How to Write a Simple Case Study for Your Business
Today, your customers are more informed than ever before. They do their own research and trust third-party sources over branded marketing materials. As a result, businesses have to become more transparent in order to remain relevant. But how can your company demonstrate the value of your product or service without coming across as self-serving? By creating a case study that reveals the effectiveness of your product or service with a real-world example. A case study is an impartial document that details the circumstances surrounding the implementation of a product or service. It’s essentially a how-to guide for other businesses interested in doing business with you because it lays out all the pros and cons, so they can make an informed decision. Read on to learn how you can write your own case study to help sell your business.
What is a case study?
A case study is an in-depth analysis of one or more customers who have implemented your product or service. It goes beyond the scope of general testimonials by providing specific details on the challenges your customers faced, the solution they implemented, and the end results they achieved. Since case studies are often tailored to specific client needs, they can be a powerful sales tool for your business if you know how to write them effectively. Most case studies fall into one of the following categories:
Problem-Solution Case Study: This type of case study focuses on the challenges your customers were facing and how your product or service helped them overcome them.
Process Case Study: A process case study explains the steps your customers took to implement your product or service.
Outcome Case Study: An outcome case study explains the benefits the customer received from using your product or service.
Why is a case study important?
A case study is a great way to show potential customers that you’re not just a faceless company; you’re real people providing real solutions to real problems. It also gives your customers something to refer back to if anyone asks them how effective your product or service was. A case study gives your customers a chance to tell their story, which in turn helps your business by increasing brand awareness and the number of leads generated from your marketing campaigns. Case studies are especially important in industries where there is a lot of competition. If two companies are both selling the same type of product, for example, a case study can be used to prove why your company is better.
Who is your ideal reader?
Every company has a target audience, and your case study should be written with that in mind. The case study should be tailored to the needs of your specific audience, so they can see how your product or service could benefit them. The person reading your case study should be someone who is interested in using your product or service but isn’t sure if it’s right for them. Ideally, this person is in your target market but not yet a customer. People who have already purchased your product aren’t likely to go back and read a case study on it.
How to write a case study outline
Before you start writing, you should create an outline so you can stay organised, track your progress, and make sure you don’t miss any important points. Here’s an example of a simple case study outline:
Introduction: The first step is to introduce your reader to the case study. Begin by briefly mentioning the situation that led to the creation of the case study (such as a customer challenge or business goal). Then, introduce both the product or service and the client who implemented it.
Problem: The next step is to explain the problem the client was facing. Be sure to use language that’s relevant to your reader to make sure they understand the problem.
Solution: Explain how your product or service was implemented to solve the problem. Include as many details as possible to make it easy for your reader to visualise the solution.
Outcome: Finally, wrap up your case study with an overview of the outcome the client received from using your product or service.
How to write a case study with 6 steps
Now that you have an outline, it’s time to start writing. Follow these steps to create an effective case study that will help sell your business.
Step 1: Create a timeline for the case study. Create a timeline for the case study with the following stages:
Problem recognition
Business goals
Product or service implemented
Business goal achieved
End results.
Step 2: Set the scene. Begin the case study by setting the scene. Start by explaining the environment that your business operates in, such as the industry your business is in, etc.
Step 3: Explain the problem. Next, explain the problem the customer was facing. Be sure to include the language your reader would use to describe the issue. Include any data or research that supports the problem.
Step 4: Explain the solution. Once you’ve explained the problem, make sure to explain the solution your client implemented. Focus on these key points: - The problem - The solution - The benefits - The drawbacks.
Step 5: Explain the outcome. Finally, wrap up the case study by explaining the outcome the customer achieved by implementing your product or service. Include any data or research that supports the outcome.
Step 6: Add a call to action. Finally, include a call to action in the last paragraph of your case study. Ask the reader to contact you if they want more information or want to purchase your product or service.
Wrapping up
Now that you’ve written your case study, you’re ready to distribute it. You can use your blog, social media channels, and email marketing campaigns to distribute your case study. You can also host it on your website to make it easily accessible to your readers. Case studies are a great way for your company to be transparent about the value of your product or service. They allow your customers to tell their story and show other businesses why they chose to work with your company.