraising strategy that leverages social media, targeted email campaigns, and grant proposals, the environmental group can expand its donor base, increase donation amounts, and secure funding for the habitat restoration project.
Decide on the format and structure of your case study. A well-organized structure ensures that your case study is easy to follow and understand. Most case studies follow a chronological structure. This is great for storytelling and helps you take the reader on a journey from the initial challenge to the successful resolution achieved. It allows you to build suspense and highlight the transformation that took place.
For the example given above, you can decide to structure your case study with sections on the environmental group’s mission and the importance of the restoration project, the fundraising challenges they faced, the implemented solutions using your consulting framework, the results achieved (increased donations and project funding), and the key takeaways for other non-profit organizations.
Once you’ve addressed these steps related to case study planning, you’re ready to jump to the writing process. Let’s do that together, one step at a time! 🤝
How to Write a Case Study
Writing a compelling case study goes beyond simply recounting a project’s success. It’s about weaving a narrative that showcases the problem, your approach, and the impactful results.
Let’s examine how to write case studies that inform and inspire potential customers and stakeholders.
The introduction is prime real estate in your case study—your chance to grab the reader’s attention.
Here are two effective strategies to start strong
- Intrigue with a challenge: Open with a relatable scenario highlighting the common pain points your solution addresses. Example: “A struggling e-commerce store has stagnant sales despite offering high-quality products. This was the reality for [Company Name] back in [year/month]”
- Spark curiosity with a statistic: Hook your audience with a surprising or thought-provoking statistic related to the industry or challenge. Example: “Did you know that 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts before checkout? [Client Name] faced this very issue, leading to [amount] in lost revenue”
Once you’ve piqued their interest, provide context for your case study:
- Introduce the client: Briefly introduce the client, their industry, and their specific goals or challenges
- Highlight the problem: Clearly define the problem the client faced. Be specific about the impact it had on their business
Give your readers insights into tangible data and evidence of your study:
Quantitative research
Numbers add credibility to your case study. Gather data relevant to the problem, such as sales figures, website traffic, or customer churn rates.
Qualitative research
Go beyond the numbers! Interview key stakeholders to understand the client’s perspective, thought processes, and emotional impact of the problem.
Behavioral science
Understanding human behavior can strengthen your case study. Consider incorporating principles of psychology or decision-making to explain why the client’s previous approach wasn’t working and how your solution addressed those behavioral patterns.
For instance, if your case study focuses on improving a website’s conversion rate, you could mention how applying the “scarcity principle” by highlighting limited-time offers or low stock availability can incentivize purchase decisions.
Help your readers understand how exactly you solved the problem:
- Explain your approach: Detail the steps you took to address the client’s problem. Be clear about the specific strategies or methodologies you implemented
- Highlight expertise: Showcase your unique knowledge and expertise. If you developed a custom framework or used innovative techniques, explain them here
The result of your case study shows your success. Ensure you make it appealing to your readers:
- Showcase results with data: Present the positive outcomes achieved through your solution. Quantify the results whenever possible using the data you gathered earlier. For example, if you helped a client increase website traffic, mention the specific percentage increase observed
- Include client testimonials: Weave in positive quotes or testimonials from the client expressing their satisfaction with the results
Now that you know what exactly to put in your case study, you must understand how to present it:
- Organize for clarity: Structure your case study logically. Common sections include Introduction, Client Background, The Challenge, The Solution, Results, and Conclusion
- Pay attention to readability: Use clear and concise language. Break down complex concepts into digestible terms for a wider audience
- Proofread with precision: Ensure your case study is free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished presentation reflects professionalism
While the above steps provide a general framework, case studies can be structured using various methodologies. Here are two common approaches:
- Challenge-Solution-Benefit: This linear structure directly addresses the problem, presents the solution, and highlights the resulting benefits for the client
- Customer journey: This method focuses on the customer’s experience throughout the process. It showcases how your solution helped them navigate challenges and achieve success at each stage of their journey
The chosen methodology depends on the case study’s specific goals and the message you want to convey.
By following these steps and considering different approaches, you can craft compelling case studies that not only inform but also inspire your target audience.
Remember, a well-written case study is a powerful marketing tool demonstrating your expertise and the value you deliver to clients.
ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity tool. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it easy to conduct further research, collaborate with team members, and produce high-quality case studies.
Its marquee feature, ClickUp Brain , is great for writing, editing, and summarizing case studies. This AI-powered tool simplifies the entire process, making it faster and more efficient.
With ClickUp Brain, you can generate comprehensive case studies from scratch, thanks to its intuitive prompts and suggestions that guide you through each section, ensuring you cover all essential points. Just give it a few bullet points of instruction, and it will help you outline the case study, gather and organize your data, and create a compelling narrative highlighting your achievements and solutions.
Editing is a breeze with ClickUp Brain. The AI can review your content, providing insights and suggestions for improvement. It checks for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, ensuring your case study reads well and conveys your message effectively. This saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on fine-tuning your content rather than doing the heavy lifting!
When it comes to summarizing, ClickUp Brain excels by distilling lengthy case studies with too much detail into concise, impactful summaries. This is particularly useful for creating an executive summary of your case study that won’t overwhelm your audience with too much information at once while still sharing the key details with them.
By leveraging ClickUp Brain, you can produce polished, professional case studies that effectively communicate your successes and expertise.
Case Study Formats
Case studies have various formats, depending on their purpose and audience. This also determines their length. Marketing case studies are usually 500–700 words long.
In-depth ones for academic, financial, or scientific purposes can exceed 1,000 words, including detailed data, analysis, methodologies, and interviews. Here are some common case study formats with examples:
They tell the story of the case in a linear format . This narrative form is ideal for engaging readers and making complex information more accessible. For instance, a narrative case study about a startup’s journey from inception to success will captivate readers by walking them through each milestone, highlighting challenges and triumphs. A customer success story can be another example.
This format provides a detailed description of the case and its context . It’s useful for presenting a comprehensive overview of a particular situation. An example would be a case study on a company’s operational processes describing how a specific change in workflow improved efficiency, with detailed descriptions of each step and the overall impact on productivity.
Investigates a phenomenon in a preliminary way to lay the groundwork for future studies . This format is often used in academic research to explore new areas of interest. For example, an exploratory case study might examine the initial effects of remote work on employee productivity during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, setting the stage for more extensive research.
This format is ideal for understanding the cause-and-effect relationships in complex scenarios. A case study explaining how a particular marketing strategy led to a significant increase in sales can provide insights into the specific tactics used, customer responses, and overall outcomes, helping clarify the strategy’s direct impact on sales performance.
Each format serves a distinct purpose and can be tailored to the specific needs of your audience and the goals of your case study.
Having templates to structure your case study will save you a great deal of time.
They help streamline your case study creation process and ensure consistency in formatting. They also provide a framework for organizing your information and presenting it well.
Try the ClickUp Case Study Template to get a head start on your case studies. It helps capture critical information such as project background, challenges faced, strategies implemented, and measurable outcomes.
This template includes prompts and sections that cover all necessary aspects of a case study, from initial analysis to final results. Its intuitive format helps streamline the writing process, making it easier to organize data and insights coherently, eventually allowing you to showcase the tangible benefits of your work.
If you’re looking to craft visually appealing and well-structured case studies, the ClickUp Case Study Design Template is what you need. This template provides a comprehensive layout that guides you through the essential components of a case study, such as problem statements, solutions, methodologies, and results.
With its pre-designed sections, you can easily organize your content, ensuring that each part of your case study is clearly defined and logically presented. The template’s customizable elements allow you to tailor the design to match your brand’s aesthetics , making your case study informative, engaging, and professional-looking.
By using this template, you can save time on formatting and focus more on the important stuff.
Case studies illustrate how solutions are applied in various scenarios, offering valuable insights and practical lessons. Here are some other real-world examples:
Business case study: This type of case study analyzes a company’s strategy and outcomes. For example, this is a ClickUp case study featuring Cartoon Network that doubled its output in 50% less time. It outlines systematic ways the business cut short on duplicative efforts, facilitated deeper real-time collaboration, and leveraged insights to boost its productivity.
Medical case study: It examines a patient’s history and treatment. This National Institutes of Health example details a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, providing a comprehensive view of the medical journey. It offers medical practitioners valuable insights into diagnosing and managing similar cases.
Technology implementation case study: This details how an organization implemented new technology. For example, a Microsoft case study explores how a company adopted Microsoft Azure to enhance its cloud computing capabilities. It covers the challenges faced, the implementation process, and the positive impact on business operations.
Marketing case study: This form of case study analyzes a marketing campaign’s strategy and results. For instance, Comedy Central launched an innovative search campaign using YouTube videos to introduce Trevor Noah as the new host of “The Daily Show” and engage fans through an interactive Easter egg hunt. The campaign generated 38M impressions and 2.8M views with high engagement rates.
We’ve curated a set of business best practices for writing and promoting impactful case studies to help you create them.
Incorporate key elements
- Start with a strong introduction: Grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for your analysis. A compelling introduction can draw readers in and make them want to learn more about your case study. This introduction draws on a historical timeline and sets a very strong narrative
- Be clear and concise: Keep your writing concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary jargon and complex language that might confuse readers
- Use visuals: Enhance your case study with charts, graphs, and images to illustrate important sections. Visuals can help make complex information more accessible and engaging
- Include real data: Support your analysis with real data and statistics. Providing concrete evidence can strengthen your arguments and add credibility to your case study
- Tell a story: Make your case study engaging by telling a compelling customer story. Use narrative techniques to bring your case study to life and make it more relatable to readers
Promoting case studies
Your case study must be supported by a structured marketing plan . To reach a wider audience, leverage social media marketing and content distribution. Share your case studies on LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry-specific forums to generate interest and engagement.
You can repurpose key elements of the case study into bite-sized LinkedIn posts or Tweets. You can even capture client video testimonials to support the results highlighted in the case studies and share them on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, consider using SEO best practices to ensure your case studies are easily discoverable online.
Presenting a Case Study
Presenting a case study effectively is crucial for conveying your findings and recommendations. Follow these steps:
- Prepare a clear outline: Organize your presentation logically with a clear outline. This helps ensure that your presentation is easy to follow and that you cover all key points
- Use visual aids: Enhance your presentation with slides, charts, and graphs. Visual aids can help make your presentation more engaging and easier to understand
- Engage your audience: Encourage questions and discussions to engage your audience. Interaction can help reinforce your message and make your presentation more memorable
- Highlight key points: Emphasize the most important findings and recommendations. Make sure your audience leaves with a clear understanding of the main takeaways from your case study
Create dedicated landing pages to showcase your case studies. Use effective onboarding techniques to guide readers through your content.
