Connotations provide many different types of written content for clients. Among them is the case study, a unique form of writing that establishes a company as an authority in its field. For example, an IT security firm may present a case study to establish its authority as an expert in providing a security service that is new to the market. In doing so, the company is writing case studies to gain new customers.
The interesting thing about case studies is that they are not limited to highly technological fields. The tech industry may be the biggest users of case studies, but any business could use one to demonstrate how its products or services are beneficial to customers.
In the following paragraphs, we will describe the key elements for writing case studies effectively. This is just an introductory guide to help you understand the basics. Without good writing skills, merely composing a document containing the essential elements is of little value.
Element #1 – The Introduction
The first element in an effective case study is the introduction. Its purpose is to introduce your company to prospective readers as a main player in your industry. The introduction includes your company name and a semi-detailed description of between 50 and 100 words.
An introduction should be written as though the reader has never heard of your company. Why? Because in most cases, this is exactly what you are dealing with. Introduce your company as though you are personally speaking to a potential new customer face-to-face.
Element #2 – The Job
The second element in an effective case study involves the job you are offering as evidence of your authority and expertise. Without the job, you would have nothing to present. This element includes two sub elements:
- The Challenge – What is the task your company has been given? What is it the customer has asked you to do? This is known as the ‘challenge’. Whatever problem your company is being asked to solve is established here.
- The Circumstances – Hand-in-hand with the challenge are any special circumstances your staff had to account for in order to solve the problem.
Element #3 – The Solution
This is where you really get the opportunity to make sure your company shines. This is the portion of the case study in which you are able to explain how you addressed the problem presented and, hopefully, solved in a way no one else could have. Be sure to give as much detail as necessary to explain exactly how you implemented your policies, strategies, hypotheses, etc.
Element #4 – The Results
Writing case studies is all about making sure you are presenting your company in the best possible light. Therefore, it makes sense to limit your studies to those that have proven especially successful. The results you include at the end of your case study should definitively show that your solution provided the best results for your client.
Other Things to Know
We have introduced you to the four basic elements for writing case studies. In closing, there are a couple of other important things to know. First, there is no specific format that people are looking for when reading case studies. You can use the same headings we used for the different sections of your case study or come up with headings of your own. However, it is a good idea to establish a format to be followed for all future case studies you produce.
Second, be careful to avoid the excessive use of industry jargon and long-winded sentences that do not say much. Remember, the entire purpose of writing case studies is to show your clients you have the solutions to their problems. They are not interested in ‘business speak’; they are interested in solutions that are explained in common language.
Lastly, customer comments provide a huge positive boost to your case studies. Let us say you completed a project for the XYZ Widget Company last month. Ask the company owner or executive officer to furnish a quote or two that you could include in the study. The best way to earn new customers is through the recommendations of current customers.
Writing case studies is not an exact science. Having said that, an effective case study will contain the four elements we have presented here. Combine these elements with effective writing strategies to present your company in the best possible light, as an expert and authority in your industry.
Connotations would be happy to supply case studies for your business. Simply contact us and let us know what you are looking for. Our skilled staff of writers can take the information you provide and use it to create an impressive case study that you can then present to clients.