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.

plan of case study

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

case study example Lane Terralever

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

case study example walkme mobile

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

case study example 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

case study example brain traffic

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

case study example adobe 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.

Content Marketing

Photo of author

The ultimate toolkit for becoming one of the highest-paid writers online. Premium training. Yours for free.

Written by todd brehe, latest from the blog.

plan of case study

How to Increase Website Traffic (& Get 200+ Million Visitors)

plan of case study

Copywriter Salary: Hourly, Daily, Weekly, & Monthly Rates (2024)

plan of case study

10 Social Media Campaigns to Inspire Your Own in 2024

plan of case study

With over 300k subscribers and 4 million readers, Smart Blogger is one of the world's largest websites dedicated to writing and blogging.

Best of the Blog

© 2012-2024 Smart Blogger — Boost Blog Traffic, Inc.

Terms  |  Privacy Policy  |  Refund Policy  |  Affiliate Disclosure

plan of case study

Due to recent expansions in US sanctions against Russia and Belarus as well as existing country-level sanctions in Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and the Crimea region (each a “sanctioned country”), Zapier will no longer be able to provide services in any sanctioned country starting September 12, 2024. These sanctions prohibit US companies from offering certain IT and enterprise software services in a sanctioned region.

Starting September 12, 2024, Zapier customers will no longer be able to access Zapier services from a sanctioned country. We understand this may be inconvenient and appreciate your understanding as we navigate these regulatory requirements.

plan of case study

  • All Categories
  • Marketing Analytics Software

What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template

plan of case study

In this post

How to write a case study

Case study template, case study examples, types of case studies, what are the benefits of case studies , what are the limitations of case studies , case study vs. testimonial.

In today's marketplace, conveying your product's value through a compelling narrative is crucial to genuinely connecting with your customers.

Your business can use marketing analytics tools to understand what customers want to know about your product. Once you have this information, the next step is to showcase your product and its benefits to your target audience. This strategy involves a mix of data, analysis, and storytelling. Combining these elements allows you to create a narrative that engages your audience. So, how can you do this effectively?

What is a case study? 

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing a business's success in helping clients achieve their goals. It's a form of storytelling that details real-world scenarios where a business implemented its solutions to deliver positive results for a client.

In this article, we explore the concept of a case study , including its writing process, benefits, various types, challenges, and more.

Understanding how to write a case study is an invaluable skill. You'll need to embrace decision-making – from deciding which customers to feature to designing the best format to make them as engaging as possible.  This can feel overwhelming in a hurry, so let's break it down.

Step 1: Reach out to the target persona

If you've been in business for a while, you have no shortage of happy customers. But w ith limited time and resources, you can't choose everyone.  So, take some time beforehand to flesh out your target buyer personas. 

Once you know precisely who you're targeting, go through your stable of happy customers to find a buyer representative of the audience you're trying to reach. The closer their problems, goals, and industries align, the more your case study will resonate.

What if you have more than one buyer persona? No problem. This is a common situation for companies because buyers comprise an entire committee. You might be marketing to procurement experts, executives, engineers, etc. Try to develop a case study tailored to each key persona. This might be a long-term goal, and that's fine. The better you can personalize the experience for each stakeholder, the easier it is to keep their attention.  

Here are a few considerations to think about before research:

  • Products/services of yours the customer uses (and how familiar they are with them)
  • The customer's brand recognition in the industry
  • Whether the results they've achieved are specific and remarkable
  • Whether they've switched from a competitor's product/service
  • How closely aligned they are with your target audience

These items are just a jumping-off point as you develop your criteria.  Once you have a list, run each customer through it to determine your top targets. Approach the ones on the top (your "dream" case study subjects) and work your way down as needed.

Who to interview

You should consider interviewing top-level managers or executives because those are high-profile positions. But consider how close they are to your product and its results.

Focusing on an office manager or engineer who uses your product daily would be better. Look for someone with a courtside view of the effects.

The ways to request customer participation in case studies can vary, but certain principles can improve your chances:

  • Make it easy for customers to work with you, respecting their valuable time. Be well-prepared and minimize their involvement.
  • Emphasize how customers will benefit through increased publicity, revenue opportunities, or recognition for their success. 
  • Acknowledge their contributions and showcase their achievements.
  • Standardizing the request process with a script incorporating these principles can help your team consistently secure case study approvals and track performance.