For example, you can create a landing page on your website with a strong headline, an overview of your case study, key findings, and a call to action encouraging readers to download the full report.
Here’s an example from the National Library of Medicine
Another best practice most businesses follow is a landing page featuring the full collection of their case studies . This helps your target audience quickly review all the powerful business stories you have on offer and select the one that’s most relevant to them.
Take a look at ClickUp’s landing page for case studies below.
Case studies are used across various fields to provide in-depth analysis of relevant theories and insights.
Nursing
Case studies in nursing help understand patient care and treatment outcomes.
For example, a case study detailing a diabetic patient’s journey can highlight effective management strategies and complications, such as monitoring blood sugar levels, dietary adjustments, and medication adherence.
This comprehensive account can offer valuable lessons for healthcare providers, contributing to better patient care practices and education.
Public policy
Public policy case studies provide a detailed analysis of policy decisions and their impact.
For instance, a case study on a city’s implementation of a new public transportation system can showcase successful interventions, such as increased ridership and reduced traffic congestion. It can also identify areas for improvement, such as the need for better infrastructure or more frequent service.
These insights can guide future policy decisions, helping policymakers design more effective and efficient public services.
Business case study examples in marketing illustrate successful campaigns and strategies.
For instance, a case study on Apple’s marketing strategy for the iPhone highlights how they arrived at their creative briefs , positioning, branding, and targeted advertising to capture a significant market share.
This detailed account of Apple’s approach to market research, consumer behavior analysis, and creative advertising techniques can offer valuable lessons for other businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts and connect more effectively with their target audience.
Operations management
These case studies provide insights into process improvements and operational efficiency.
For example, this case study on Toyota’s implementation of lean manufacturing principles shows how the company reduced waste, improved production efficiency, and increased overall product quality.
By examining the specific steps Toyota took to streamline its operations, such as adopting just-in-time inventory systems and continuous improvement practices, other businesses can learn how to optimize their processes and achieve higher productivity.
Strategic planning
Case studies in strategic planning demonstrate how companies navigate complex business environments.
For example, a case study on Netflix’s transition from a DVD rental service to a global streaming giant reveals the strategic decisions that fueled its growth. This includes their investment in original content, adoption of new technologies, and expansion into international markets.
By understanding the strategic choices and challenges Netflix faces, other businesses can gain insights into how to adapt their strategies to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities.
These examples illustrate how case studies in various fields provide actionable insights and practical knowledge to help companies innovate, improve efficiency, and make informed strategic decisions.
Writing an effective case study is more than just presenting data; it’s about telling a story that resonates with your audience and showcases the impact of your solutions.
By focusing on clear objectives, customer quotes, thorough research, and engaging narratives, you can create strong case studies that not only highlight your successes with previous customers but also build trust with prospective clients and future customers. Remember, a well-crafted case study can help you achieve your marketing goals .
One tool that can significantly streamline the process of creating impactful case studies is ClickUp. With its robust project management features, ClickUp helps you organize your case study research, track progress, and collaborate seamlessly with your team.
Its AI-powered features streamline the writing process , allowing you to focus on in-depth analysis and creativity.
Use ClickUp’s templates to structure your case study, set deadlines, and capture every detail accurately. Its document and task management capabilities ensure that your case study is well-organized, visually appealing, and professional. Don’t take our word for it. Try it yourself.
Sign up for your free ClickUp account today!
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How to write a case study: The ultimate guide + examples and templates
It would be great if we could wave a magic wand to convince prospects to buy your product or service… But we can’t. So, a case study is your next best option.
They’re a powerful sales and marketing tool for those prospects that are sitting on the fence. The problem is, they’re often dry, bland, and anything but magical. Never fear, though, as we’ve done some in-depth case study analysis.
We’re here to show you how to write a case study that will convince customers to choose you over your competitors. To create something so compelling they’ll have no doubt about your ability to deliver results.
Whether this is your first or 100th stab at it, we’ve got you covered with tips and best practices, real-world examples, and ideas for how to format a case study.
In this post, we’ll look at:
- What a case study is and why you need one
- What makes a good case study
What should a case study include?
Essential prep for creating a case study.
- How to write a good case study in 5 steps
- 8 further case study best practices
- 7 real-life case study examples
- 8 case study templates to get you started
🔍 Are you looking for some case study examples? This compilation of case study data and leadership input from just a few RingCentral SMB customers will show you exactly how they have modernized their business communication processes.
What is a case study and why should you create one?
A case study is basically a document— or it can be a video—that outlines how a customer used your product to overcome a problem. It’s real-world proof that your product works and gets results.
If your product or service has helped customers get great results, a case study will help you showcase those results to your future customers. They’re an excellent way to attract more business, and can mean the difference between a lost opportunity and a really good end-of-quarter.
Why are case studies important?
Case studies present a living, breathing witness to how effective your product or service is. In other words, they represent the ultimate in social proof. While customer reviews can also be valuable in influencing a potential client’s decision to buy from your company, they don’t pack the punch that case studies do.
That’s because with case studies, you can curate a story that highlights how well your product or service solved a real-life problem, and back it up with solid data. It demonstrates the value of your offering, while showing off your hard work in achieving success for a customer.
Case studies are relatable
Because you’re using real-world examples, rather than abstract concepts of what your product or service represents, case studies are fully relatable to potential new customers.
They can put themselves in the shoes of the subject and empathize with their pain points—and realize that there’s a way to get similar results for themselves.
They’re unbiased
Whereas a landing page or product page can be purely self-promotional, a case study comes across as more authentic and unbiased. Instead of you saying how awesome your product is, the subject is saying it, and that counts for a lot.
If they’ve switched to you from a competitor, that’s even better as it positions your product as superior without you having to spell it out.
They increase your authority
Case studies also demonstrate your ability to solve problems for your customers, positioning you as experts in your industry and building trust. The more case studies you have, the more established you’ll look. As in: “Wow, they have so many happy clients—they must be doing something right!”
They inspire readers
A narrative that’s engaging to read will get people interested in your company and inspire them to take a look around your website. And case studies give readers variety alongside other content formats such as product pages and blogs. They’re also an extra opportunity to add a CTA and nudge readers toward taking an action.
They have many uses
Case studies are versatile. You can publish and promote them in various places alongside your website—give a taster in social media posts with a link to the full article, add the video to your YouTube channel, share the stories in sales presentations. You can also extract elements like quotes from featured customers and repurpose them in other content, such as infographics.
In most cases it’s best to have case studies easily available on your website, not as downloadable gated content, but you do have this option for lead generation. You could write a blog post with a short version of the story, and offer the full version to readers in return for giving you their contact details.
They encourage loyalty
When you ask an existing customer to be the subject of a case study, it not only makes them feel special but it also reminds them of the benefits of your solution—which helps to reaffirm their loyalty. Plus, they’re getting extra brand exposure and a backlink to their own website, which boosts both their traffic and their authority online.
In fact, there’s nothing to stop you reaching out to former customers who achieved good results with you before moving on (it happens). You never know, a reminder of you might even bring them back!
What makes a good case study?
First, it’s helpful to highlight what makes a lot of case studies bad: most are painfully boring. What they have is research and detail, but what they lack is a cohesive, consumable story.
They list numbers and contain data, but the reader isn’t sure what it all means or why it’s relevant to their problem. They end up existing as technical documents that do little to persuade or excite anyone. That’s unfortunate because they have the potential to be a powerful sales tool that can help you close big deals in the decision-making phase.
So how do you write a case study that’s actually effective, then? Here are three characteristics every good case study should have:
It’s digestible
There’s no hard and fast rule on how long a case study should be. But it’s always a good idea to ask “how short can we make it?”
A good case study avoids the unnecessary minutiae, knows what it’s trying to say, and communicates it quickly and without ambiguity. With a few exceptions, effective case studies are concise and clear.
It’s thorough
On the other side of the length equation, being thorough is also important. Case study writing is all about making impressive claims about how a product helped someone achieve a certain result. However, it also needs to explain how it happened.
Good case studies include key details that show how the customer got from A to B using the product—something you don’t get with customer reviews . Don’t make your reader work too hard to visualize the story. If you can use images and videos, use them.
It’s a story
Yes, case studies are sales tools. But the ones really worth reading tell a compelling story with a beginning, middle, and end. They beg to be read all the way through. Often, they present a problem that creates tension and demands a solution. And remember, in this story, the customer is the hero—not you.
Caveat: There is no one-size-fits-all approach for what to include in a case study. But, in general, there is a recognized case study format with certain sections you should feature to make it clearer and more impactful. This format typically includes:
- Title: This should be concise and engaging. Naming your document “A Case Study of RingCentral” sounds dry. A headline like “Navigating Communications in a Remote World: A RingCentral Case Study” has more impact and explains what theme you’re exploring.
- Executive summary: Consider this like an abstract. Provide a brief overview of the case study, including the key purpose, approaches, findings, and solutions, without giving too much away.
- Introduction: Provide essential details about the customer in context.
- Challenges: Here’s where you highlight where your customer was before using your product or service and where they wanted to be. Present raw data where applicable and discuss any other background information that shows their struggles.
- Solution: Here’s where you get to show off. Explain how and why the customer chose your company, and how a specific product or service helped them achieve their objectives.
- Results: Time to get tangible. Dive into how the customer used your product, the results they saw, and long-lasting benefits. Incorporate any testimonials and statistics that showcase these results.
- Conclusion: Case studies are just as much about the future as the present. Use this closing section to highlight where your case study customer is going next thanks to your solution. Consider including a call-to-action here to encourage your prospect to take the next step.
How long should a case study be?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question, as the length of a case study can vary depending on factors such as the size of the project you’re talking about. It also depends on the type of case study—for example, if it’s in the form of a video then a couple of minutes is enough. (We’ll explore the different types a little later on in this post.)
Balance is the key here. You’ll need to to include enough information to convey the story properly and hook the reader in, but not so much that they get overwhelmed or the message of the story gets lost amid the detail. The last thing you want them to think is “TL;DR”.
It’s about being concise, and not allowing yourself to get carried away with the story. Only include what needs to be included, so that readers can clearly understand the subject’s pain point, the reason your solution was a good fit, and the success it achieved.
