how to write a technical case study

In terms of the interview structure, I recommend categorizing the questions in a way that the answers flow into six specific sections that will mirror a successful case study format. Combined, they'll allow you to gather enough information to put together a rich, comprehensive study.

Open with the customer's business.

The goal of this section is to generate a better understanding of the company's current challenges and goals, plus how they fit into the landscape of their industry. Sample questions might include:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many employees do you have?
• What are some of the objectives of your department at this time?

Cite a problem or pain point.

To tell a compelling story, you need context that helps match the customer's needs with your solution. Sample questions might include:

• What challenges and objectives led you to look for a solution?
• What might have happened if you did not identify a solution?
• Did you explore other solutions before this that did not work out? If so, what happened?

Discuss the decision process.

Exploring how the customer decided to work with you helps to guide potential customers through their own decision-making processes.

Sample questions might include:

• How did you hear about our product or service?
• Who was involved in the selection process?
• What was most important to you when evaluating your options?

Explain how a solution was implemented.

The focus here should be placed on the customer's experience during the onboarding process. Sample questions might include:

• How long did it take to get up and running?
• Did that meet your expectations?
• Who was involved in the process?

Explain how the solution works.

The goal of this section is to better understand how the customer is using your product or service. Sample questions might include:

• Is there a particular aspect of the product or service that you rely on most?
• Who is using the product or service?

End with the results.

In this section, you want to uncover impressive measurable outcomes — the more numbers, the better. Sample questions might include:

• How is the product or service helping you save time and increase productivity?
• In what ways does that enhance your competitive advantage?
• How much have you increased metrics X, Y, and Z?

It’s a smart idea to send a copy of your interview questions to your subject ahead of time so they can prepare strong answers and collect the numerical data you need from them.

10. Lay out your case study format.

When it comes time to take all of the information you‘ve collected and actually turn it into something useful, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I always do, but I also know that it works out in the end, so I just jump on in and work it through.

So where should you start? What should you include? What's the best way to structure it?

It‘s important to first understand that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the ways you can present a case study.

They can be very visual, which you’ll see in some of the examples we've included below, and can sometimes be communicated through video or photos with a bit of accompanying text.

Here are the sections I’d suggest, and I'll cover these in more detail after #11 below:

• Title. Keep it short. Develop a succinct but interesting project name you can give the work you did with your subject.
• Subtitle. Use this copy to briefly elaborate on the accomplishment. What was done? The case study itself will explain how you got there.
• Executive Summary . A 2-4 sentence summary of the entire story. You'll want to follow it with 2-3 bullet points that display metrics showcasing success.
• About the Subject. An introduction to the person or company you served, which can be pulled from a LinkedIn Business profile or client website.
• Challenges and Objectives. A 2-3 paragraph description of the customer's challenges, before using your product or service. This section should also include the goals or objectives the customer set out to achieve.
• How Product/Service Helped. A 2-3 paragraph section that describes how your product or service provided a solution to their problem.
• Results. A 2-3 paragraph testimonial that proves how your product or service specifically benefited the person or company and helped achieve its goals. Include numbers to quantify your contributions.
• Supporting Visuals or Quotes. Pick one or two powerful quotes that you would feature at the bottom of the sections above, as well as a visual that supports the story you are telling.
• Future Plans. Everyone likes an epilogue. Comment on what's ahead for your case study subject, whether or not those plans involve you.
• Call-to-Action (CTA). Not every case study needs a CTA, but putting a passive one at the end of your case study can encourage your readers to take an action on your website after learning about the work you've done.

When laying out your case study, focus on conveying the information you've gathered in the most clear and concise way possible.

Make it easy to scan and comprehend, and be sure to provide an attractive call-to-action at the bottom — that should provide readers an opportunity to learn more about your product or service.

11. Publish and promote your case study.

Once you‘ve completed your case study, it’s time to publish and promote it.

Some case study formats have pretty obvious promotional outlets — a video case study can go on YouTube, just as an infographic case study can go on Pinterest.

But there are still other ways to publish and promote your case study. Here are a couple of ideas.

Lead Gen in a Blog Post

As stated earlier, written case studies make terrific lead-generators if you convert them into a downloadable format, like a PDF.

To generate leads from your case study, consider writing a blog post that tells an abbreviated story of your client‘s success and asking readers to fill out a form with their name and email address if they’d like to read the rest in your PDF.

Then, promote this blog post on social media, through a Facebook post or a tweet.

Published as a Page on Your Website

As a growing business, you might need to display your case study out in the open to gain the trust of your target audience.

Rather than gating it behind a landing page, publish your case study to its own page on your website, and direct people to it from your homepage with a “Case Studies” or “Testimonials” button along your homepage's top navigation bar.

The traditional case study format includes the following parts: a title and subtitle, a client profile, a summary of the customer’s challenges and objectives, an account of how your solution helped, and a description of the results. You might also want to include supporting visuals and quotes, future plans, and calls-to-action.

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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.

Todd A. Brehe is a professional B2B freelance writer helping SaaS companies create sales-generating case studies, white papers, and blog content. Check out his work or contact him at: https://toddbrehe.com .

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Written by Todd Brehe

6 thoughts on “how to write a case study: a step-by-step guide (+ examples)”.

Just the guide I needed for case studies! Great job with this one!

Hey Todd, great post here. I liked that you listed some prompting questions. Really demonstrates you know what you’re talking about. There are a bunch of Ultimate Guides out there who list the theories such as interview your customer, talk about results, etc. but really don’t help you much.

Thanks, Todd. I’ve planned a case study and this will really come in handy. Bookmarked.

Very good read. Thanks, Todd. Are there any differences between a case study and a use case, by the way?

Hi Todd, Very well-written article. This is the ultimate guide I have read till date. It has actionable points rather than some high-level gyan. Creating a new case study always works better when (1) you know the structure to follow and (2) you work in a group of 3-4 members rather than individually. Thanks for sharing this guide.

Hi Todd. Very useful guide. I learn step by step. Looking forward to continually learning from you and your team. Thanks

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5 Steps for Writing a Case Study for Business (+Templates)

Get professional tips for writing a case study that drives business impact. Learn the best format and research method to use alongside examples & templates.

John McTale

7 minute read

SHORT ANSWER

What is a case study.

• Open with an introductory overview
• Explain the problem in question
• Detail the solutions that solved the problem
• Refer to key results
• Finish with recommendations and next steps

Why you need a case study

“I climbed Mount Everest and I did it all by myself.” “Yeah mate, pics or it didn’t happen.” The same logic applies to case studies. In business, it’s “case studies or it didn’t happen.” A well-written case study legitimizes your product or services. It proves the impact your actions have on the bottom line and is the single most important element of building trust amongst prospective clients. But… How do you write a *perfect* case study? One that engages readers and makes them care about your offering and excited to work with you?

In business, a case study , or customer success story, is a marketing tool that showcases how your product or service helped clients overcome business challenges. It uses statistics, quotes, and specific examples to convincingly highlight your ability to produce results.

What is the purpose of a case study?

The purpose of a case study, usually, is to provide your prospective clients with specific examples of how your products or services can help solve business problems they might be facing.

Case studies legitimize your business activities allowing you to go beyond explaining what you do and focus on how well you do it. (And, in case you were wondering just HOW important case studies are, here’s an item of data to ponder: according to a DemandGen report , 78% of B2B buyers want to review case studies before making a purchase decision. Another study by Uplift found that at the end of 2023, f or the third year in a row, marketers ranked case studies the #1 most effective marketing tactic to increase sales—ahead of general website content, SEO, blog posts, social media, paid ads and other tactics. )

There’s no magic behind it. Just a proven, simple formula I’m about to share with you. Spend the next 7 minutes reading this guide and you’ll learn how to write case studies better than any case study you’ve created in the past. Important caveat: this article explains how to write a case study for business purposes. If you’re interested in writing research case studies for academia, refer to this excellent guide by University of Southern California. If, in turn, you’re struggling with putting together a medical case study, here’s a fantastic 101 by the BMJ . I’m not going to pretend I know better than these guys do.

For your reference, here’s an example of our very own case study, showing how, at Storydoc, we helped the Spot company boost some of their key metrics: Learn How Spot by NetApp boosted their conversion rates 2x.

Spot's team used this deck to boost their conversion 2x

By drawing the bigger picture even deep-tech software products can be easily explained.

Browse interactive case study templates

No matter how great the contents of your case study might be, if you fail to present it in an eye-pleasing way, most likely, no one will really read it. The good news? I’ve put together a gallery of the most professional, attention-grabbing case study templates available online. You can find it here: Case Study Templates & Design Tips Or, take a shortcut to great case study design and use our presentation maker . Have a look below to see what your case study might look like.

And now, let’s get to the case study 101. (If you’re only interested in a specific section of a case study, simply click on a jump-to link in the table of contents below.

Here's how to write a case study:

1. Open with an introductory overview

The last thing you want is for someone to open your case study, give it a quick glance, and decide to skip. See— People don’t usually read case studies. At least not immediately. First, they skim the contents to see if the subject is relevant enough. How to make sure your case study sticks? At the beginning, place an introductory overview (also called an “executive summary”). Provide an overview of the whole case. It’s not supposed to be a catchy intro but a full synopsis, detailing the problem at hand, your assumptions, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved.