Step 2: Prepare for the interview

Case study interviews are like school exams. The more prepared you are for them, the better they turn out. Preparing thoroughly also shows participants that you value their time. You don't waste precious minutes rehashing things you should have already known. You focus on getting the information you need as efficiently as possible.

You can conduct your case study interview in multiple formats, from exchanging emails to in-person interviews. This isn't a trivial decision.  As you'll see in the chart below, each format has its unique advantages and disadvantages. 

Seeing each other's facial expressions puts everyone at ease and encourages case study participants to open up.

It's a good format if you're simultaneously conferencing with several people from the customer's team.
Always be on guard for connection issues; not every customer knows the technology.

Audio quality will probably be less good than on the phone. When multiple people are talking, pieces of conversation can be lost.
It is a more personal than email because you can hear someone's tone. You can encourage them to continue if they get really excited about certain answers.

Convenient and immediate. Dial a number and start interviewing without ever leaving the office.
It isn't as personal as a video chat or an in-person interview because you can't see the customer's face, and nonverbal cues might be missed.


Don't get direct quotes like you would with email responses. The only way to preserve the interview is to remember to have it recorded.
The most personal interview style. It feels like an informal conversation, making it easier to tell stories and switch seamlessly between topics.

Humanizes the customer's experience and allows you to put a face to the incredible results.
Puts a lot of pressure on customers who are shy or introverted – especially if they're being recorded.


Requires the most commitment for the participant – travel, dressing up, dealing with audiovisual equipment, etc.
Gives customers the most flexibility with respect to scheduling. They can answer a few questions, see to their obligations, and return to them at their convenience.

No coordination of schedules is needed. Each party can fulfill their obligations whenever they're able to.
There is less opportunity for customers to go “off script” and tell compelling anecdotes that your questions might have overlooked.

Some of the study participant's personalities might be lost in their typed responses. It's harder to sense their enthusiasm or frustration.

You'll also have to consider who will ask and answer the questions during your case study interview. It's wise to consider this while considering the case study format.  The number of participants factors into which format will work best. Pulling off an in-person interview becomes much harder if you're trying to juggle four or five people's busy schedules. Try a video conference instead.

Before interviewing your case study participant, it is crucial to identify the specific questions that need to be asked.  It's essential to thoroughly evaluate your collaboration with the client and understand how your product's contributions impact the company. 

Remember that structuring your case study is akin to crafting a compelling narrative. To achieve this, follow a structured approach:

  • Beginning of your story. Delve into the customer's challenge that ultimately led them to do business with you. What were their problems like? What drove them to make a decision finally? Why did they choose you?
  • The middle of the case study.  Your audience also wants to know about the experience of working with you. Your customer has taken action to address their problems. What happened once you got on board?
  • An ending that makes you the hero.  Describe the specific results your company produced for the customer. How has the customer's business (and life) changed once they implemented your solution?

Sample questions for the case study interview

If you're preparing for a case study interview, here are some sample case study research questions to help you get started:

  • What challenges led you to seek a solution?
  • When did you realize the need for immediate action? Was there a tipping point?
  • How did you decide on the criteria for choosing a B2B solution, and who was involved?
  • What set our product or service apart from others you considered?
  • How was your experience working with us post-purchase?
  • Were there any pleasant surprises or exceeded expectations during our collaboration?
  • How smoothly did your team integrate our solution into their workflows?
  • How long before you started seeing positive results?
  • How have you benefited from our products or services?
  • How do you measure the value our product or service provides?

Step 3: Conduct the interview

Preparing for case study interviews can be different from everyday conversations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Create a comfortable atmosphere.  Before diving into the discussion, talk about their business and personal interests. Ensure everyone is at ease, and address any questions or concerns.
  • Prioritize key questions.  Lead with your most crucial questions to respect your customer's time. Interview lengths can vary, so starting with the essentials ensures you get the vital information.
  • Be flexible.  Case study interviews don't have to be rigid. If your interviewee goes "off script," embrace it. Their spontaneous responses often provide valuable insights.
  • Record the interview.  If not conducted via email, ask for permission to record the interview. This lets you focus on the conversation and capture valuable quotes without distractions.