Remember that not every part of the case study has to be in narrative form. You can pull out stats and display them as graphics, highlight direct quotes or other key information, or add a photo of the subject. If your case study is on the longer side, break up the text with subheadings, bullet points, and white space.
Before you start actually writing, there’s a bit of prep work you’ll need to do to make sure your case study is amazing.
1. Choose your customer
You may have many customers who’ve seen great results using your product (let’s hope!). But you can’t just pick a name out of a hat and showcase their results. So, what’s the best way of selecting a client for a case study?
Steer clear of customers who may not be the right fit for your audience or whose results may not be typical.
For example, don’t feature an enterprise company when most of your customers are small businesses. Or a business achieving a 90% customer retention rate when most of them see 70% on average (still impressive, though).
When considering which customer to use, start by creating a list of customers that meet these criteria:
They’ve seen good results with your product or service
The numbers are what really matter. So choose customers that have seen strong results using your product (like Conair did with RingCentral). But be careful about showcasing exceptionally good results if they’re not likely to be repeated by most.
They have a respected and recognizable brand
Strong brands give your product instant social proof. They prove that you’re established and trustworthy. That alone can make you a front-runner in the decision-making process. After all, if Big Brand X trusts you, so can a prospect.
They’re a typical customer
Good results don’t carry as much weight when they’re achieved by companies in other industries or verticals. Identify current customers that are similar to your target audience. A client who has faced similar challenges and pain points will evoke empathy and stir up interest in the mind of your prospective clients.
So, if you sell enterprise software, choose enterprise customers. If you’re a consultant in the healthcare industry, choose a customer that works in healthcare.
With your list in hand, you can start reaching out. Picking up the phone can be a lot more effective than sending an email. It’s more personal, lets you build rapport, and is harder to ignore.
Try to get in touch with customers who use or are very familiar with your product or service—someone who can speak to results. Tell them you’re interested in writing a case study and you’d love to hear more about the results they’ve achieved. Be clear about what the process involves on their part—whether it’s a list of questions in an email, a phone call, or if it involves a camera and crew.
If you’ve provided value, your customer is more likely to see you as a partner rather than a vendor and, hopefully, will be happy to participate. Remember, you’re also shining a spotlight on their own success. So it’s a win-win.
That said, you may hear “no” a few times, too. Don’t get discouraged. Some customers will decline for different reasons, regardless of the results they’ve achieved with your product.
RingCentral: W2O
2. Begin your research
Start collecting information about your customer. This is easier if you work as a team. From sales to content marketing to customer service, everyone who’s been in touch with customers will have insight about their experience.
They can help you understand what your customers do and sell, and what challenges they’re facing. Identify the stakeholders you need to speak with—anyone in the company who uses your product—from the CEO to the marketing intern. Collect stats, even ones you don’t think are relevant—they may be later.
3. Ask the right questions
Smart questions get insightful answers. Here are some examples of great questions to start with:
- “What were some of the bigger challenges you faced before using our product?”
- “How does our product help you reach your individual goals?”
- “Which key metrics have improved most since using our product/service?”
- “Which parts of your business have been impacted most, and how?”
- “How long did it take to roll out our product?”
But don’t stop there. Use these questions to segue into deeper, more targeted questions that underscore the real-world benefits of your product. Let the conversation flow naturally—this is the magic of interviews. You can’t always plan for what interesting topics come up next.
4. Identify your target audience
Beyond your customer’s industry, consider who the target audience of the case study is. Who will see it? What group of people does it need to influence?
While it’s often high-level executives who make large purchase decisions, employees at all levels can act as a champion for your product or brand. Your case study may have to persuade an IT worker that your product or service is going to make their job easier. Meanwhile, it may also need to convince the CFO that they’ll see a real return on investment.
5. Identify the top three things you want to highlight
During the initial research phase, you’ve likely uncovered a lot of interesting information about your customer and their experiences with your product.
While it might be tempting to use it all, when you write a case study, you should quickly and clearly communicate the value of your product. Go through this information and identify the three most important business results you want to feature, like we did in the Barx Parx example shown below.
Stats and key performance indicators (KPIs) to consider using in your case study:
- Ramp up time : How long did it take to get started with your product? Did it improve any other facet of their workflow?
- Sales results : How did the product impact your customer’s bottom line?
- Total return on investment (ROI) : How long did it take to earn more than they spent on your product?
- Productivity increases : Which teams saw improvements in process and workflow? And by how much?
6. Choose your format
So, what does a case study look like visually? It doesn’t have to exist only as a PDF attachment in a late-stage deal email (although there’s nothing wrong with that). Consider the format. Think about who’s going to read it (or watch it).
Do you want to turn this into fancy interactive content? Does your prospect have the time and interest to dig into the details? Or do they just want the facts? Choose the format that you think best engages the audience that you’re selling to.
Here are some options:
Report format
This long-form document has been the gold standard for B2B case studies for many years. It’s effective when the subject matter is complex and demands detail.
Here’s how Zendesk presented their case study with IDC as a report .
Remember, a CTO who’s evaluating large-scale business communications platforms for a multi-year deal is going to want more information than a marketing manager who’s evaluating a new social media ad platform.
Keeping things short and sweet is often the best way to get your message heard. By focusing on the key points, you can highlight the biggest wins at just a glance.
Most report format case studies can be easily condensed into a one-page document. This is ideal for prospects (and salespeople) who are short on time and prefer something they can quickly scan.
Few things can tell a story the way that video can, and case studies are no exception. They give you an unmatched level of creative freedom and storytelling using music, lighting, pacing, and voice that can evoke emotions and persuade someone using more than just numbers and facts.
And at just a couple of minutes long, they can do a lot of heavy lifting in not a lot of time.
Dropbox: Expedia
Infographic
If you’re wondering how to make a case study more memorable, it’s worth noting that people love infographics. They’re an excellent way to convey important data in a simple, eye-pleasing way.
If your case study requires you to use a lot of data to prove a point—or if visualizing data can make the results more clear—building an infographic case study can be a great investment.
How to write a case study in 5 steps
Congrats. You’ve done the research. You’ve made the calls. You’ve pored over all the details. Now, all you have to do is write.
Here are five simple steps that’ll help you better understand how to create a case study that champions your customer and clearly showcases the real-world value of your products or services.
1. Introduce the customer
Set the stage for your case study with an introduction. Briefly explain who your customer is with a bit of background information that can include their industry, product, company size, and location.
You don’t have to dig into the nuts and bolts of their business, but you do want the reader to understand who they are and what they do. The more color you can provide here, the more impactful it’ll be when you show the awesome results this customer saw because they chose you.
2. State the problem
Every product or service is a possible solution to a problem. Explain the problem (or problems) that you helped your customer overcome. Describe the larger impact of the issue. Maybe it was customers leaving. Perhaps it was bad leads—or good leads that were never followed up on.
Use this as an opportunity to clearly show what was at stake, and make sure you leave the jargon out of it. Frame the problem in simple terms that any reader can understand.
3. Introduce your product
This is where you begin solving the problem. Briefly introduce your proposed solution and what it does.
Start on a general level, then apply it to the challenge the customer was experiencing. Talk about which teams or individuals used your product and how they used it. Be sure to make the connection between the customer’s problem and your solution crystal clear.
4. Show results
The big reveal. What kind of results was your customer able to achieve using your product or service? Speak to how they solved the problem descriptively, but also with cold, hard numbers.
Not everything can be measured in numbers (sometimes, peace of mind is a powerful benefit all on its own), but whenever you can, back up your story with the stats. At the very least, this will make it easy for a CFO—or a prospective customer who wants to buy—to justify buying your product.
For example:
The customer saw a 33% increase in web traffic, a large influx of social media activity, and a 10% boost in revenue over the duration of the campaign.
5. Prove it
Don’t forget to show your math. How you get the results is just as important as the results themselves. What specific steps were taken to get those results? Not only will this help validate your claims, it makes it easier to envision how the reader may be able to achieve them, too.
8 Further case study best practices
That’s how to write a case study in broad strokes, but you might be wondering how to write a business case study that stands out from the crowd? Here are some top tips:
1. Avoid jargon
As a subject matter expert in your line of work, it can be tempting to go into as much jargony detail as possible. This is normal as it’s often the language we use at work every day.
Remember, though, that your customer probably doesn’t speak that language. When in doubt, try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn’t live and breathe your product or industry..
2. Spend time on your title
It’s tempting to use the case study’s most interesting or impressive KPI as your title. But that also gives away the ending before the story begins, and skips details that are important for context in the process. Try writing a title that piques interest without being a spoiler.
3. Edit. Then edit again.
Once you’ve got your first draft completed (and the jargon removed), edit the case study. When writing case studies, one proofread is never enough. A few best practices here:
- Look for and eliminate unnecessary adjectives—simple English is better.
- Speak in an active voice.
- Look for details that get in the way of the story.
And then do it all over again until you can’t edit it down anymore without losing the essence of the story.
4. Pay attention to the imagery
Well-designed charts, graphs, images, or infographics can do the heavy lifting of several pages of text in just seconds.
They can also help break up large pieces of text, making the case study easier to read—and nicer to look at. After all, the end goal is to have these read all the way through.
Here’s an example of a graphic from a longer CPA Canada infographic (that includes a short case study embedded inside it):
5. Pull quotes
Hard data and results are good. But a customer quote is a great piece of social proof and adds a human element to your case study. And that makes your results more believable.
Here’s an example of what that looks like, from a RingCentral case study :
6. Make it scannable
Some people will take the time to read your case study front to back and absorb every detail. Some won’t give it more than a single glance. And sometimes, that person is the decision-maker.
Make the most important results easy to spot, read, and retain at a glance. Write headings that are descriptive—if someone just scanned them, would they be able to get the gist of the story? Consider putting a summary at the very beginning of the study, or call out impressive results in a larger font size.
7. Record your interviews
Ditch the pen and paper. If you’re conducting one-on-one interviews over the phone, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by recording the conversation (with your customer’s consent, of course).
There are tools that can make this easier too—you might find one or two in your marketing stack. For example, you could use RingSense AI for automatic note taking, summarizing, and transcribing.
8. Don’t forget the call to action (CTA)
Your prospect is excited because your case study has done an excellent job of showing how your product or service can help drive results for customers. Now, how do they get in touch with you to learn more?
Whether it’s a button that links to your website, an email address, or a phone number, make sure there’s an easy way of getting in touch with you in the case study.