How to write a case study introduction?

Introduce the purpose of the case study—specify exactly what you were aiming to achieve.

Define the problem or the most significant challenge. For instance, low conversion rates, a technological issue or high costs. (It could also be a combination of such factors!)

Explain briefly what the solution to the problem was.

Share the most important results your actions produced. Don’t go into too much detail, a few key points will do. It’s best if you can quantify the results: numbers pop!

Keep it short. Usually, 2–4 paragraphs + a few bullet points with key results will do.

While, as its name implies, this section comes at the beginning of your case study, write it last. First, craft the rest of your document, then pick the most important bits and compile them into the introductory overview.

2. Explain the problem in question

“Adam caught a flat tire. In the middle of the desert. He had no spare, no signal, no food, and only enough water to keep him alive for 48 hours.” Oh dear, poor Adam! What could possibly be done to help him?! See, in your case study, make the client seem like Adam so that, later on, you can paint your company like the miraculous savior. Of course, I’m exaggerating, but only so much. The purpose of the “problem” section in a case study is to arouse emotions from the readers. Ideally, in such a way that they can picture themselves as Adam. Highlight a problem your product or services solve and present an example of when that problem was troubling a client really badly.

How to write a “problem” section in a case study?

In a single sentence, describe your customer’s business challenges and objectives.

Explain the problem your customer faced that prevented them from achieving those objectives prior to working with you.

If that was the case, mention other solutions your client experimented with that didn’t work out and explain why.

Make it clear how the issue or problem impacted the client’s business results so that it’s easy to understand why a solution was badly needed.

3. Detail the solutions implemented to solve the problem

Here comes the moment to toot your own horn a bit (and also that moment when you can get slightly technical). Present your solutions in reference to the issue your client was dealing with and make it obvious that those are easily replicable for all future cases. Of course, the exact formula for this section will depend on your industry and mode of operation. Sometimes a 2–3 paragraph summary will be enough, in other cases, you’ll need to include more detailed technical specs regarding the solution you implemented.

How to write a solutions section in a case study?

Focus on your customer’s experience in using your product or services.

Explain the process: say how long it took to get the solution up and running and what teams on your customer’s end were involved.

Highlight the features of your product or service that turned out to be the most beneficial to your customer.

If possible, attach or link to relevant assets that will work as real-life examples of your solution (unless, of course, the information is highly sensitive).

Always run your case study by your client’s marketing team before you go live. Even if you’re using direct quotes or verifiable results, it’s ultimately their decision whether or not to make certain information freely available.

4. Refer to key results

In business, nothing speaks louder than ROI and you know it. Prospective customers reading your case study won’t be bothered to take notice of your state-of-the-art technology or innovative approach. Neither will they care about your past customers’ happiness. What they want to know is this: Will that help me save or make money? When writing a case study, your job is to present results in a way that answers the above question with a resounding YES. You need to make it blatantly obvious that your solutions heavily impact the bottom line of the client in question and that such results are easily replicable.

Here’s how to write about results:

In a few bullet points, list numerical results your solution delivered to the client.

Ideally, you’ll want to include revenue-related data: increase in clients’ base, more demos booked, higher conversion rates, or optimized pricing.

If you can’t (or aren’t allowed to) share hard sales numbers, refer to softer KPIs: time saved, customer happiness scores, expanding the community, or enhancing brand visibility.

If possible, by all means include quotes from your client. Results should speak for themselves, obviously, but showing the real human whose problems you solved makes for a much more powerful narrative. Plus, it further adds credibility to the case study. Start by preparing a list of powerful case study questions to guide your client interviews.8

5. Finish with recommendations and next steps

Everyone enjoys a solid epilogue. To end on a high note, include a list of key findings from your case study. Even if a given reader won’t decide to get in touch with you, at least you’ll provide them with a valuable source of knowledge—sometimes that’s enough to keep your company top of mind in the future. Plus, if you’re planning to continue working with the subject of your case study, definitely mention that! It shows that your support is valuable enough to warrant long-term collaboration, not just a one-off endeavor. Now, not every case study requires a call to action (especially if your main purpose is to inform and educate rather than convert, which is okay, too), but for those more commercially-oriented ones, do add it. Make your CTA singular and clear —if the most desired action is to reach out to you, leave your contact details, if you’d rather direct prospects to a landing page or a welcome screen, add a button.

And that’s a wrap!

Here are the key points to keep in mind when writing a case study:

Put an introductory overview at the beginning.

Present the problem you were solving and your exact solutions to that problem.

Include numerical, verifiable results your product or services delivered for the client.

Explain what the next steps are, especially if you plan to continue working with the client.

Finish with a strong, clear CTA, making it easy for prospects to reach out to you.

Thanks for reading the guide. Keeping my fingers crossed for your case study and wishing many successful cases so that you’ll always have something to write about.

Hi, I'm John, Editor-in-chief at Storydoc. As a content marketer and digital writer specializing in B2B SaaS, my main goal is to provide you with up-to-date tips for effective business storytelling and equip you with all the right tools to enable your sales efforts.

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Blog Business How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)

How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Sep 07, 2023

Okay, let’s get real: case studies can be kinda snooze-worthy. But guess what? They don’t have to be!

In this article, I will cover every element that transforms a mere report into a compelling case study, from selecting the right metrics to using persuasive narrative techniques.

And if you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry! There are cool tools like Venngage’s Case Study Creator to help you whip up something awesome, even if you’re short on time. Plus, the pre-designed case study templates are like instant polish because let’s be honest, everyone loves a shortcut.

Click to jump ahead: 

What is a case study presentation?

What is the purpose of presenting a case study, how to structure a case study presentation, how long should a case study presentation be, 5 case study presentation examples with templates, 6 tips for delivering an effective case study presentation, 5 common mistakes to avoid in a case study presentation, how to present a case study faqs.

A case study presentation involves a comprehensive examination of a specific subject, which could range from an individual, group, location, event, organization or phenomenon.

They’re like puzzles you get to solve with the audience, all while making you think outside the box.

Unlike a basic report or whitepaper, the purpose of a case study presentation is to stimulate critical thinking among the viewers. 

The primary objective of a case study is to provide an extensive and profound comprehension of the chosen topic. You don’t just throw numbers at your audience. You use examples and real-life cases to make you think and see things from different angles.

The primary purpose of presenting a case study is to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based argument that informs, persuades and engages your audience.

Here’s the juicy part: presenting that case study can be your secret weapon. Whether you’re pitching a groundbreaking idea to a room full of suits or trying to impress your professor with your A-game, a well-crafted case study can be the magic dust that sprinkles brilliance over your words.

Think of it like digging into a puzzle you can’t quite crack . A case study lets you explore every piece, turn it over and see how it fits together. This close-up look helps you understand the whole picture, not just a blurry snapshot.

It’s also your chance to showcase how you analyze things, step by step, until you reach a conclusion. It’s all about being open and honest about how you got there.

Besides, presenting a case study gives you an opportunity to connect data and real-world scenarios in a compelling narrative. It helps to make your argument more relatable and accessible, increasing its impact on your audience.

One of the contexts where case studies can be very helpful is during the job interview. In some job interviews, you as candidates may be asked to present a case study as part of the selection process.

Having a case study presentation prepared allows the candidate to demonstrate their ability to understand complex issues, formulate strategies and communicate their ideas effectively.

The way you present a case study can make all the difference in how it’s received. A well-structured presentation not only holds the attention of your audience but also ensures that your key points are communicated clearly and effectively.

In this section, let’s go through the key steps that’ll help you structure your case study presentation for maximum impact.

Let’s get into it. 

Open with an introductory overview 

Start by introducing the subject of your case study and its relevance. Explain why this case study is important and who would benefit from the insights gained. This is your opportunity to grab your audience’s attention.

Explain the problem in question

Dive into the problem or challenge that the case study focuses on. Provide enough background information for the audience to understand the issue. If possible, quantify the problem using data or metrics to show the magnitude or severity.

Detail the solutions to solve the problem

After outlining the problem, describe the steps taken to find a solution. This could include the methodology, any experiments or tests performed and the options that were considered. Make sure to elaborate on why the final solution was chosen over the others.

Key stakeholders Involved

Talk about the individuals, groups or organizations that were directly impacted by or involved in the problem and its solution. 

Stakeholders may experience a range of outcomes—some may benefit, while others could face setbacks.

For example, in a business transformation case study, employees could face job relocations or changes in work culture, while shareholders might be looking at potential gains or losses.

Discuss the key results & outcomes

Discuss the results of implementing the solution. Use data and metrics to back up your statements. Did the solution meet its objectives? What impact did it have on the stakeholders? Be honest about any setbacks or areas for improvement as well.

Include visuals to support your analysis

Visual aids can be incredibly effective in helping your audience grasp complex issues. Utilize charts, graphs, images or video clips to supplement your points. Make sure to explain each visual and how it contributes to your overall argument.

Pie charts illustrate the proportion of different components within a whole, useful for visualizing market share, budget allocation or user demographics.

This is particularly useful especially if you’re displaying survey results in your case study presentation.

Stacked charts on the other hand are perfect for visualizing composition and trends. This is great for analyzing things like customer demographics, product breakdowns or budget allocation in your case study.