Step 4: Figure out who will create the case study

When creating written case studies for your business, deciding who should handle the writing depends on cost, perspective, and revisions.

Outsourcing might be pricier, but it ensures a professionally crafted outcome. On the other hand, in-house writing has its considerations, including understanding your customers and products. 

Technical expertise and equipment are needed for video case studies, which often leads companies to consider outsourcing due to production and editing costs. 

Tip: When outsourcing work, it's essential to clearly understand pricing details to avoid surprises and unexpected charges during payment.

Step 5: Utilize storytelling

Understanding and applying storytelling elements can make your case studies unforgettable, offering a competitive edge. 

Narrative Arc - The Framework Bank - Medium

Source: The Framework Bank

Every great study follows a narrative arc (also called a "story arc"). This arc represents how a character faces challenges, struggles against raising stakes, and encounters a formidable obstacle before the tension resolves.

In a case study narrative, consider:

  • Exposition. Provide background information about the company, revealing their "old life" before becoming your customer.
  • Inciting incident. Highlight the problem that drove the customer to seek a solution, creating a sense of urgency.
  • Obstacles (rising action). Describe the customer's journey in researching and evaluating solutions, building tension as they explore options.
  • Midpoint. Explain what made the business choose your product or service and what set you apart.
  • Climax. Showcase the success achieved with your product.
  • Denouement. Describe the customer's transformed business and end with a call-to-action for the reader to take the next step.

Step 6: Design the case study

The adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is familiar, but people tend to do just that quite often!

A poor layout can deter readers even if you have an outstanding case study. To create an engaging case study, follow these steps:

  • Craft a compelling title. Just like you wouldn't read a newspaper article without an eye-catching headline, the same goes for case studies. Start with a title that grabs attention.
  • Organize your content. Break down your content into different sections, such as challenges, results, etc. Each section can also include subsections. This case study approach divides the content into manageable portions, preventing readers from feeling overwhelmed by lengthy blocks of text.
  • Conciseness is key. Keep your case study as concise as possible. The most compelling case studies are precisely long enough to introduce the customer's challenge, experience with your solution, and outstanding results. Prioritize clarity and omit any sections that may detract from the main storyline.
  • Utilize visual elements. To break up text and maintain reader interest, incorporate visual elements like callout boxes, bulleted lists, and sidebars.
  • Include charts and images. Summarize results and simplify complex topics by including pictures and charts. Visual aids enhance the overall appeal of your case study.
  • Embrace white space. Avoid overwhelming walls of text to prevent reader fatigue. Opt for plenty of white space, use shorter paragraphs, and employ subsections to ensure easy readability and navigation.
  • Enhance video case studies. In video case studies, elements like music, fonts, and color grading are pivotal in setting the right tone. Choose music that complements your message and use it strategically throughout your story. Carefully select fonts to convey the desired style, and consider how lighting and color grading can influence the mood. These elements collectively help create the desired tone for your video case study.

Step 7: Edits and revisions

Once you've finished the interview and created your case study, the hardest part is over. Now's the time for editing and revision. This might feel frustrating for impatient B2B marketers, but it can turn good stories into great ones.

Ideally, you'll want to submit your case study through two different rounds of editing and revisions:

  • Internal review. Seek feedback from various team members to ensure your case study is captivating and error-free. Gather perspectives from marketing, sales, and those in close contact with customers for well-rounded insights. Use patterns from this feedback to guide revisions and apply lessons to future case studies.
  • Customer feedback. Share the case study with customers to make them feel valued and ensure accuracy. Let them review quotes and data points, as they are the "heroes" of the story, and their logos will be prominently featured. This step maintains positive customer relationships.

Case study mistakes to avoid

  • Ensure easy access to case studies on your website.
  • Spotlight the customer, not just your business.
  • Tailor each case study to a specific audience.
  • Avoid excessive industry jargon in your content.

Step 8: Publishing

Take a moment to proofread your case study one more time carefully. Even if you're reasonably confident you've caught all the errors, it's always a good idea to check. Your case study will be a valuable marketing tool for years, so it's worth the investment to ensure it's flawless. Once done, your case study is all set to go!