7 Examples of great case studies from real-life companies
So, that’s the theory covered, but what do great case studies look like in practice? We’ve included a few elements from RingCentral customer stories as examples above, but let’s dig a little deeper into two more of our case studies:
RingCentral: How Ryder made significant savings with cloud communications
This case study is about Ryder Systems, a Fortune 500 transportation company who modernized their IT communications infrastructure with RingCentral.
We start off with a subheading that sums up the story, plus the key stats at a glance. There’s another stats panel farther down the page to help break up the wall of text. Pull quotes also achieve this, but that’s not the only reason why we like to use quotes.
When the quote comes directly from a senior manager at the company we’ve helped, they’re telling an important part of the story in their own words. In this case, there’s a reference to the amount of money Ryder has saved with RingCentral, and a mention of the platform’s all-in-one cloud capabilities.
The content introduces Ryder and makes it clear that they are a big name in transportation (the single largest truck supplier in the US) and a noteworthy firm in general, as evidenced by membership of the Fortune 500 and Forbes’ Most Admired Companies.
If a big player like this is happy to trust RingCentral with their business, that says a lot about our credentials too.
We mentioned earlier that customers are attracted to testimonials from companies similar to themselves. But RingCentral caters to businesses of all sizes—so if SMBs are reading this case study, we think they’ll see our association with a large company as “social proof” and a sign of our trustworthiness across the board.
The story goes on to explore Ryder’s pain points and how RingCentral solved them, inspiring other companies with similar problems to take action (i.e. to replace legacy systems that are slow and expensive). For further encouragement, it details how Ryder were so happy with the initial success that they also went on to implement RingCentral’s contact center solution.
RingCentral: Helping Dispute Nation to change lives
Just to illustrate our point about RingCentral serving all sizes of business, here’s a case study for a much smaller company—consumer advocacy organization Dispute Nation, which has 10 employees.
Again, the story begins with stats and a pull quote from a company representative. In keeping with Dispute Nation’s values, it focuses less on the financial savings or efficiency brought by RingCentral tools but on how our solution helps this company to help others.
Drawing empathy from other startups and fast-growing small businesses, we mention how demand for the company’s services grew very quickly. This makes it obvious why they needed a unified communications system to reach all their clients by phone, SMS, and fax.
The case study highlights how digital fax in particular helps Dispute Nation to get client cases resolved sooner. Another pull quote mentions some of the other benefits of RingCentral, like automation and integrations with other tools.
There are nods to mobility and flexibility, plus security and data privacy which will resonate with other highly-regulated industries.
The tale finishes strongly with the company founder’s assertion that “RingCentral is helping Dispute Nation improve more lives”. Readers who’ve been inspired to learn more can easily navigate from this page to explore products, resources, and get in touch.
RingCentral is far from the only company to have recognized the importance of this kind of content.
Here are some more real-life case studies from other businesses you might just recognize:
RingCentral iswe’re far from the only company to have recognized the importance of this kind of content.
Mailchimp: Make a connection in real life with postcards
What we like about it: The title doesn’t give everything away all at once, and the case study tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end. The sections are clearly titled and organized, and the results are easy to find. As a bonus: the video adds a believable human element.
LinkedIn: How Adobe achieves alignment and ABM success with LinkedIn
What we like about it: It’s detailed without being a novella. It understands and speaks to the enterprise customer. The key points are in bullet format and easy to read. The important wins are highlighted. And the video makes the content easy to engage with.
Hootsuite: How Meliá became one of the most influential hotel chains on social media
What we like about it: The title makes you want to read the whole customer story. They’ve embedded a well-produced video high on the page, so you can choose to watch it before you read on. The design and layout of the page makes the content and images easy to consume, and the results can’t be missed. Also, they weren’t shy about adding CTAs.
Slack: So yeah, we tried Slack
What we like about it: This case study follows the tried and true format of customer, problem, solution, and results. It uses humor and relatable characters throughout to support the story and keep your attention. And it’s only two minutes long so it gets the point across quickly.
Assetworks: South Carolina School Board Insurance Trust
What we like about it: This case study tackles the otherwise complex and technical topic, and simplifies it as an infographic using images to make the results clear. It’s concise and easy to follow because you can see the math without actually doing any math.
8 Case study templates to get you started
Starting from scratch can be time-consuming. To help you, we’ve drawn together a few templates:
The generic one
Generic doesn’t mean boring! Canva’s templates are great if you need something concise and simple that still looks professional . A free account will give you access to several well-designed templates, including this one :
The layout is provided for you, so it’s quick and easy to customize with your branding and content. Don’t be afraid to use this as a foundation, then add in visual elements like infographics and videos.
The data-driven one
If your key messages revolve around numbers, start with a template structure that lets you highlight these. HubSpot has a data-focused template where you can pack in graphs, charts, and other visuals to drive your message home:
The industry-specific one
Not every template suits every company. Visme offers different templates created for different industries, including real estate, financial services, and healthcare.
The problem-solution-impact one
This format takes a graphical rather than narrative approach, which helps readers to visualize the events and looks colorful and appealing on the page. The template is available as a free download from Smartsheet:
The idea of this is to present the story in a logical and sequential way. It starts with the challenge faced by the subject of the case study, looks at the solution your company provided, and shows what the outcome was.
Of course, you could choose to combine this with other elements like text content, stats, and quotes—making the “problem-solution-impact” graphic the main focus of the case study.
The product-specific one
You can choose to focus your case study on a particular product, highlighting key features and the practical applications in the real world.
It leans into the experience that the customer has had with the product—i.e., what it feels like to use it—and the specific benefits. This one is a good choice if the customer hasn’t been using the product for very long, and you haven’t yet gathered a lot of metrics.
HubSpot has a template for this purpose :
The in-depth report one
Using the style of an in-depth report can be useful when you’ve worked with the customer on a complex project and you need to include a lot of detail.
This template —another free one from Smartsheet—includes elements like decision criteria, data analysis, and the implementation plan:
Just be careful with this one as you don’t want readers to be put off by a lot of text. Make sure the style is conversational and engaging, not dry and formal.
The employee story one
Okay, stick with us here—this one’s a little different. As well as asking customers to tell their stories, how about getting employees to share what it’s like to work for your company, or their experience of working on a particular project?
Employee stories or testimonials are often used for recruitment purposes, but they’re also a valuable form of marketing for potential customers. That’s because happy, engaged employees represent a company that cares about its people, which all helps you to build trust.
This example from Vanguard isn’t a template as such, but you can use it to inspire your own version. (It doesn’t have to be a video—you could still use a written narrative with direct quotes, photos, and stats on employee satisfaction.)
BONUS TEMPLATE: Form for customers participating in case studies
Earlier in this post, we briefly covered some of the questions you’ll need to ask your customers when putting together case studies. But it’s always helpful to have a visual guide, so we’re including this template from Vitally , which provides a framework for collaborating with customers and collecting the relevant data.
You can adapt this to your own needs by adding further questions.
The final word on how to write a case study…
Sure, an ad or boosted social media post can make someone aware of your brand or that your product exists, and a landing page can tell them how your product can solve their problem.
But there’s nothing quite as powerful as someone else singing your praises.
And that’s exactly what a case study does. Spend the time to do it right and it has the potential to deliver huge ROI no matter how big or small your company is. And not just once—but over and over again.
Originally published Jun 15, 2024, updated Sep 26, 2024
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How to Write a Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide (+ Examples)
by Todd Brehe
on Jan 3, 2024
If you want to learn how to write a case study that engages prospective clients, demonstrates that you can solve real business problems, and showcases the results you deliver, this guide will help.
We’ll give you a proven template to follow, show you how to conduct an engaging interview, and give you several examples and tips for best practices.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a Case Study?
A business case study is simply a story about how you successfully delivered a solution to your client.
Case studies start with background information about the customer, describe problems they were facing, present the solutions you developed, and explain how those solutions positively impacted the customer’s business.
Do Marketing Case Studies Really Work?
Absolutely. A well-written case study puts prospective clients into the shoes of your paying clients, encouraging them to engage with you. Plus, they:
- Get shared “behind the lines” with decision makers you may not know;
- Leverage the power of “social proof” to encourage a prospective client to take a chance with your company;
- Build trust and foster likeability;
- Lessen the perceived risk of doing business with you and offer proof that your business can deliver results;
- Help prospects become aware of unrecognized problems;
- Show prospects experiencing similar problems that possible solutions are available (and you can provide said solutions);
- Make it easier for your target audience to find you when using Google and other search engines.
Case studies serve your clients too. For example, they can generate positive publicity and highlight the accomplishments of line staff to the management team. Your company might even throw in a new product/service discount, or a gift as an added bonus.
But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at a few statistics and success stories:
5 Winning Case Study Examples to Model
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to write a case study, let’s go over a few examples of what an excellent one looks like.
The five case studies listed below are well-written, well-designed, and incorporate a time-tested structure.
1. Lane Terralever and Pinnacle at Promontory
This case study example from Lane Terralever incorporates images to support the content and effectively uses subheadings to make the piece scannable.
2. WalkMe Mobile and Hulyo
This case study from WalkMe Mobile leads with an engaging headline and the three most important results the client was able to generate.
In the first paragraph, the writer expands the list of accomplishments encouraging readers to learn more.
3. CurationSuite Listening Engine
This is an example of a well-designed printable case study . The client, specific problem, and solution are called out in the left column and summarized succinctly.
4. Brain Traffic and ASAE
This long format case study (6 pages) from Brain Traffic summarizes the challenges, solutions, and results prominently in the left column. It uses testimonials and headshots of the case study participants very effectively.
5. Adobe and Home Depot
This case study from Adobe and Home Depot is a great example of combining video, attention-getting graphics, and long form writing. It also uses testimonials and headshots well.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics and showed a few great case study examples you can use as inspiration, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
A Case Study Structure That Pros Use
Let’s break down the structure of a compelling case study:
Choose Your Case Study Format
In this guide, we focus on written case studies. They’re affordable to create, and they have a proven track record. However, written case studies are just one of four case study formats to consider:
- Infographic
If you have the resources, video (like the Adobe and Home Depot example above) and podcast case studies can be very compelling. Hearing a client discuss in his or her own words how your company helped is an effective content marketing strategy
Infographic case studies are usually one-page images that summarize the challenge, proposed solution, and results. They tend to work well on social media.
Follow a Tried-and-True Case Study Template
The success story structure we’re using incorporates a “narrative” or “story arc” designed to suck readers in and captivate their interest.