Consider this example of a stacked bar chart template. It provides a straightforward summary of the top-selling cake flavors across various locations, offering a quick and comprehensive view of the data.

Not the chart you’re looking for? Browse Venngage’s gallery of chart templates to find the perfect one that’ll captivate your audience and level up your data storytelling.

Recommendations and next steps

Wrap up by providing recommendations based on the case study findings. Outline the next steps that stakeholders should take to either expand on the success of the project or address any remaining challenges.

Acknowledgments and references

Thank the people who contributed to the case study and helped in the problem-solving process. Cite any external resources, reports or data sets that contributed to your analysis.

Feedback & Q&A session

Open the floor for questions and feedback from your audience. This allows for further discussion and can provide additional insights that may not have been considered previously.

Closing remarks

Conclude the presentation by summarizing the key points and emphasizing the takeaways. Thank your audience for their time and participation and express your willingness to engage in further discussions or collaborations on the subject.

Well, the length of a case study presentation can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the needs of your audience. However, a typical business or academic presentation often lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. 

This time frame usually allows for a thorough explanation of the case while maintaining audience engagement. However, always consider leaving a few minutes at the end for a Q&A session to address any questions or clarify points made during the presentation.

When it comes to presenting a compelling case study, having a well-structured template can be a game-changer. 

It helps you organize your thoughts, data and findings in a coherent and visually pleasing manner. 

Not all case studies are created equal and different scenarios require distinct approaches for maximum impact. 

To save you time and effort, I have curated a list of 5 versatile case study presentation templates, each designed for specific needs and audiences. 

Here are some best case study presentation examples that showcase effective strategies for engaging your audience and conveying complex information clearly.

1 . Lab report case study template

Ever feel like your research gets lost in a world of endless numbers and jargon? Lab case studies are your way out!

Think of it as building a bridge between your cool experiment and everyone else. It’s more than just reporting results – it’s explaining the “why” and “how” in a way that grabs attention and makes sense.

This lap report template acts as a blueprint for your report, guiding you through each essential section (introduction, methods, results, etc.) in a logical order.

Want to present your research like a pro? Browse our research presentation template gallery for creative inspiration!

2. Product case study template

It’s time you ditch those boring slideshows and bullet points because I’ve got a better way to win over clients: product case study templates.

Instead of just listing features and benefits, you get to create a clear and concise story that shows potential clients exactly what your product can do for them. It’s like painting a picture they can easily visualize, helping them understand the value your product brings to the table.

Grab the template below, fill in the details, and watch as your product’s impact comes to life!

3. Content marketing case study template

In digital marketing, showcasing your accomplishments is as vital as achieving them. 

A well-crafted case study not only acts as a testament to your successes but can also serve as an instructional tool for others. 

With this coral content marketing case study template—a perfect blend of vibrant design and structured documentation, you can narrate your marketing triumphs effectively.

4. Case study psychology template

Understanding how people tick is one of psychology’s biggest quests and case studies are like magnifying glasses for the mind. They offer in-depth looks at real-life behaviors, emotions and thought processes, revealing fascinating insights into what makes us human.

Writing a top-notch case study, though, can be a challenge. It requires careful organization, clear presentation and meticulous attention to detail. That’s where a good case study psychology template comes in handy.

Think of it as a helpful guide, taking care of formatting and structure while you focus on the juicy content. No more wrestling with layouts or margins – just pour your research magic into crafting a compelling narrative.

5. Lead generation case study template

Lead generation can be a real head-scratcher. But here’s a little help: a lead generation case study.

Think of it like a friendly handshake and a confident resume all rolled into one. It’s your chance to showcase your expertise, share real-world successes and offer valuable insights. Potential clients get to see your track record, understand your approach and decide if you’re the right fit.

No need to start from scratch, though. This lead generation case study template guides you step-by-step through crafting a clear, compelling narrative that highlights your wins and offers actionable tips for others. Fill in the gaps with your specific data and strategies, and voilà! You’ve got a powerful tool to attract new customers.

Related: 15+ Professional Case Study Examples [Design Tips + Templates]

So, you’ve spent hours crafting the perfect case study and are now tasked with presenting it. Crafting the case study is only half the battle; delivering it effectively is equally important. 

Whether you’re facing a room of executives, academics or potential clients, how you present your findings can make a significant difference in how your work is received. 

Forget boring reports and snooze-inducing presentations! Let’s make your case study sing. Here are some key pointers to turn information into an engaging and persuasive performance:

• Know your audience : Tailor your presentation to the knowledge level and interests of your audience. Remember to use language and examples that resonate with them.
• Rehearse : Rehearsing your case study presentation is the key to a smooth delivery and for ensuring that you stay within the allotted time. Practice helps you fine-tune your pacing, hone your speaking skills with good word pronunciations and become comfortable with the material, leading to a more confident, conversational and effective presentation.
• Start strong : Open with a compelling introduction that grabs your audience’s attention. You might want to use an interesting statistic, a provocative question or a brief story that sets the stage for your case study.
• Be clear and concise : Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Get to the point quickly and stay focused on your objectives.
• Use visual aids : Incorporate slides with graphics, charts or videos to supplement your verbal presentation. Make sure they are easy to read and understand.
• Tell a story : Use storytelling techniques to make the case study more engaging. A well-told narrative can help you make complex data more relatable and easier to digest.

Ditching the dry reports and slide decks? Venngage’s case study templates let you wow customers with your solutions and gain insights to improve your business plan. Pre-built templates, visual magic and customer captivation – all just a click away. Go tell your story and watch them say “wow!”

Nailed your case study, but want to make your presentation even stronger? Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your audience gets the most out of it:

Overloading with information

A case study is not an encyclopedia. Overloading your presentation with excessive data, text or jargon can make it cumbersome and difficult for the audience to digest the key points. Stick to what’s essential and impactful. Need help making your data clear and impactful? Our data presentation templates can help! Find clear and engaging visuals to showcase your findings.

Lack of structure

Jumping haphazardly between points or topics can confuse your audience. A well-structured presentation, with a logical flow from introduction to conclusion, is crucial for effective communication.

Ignoring the audience

Different audiences have different needs and levels of understanding. Failing to adapt your presentation to your audience can result in a disconnect and a less impactful presentation.

Poor visual elements

While content is king, poor design or lack of visual elements can make your case study dull or hard to follow. Make sure you use high-quality images, graphs and other visual aids to support your narrative.

Not focusing on results

A case study aims to showcase a problem and its solution, but what most people care about are the results. Failing to highlight or adequately explain the outcomes can make your presentation fall flat.

How to start a case study presentation?

Starting a case study presentation effectively involves a few key steps:

• Grab attention : Open with a hook—an intriguing statistic, a provocative question or a compelling visual—to engage your audience from the get-go.
• Set the stage : Briefly introduce the subject, context and relevance of the case study to give your audience an idea of what to expect.
• Outline objectives : Clearly state what the case study aims to achieve. Are you solving a problem, proving a point or showcasing a success?
• Agenda : Give a quick outline of the key sections or topics you’ll cover to help the audience follow along.
• Set expectations : Let your audience know what you want them to take away from the presentation, whether it’s knowledge, inspiration or a call to action.

How to present a case study on PowerPoint and on Google Slides?

Presenting a case study on PowerPoint and Google Slides involves a structured approach for clarity and impact using presentation slides :

• Title slide : Start with a title slide that includes the name of the case study, your name and any relevant institutional affiliations.
• Introduction : Follow with a slide that outlines the problem or situation your case study addresses. Include a hook to engage the audience.
• Objectives : Clearly state the goals of the case study in a dedicated slide.
• Findings : Use charts, graphs and bullet points to present your findings succinctly.
• Analysis : Discuss what the findings mean, drawing on supporting data or secondary research as necessary.
• Conclusion : Summarize key takeaways and results.
• Q&A : End with a slide inviting questions from the audience.

What’s the role of analysis in a case study presentation?

The role of analysis in a case study presentation is to interpret the data and findings, providing context and meaning to them. 

It helps your audience understand the implications of the case study, connects the dots between the problem and the solution and may offer recommendations for future action.

Is it important to include real data and results in the presentation?

Yes, including real data and results in a case study presentation is crucial to show experience,  credibility and impact. Authentic data lends weight to your findings and conclusions, enabling the audience to trust your analysis and take your recommendations more seriously

How do I conclude a case study presentation effectively?

To conclude a case study presentation effectively, summarize the key findings, insights and recommendations in a clear and concise manner. 

End with a strong call-to-action or a thought-provoking question to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

What’s the best way to showcase data in a case study presentation ?

The best way to showcase data in a case study presentation is through visual aids like charts, graphs and infographics which make complex information easily digestible, engaging and creative. 

Don’t just report results, visualize them! This template for example lets you transform your social media case study into a captivating infographic that sparks conversation.

Choose the type of visual that best represents the data you’re showing; for example, use bar charts for comparisons or pie charts for parts of a whole. 

Ensure that the visuals are high-quality and clearly labeled, so the audience can quickly grasp the key points. 

Keep the design consistent and simple, avoiding clutter or overly complex visuals that could distract from the message.

Choose a template that perfectly suits your case study where you can utilize different visual aids for maximum impact. 

