Case studies are really useful content for a business.
Why? Because they’re one of the best forms of ‘social proof’ – the idea that we “view a behaviour as more correct in a given situation to the degree that we see others performing it.” (Robert Cialdini, ‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion’.)
In other words, if you can prove someone likes you, other people are more likely to like you as well.
How case studies add value to your content
A successful case study can:
- demonstrate that you know what you’re talking about
- confirm to potential customers that they’d be in good company if they engaged with you
- cement the relationship you have with existing clients
- show how your business really helps your customers
- help you win new clients
Case studies can be used in reports, on your website, on social media and in sales material. They also provide great material for PR in relevant trade media.
Some case studies follow the traditional background / challenge / solution / result format, but you shouldn’t just tell it from your point of view.
The best case studies harness the true voice of the customer, creating a compelling narrative and telling a story of collaboration, ingenuity and success that’s as valuable to your client as it is to your own business.
How I handle case studies for you
I have extensive experience of creating case studies for industry, universities, non-profits and public sector organisations – and here’s how I do it.
Once you’ve confirmed the customer is happy to talk to me, just give me the bare bones of the story and the key benefit you want to communicate, plus the customer’s email address and I’ll do the rest.
I send them an introductory email and usually set up a video meeting to discuss the project. This is recorded and transcribed so I have the client’s words verbatim.
I write up the story from this interview and handle all approvals from both you and the client.
Get in touch if you’d like to talk to me about creating case studies for your business.
Some I prepared earlier...
- Case studies for Humberside, UK decarbonisation initiative
- Case studies for specialist industrial engineering provider
- Case studies supporting a university’s access and success strategy: Celebrating 20 years of Access to Leeds, Increasing diversity in postgraduate research and Black women’s progress in the spotlight.