Note: I recommend creating a blog post or landing page on your website that includes the text from your case study, along with a downloadable PDF. Doing so helps people find your content when they perform Google and other web searches.
There are a few simple SEO strategies that you can apply to your blog post that will optimize your chances of being found. I’ll include those tips below.
Craft a Compelling Headline
The headline should capture your audience’s attention quickly. Include the most important result you achieved, the client’s name, and your company’s name. Create several examples, mull them over a bit, then pick the best one. And, yes, this means writing the headline is done at the very end.
SEO Tip: Let’s say your firm provided “video editing services” and you want to target this primary keyword. Include it, your company name, and your client’s name in the case study title.
Write the Executive Summary
This is a mini-narrative using an abbreviated version of the Challenge + Solution + Results model (3-4 short paragraphs). Write this after you complete the case study.
SEO Tip: Include your primary keyword in the first paragraph of the Executive Summary.
Provide the Client’s Background
Introduce your client to the reader and create context for the story.
List the Customer’s Challenges and Problems
Vividly describe the situation and problems the customer was dealing with, before working with you.
SEO Tip: To rank on page one of Google for our target keyword, review the questions listed in the “People also ask” section at the top of Google’s search results. If you can include some of these questions and their answers into your case study, do so. Just make sure they fit with the flow of your narrative.
Detail Your Solutions
Explain the product or service your company provided, and spell out how it alleviated the client’s problems. Recap how the solution was delivered and implemented. Describe any training needed and the customer’s work effort.
Show Your Results
Detail what you accomplished for the customer and the impact your product/service made. Objective, measurable results that resonate with your target audience are best.
List Future Plans
Share how your client might work with your company in the future.
Give a Call-to-Action
Clearly detail what you want the reader to do at the end of your case study.
Talk About You
Include a “press release-like” description of your client’s organization, with a link to their website. For your printable document, add an “About” section with your contact information.
And that’s it. That’s the basic structure of any good case study.
Now, let’s go over how to get the information you’ll use in your case study.
How to Conduct an Engaging Case Study Interview
One of the best parts of creating a case study is talking with your client about the experience. This is a fun and productive way to learn what your company did well, and what it can improve on, directly from your customer’s perspective.
Here are some suggestions for conducting great case study interviews:
When Choosing a Case Study Subject, Pick a Raving Fan
Your sales and marketing team should know which clients are vocal advocates willing to talk about their experiences. Your customer service and technical support teams should be able to contribute suggestions.
Clients who are experts with your product/service make solid case study candidates. If you sponsor an online community, look for product champions who post consistently and help others.
When selecting a candidate, think about customer stories that would appeal to your target audience. For example, let’s say your sales team is consistently bumping into prospects who are excited about your solution, but are slow to pull the trigger and do business with you.
In this instance, finding a client who felt the same way, but overcame their reluctance and contracted with you anyway, would be a compelling story to capture and share.
Prepping for the Interview
If you’ve ever seen an Oprah interview, you’ve seen a master who can get almost anyone to open up and talk. Part of the reason is that she and her team are disciplined about planning.
Before conducting a case study interview, talk to your own team about the following:
- What’s unique about the client (location, size, industry, etc.) that will resonate with our prospects?
- Why did the customer select us?
- How did we help the client?
- What’s unique about this customer’s experience?
- What problems did we solve?
- Were any measurable, objective results generated?
- What do we want readers to do after reading this case study analysis?
Pro Tip: Tee up your client. Send them the questions in advance.
Providing questions to clients before the interview helps them prepare, gather input from other colleagues if needed, and feel more comfortable because they know what to expect.
In a moment, I’ll give you an exhaustive list of interview questions. But don’t send them all. Instead, pare the list down to one or two questions in each section and personalize them for your customer.
Nailing the Client Interview
Decide how you’ll conduct the interview. Will you call the client, use Skype or Facetime, or meet in person? Whatever mode you choose, plan the process in advance.
Make sure you record the conversation. It’s tough to lead an interview, listen to your contact’s responses, keep the conversation flowing, write notes, and capture all that the person is saying.
A recording will make it easier to write the client’s story later. It’s also useful for other departments in your company (management, sales, development, etc.) to hear real customer feedback.
Use open-ended questions that spur your contact to talk and share. Here are some real-life examples:
Introduction
- Recap the purpose of the call. Confirm how much time your contact has to talk (30-45 minutes is preferable).
- Confirm the company’s location, number of employees, years in business, industry, etc.
- What’s the contact’s background, title, time with the company, primary responsibilities, and so on?
Initial Challenges
- Describe the situation at your company before engaging with us?
- What were the initial problems you wanted to solve?
- What was the impact of those problems?
- When did you realize you had to take some action?
- What solutions did you try?
- What solutions did you implement?
- What process did you go through to make a purchase?
- How did the implementation go?
- How would you describe the work effort required of your team?
- If training was involved, how did that go?
Results, Improvements, Progress
- When did you start seeing improvements?
- What were the most valuable results?
- What did your team like best about working with us?
- Would you recommend our solution/company? Why?
Future Plans
- How do you see our companies working together in the future?
Honest Feedback
- Our company is very focused on continual improvement. What could we have done differently to make this an even better experience?
- What would you like us to add or change in our product/service?
During the interview, use your contact’s responses to guide the conversation.
Once the interview is complete, it’s time to write your case study.
How to Write a Case Study… Effortlessly
Case study writing is not nearly as difficult as many people make it out to be. And you don’t have to be Stephen King to do professional work. Here are a few tips:
- Use the case study structure that we outlined earlier, but write these sections first: company background, challenges, solutions, and results.
- Write the headline, executive summary, future plans, and call-to-action (CTA) last.
- In each section, include as much content from your interview as you can. Don’t worry about editing at this point
- Tell the story by discussing their trials and tribulations.
- Stay focused on the client and the results they achieved.
- Make their organization and employees shine.
- When including information about your company, frame your efforts in a supporting role.
Also, make sure to do the following:
Add Testimonials, Quotes, and Visuals
The more you can use your contact’s words to describe the engagement, the better. Weave direct quotes throughout your narrative.
Strive to be conversational when you’re writing case studies, as if you’re talking to a peer.
Include images in your case study that visually represent the content and break up the text. Photos of the company, your contact, and other employees are ideal.
If you need to incorporate stock photos, here are three resources:
- Deposit p hotos
And if you need more, check out Smart Blogger’s excellent resource: 17 Sites with High-Quality, Royalty-Free Stock Photos .
Proofread and Tighten Your Writing
Make sure there are no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. If you need help, consider using a grammar checker tool like Grammarly .
My high school English teacher’s mantra was “tighten your writing.” She taught that impactful writing is concise and free of weak, unnecessary words . This takes effort and discipline, but will make your writing stronger.
Also, keep in mind that we live in an attention-diverted society. Before your audience will dive in and read each paragraph, they’ll first scan your work. Use subheadings to summarize information, convey meaning quickly, and pull the reader in.
Be Sure to Use Best Practices
Consider applying the following best practices to your case study:
- Stay laser-focused on your client and the results they were able to achieve.
- Even if your audience is technical, minimize the use of industry jargon . If you use acronyms, explain them.
- Leave out the selling and advertising.
- Don’t write like a Shakespearean wannabe. Write how people speak. Write to be understood.
- Clear and concise writing is not only more understandable, it inspires trust. Don’t ramble.
- Weave your paragraphs together so that each sentence is dependent on the one before and after it.
- Include a specific case study call-to-action (CTA).
- A recommended case study length is 2-4 pages.
- Commit to building a library of case studies.
Get Client Approval
After you have a final draft, send it to the client for review and approval. Incorporate any edits they suggest.
Use or modify the following “Consent to Publish” form to get the client’s written sign-off:
Consent to Publish
Case Study Title:
I hereby confirm that I have reviewed the case study listed above and on behalf of the [Company Name], I provide full permission for the work to be published, in whole or in part, for the life of the work, in all languages and all formats by [Company publishing the case study].
By signing this form, I affirm that I am authorized to grant full permission.
Company Name:
E-mail Address:
Common Case Study Questions (& Answers)
We’ll wrap things up with a quick Q&A. If you have a question I didn’t answer, be sure to leave it in a blog comment below.
Should I worry about print versions of my case studies?
Absolutely.
As we saw in the CurationSuite and Brain Traffic examples earlier, case studies get downloaded, printed, and shared. Prospects can and will judge your book by its cover.
So, make sure your printed case study is eye-catching and professionally designed. Hire a designer if necessary.
Why are good case studies so effective?
Case studies work because people trust them.
They’re not ads, they’re not press releases, and they’re not about how stellar your company is.
Plus, everyone likes spellbinding stories with a hero [your client], a conflict [challenges], and a riveting resolution [best solution and results].
How do I promote my case study?
After you’ve written your case study and received the client’s approval to use it, you’ll want to get it in front of as many eyes as possible.
Try the following:
- Make sure your case studies can be easily found on your company’s homepage.
- Tweet and share the case study on your various social media accounts.
- Have your sales team use the case study as a reason to call on potential customers. For example: “Hi [prospect], we just published a case study on Company A. They were facing some of the same challenges I believe your firm is dealing with. I’m going to e-mail you a copy. Let me know what you think.”
- Distribute printed copies at trade shows, seminars, or during sales presentations.
- If you’re bidding on a job and have to submit a quote or a Request for Proposal (RFP), include relevant case studies as supporting documents.
Ready to Write a Case Study That Converts?
If you want to stand out and you want to win business, case studies should be an integral part of your sales and marketing efforts.
Hopefully, this guide answered some of your questions and laid out a path that will make it faster and easier for your team to create professional, sales-generating content.
Now it’s time to take action and get started. Gather your staff, select a client, and ask a contact to participate. Plan your interview and lead an engaging conversation. Write up your client’s story, make them shine, and then share it.
Get better at the case study process by doing it more frequently. Challenge yourself to write at least one case study every two months.
As you do, you’ll be building a valuable repository of meaningful, powerful content. These success stories will serve your business in countless ways, and for years to come.
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Written by todd brehe, latest from the blog.
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Case Study Mastery: Examples & Step-by-Step Templates
Master case study: Uncover key strategies to conduct & present findings that influence decisions charachters.
February 9, 2024
What's Inside?
Understanding and sharing success stories in the business management world is crucial for grasping the growth journey of a business.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of a business management case study, exploring its definition, benefits, limitations, step-by-step process, types, and essential elements.
What is a Case Study?