Need more inspiration on how to turn numbers into impact with the help of infographics? Our ready-to-use infographic templates take the guesswork out of creating visual impact for your case studies with just a few clicks.

Related: 10+ Case Study Infographic Templates That Convert

Congrats on mastering the art of compelling case study presentations! This guide has equipped you with all the essentials, from structure and nuances to avoiding common pitfalls. You’re ready to impress any audience, whether in the boardroom, the classroom or beyond.

And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Venngage’s Case Study Creator is your trusty companion, ready to elevate your presentations from ordinary to extraordinary. So, let your confidence shine, leverage your newly acquired skills and prepare to deliver presentations that truly resonate.

Go forth and make a lasting impact!

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How to Write Case Studies

Case studies are an opportunity not only to review your previous work with your team but to create hard data that points to your team’s previous successes in a way that is easy to understand from an outside perspective. As a project manager, one of the strongest tools in your belt is going to be the Case Study.

Any organization worth its salt is constantly engaging in high-quality work that produces tangible results in some form or another. Your job as a project lead is going to involve turning project results into actionable data for your team, and a case study is an opportunity to do exactly that while also creating a form of marketing collateral for any potential clients looking to evaluate your credentials as a project manager.

Read more: How to Future-Proof a Digital-First Sales Team

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a document written to examine the challenge, solution, and outcomes of a particular project. Typically, you will use a case study to examine, understand, and present the results of a project to potential clients or upper management looking to quantify the value of a finished project. A case study a simply a more formalized process of the sort of reflection you do in your everyday working life. Every time you learn from a mistake or reincorporate a small success into your future work, you’re employing the key tenets of a case study in real-time.

Writing a case study, then, is the formalized process of combing through the recent success (or failure, if you believe it was a useful teaching moment) of a project, and placing those ideas on paper to present to your team, or future clients for review. Writing a case study is an opportunity to understand and improve upon the work you have done in the past, while also presenting you and your team in a positive light to potential investors and clients.

Listen: How Customer Advocacy is Evolving in B2B Marketing

When to Write a Case Study

A case study’s utility lies in its scrutiny of a project with a great deal of available data. This is most likely going to be an internal project. That means that a case study is most useful to your colleagues and upper management. You’re going to be pouring over familiar information and re-living a project you most likely had a hand in.

When you’ve dedicated your time to a case study, you should have asked yourself a few questions ahead of time:

• How will this serve my team in the future?
• What can I learn from re-visiting this project?
• How can these findings improve the work we do in the future?

If you can answer these questions in a way that is affirmative and appropriate for your team and your time, then feel free to pull the trigger on the study. These are a tool for re-examining and improving previous projects in the workplace.

Case Studies vs White Papers

The terms “case study” and “ white paper ” are often used interchangeably. Both case studies and white papers are used to help a reader understand a complex topic. However, a white paper is often written by a subject matter expert to help the reader better understand a core concept or idea.

The major difference between a white paper and a case study is the target audience and intent . If you’re writing a case study, more likely than not, you are going to be presenting your findings on an actual project, with data points gathered from what happened on a specific project or projects. White papers, on the other hand, explore a topic at a higher or more strategic level.

A case study can often be repurposed with minimal effort into an excellent white paper, but the reverse is often not the case.

How to Write Effective Case Studies

1. select a focus.

Case studies are about focus above anything else. Your ultimate goal when writing a case study is to understand what made a project successful, then present those findings to the intended audience. Focus on a single project. If you find that it’s possible to focus on an even more granular aspect of a single project, such as an innovative process that saved your client money or saved your team a week of time, use that t as the kernel from which your case study will grow.

2. Gather and Organize Data

Any project that has made its way over the finish line will be chock full of data. Your job when writing a case study is to find that data, then give it context. While KPIs are important, ask yourself what other information is relevant to your reader? Emails with clients and team members, budgets, management plans, and many other documents in your digital paper trail are rife with data. Your work life is full of information perfect for rounding out the details of your case studies.

3. Organize the Information

Data is beautiful, but on its own it is useless. Make that information work for you by creating parsable categories to pull from once you’ve begun the writing process. Separate your KPIs from your quarterly goals. Keep your client conversations separate from your kanban records. Any organizational structure you feel comfortable with is better than none once you’ve exited your research phase.

4. Present the Challenge

Simply and concisely summarize the challenge your case study is scrutinizing. Try to state the challenge in a sentence or two. Think about what your project’s goals were. A solid statement of challenge presents the what, when, and why of a problem. Ensure you have a firm grasp on your challenge statement before proceeding with the rest of your case study

5. Construct Your Case Study

Your project may not have been executed in a linear fashion, but when producing a case study your job is to present your argument in an easy-to-understand manner. Your case study is more concerned with facts and data points than a literal retelling of the project’s most minute details.

Remember, your goal here is to create an evidence-based post-mortem of sorts that either proves the approach you took, or identifies the lessons learned along the way. Let the evidence speak for itself and the case study will reveal itself with ease.

Read next: How to Use Your Content Marketing for Situational Selling

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How to Write a Case Study for an IT Company

Sep 30, 2023

Introduction

A case study is what can set you apart from the competitors. It’s a chance to show off your portfolio and demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills to potential clients. Writing a case study on your work is a chance to present what your company can achieve. What challenges have you faced, and how did your team overcame them.

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, where choices abound, the stories of success and innovation resonate most with discerning consumers. Your portfolio, meticulously displayed within a case study, is a testament to your track record of delivering results, offering tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Let’s see how you can make it shine with B2B case study examples .

What Makes a Good Case Study?

First things first, let’s get our definitions straight. What is a case study exactly?

In IT, a case study is an in-depth examination of a specific real-world situation, project, problem, or success story within the field. It is a research of your project, so to you, where you demonstrate your results to prospects that can potentially become your buyers. These studies are used to showcase how solutions and technologies have been applied to address particular challenges or achieve specific goals. Case studies provide detailed insights into the projects' and initiatives' strategies, processes, and outcomes.

Points to include

• Introduction and background information.

This section provides relevant background information to set the stage for the case study. It includes details about the industry, company, or organization in question and any relevant historical or contextual information.

• Problem statement and main goals.

The problem statement is critical to any case study as it sets the stage for the entire analysis. It succinctly defines the issue or challenges the case study addresses. In this section, the main goals of the project or initiative are also outlined. For instance, a company may face declining website traffic and set the goal of increasing user engagement and conversions. These objectives guide the entire case study and provide a clear focus for the reader.

• Challenges and solutions.

Every IT case study involves challenges that need to be overcome. This section delves into the specific hurdles encountered during the project. These challenges could be technical, financial, or organizational in nature. The subsequent part of this section discusses the solutions or strategies employed to tackle these challenges. This is where you explain how the IT team or organization devised and implemented innovative solutions to address the identified issues.

• Methodology and tech stack.

The methodology and tech stack section provides insights into how the case study was conducted. It details the research methods, data collection techniques, and analytical approaches used. The tech stack is crucial in IT case studies as it outlines the specific technologies, tools, and platforms utilized to implement solutions. This part ensures transparency in the research process and helps readers understand the technical aspects of the project.

• Descriptions and analysis.

The case description section provides a comprehensive narrative of the project or situation. It outlines the context, key individuals, organizations, and events. Following the description, the analysis section is where the real depth of the case study comes into play. You apply relevant theories, models, or frameworks to interpret the data and findings. This analysis should be objective and data-driven, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions based on the presented information.

• Results and conclusions.

In this critical section, the outcomes of the project are discussed. Quantitative and qualitative results should be presented, showcasing the impact of the IT solutions. Did the project meet its goals? Were the challenges successfully addressed? This section also summarizes the key findings and their implications. The conclusions drawn from the analysis should be supported by the evidence presented throughout the case study.

• Reviews and feedbacks.

Including a section on reviews and feedback is beneficial to provide a well-rounded view of the case study. This can include feedback from stakeholders, end-users, or clients who were involved in or impacted by the project. Positive reviews can validate the success of the IT solutions, while any constructive criticism can offer insights into areas for improvement. This feedback loop is valuable for continuous improvement in IT projects.

Each of these components contributes to a comprehensive and informative case study.

Benefits of Case Studies

You get plenty of benefits from providing case studies to your clients, whether on your corporate website or in your portfolio on a commonly used platform like Upwork. Case studies are versatile tools that offer valuable insights and have many applications in research and business. They enable a deeper understanding of complex issues and provide actionable information for decision-making and problem-solving.

Present your expertise

Showcase your specialized knowledge, skills, and achievements in a tangible and persuasive manner. By detailing a real-world scenario where you applied your expertise to solve a specific problem or achieve notable results, you demonstrate your competence and provide evidence of your capability to potential clients, employers, or collaborators. Case studies offer a platform for you to narrate your success stories, highlighting the value you bring to the table. Moreover, they can serve as valuable marketing tools, helping you establish credibility in your field, attract new opportunities, and build trust with your audience, ultimately fostering professional growth and recognition.

Show your trustworthiness

Establishing credibility and building strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders is something you can’t ignore. Case studies provide a transparent and concrete account of how you've successfully addressed challenges or met objectives in real-world scenarios. By openly sharing the details of your approach, methodologies, and outcomes, you demonstrate integrity and a commitment to accountability. This transparency instills trust and enables others to make informed decisions about collaborating with you or your organization. A well-documented case study is a testament to your reliability and competence, reinforcing your reputation as a trustworthy expert in your field.

Communicate valuable insights

Case studies encapsulate real-world experiences and data-driven analysis, allowing for the presentation of actionable insights in a clear and comprehensible manner. These insights, often derived from problem-solving scenarios, research endeavors, or practical applications, offer practical guidance and inform decision-making. By utilizing case studies, individuals and organizations can leverage these insights to drive informed choices, innovate, and tackle complex challenges with a deeper understanding, ultimately facilitating meaningful and positive outcomes.

10 Tips on How to Choose the Right Project

It’s not enough to know how to write a good case. Choosing the right project to introduce to your prospects is also essential. Here are several major suggestions to help you approach this topic best.

• Define objectives. Clarifying your objectives is essential before choosing a project for your case study. Are you aiming to showcase expertise, demonstrate problem-solving skills, or highlight industry-specific achievements? Defining your goals will serve as a compass to guide your project selection.
• Identify relevant topics . Consider themes and topics that align with your case study's objectives. Consider areas where your organization or expertise excels, whether in a particular industry, technology, or solving specific types of problems. A relevant topic ensures your case study remains focused and purposeful.
• Evaluate successful projects. Reflect on past projects or initiatives that have stood out due to their success, innovation, or substantial impact. These projects are prime candidates for case studies as they demonstrate your track record of delivering positive outcomes.
• Consider challenges and solutions. A compelling case study often involves projects with notable challenges and the creative solutions used to overcome them. Such projects provide a rich narrative, showcasing your ability to tackle complex problems effectively.
• Assess client satisfaction. If applicable, consider projects that have received positive feedback from clients, stakeholders, or end-users. Client testimonials and satisfaction metrics can enhance the credibility of your case study and underscore your commitment to delivering value.
• Collect data and evidence. Ensure you access relevant data, metrics, and evidence to substantiate your case study's claims and findings. Data-driven insights add depth and credibility to your narrative.
• Get permission. When selecting a project, it's vital to be mindful of any ethical or confidentiality considerations. Some projects may involve sensitive information that cannot be publicly shared, so ensure you have the necessary permissions and safeguards.
• Diversity and variety. Over time, aim to create a diverse portfolio of case studies. Select projects that represent different industries, challenges, and solutions. This diversity demonstrates the breadth and versatility of your expertise.
• Audience relevance. Tailor your project choice to your target audience. Consider a projects will resonate most with your readers, whether they are potential clients, peers, or students. A relatable case study will more likely engage and inform your audience effectively.
• Feasibility . Assess the practicality of developing a comprehensive case study for the chosen project. Ensure you have the necessary resources, documentation, and team members available to support the case study development process. Feasibility is essential for delivering a well-rounded and informative case study.

Information to Include

When creating a case study, you'll want to include a variety of resources to support your analysis and provide evidence for your claims.

Remember to request the necessary permissions and discuss the case with your client before you make it public. Meanwhile, here is some common info you should consider including.

Relevant data

This includes data collected directly from your case study subject, such as requirements, client inquiries, and observations during the project. Primary data adds depth and authenticity to your study. Don’t forget to provide any reports you can get after the project completion: let your readers know how the whole thing played out. Financial figures, SEO updates, and anything that is relevant. It provides context and additional information related to your case.

Enhancing visuals

include charts, graphs, tables, photographs, and diagrams to illustrate key points, trends, or findings. Visuals make your case study more engaging and easier to understand. Consider using storytelling techniques like timelines, infographics, or flowcharts to help convey complex information and the progression of events.

Testimonials and reports

Incorporate quotes from interviews or statements from individuals involved in the case. Testimonials can provide firsthand perspectives and add credibility to your study. This helps to show the impact of decisions or actions through someone else's lens. Attach relevant documents, such as project reports, emails, memos, or contracts, to provide concrete evidence and context for your case.

Frameworks and tech stack

Utilize relevant theoretical frameworks, models, or concepts to analyze and interpret the data. This demonstrates a strong theoretical foundation for your case study. Including a diverse range of resources ensures that your case study is well-supported and credible and provides a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It also enhances the overall quality and depth of your analysis.

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Write to Engage

Creating an engaging narrative is crucial to writing a compelling text. It helps capture the reader's attention and makes the information more accessible and memorable. Here are some strategies to create an engaging narrative.

Compelling start

Begin your case study with a captivating introduction that immediately draws readers in. This could involve opening with a surprising statistic related to the IT industry's challenges or successes. Alternatively, you can use a powerful quote from a key figure in the project or an illustrative scenario setting the IT project's stage. The goal is to pique the reader's curiosity and make them eager to delve into the rest of the case study.

Narrative structure

Structure your case study like a story to create an engaging narrative. Start with the initial problem or challenge your IT project aims to address. Provide context by explaining why this problem was significant. Then, guide the reader through the project's journey, detailing the steps taken to resolve the issue. Highlight key milestones and turning points. Finally, conclude by showcasing the positive outcomes achieved as a result of the project's successful implementation. This narrative structure helps readers follow a logical progression and keeps them engaged by offering a sense of anticipation and resolution.

Human elements

Inject humanity into your IT case study by focusing on the people involved. Introduce key individuals, such as project managers, team members, clients, or stakeholders, and provide insights into their roles and contributions. Share anecdotes or personal experiences to bring these individuals to life. By showcasing the human aspect of the project, you make it relatable and relatable, helping readers connect with the story on a personal level. This adds authenticity and fosters a deeper understanding of the project's impact.

Dynamics of problem-solution

Make the problem-solving aspect of your IT project a central theme in your narrative. Start by clearly outlining the specific challenges or issues that the project aimed to address. Describe the complexity or urgency of these challenges to underscore their significance. As you progress through the narrative, delve into the strategies, methods, and innovative solutions that were deployed to overcome these challenges. By emphasizing the dynamic between problems and solutions, you create a narrative arc that keeps readers engaged. They become invested in understanding how each obstacle was tackled and how the project ultimately succeeded.

Visual enhancements

To enhance reader engagement and comprehension, incorporate visual elements strategically throughout your case study. Utilize charts, graphs, images, diagrams, and other visuals at relevant points in the narrative. Visuals serve as visual aids, making it easier for readers to grasp complex concepts, data, or project processes. They also help break up lengthy text sections, making the case study more visually appealing and accessible. When used effectively, visuals can reinforce key points and improve overall reader engagement.

By implementing these expanded strategies, you can create a narrative that informs and captivates your audience in your IT case study, making it more compelling and memorable.

Promote your Cases

Sharing your studies effectively ensures it reach the right audience and maximizes its impact. Here's how to approach the promotion and sharing of your case study:

Understand your audience

Begin by clearly defining the specific audiences you aim to reach with your IT case study. Consider factors such as their interests, needs, and preferences. For instance, if your case study demonstrates a groundbreaking IT solution, your primary audience might include CTOs and IT managers. Tailor your content to address their pain points and interests.

Once you've identified your target audiences, determine the most effective communication channels to reach them. This might involve a mix of online and offline platforms. For an online presence, utilize your company's website as a central hub for your case studies. Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to engage a broader online audience. Consider email newsletters to reach your existing client base or subscribers. For more specialized audiences, explore industry-specific publications, webinars, or conferences.

Content repurposing

Promote your IT case study actively on various platforms. Create engaging social media posts that highlight key takeaways and encourage sharing. In email marketing campaigns, segment your email list to target recipients who are most likely to find the case study relevant. Host webinars or presentations where you discuss the case study's insights, providing opportunities for direct interaction and questions. Actively respond to comments and feedback on social media or your website to foster discussions and enhance the study's visibility.

Extend the life and reach of your case study by repurposing its content. Consider breaking it down into smaller, more digestible pieces. Create blog posts that explore specific aspects or findings in more detail. Develop eye-catching infographics to visualize key data points. Craft short videos that offer concise summaries or highlight real-world applications of the study's insights. These repurposed elements can be shared across various channels and appeal to different segments of your audience.

Continuous monitoring

Use analytics tools to track the performance of your case study's distribution efforts. Pay attention to essential metrics such as the number of views, downloads, shares, and click-through rates. Analyze the data to understand how your case study resonates with your audience. Identify which channels are most effective in reaching your goals.

Continuous monitoring and data analysis are key to refining your promotion strategy. Make informed adjustments to your approach based on the data and feedback received. If you find that a particular social media platform is driving significant engagement, allocate more resources to it. If your webinars are highly attended, consider hosting them regularly. By being agile and responsive, you can ensure that your IT case study reaches its intended audience and achieves its objectives effectively.

By expanding on these points, you can develop a comprehensive strategy for promoting and sharing your IT case study that reaches your target audience, engages them effectively, and maximizes the impact of your work.

Real-world Examples

As a company that provides Webflow development services and has been on the market for several years, we’ve compiled plenty of successfully delivered projects. We’ve put our knowledge and expertise into practice to walk our clients through our process: we started introducing case studies on our own. If you are interested in seeing practical examples of how to write case studies that drive engagement, check out our work:

• Ray Studios

In conclusion, crafting a compelling case study for the IT industry is about presenting facts and figures and telling a story of innovation, problem-solving, and expertise.