A case study research is a detailed analysis of a particular subject, often a real-world situation or scenario, to draw insights and conclusions. It serves as a valuable tool for learning from successful strategies, identifying challenges, and making informed decisions.
Key Characteristics of a Case Study:
Specific Focus: Case studies concentrate on a particular subject, narrowing down the scope to delve deeply into specific aspects.
Real-world Context: Unlike theoretical studies, case studies are grounded in the real world. They often involve the examination of actual events, circumstances, or challenges.
Comprehensive Exploration: Case studies involve a thorough investigation of multiple facets of the chosen subject. This may include collecting and analyzing data, conducting interviews, and reviewing relevant documents.
Contextualization: Each case study is set within a context, providing background information to help readers or viewers understand the circumstances surrounding the case.
Problem-Solving Orientation: While exploring the intricacies of a case, case studies often aim to identify problems, challenges, or opportunities. They can be used as tools for problem-solving and decision-making.
In-depth Analysis: The analysis in a case study goes beyond surface-level observations. It involves a detailed examination of factors contributing to the situation, allowing for a nuanced understanding.
Presentation of Findings: A case study concludes with the presentation of findings, insights, and conclusions. Leveraging a visually compelling presentation plays a vital role for a case study to speak out.
Why You Should Write a Case Study?
Writing a case study offers several compelling reasons for individuals and businesses alike:
Demonstrate Success: A case study allows you to showcase your achievements and successes. It provides tangible evidence of your capabilities, helping build trust and credibility with potential clients, customers, or collaborators.
Educate and Inform: Use case studies to share valuable insights, lessons learned, and best practices. By documenting your experiences, you contribute to the collective knowledge within your industry, positioning yourself as an authority and resource.
Problem-Solving Showcase: If your case study revolves around overcoming challenges, it highlights your problem-solving abilities. This can be particularly impactful in industries where complex issues require innovative solutions.
Engage Your Audience: Well-crafted case studies are engaging and resonate with your audience. They tell a story, making information more relatable and memorable. This storytelling aspect can captivate readers and enhance their understanding of your work.
Build Brand Awareness: Case studies provide an opportunity to promote your brand in a context that goes beyond traditional marketing. Through real-world examples, you can reinforce your brand message and values.
Attract New Opportunities: A compelling case study can attract new opportunities, whether it be clients, partnerships , or collaborations. It serves as a powerful marketing tool, showcasing your expertise and capabilities to a wider audience.
Validate Your Methods: For businesses, case studies serve as a validation of their methods and strategies. Employing a robust case study methodology is a way to demonstrate the effectiveness of your products, services, or approaches to potential clients or customers through a thorough research process.
Internal Learning: Writing a case study requires reflection on your processes and approach case outcomes. This internal learning process can contribute to continuous improvement within your organization , fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
SEO Benefits: Case studies can be optimized for search engines, contributing to your online visibility. Including relevant keywords and internal links in your case studies can improve your website's SEO , attracting more organic traffic.
Differentiation: In competitive industries, a well crafted case study sets you apart from the competition. It allows you to highlight what makes your approach unique and why clients or customers should choose your products or services.
Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies
Benefits of Case Studies:
- Evident Success Stories: Case studies serve as tangible evidence of a business's success, allowing them to showcase real-world achievements and build credibility with potential clients or customers.
- Effective Marketing Tool: They function as powerful marketing tools by providing in depth insights into a business's capabilities , differentiating it from competitors, and influencing the decision making process of potential clients.
- Client Relationship Building: Through detailed case studies, businesses can strengthen relationships with existing clients by demonstrating their commitment, problem solving abilities, and delivering measurable results.
- Versatile Content: Case studies offer versatile content that can be repurposed across various marketing channels, including websites, social media, presentations, and promotional materials.
- Educational Value: Businesses can use case studies to educate their target audience about their industry, innovative solutions, and best practices, positioning themselves as thought leaders.
Limitations of Case Studies:
- Resource Intensive: Creating comprehensive case studies demands significant resources, including time, effort, and potential costs, making them resource-intensive for businesses.
- Limited Generalization: Findings from a specific case study may not be universally applicable, limiting their generalizability to other scenarios or industries.
- Potential Bias: There is a risk of bias in the selection and presentation of information, as businesses may be inclined to emphasize positive outcomes and downplay challenges.
- Confidentiality Concerns: Businesses may face challenges in sharing detailed information, especially if it involves sensitive data or strategies, raising concerns about confidentiality.
- Difficulty in Replication: The unique circumstances of a case study may make it challenging to replicate the same success in different contexts, limiting the broader applicability of the insights gained.
How to Conduct a Case Analysis: Step-by-step
1. define the objective:.
- Clearly outline the purpose of the case study. What do you aim to achieve or understand through this analysis?
2. Select the Case:
- Identify a relevant and specific case that aligns with your objective. For an important case study this could be a real-world situation, event, or phenomenon.
3. Background Research:
- Gather background information about the case. This may include historical context, key players involved, and any existing literature on the subject.
4. Identify Key Issues or Questions:
- Formulate specific research questions or highlight key issues you want to address through the case study.
5. Choose the Research Method:
- Decide on the case study method or approach for data collection. A case study research method could involve qualitative methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis.
6. Develop Data Collection Plan:
- Outline a detailed plan for collecting data. Specify sources, methods, and tools you will use to gather relevant information.
7. Data Collection:
- Execute the data collection plan. Conduct interviews , observe events, and analyze documents to accumulate necessary data.
8. Data Analysis:
- Apply appropriate analytical techniques to interpret the gathered data. This may involve coding, categorizing, and identifying patterns or themes.
9. Construct the Case Study Narrative:
- Organize the findings into a coherent and structured narrative. Develop sections that cover the introduction, background, analysis, and conclusion.
10. Draw Conclusions:
- Based on your analysis, after you conduct case study , draw conclusions that address the research questions or objectives. Consider the implications of your findings.
11. Peer Review or Feedback:
- Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or peers to ensure the validity and reliability of your case study.
12. Finalize the Case Study:
- Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions. Finalize the case study, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to ethical guidelines.
13. Document and Share:
- Prepare the case study for publication or presentation and take advantage of Decktopus AI, a user-friendly and efficient presentation generator powered by AI. Easily convert your case study insights into a visually compelling deck.
- Decktopus ensures your case studies are presented in a format that engages your audience, making your narratives more impactful and memorable. Explore the benefits of Decktopus AI to elevate your case study presentations effortlessly.
What are the Components of a Case Study
The format of a case study typically comprises several key components to present information in a structured and comprehensive manner. While variations may exist based on the context and purpose, a standard case study format often includes the following elements:
1. Introduction:
Provide a brief overview of the case and set the stage for the reader. Outline the main objectives and establish the context of the study.
2. Background:
Present relevant background information about the subject of the case. This may include the history, industry context, or any pertinent details necessary for understanding the situation.
3. Problem Statement or Objectives:
Clearly state the problem or the main objectives of the case study. Define the issues or challenges that the study aims to address.
4. Analysis:
Dive into the analysis of the case. This section often comprises multiple sub-sections, each exploring different aspects such as market conditions, internal factors, external influences, etc.
5. Solution or Action:
Propose solutions or actions to address the identified problems. Detail the steps taken or recommended strategies based on the analysis.
6. Results:
Present the outcomes of the solutions or actions taken. Include any measurable results, impacts, or changes observed.
7. Conclusion:
Summarize the key points, outcomes, and lessons learned. Revisit the problem statement and emphasize the significance of the study, highlighting how the research design shaped the results.
Types of Case Studies
Case Study Type | Purpose | Use |
---|---|---|
Product Launch | Showcase successful new product introductions. | Demonstrate effective marketing strategies. |
Customer Success Stories | Highlight positive customer experiences. | Build credibility and trust in the product/service. |
Market Entry | Analyze successful entry into a new market. | Guide other businesses entering similar markets. |
Rebranding | Explain and showcase outcomes of brand repositioning. | Illustrate the impact on market perception. |
Digital Marketing Campaign | Evaluate the success of a digital marketing campaign. | Provide insights into effective digital strategies. |
Competitive Analysis | Assess how a company gained a competitive edge. | Identify success factors and areas for improvement. |
Social Media Engagement | Examine the impact of social media marketing. | Understand effective social media strategies. |
Failure | Learn from marketing failures. | Extract lessons for future marketing endeavors. |
Case Study Examples
1. marketing case study template.
The Marketing Case Study Template is tailored for marketers, highlighting successful marketing strategies . Uncover the methods employed, target audience engagement, and measurable outcomes.
Ideal for marketing professionals seeking insights into effective campaign executions. With Decktopus AI , spending your precious time perpetually recreating your product's presentation has become an ancient practice.
Along with our collection of case-study templates, with our one-click platform, you can easily create beautiful presentations for yourself or your clients.
Also check out: creative marketing case study template .
2. Sales Case Study Template
The Sales Case Study Template is designed for salespeople to present and discuss case studies in sales meetings. With its professional look and engaging layout, your clients will be impressed with the level of detail you put into your analysis.
This professionally designed template is easy to use and easy to customize, making it the perfect way to show off your small business expertise.
So whether you're looking to wow potential clients or just need a little more confidence in your sales meetings, our client case study template will help you make an impact.
Also check-out: case study template for sales teams .
3. Design Case Study Example: UI Case Study Template
The UI Case Study Template is specifically designed for UI designers, making it easy to discuss your design process and findings. Present your design case studies like a pro with our target-spesific case study templates. With our design case study template , you'll be able to showcase your work in a clear, professional manner.
Looking to create a stunning case study presentation for your next client meeting? Look no further than our case study templates! Our professional and easy-to-use templates are perfect for designers of all experience levels, and will help you showcase your work in a clear and concise way.
Also check out: Art Case Study Template .
Explore More Case Study Templates
Discover a vast collection of case study templates from various fields, including marketing, sales, and design, in our dedicated Case Study Examples Blog. Gain insights into diverse business scenarios and find inspiration for your own projects.
Case Study Presentation Creation with Decktopus AI
Streamlining the creation of engaging visual case studies has never been easier than with Decktopus AI . This innovative platform offers a seamless experiencensimply write your input, and Decktopus takes care of the rest, ensuring that your templates not only boast a polished visual appeal but also integrate relevant and impactful content effortlessly.
Discover how easy it is to create engaging case study templates using Decktopus AI . Our platform ensures your templates look great and contain relevant content. With the help of our AI assistant, you not only get support during presentations but also receive tips, facilitate Q&A, and increase overall engagement.