In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovative advancements occur rapidly, a well-prepared project study can set you apart from the competition. It showcases your ability to adapt and deliver tangible results. Remember that a successful case isn't just a document; it's a testament to your skills and a valuable tool for attracting clients, collaborators, and opportunities.

Every detail matters. From defining your objectives to presenting your conclusions, your project should be presented compellingly and informative to showcase your achievements in the industry.

So, embrace the challenge, and let your case studies become your success story.

It’s an in-depth analysis of a specific project, problem, or scenario related to technology implementation, innovation, or management. It provides a detailed account of real-world situations, often highlighting challenges, solutions, and the outcomes achieved. IT case studies showcase how organizations or professionals leverage technology to address issues, make improvements, or achieve business objectives. These studies serve as valuable learning tools, offering insights into best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches within the IT field. They also demonstrate the expertise and capabilities of individuals, teams, or organizations operating in the IT sector.

The length of a case study can vary, but it typically ranges from a few pages for shorter, so about 1500-2000 words, with more focused studies, to several dozen pages for more extensive and detailed analyses. The specific length depends on the complexity of the subject, the depth of information provided, and the intended audience and purpose of the case study. It’s better to avoid short-form studies that don’t go further than 500 words and combine those into one cohesive case.

Choose a relevant and compelling technology sector topic to write a case study. Define your objectives clearly, outlining your aim with the case study. Next, gather comprehensive information about the project or scenario, including details on the technology used, challenges faced, and the solution implemented. Organize this information in a structured format, including an introduction, background, problem statement, solution, results, and conclusion. Use visuals like charts and diagrams to illustrate key points. Ensure that the case study is well-researched, data-driven, and focused on providing valuable insights to your target audience, whether it's professionals, peers, or students. Finally, proofread and edit your case study to ensure clarity and coherence before sharing it with your intended readers.

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How to write the perfect tech case study

Case studies are an excellent way for tech brands to demonstrate their value and attract fresh prospects. But to get results, you need to make sure it is written in a way that makes it readable and actionable. Learn how here.

The tech case study works as a multi-purpose piece of content.

It's a digital marketing tool that also boosts your brand, builds and reinforces customer relationships, and provides proof of your product’s effectiveness. But it can only do these things if you put it together in the right way.

The perfect tech case study combines a compelling, storytelling structure with useful data, customer testimonials, and a clear call to action.

Selecting a subject for your case study

First, you need to choose which case study to write up.

But how to choose? You need a case study with the right outcome and evidence, obviously. But also consider what type of customer it involves and how they compare with the audience you want to target. Ideally, the customer you’ve helped will have something in common with the prospective customer you want to attract.

Always think strategically. Yes, it’s important to focus on a satisfied customer and a good outcome, but how can you use these elements as effective leverage in your case study?

Lastly, but importantly, make sure you have the customer's approval if you're going to publish details about the work you've done for them. Otherwise, if you have to leave too much information out, the finished content can be too vague to appear convincing.

How to structure your case study

The name, case study, is deceptive. It sounds like it should be something a bit dry and matter of fact. Don’t fall into this trap.

In crime fiction , whether in books, films or television, the narrative usually centres on a case. Yes, it will contain evidence, but presented in such a way as to drive the story forward and suck you into the plot.

Bear this in mind when you structure your case study.

Here are the four chief elements:

What does a crime story begin with? A crime. Similarly, start your tech case study by outlining the problem.

What was the issue that your client was looking to solve? Look for the most dramatic angle here. If, for example, they needed an app to make certain processes more efficient, what were the consequences of not having this?

Were they losing their market share to competitors, or finding their margins eroding?

Next is the discovery stage. The detective work. How did you investigate the issue? What insights did this investigation provide?

This stuff is vital because it demonstrates your methodology and how you empathise with your customers.

Then you come to the solution. What did you develop that would solve the customer’s problem? How did you do it and were there any obstacles you needed to overcome?

Obstacles are good for adding drama to the narrative. Think back to the detective story comparison. There's always a degree of uncertainty and jeopardy that the protagonist experiences while solving the case.

Finally, there's the outcome. Ideally, you need more than a satisfied customer here. You want this to be something that resonates. Did your solution save them money, or enable them to invest in fresh talent or equipment? How did it improve their standing in the marketplace?

The outcome and legacy provide proof of the effectiveness of your product or service.

Making your case study more dramatic

There are plenty of examples of successful films that begin with the ending . Some screenwriters favour this approach because it provides an instant hook for the viewer. It also builds anticipation from the outset.

You can apply this structure to a case study:

• How company x became a market leader in y
• How this app helped company x save thousands in lost revenue
• Why company x has been able to invest in tech apprenticeships.

Begin with the legacy, even including it in the title of your case study. Then go back to the beginning to explain the problem and how you helped your customer overcome it.

How important is data?

Including data adds meat to the bones of your case study.

If you can provide figures to show how much money your tech solution has saved a customer, for example, then this offers excellent supporting evidence.

Where you can run into difficulties is if the customer doesn’t want to reveal this information.

Confidentiality is crucial for some companies, but it doesn’t have to hamper your case study.

Remember, if you can't publish figures, you shouldn’t over-compensate by padding out the story.

You can still make the business case for your solution, and for many prospects, this will still be highly relatable. Always highlight the problem and shape it in terms that have an appeal beyond the specific customer you helped.

Why should you include testimonials?

Quotes from the customer add an extra element of proof to your case study.

Providing you select these carefully, they can also help the reader empathise more strongly with the customer and their issues.

This is a critical aspect of writing a tech case study. You want the reader to see things from the customer’s viewpoint. Ultimately, they should see how you could help them in the same way you've helped the customer in the case study.

Try to encourage your customer to give testimonials that have some detail and go beyond stating how good you’ve been. You don’t want them to come across as vanity elements that detract from the credibility of your case study.

Your call to action

This is the bit where you step out of the narrative and address your audience directly.

Once you’ve gone to the effort of piecing together your case study, you must maximise its effectiveness.

You can’t do this unless you’re clear about what you want your reader to do once they’ve read it.

It provides a natural end to your story but should plant the seed of suggestion in the minds of your audience that they can find out more about your work and how it might benefit them.

Be bold, and consider adding a call to action earlier in the case study, after your introductory paragraphs.

Your case study shouldn’t be simply a routine piece of content, but something that will support you strategically. Writing it requires a considered, professional approach to maximise its impact.

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What is a technical case study?

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, chances are you’ve heard all about case studies and application stories being used for marketing purposes, especially in a technical, industrial and engineering context. But the mere idea of producing almost a thousand words of good quality copy and then getting them approved by all parties involved sounds like an insurmountable amount of work. Nonetheless, the task can be easily managed if you know what exactly a case study is and how to tackle each step in developing one.

A technical case study is an analysis of a customer project that used your company’s products and services. It tells the story of how the customer approached the company, what the situation was and what issue they wanted to solve. The foundation of the case study is identifying the customer problem and then recommending and implementing the solution. The conclusion focuses on how the solution was implemented, talks about improvements and overall results and shows why the project was successful.

Characteristics:

• They require approval from other parties involved. Unlike other types of content you create, case studies require that third party endorsement. This is why before putting pen to paper you should first speak to the customer or the end user and get their approval to proceed with the case study. This prior approval is essential, as without explicit approval from the customer the case study does not have a leg to stand on.
• They are longer than other pieces of content and structured to tell a compelling story. Normally case studies contain more information than press releases and as such, they are double in size and require details about the context, the problem you company solved on behalf of the clients, installation journey, outcomes and long-term results.
• They focus on two paradigms: problem-solution-conclusion and feature-benefit relationships. These two facets are the most interesting to your target audience.

Every good case study should be built around the third-party endorsement and as such, quotes and personal testimonies from decision makers are crucial. They give extra weight to the story and allow the reader to put themselves into your customer’s shoes. 

Size/format

As explained before, written case studies are about 700-1000 words long and they follow the traditional story format: introduction, problem and context, discussion, solution and outcomes. For information that is not essential to the case study but adds additional details, box outs and graphs are suitable. They can contain facts and figures, information about the customer, the boiler plate (information about your company), quotes and useful website links. Essential for any application story are pictures and if possible videos of the product in action. Some companies use interview-style videos with talking heads explaining the technology or even giving verbal testimonies. 

We've created a roadmap to help you share your company's customer success stories. 

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How to Create a Case Study + 14 Case Study Templates

Written by: Brian Nuckols

When it comes to high impact marketing content, case studies are at the top of the list for helping show off your brand’s stuff. 

In this post, I’ve put together a few high-level case study design tips as well as 14 professionally designed case study templates that you can use to start designing beautiful case studies today. 

Let’s begin! 

Here’s a short selection of 12 easy-to-edit case study templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a way for you to demonstrate the success you’ve already had with existing clients. When you create a case study, you explore how previous clients have used your product or service to reach their goals. 

In particular, a case study highlights a specific challenge or goal one of your clients was struggling with before they discovered your product. 

It then demonstrates how your work has assisted them on the journey towards overcoming the challenge or accomplishing the goal. 

A case study’s outcome is typically to share the story of a company’s growth or highlight the increase of metrics the company tracks to understand success. 

The case study includes an analysis of a campaign or project that goes through a few steps from identifying the problem to how you implemented the solution. 

How to Write a Case Study

When it comes to adding irresistible design to your content from the start, using a helpful tool is a great start. Sign up for a free Visme account and start highlighting your own client success stories using one of our case study templates today. 

Also, while you’re beginning to transition your case study workflow to include a professional design tool, it’s helpful to review some high level principles you can incorporate into your case study. 

We’ll start by reviewing some of the critical style tips and structural elements to include in your case study before progressing to a more detailed design section. 

Pinpoint Your Main Message

When designing an impactful case study, it’s essential to stay clear on the metrics that you’re highlighting. The process of overcoming business challenges is a dynamic process with many moving parts. 

If you do not stay focused on what matters in your case study, you risk obscuring the big win your client experienced by using your product or service. 

This is why you need to focus on a single message or metric. This is often called the north star metric . 

The north star metric is the single most crucial rate, count or ratio that helped your client move closer towards their goals or overcame an obstacle. 

While north star metrics are context dependent, a useful heuristic you can utilize is to figure out the most predictive metric of your client’s long term success. 

In the template I’ll highlight below, cost per lead was the north star metric that The College for Adult Learning needed to optimize. 

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Use Emotionally Rich Language 

Recently researchers at Presado did an interesting study to understand the types of language that help readers take action. They broke the content included in marketing assets into several categories, including functional, emotional and descriptive. 

In the most successful pieces of content, the researchers found that emotionally coded words were present in 61% of the content’s total volume.

This research shows the benefit of using emotionally engaging content in your case study. While it’s essential to focus on the concrete evidence of how you helped your client get from where they started to a successful outcome, do not forget to highlight the emotional journey. 

Use Data For Concrete Evidence 

Once you’ve decided on the north star metric to highlight and you choose the emotional response you want to reinforce in your case study, it’s important to use actual data from the project to share the concrete results your product helped to achieve. 

To make sure your audience can follow your line of thinking, make sure the data in your case study is precise. If you track data across time, your readers must know whether you chose to track by month or years. 

If there are any apparent trends, you can use color to highlight specific areas in a chart. 

If you want to dig deeper into using data to tell compelling stories, check out our video data storytelling tips to improve your charts and graphs. 

In the template below, The College for Adult Learning case study is an excellent example of how these elements can work together. 

Cost per lead was a critical north star metric, so we chose to emphasize the increase in revenue and a decrease in cost per lead. 

Additionally, the background section uses emotionally rich language by highlighting how the school helps students get ahead with their career goals. Also, the factual data is the centerpiece of this page in the case study.

If you’re ready to share how you impacted a client, use the College for Adult Learning case study template right now! 

Include All Necessary Parts of a Case Study

After you’ve interviewed your client and you’re getting ready to start writing, it’s important to remember each piece you need to cover.

All good case studies consist of five parts: Introduction, Challenge, Solution, Benefit and Result.

While you don’t necessarily need to label each section like that, be sure that the flow makes sense and covers each section fully to give your audience the full scope of your case study.

RELATED: 15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

14 Case Study Templates

Now that we have explored some of the high level strategies you can use to create a business case study, we will transition to 14 case study design templates you can use with Visme. 

1. Fuji Xerox Australia Case Study Template

Use the Fuji Xerox case study template to showcase the concrete results you achieved for your clients. It has sections where you can explain the goals you started with and the results you achieved. 

2. College for Adult Learning Case Study Template

As we’ve explored already, the College for Adult Learning template has sections where you can embrace a data driven storytelling approach while also connecting with your audience using emotionally rich language. 

Utilize the professionally designed business case study to connect with your audience. 

3. Intel Case Study Template

The Intel case study has beautiful visual elements and gives you space to share the project’s context and the goals you set out to achieve. It also allows you to get concrete with the results you achieved. 

You can always use the Visme Brand Kit to incorporate your unique brand colors into this stunning design. 

4. Bit.ly Case Study Template

Bit.ly is a marketing product that helps brands track how they are doing with campaign results. The bit.ly business case study template showcases how they drove impressive results for an eCommerce business. 

You can modify the professionally designed case study template to illustrate the key results you drive for your clients. 

5. NVISIONCenters Case Study Template

The NVISIONCenters case study template is an excellent example of how powerful it is to pair beautiful designs with the results you generate for your clients. In this case study, we see how you can transform your past accomplishments into a powerful marketing asset. 

6. Adobe Case Study Template

The Adobe case study is an exciting example of a business case study because it does a great job illustrating how you can use a specific result to create a powerful marketing asset. 

Adobe had a particular goal of branding to position itself as a leader for the future of digital marketing. LinkedIn sponsored messages was an effective tactic to drive the outcome Adobe needed. 

You can use the Adobe case study template to demonstrate the success of your most effective tactics. 

7. Inkjet Wholesale Case Study Template

The Inkjet wholesale case study template is an excellent choice if you want to experiment with your case study’s visual element. The roadmap to objectives diagram is a powerful graphic that illustrates the journey of a successful campaign. 

8. Neutrogena Case Study Template

If you have a strong visual brand to tell your case study’s story with visuals, the Neutrogena template is a great choice. It is already designed with plenty of space to highlight your visuals. 

When it is all said and done, you have the results section to complete a successful client partnership story.

9. Weebly Case Study Template

The Weebly case study template is your choice if you want to add visual flair to your case study. The beautiful layout is a testament to the power of pairing minimal design with an exciting statistic. 

10. Patagonia Case Study Template

The Patagonia case study is a perfect example of how crucial it is to make design choices based on your brand’s unique personality. 

It is a fantastic choice if you have a project to showcase featuring a brand with a distinct brand aesthetic.  

11. Think With Google Case Study Template

The Think With Google case study template tells the story of a mobile game that needed to create more engagement on their app. 

It is a visually impactful case study design template that you can use to tell a compelling story about your results. 

12. Kleenex Case Study Template

This case study template is the perfect way to show off search marketing results for a client or other highly specific KPIs that you managed to accomplish.

Insert the initial challenge followed by your company’s solution and adjust the included data visualization tools to showcase your specific results.

13. Customer Experience Presentation Case Study Template

The presentation case study template is an excellent choice for blending beautiful visual elements with the ability to give detailed information about the results you generated, as well as showcasing that data in a unique format. 

If you are ready to show how the unique features of your product or service drove real world business results then it is a good choice for your case study. 

14. Webinar Presentation Case Study Template

One small business saw incredible results when using Visme to optimize their webinar workflow. They saved 100 hours of their precious time by incorporating our collaborative design tools. 

We designed the small business template using those results as an example. When you have an eye catching effect to showcase to your audience, you can use this template as a starting point. 

Case Study Design Tips

Now that we’ve explored the 14 templates you can use with Visme to create your case study, let’s take a look at some practical design tips that will take your content to the next level. 

Be Brief In Your Case Study 

In discussions about writing with style, brevity is a common topic. However, it’s also an important design principle. 

Brevity in design is when you find the best way to perform your intended objective in as few steps as possible. 

When designing your case study, make sure you do not add extraneous visual elements where they are not needed. Instead, think of the effect you want to have on your reader and try to do it simply. 

Describe Your Vision Clearly

Earlier in this article, I wrote about the north star metric, your case study’s emotional effect and using data to make the case study concrete. Your design choices should serve to reinforce these primary goals. 

Clarity in design is when all of the visual elements add up to a whole. 

A great example of this is in the small business case study template where the shapes, typography and color scheme all emphasize the main idea that Visme helps the reader save time. 

Create A Consistent Style 

Visual consistency is a fundamental design principle that you can not afford to ignore in your case study. It will help you increase readability and make sure your audience does not get frustrated with jarring visual elements. 

In short, a consistent style is when you use a uniform color scheme, typography and the same kinds of visual elements throughout the case study. 

Use A Case Study Template For Readability

Readability is a crucial element of design, especially for case studies that are experienced on mobile devices. Contrast is an impactful readability principle. 

Make sure any contrasting colors you chose are easy on the eye and your reader does not have to strain to read your case study. 

Use Proper Alignment In Your Case Study 

Alignment is one of the principles of design that sets professionally designed business case study templates apart. Great designers have an intuitive eye for the mathematically based ratios of proximity invisible in sound design and an eyesore in lousy design. 

The good news is that you do not have to be a mathematician nor a professional designer to have a perfect alignment for your case study. Visme utilizes an easy to use drag and drop design tool that helps you achieve proper alignment in your case study. 

Let Your Brand Personality Speak

When we make intentional design decisions, we want to create a positive emotional experience for our audience. One of the best ways to do that is to make decisions that showcase your brand’s unique personality .

Is the case study you are creating like a well dressed business person who is serious, trustworthy and capable of doing a great job? Is it more like an extravert at a party bouncing from person to person lighting up the room? 

There is no right answer, but you need to infuse your viewpoint into the case study you create if you want to create a unique design. 

Start Designing Your Case Study Today 

A professionally designed case study template will help you create a stunning case study. While reviewing some high level design strategies is an important step, a tool like Visme will help you make a real impact on your audience.

If you’re ready to create your next case study, get started with Visme today .

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About the Author

Brian Nuckols is a writer working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enjoys communicating visionary ideas in clear, action oriented language. When he’s not working on content for a transformative company you can find him analyzing dreams, creating music, and writing poetry.