Explore the unique storytelling format that Decktopus offers, making your case studies more relatable. For a step-by-guide on how to easily create a visually stunning case study with Decktopus, see our case study examples blog.
This approach allows you to present information in a narrative style, connecting better with your audience. Find practical tips for smoother case study presentations, from effective storytelling to engaging your audience. Improve your presentation experience with Decktopus AI , where simplicity meets interactivity and storytelling for effective communication.
It features, practical design, mobilizing easy principles of marketing ecosystem platform design. Making it by far the easiest thing to use in your daily practice of mobilizing marketing ecosystems through platform strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) what is a marketing case study.
A marketing case study is a concise analysis of a business's marketing strategy, showcasing its objectives, challenges, tactics, and outcomes. It offers practical insights into real-world marketing applications, serving as a valuable learning tool for understanding successful practices and lessons learned in achieving specific marketing goals.
2) What is a case study?
A case study, or case report, is a concise examination of a specific subject, often real-world situations or problems, providing detailed insights and analysis for learning or decision-making purposes.
3) How should you write a case study?
To create an impactful case study, define objectives, choose a relevant case, gather key information, and use Decktopus for a polished presentation. Employ data analysis, construct a clear narrative, and offer actionable recommendations.
Validate findings and consider broader implications. Decktopus streamlines this process, providing a user-friendly platform for creating compelling case study presentations effortlessly.
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How To Outline a Case Study: 15 Examples & Templates
Written by: Christopher Jan Benitez
They allow you to make your business more appealing to your target audience, resulting in more leads and customers moving forward.
By definition, you should create more of these studies to show your business’s effectiveness to people, right?
But before you do, you must learn how to outline them first.
This post discusses how you can develop a case study outline, which templates to use, and best practices to follow.
Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit case study templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:
Table of Contents
What is a case study, what is a case study outline, how do you write a case study outline, 15 case study outline examples, design tips for your case study outline, create your case study with visme.
A case study is a real-life success story of a customer who faced challenges and managed to overcome them by using your products or services. It's like a narrative that tells the tale of how someone benefited from what you have to offer. It's a way to showcase the practical application of your solutions in a specific situation and demonstrate the value they bring. So, it's not just a theoretical explanation but an engaging story that highlights the positive outcomes achieved by your customer.
Beyond business, case studies are commonly used in other settings, like academics, social sciences, medicine, psychology, and education. A case study is an in-depth examination and analysis of a specific individual, group, organization, event, or situation. It involves gathering detailed information and data to gain an extensive understanding of the subject being studied.
A case study outline is a roadmap for creating a solid case study report. It helps you organize and present all the important elements in a structured way. Think of it as a blueprint that guides you through the process. Of course, the specific outline can vary depending on why you're doing the case study and the specific situation you're studying. So, it's adaptable to fit your needs and make sure you cover everything necessary.
Made with Visme Infographic Maker
Below are the main parts of a typical case study outline:
- Introduction: Describe the customer or client who is the focus of the case study.
- Problem: Identify the client's issue, which is why they sought your help in the first place.
- Goals/Solutions: Enumerate the goals you wish to achieve with the strategy you developed for this client. Then, discuss the tactics you used in the hopes of achieving these objectives.
- Results/Achievements: Talk about the positive results of your campaign using data and figures. This section should emphasize the effectiveness of your business in solving the problem through your products and services.
If you want a head start with your case studies, use any of Visme's templates below.
Most of these templates contain the main parts mentioned above. Once you’ve chosen a case study template , simply edit it to best explain your case to prospects.
Choose from built-in graphics ranging from video backgrounds to fonts and place them in the presentation using Visme's drag-and-drop builder.
You can also collaborate with team members when editing the case study online template to finish the presentation ahead of time.
1. Medical Case Study
This blue-themed outline template is for you if you're in the medical field and doing a case study on a patient. It contains a table of laboratory findings and clinical manifestations, which lead to your diagnosis and conclusions.
2. Intel Case Study
This simple light-red template is perfect for tech companies looking to quickly present their case study with an overview of its background, goals, and strategy. It ends the presentation by going through the study’s figures and data.
3. UX Case Study
This zesty template tackles how a change in a site or app's user interface generated massive results in conversions. It lays down the site's problem and approach to solving it before dealing with the results.
4. Bit.ly Case Study
For marketers looking to track campaign results launched across various marketing channels, this template is for them. It briefly explains the background and goal of the case in the first place and the obstacles and results in the next.
5. Adobe Case Study
This orange and blue magenta template is heavy on text as it explains how your brand achieved positive results for a client campaign. Show this to similar prospects whom you're looking to turn into clients.
6. Fuji Xerox Australia Business Equipment Case Study
Marketing agencies looking for print businesses or similar to turn into clients won't go wrong with this blue three-page template. It details the case study background, goals, and achievements before concluding with its key results.
7. College For Adult Learning Training Organization Case Study
Marketers with a great track record of helping educational institutions will have great use for this red and blue-magenta template. From here, they can convert similar prospects into clients by showing your case study’s achievements and goals.
8. NVISIONCenters Case Study
A marketing strategy that works is what turns business owners into your clients. With this pink and medium blue template, your agency can showcase your expertise by featuring the results of your strategy with a previous client.
9. Neutrogena Case Study
This blue-themed template shows how a marketing agency could integrate mobile technology to generate sales in a client’s retail stores. It uses a fair share of images and text to communicate its solution and results.
10. Social Media Case Study
This red-on-blue template features the transformative power of social media when used correctly in a marketing campaign. Companies that offer social media marketing can use this to showcase their own successful campaigns.
11. Weebly Case Study
This template uses waves in the layout to add texture to your case study presentation . It's also short enough to help you share your marketing achievements with prospects looking to grow their ROI.
12. Small Business Accounting Case Study
Accounting firms looking to leverage case studies to bolster their leads will find this cyan-themed template useful. This text-heavy template shows prospects how they helped clients manage their receipts and expenditures.
13. Real Estate Development During COVID 19 Case Study
Lots of businesses were hit hard during COVID-19, but not all. If you find yourself in the latter and wish to share with potential clients the progress your clients during this period have made with your help, this theme template is for you.
14. Digital Marketing in Consumer Goods Case Study
This dynamic case study template benefits from its healthy balance of text and image and orange and cyan-blue theme. It allows marketing companies to make their case to prospects looking to promote their new line of products.
15. Automobile Company Case Study
B2B companies benefit the most from case studies due to their complex pricing structure. Therefore, this template is the best for such companies, as it breaks down the entire process to help justify their costs and enable prospects to make informed decisions.
RELATED: 15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices
Below are design tips you must keep in mind when outlining your case study:
Use White Space
Great attention to detail in a case study allows you to show off your initiative or campaign to your audience.
However, information becomes detrimental if you overload your audience with too much exposition page after page.
The best way to design your case study or any presentation is to utilize white space as much as possible.
It may sound counterintuitive to leave certain sections of your case study blank as if you’re wasting valuable real estate.
On the contrary, white space is simply a good design principle that enables information on your case study to breathe, giving your audience ample time to digest the information before hopping onto the next section properly.
To help create white space in your case study, limit your paragraphs to two s hort sentences each. Using graphics also enables you to create more white space due to their size.
Maximize Visuals
Case studies require lots of words so you can adequately present your exposition and explain how you achieved the positive results with your process.
But when designing your case study online, you should consider using visuals to explain things much easier for your audience.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, using images correctly allows you to use fewer words in your case study.
And because people process images much faster than words, they can comprehend the details in your presentation much easier.
The most common example of visuals in case studies is graphs and charts when presenting figures.
From Visme’s editor, click on the Data button from the side menu on the left to see templates of charts, tables, and radials you can drag and drop onto your presentation.
But using icons and graphics helps you communicate your message more effectively than just plain text.
From the editor again, click on Graphics to choose from over 500,000 stock photos and icons.
You can also upload your images to make your case study even more unique.
Incorporate Branding
Throughout the case study, you want people to know the role your company played for the positive results your clients experienced with their business.
And it’s just not slapping your logo on the cover of the case study. You must also use the color , font , and other elements that are part of your brand guidelines in your case study outline.
Doing so enables you to remain consistent with your visual identity , which makes associating your company with the case study much easier for people.
If you’re constantly designing visual content for presentations and reports, Visme’s Brand Wizard lets you build your brand kit on the platform by importing your website URL.
To do this, log in to your dashboard and click the “My Brand” button on the left.
Once the page loads, you’ll find the Brand Wizard link. Click on it so you can enter the URL of your domain.
From here, Visme will take the logo, colors, and fonts you used on your site and include them in your brand kit.
Aside from your visual brand, you should maintain your brand’s tone and voice in the case study’s copy. For example, how you write the background, solutions, and achievements should reflect how your website’s copy reads like.
Make It Interactive
Most case studies are factual presentations of work done for a specific client. Unfortunately, this lends to a certain dullness in which the audience has nothing to do but sit down and listen to them.
But there’s a way to make your case study engaging so that your audience can be part of it instead of just bystanders.
For example, you can have your highlighted customer share a screen recording or audio file about how your company helped this person improve their business. From here, you can embed the files into your case study, which your audience can play anytime they want.
With Visme, you can make these interactive content show as popups in your presentation.
Select the element that people will click on to trigger the popup. Then, choose Actions > Hotspot from the floating bar before linking the video uploaded onto the cloud to the case study.
Here’s a video on how to create popups with your interactive content:
You can also add a voiceover in your presentation to help people with reading disabilities understand the contents of your case study.
If you want to close your audience to clients or customers of your brand, you must present your case study in the best way possible.
Following the design tips above is a great place to start. But you probably won’t be able to implement them properly unless you possess the necessary design skills.
With Visme, however, you don’t have to be a professional designer to produce professional-looking case studies that will wow your audience.
Just choose from our case study outline templates and edit each using the platform’s built-in features.
Easily put together professional case studies in Visme
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About the Author
Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer who specializes in digital marketing. His work has been published on SEO and affiliate marketing-specific niches like Monitor Backlinks, Niche Pursuits, Nichehacks, Web Hosting Secret Revealed, and others.
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- What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods
What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods
Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.
A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.
A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .
Table of contents
When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.
A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.
Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.
You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.