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Writing a Case Study Report in Engineering

Welcome to this online resource on writing a case study. While it was developed for risk management students, it may also be useful for other students writing a case study in engineering at UNSW. There are activities included and I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on the tasks before looking at comments. Time to read and complete activities is estimated at 1-2 hours.

What is a case study?

A case study is an account of an activity, event or problem that contains a real or hypothetical situation and includes the complexities you would encounter in the workplace. Case studies are used to help you see how the complexities of real life influence decisions.

Analysing a case study requires you to practice applying your knowledge and your thinking skills to a real situation. To learn from a case study analysis you will be "analysing, applying knowledge, reasoning and drawing conclusions" (Kardos & Smith 1979).

According to Kardos and Smith (1979) a good case has the following features:

• It is taken from real life (true identities may be concealed).
• It consists of many parts and each part usually ends with problems and points for discussion. There may not be a clear cut off point to the situation.
• It includes sufficient information for the reader to treat problems and issues.
• It is believable for the reader (the case contains the setting, personalities, sequence of events, problems and conflicts)

Types of case study

Your course may include all the information you require for the case study and in this case all students would be analysing the same case study. This may take the form of an historical case study where you analyse the causes and consequences of a situation and discuss the lessons learned. You are essentially outside the situation.

Other types of case studies require you to imagine or role play that you are in the situation and to make plausible recommendations to senior management or ministers. Some case studies require you to solve a problem by developing a new design. These types of case studies are problem orientated.

Alternatively you may be able to choose a real situation, such as an event in your workplace, to analyse as a case study, either as a problem orientated situation or an historical case /situation. In this instance, you would need to locate the information necessary to write a clear description of the case before you can analyse the situation and make recommendations.

Some examples of case study assignments are:

Historical case study

Take a recent company collapse (eg HIH, FROGGY, ENRON) and analyse what went wrong.

Problem orientated case study

Using cost benefit risk analysis, determine the current and future market opportunity of company X in country Y.

See next: Writing the case study

Engineering & science.

• Report writing
• Technical writing
• Writing lab reports
• Honours thesis writing
• Writing the case study
• How a case study is organised
• What is the marker looking for?
• How can I improve my writing?
• ^ More support

A “case study” is similar to a “white paper” although white papers can be more technically detailed in nature.

Simply put, they are both written to convince the reader that something (a product, a service, a company) works.

That “something” could be a product/service, the story of how a product/service or method was implemented successfully, how a specific company operates successfully, or how a group of companies compares in terms of their performance, organizational structure, corporate culture, etc.

If the paper is about the technical details of a product/service or a discussion of a company’s sector performance, then it is more likely called a “White Paper.”

If it is the story of an actual implementation of a solution to solve an issue, then it’s more likely called a “Case Study.”

But the differences between these two types of technical writing products are not absolute and they overlap quite a bit.

Why do people write these papers?

To create positive publicity by publishing or giving them away in return for your inquiry, your order, or at least your name and e-mail address. It’s a soft-marketing tool, the web and print counterpart of an “infomercial,” that actually works in terms of drumming up new business and signups.

Table of Contents

Three main types of case studies

1) Corporate Case Study. How a specific company got to be what it is today. It’s history, specific organizational patterns, past failures, and achievements, etc.

2) Comparative Case Study. How does a specific company compare with others along dimensions X, Y, and Z? What is their profile in their sector/niche? What can we conclude about their relative strengths and weaknesses? What’s the lesson?

3) Issue Case Study. How did a specific company solve a specific problem? In the rest of this article, I will focus on the “Issue Case Study.”

Main components of an issue case study

The idea of a case study is nothing new since it has been taught in business schools around the world for decades now.

It always has 3 important parts:

1) Problem. What is it? What did it cost the organization? Why it was such a pain?

2) Search for solutions. Various alternatives tried to solve the problem. Why did the alternatives fail to solve the problem? Pros and cons of various solutions. How did the organization decide on the specific solution which is the subject of this case study?

3) Implementation of “The Solution” and results. Before-and-After assessment. Numerical comparisons. Wrap it up with a “Lessons Learned” section. And you’re done! Congrats.

Process of writing a case study

1) Always prepare a Documentation Plan (DP) first. Have the DP approved and signed by the authorized client representative who will approve your payment at the end of the project.

2) Identify the PROBLEM, the SOLUTION, and the RESULT. Have them approved by the client in advance so that there will be no mistake whatsoever about the content of your case study. Last minute “surprises” are costly in writing business . Eliminate such unwanted surprises by nailing down the General Outline of your case study and securing the client’s approval before you even write a single word.

3) Do your research and collect your data by reading everything written on the subject; company records; meeting minutes; existing white papers; marketing brochures; articles and presentation notes, etc. Interview everybody who will help you understand how this particular solution helped solve the organization’s problem.

4) Write your case study . Submit it for the first round of reviews .

5) Implement the first set of feedbacks . Write a second and improved copy and turn it in. Ideally, this should also be the last and final copy but it all depends on what you and your client have agreed to in the Documentation Plan (DP).

Make sure the back-and-forth review process does not turn into a nightmare by endless rounds of editing. Your time is money. Try to limit editing to a maximum of THREE rounds and make that a part of your approved-and-signed DP.

Example of a hypothetical case study

PROBLEM: The fuel cost for the trucks of ABC delivery company went up by 15% over the last year. The company has to limit the annual cost increase to 3% in order to avoid bankruptcy.

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS tried or considered: Using new tires and rotating them once in every 6 months (only 1% drop in total fuel cost). Replacing old carburetors with new XYZ brands (only 4% drop). Retraining all drivers on how to drive more efficiently and observe the speed limits (no difference). Etc.

In the end, the company decides to implement an unusual solution suggested in a brain-storming session by a junior sales executive: banning all left and U-turns and redesigning delivery routes.

SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION: ABC company saved 14% in fuel consumption and limited the annual cost increase to only 1% per year.

LESSON LEARNED: Brain-storming and out-of-the-box solutions sometimes generate unusual solutions with spectacular results. Keeping the bottom-up communication channels open can save a company when more “reasonable” alternatives fail.

Tips for writing a case study

• Don’t write a novel . A case study is written for the busy executive or decision-maker. Try to limit it to 500 to 1,000 words. A case study should be about two to four 8.5 x 11-inch pages when printed.
• Stay away from the “marketing and PR” language in your case study. This is supposed to be an “objective” presentation of “what really works,” remember? Refrain from singing the glories of the company in question.
• Use as many numbers as possible to argue the case and make a convincing conclusion. Let the percentages, units, and facts do the talking.
• Apply all the classical “tools of the trade” of good technical writing like bulleted lists, using white space, writing in short sentences, starting procedural steps with action verbs, etc.

In closing…

There are thousands of companies out there that need similar case studies written on a regular basis. If the company has a Marketing Manager I would speak with him or her first to see if they need such a case study written.

We live in a big wide wonderful world, teeming with possibilities. Dare to reach out and ask. You might be pleasantly surprised by the positive response. Why? Because as a technical writer you are delivering a real information service needed by real companies.

Write well and prosper.

(Image by Kieran Wood )

About Ugur Akinci

Title Case Capitalization

APA Style uses two types of capitalization for titles of works (such as paper titles ) and headings within works : title case and sentence case .

In title case, major words are capitalized, and most minor words are lowercase. In sentence case, most major and minor words are lowercase ( proper nouns are an exception in that they are always capitalized).

• major words: Nouns, verbs (including linking verbs), adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and all words of four letters or more are considered major words.
• minor words: Short (i.e., three letters or fewer) conjunctions, short prepositions, and all articles are considered minor words.

Title case capitalization is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 6.17 and the Concise Guide Section 5.7

How to implement title case

In title case, capitalize the following words in a title or heading:

• the first word of the title or heading, even if it is a minor word such as “The” or “A”
• the first word of a subtitle
• the first word after a colon, em dash, or end punctuation in a heading
• major words, including the second part of hyphenated major words (e.g., “Self-Report,” not “Self-report”)
• words of four letters or more (e.g., “With,” “Between,” “From”)

Lowercase only minor words that are three letters or fewer in a title or heading (except the first word in a title or subtitle or the first word after a colon, em dash, or end punctuation in a heading):

• short conjunctions (e.g., “and,” “as,” “but,” “for,” “if,” “nor,” “or,” “so,” “yet”)
• articles (“a,” “an,” “the”)
• short prepositions (e.g., “as,” “at,” “by,” “for,” “in,” “of,” “off,” “on,” “per,” “to,” “up,” “via”)

When to use title case

Use title case for the following:

• titles of articles, books, reports, and other works appearing in text

In the book Train Your Mind for Peak Performance: A Science-Based Approach for Achieving Your Goals

In the article “Turning Frowns (and Smiles) Upside Down: A Multilevel Examination of Surface Acting Positive and Negative Emotions on Well-Being”

• titles of tests or measures, including subscales

Beck Depression Inventory–II

• all headings within a work (Levels 1–5; these are also bold or bold italic)
• the title of your own paper and of named sections and subsections within it

the Results section

• titles of periodicals (these are also italicized)

Journal of Latinx Psychology

Chicago Tribune

• table titles (these are also italicized)
• figure titles (these are also italicized), axis labels, and legends

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