Research question | Case study |
---|---|
What are the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction? | Case study of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park |
How do populist politicians use narratives about history to gain support? | Case studies of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán and US president Donald Trump |
How can teachers implement active learning strategies in mixed-level classrooms? | Case study of a local school that promotes active learning |
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind farms for rural communities? | Case studies of three rural wind farm development projects in different parts of the country |
How are viral marketing strategies changing the relationship between companies and consumers? | Case study of the iPhone X marketing campaign |
How do experiences of work in the gig economy differ by gender, race and age? | Case studies of Deliveroo and Uber drivers in London |
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Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:
- Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
- Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
- Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
- Open up new directions for future research
TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.
Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.
Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.
However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.
Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.
While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:
- Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
- Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
- Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions
To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.
There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.
Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.
The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.
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In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.
How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .
Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).
In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.
If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
- Normal distribution
- Degrees of freedom
- Null hypothesis
- Discourse analysis
- Control groups
- Mixed methods research
- Non-probability sampling
- Quantitative research
- Ecological validity
Research bias
- Rosenthal effect
- Implicit bias
- Cognitive bias
- Selection bias
- Negativity bias
- Status quo bias
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McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods. Scribbr. Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/case-study/
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Blog Beginner Guides 6 Types of Case Studies to Inspire Your Research and Analysis
6 Types of Case Studies to Inspire Your Research and Analysis
Written by: Ronita Mohan Sep 20, 2021
Case studies have become powerful business tools. But what is a case study? What are the benefits of creating one? Are there limitations to the format?
If you’ve asked yourself these questions, our helpful guide will clear things up. Learn how to use a case study for business. Find out how cases analysis works in psychology and research.
We’ve also got examples of case studies to inspire you.
Haven’t made a case study before? You can easily create a case study with Venngage’s customizable case study templates .
Click to jump ahead:
What is a case study?
6 types of case studies, what is a business case study, what is a case study in research, what is a case study in psychology, what is the case study method, benefits of case studies, limitations of case studies, faqs about case studies.
A case study is a research process aimed at learning about a subject, an event or an organization. Case studies are use in business, the social sciences and healthcare.
A case study may focus on one observation or many. It can also examine a series of events or a single case. An effective how to write a case study analysis tells a story and provides a conclusion.
Healthcare industries write reports on patients and diagnoses. Marketing case study examples , like the one below, highlight the benefits of a business product.
Now that you know what a case study is, let’s look at the six different types of case studies next.
There are six common types of case reports. Depending on your industry, you might use one of these types.
Descriptive case studies
Explanatory case studies, exploratory case reports, intrinsic case studies, instrumental case studies, collective case reports.
We go into more detail about each type of study in the guide below.
Related: 15+ Professional Case Study Examples [Design Tips + Templates]
When you have an existing hypothesis, you can design a descriptive study. This type of report starts with a description. The aim is to find connections between the subject being studied and a theory.
Once these connections are found, the study can conclude. The results of this type of study will usually suggest how to develop a theory further.
A study like the one below has concrete results. A descriptive report would use the quantitative data as a suggestion for researching the subject deeply.
When an incident occurs in a field, an explanation is required. An explanatory report investigates the cause of the event. It will include explanations for that cause.
The study will also share details about the impact of the event. In most cases, this report will use evidence to predict future occurrences. The results of explanatory reports are definitive.
Note that there is no room for interpretation here. The results are absolute.
The study below is a good example. It explains how one brand used the services of another. It concludes by showing definitive proof that the collaboration was successful.
Another example of this study would be in the automotive industry. If a vehicle fails a test, an explanatory study will examine why. The results could show that the failure was because of a particular part.
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An explanatory report is a self-contained document. An exploratory one is only the beginning of an investigation.
Exploratory cases act as the starting point of studies. This is usually conducted as a precursor to large-scale investigations. The research is used to suggest why further investigations are needed.
An exploratory study can also be used to suggest methods for further examination.
For example, the below analysis could have found inconclusive results. In that situation, it would be the basis for an in-depth study.
Intrinsic studies are more common in the field of psychology. These reports can also be conducted in healthcare or social work.
These types of studies focus on a unique subject, such as a patient. They can sometimes study groups close to the researcher.
The aim of such studies is to understand the subject better. This requires learning their history. The researcher will also examine how they interact with their environment.
For instance, if the case study below was about a unique brand, it could be an intrinsic study.
Once the study is complete, the researcher will have developed a better understanding of a phenomenon. This phenomenon will likely not have been studied or theorized about before.
Examples of intrinsic case analysis can be found across psychology. For example, Jean Piaget’s theories on cognitive development. He established the theory from intrinsic studies into his own children.
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This is another type of study seen in medical and psychology fields. Instrumental reports are created to examine more than just the primary subject.
When research is conducted for an instrumental study, it is to provide the basis for a larger phenomenon. The subject matter is usually the best example of the phenomenon. This is why it is being studied.
Take the example of the fictional brand below.
Assume it’s examining lead generation strategies. It may want to show that visual marketing is the definitive lead generation tool. The brand can conduct an instrumental case study to examine this phenomenon.
Collective studies are based on instrumental case reports. These types of studies examine multiple reports.
There are a number of reasons why collective reports are created:
- To provide evidence for starting a new study
- To find pattens between multiple instrumental reports
- To find differences in similar types of cases
- Gain a deeper understanding of a complex phenomenon
- Understand a phenomenon from diverse contexts
A researcher could use multiple reports, like the one below, to build a collective case report.
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A business or marketing case study aims at showcasing a successful partnership. This can be between a brand and a client. Or the case study can examine a brand’s project.
There is a perception that case studies are used to advertise a brand. But effective reports, like the one below, can show clients how a brand can support them.
Hubspot created a case study on a customer that successfully scaled its business. The report outlines the various Hubspot tools used to achieve these results.
Hubspot also added a video with testimonials from the client company’s employees.
So, what is the purpose of a case study for businesses? There is a lot of competition in the corporate world. Companies are run by people. They can be on the fence about which brand to work with.
Business reports stand out aesthetically, as well. They use brand colors and brand fonts . Usually, a combination of the client’s and the brand’s.
With the Venngage My Brand Kit feature, businesses can automatically apply their brand to designs.
A business case study, like the one below, acts as social proof. This helps customers decide between your brand and your competitors.
Don’t know how to design a report? You can learn how to write a case study with Venngage’s guide. We also share design tips and examples that will help you convert.
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Research is a necessary part of every case study. But specific research fields are required to create studies. These fields include user research, healthcare, education, or social work.
For example, this UX Design report examined the public perception of a client. The brand researched and implemented new visuals to improve it. The study breaks down this research through lessons learned.
Clinical reports are a necessity in the medical field. These documents are used to share knowledge with other professionals. They also help examine new or unusual diseases or symptoms.
The pandemic has led to a significant increase in research. For example, Spectrum Health studied the value of health systems in the pandemic. They created the study by examining community outreach.
The pandemic has significantly impacted the field of education. This has led to numerous examinations on remote studying. There have also been studies on how students react to decreased peer communication.
Social work case reports often have a community focus. They can also examine public health responses. In certain regions, social workers study disaster responses.
You now know what case studies in various fields are. In the next step of our guide, we explain the case study method.
In the field of psychology, case studies focus on a particular subject. Psychology case histories also examine human behaviors.
Case reports search for commonalities between humans. They are also used to prescribe further research. Or these studies can elaborate on a solution for a behavioral ailment.
The American Psychology Association has a number of case studies on real-life clients. Note how the reports are more text-heavy than a business case study.
Famous psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Anna O popularised the use of case studies in the field. They did so by regularly interviewing subjects. Their detailed observations build the field of psychology.
It is important to note that psychological studies must be conducted by professionals. Psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists should be the researchers in these cases.
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The case study method, or case method, is a learning technique where you’re presented with a real-world business challenge and asked how you’d solve it.
After working through it independently and with peers, you learn how the actual scenario unfolded. This approach helps develop problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.
This method often uses various data sources like interviews, observations, and documents to provide comprehensive insights. The below example would have been created after numerous interviews.
Case studies are largely qualitative. They analyze and describe phenomena. While some data is included, a case analysis is not quantitative.
There are a few steps in the case method. You have to start by identifying the subject of your study. Then determine what kind of research is required.
In natural sciences, case studies can take years to complete. Business reports, like this one, don’t take that long. A few weeks of interviews should be enough.
The case method will vary depending on the industry. Reports will also look different once produced.
As you will have seen, business reports are more colorful. The design is also more accessible . Healthcare and psychology reports are more text-heavy.
Designing case reports takes time and energy. So, is it worth taking the time to write them? Here are the benefits of creating case studies.
- Collects large amounts of information
- Helps formulate hypotheses
- Builds the case for further research
- Discovers new insights into a subject
- Builds brand trust and loyalty
- Engages customers through stories
For example, the business study below creates a story around a brand partnership. It makes for engaging reading. The study also shows evidence backing up the information.
We’ve shared the benefits of why studies are needed. We will also look at the limitations of creating them.
Related: How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)
There are a few disadvantages to conducting a case analysis. The limitations will vary according to the industry.
- Responses from interviews are subjective
- Subjects may tailor responses to the researcher
- Studies can’t always be replicated
- In certain industries, analyses can take time and be expensive
- Risk of generalizing the results among a larger population
These are some of the common weaknesses of creating case reports. If you’re on the fence, look at the competition in your industry.
Other brands or professionals are building reports, like this example. In that case, you may want to do the same.
What makes a case study a case study?
A case study has a very particular research methodology. They are an in-depth study of a person or a group of individuals. They can also study a community or an organization. Case reports examine real-world phenomena within a set context.
How long should a case study be?
The length of studies depends on the industry. It also depends on the story you’re telling. Most case studies should be at least 500-1500 words long. But you can increase the length if you have more details to share.
What should you ask in a case study?
The one thing you shouldn’t ask is ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. Case studies are qualitative. These questions won’t give you the information you need.
Ask your client about the problems they faced. Ask them about solutions they found. Or what they think is the ideal solution. Leave room to ask them follow-up questions. This will help build out the study.
How to present a case study?
When you’re ready to present a case study, begin by providing a summary of the problem or challenge you were addressing. Follow this with an outline of the solution you implemented, and support this with the results you achieved, backed by relevant data. Incorporate visual aids like slides, graphs, and images to make your case study presentation more engaging and impactful.
Now you know what a case study means, you can begin creating one. These reports are a great tool for analyzing brands. They are also useful in a variety of other fields.
Use a visual communication platform like Venngage to design case studies. With Venngage’s templates, you can design easily. Create branded, engaging reports, all without design experience.
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