Consider sharing a copy of the completed case study with your customer as a thoughtful gesture. They'll likely appreciate it; some may want to keep it for their records. After all, your case study wouldn't have been possible without their help, and they deserve to see the final product.

Where you publish your case study depends on its role in your overall marketing strategy. If you want to reach as many people as possible with your case study, consider publishing it on your website and social media platforms. 

Tip: Some companies prefer to keep their case studies exclusive, making them available only to those who request them. This approach is often taken to control access to valuable information and to engage more deeply with potential customers who express specific interests. It can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage interested parties to engage directly with the company.

Step 9: Case study distribution

When sharing individual case studies, concentrate on reaching the audience with the most influence on purchasing decisions

Here are some common distribution channels to consider:

  • Sales teams. Share case studies to enhance customer interactions, retention , and upselling among your sales and customer success teams. Keep them updated on new studies and offer easily accessible formats like PDFs or landing page links.
  • Company website. Feature case studies on your website to establish authority and provide valuable information to potential buyers. Organize them by categories such as location, size, industry, challenges, and products or services used for effective presentation.
  • Events. Use live events like conferences and webinars to distribute printed case study copies, showcase video case studies at trade show booths, and conclude webinars with links to your case study library. This creative approach blends personal interactions with compelling content.
  • Industry journalists. Engage relevant industry journalists to gain media coverage by identifying suitable publications and journalists covering related topics. Building relationships is vital, and platforms like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) can facilitate connections, especially if your competitors have received coverage before.

Want to learn more about Marketing Analytics Software? Explore Marketing Analytics products.

It can seem daunting to transform the information you've gathered into a cohesive narrative.  We’ve created a versatile case study template that can serve as a solid starting point for your case study.

With this template, your business can explore any solutions offered to satisfied customers, covering their background, the factors that led them to choose your services, and their outcomes.

Case Study Template

The template boasts a straightforward design, featuring distinct sections that guide you in effectively narrating your and your customer's story. However, remember that limitless ways to showcase your business's accomplishments exist.

To assist you in this process, here's a breakdown of the recommended sections to include in a case study:

  • Title.  Keep it concise. Create a brief yet engaging project title summarizing your work with your subject. Consider your title like a newspaper headline; do it well, and readers will want to learn more. 
  • Subtitle . Use this section to elaborate on the achievement briefly. Make it creative and catchy to engage your audience.
  • Executive summary.  Use this as an overview of the story, followed by 2-3 bullet points highlighting key success metrics.
  • Challenges and objectives. This section describes the customer's challenges before adopting your product or service, along with the goals or objectives they sought to achieve.
  • How product/service helped.  A paragraph explaining how your product or service addressed their problem.
  • Testimonials.  Incorporate short quotes or statements from the individuals involved in the case study, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
  • Supporting visuals.  Include one or two impactful visuals, such as graphs, infographics, or highlighted metrics, that reinforce the narrative.
  • Call to action (CTA).  If you do your job well, your audience will read (or watch) your case studies from beginning to end. They are interested in everything you've said. Now, what's the next step they should take to continue their relationship with you? Give people a simple action they can complete. 

Case studies are proven marketing strategies in a wide variety of B2B industries. Here are just a few examples of a case study:

  • Amazon Web Services, Inc.  provides companies with cloud computing platforms and APIs on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. This case study example illustrates the benefits Thomson Reuters experienced using AWS.
  • LinkedIn Marketing Solutions combines captivating visuals with measurable results in the case study created for BlackRock. This case study illustrates how LinkedIn has contributed to the growth of BlackRock's brand awareness over the years. 
  • Salesforce , a sales and marketing automation SaaS solutions provider, seamlessly integrates written and visual elements to convey its success stories with Pepe Jeans. This case study effectively demonstrates how Pepe Jeans is captivating online shoppers with immersive and context-driven e-commerce experiences through Salesforce.
  • HubSpot offers a combination of sales and marketing tools. Their case study demonstrates the effectiveness of its all-in-one solutions. These typically focus on a particular client's journey and how HubSpot helped them achieve significant results.

There are two different types of case studies that businesses might utilize:

Written case studies 

Written case studies offer readers a clear visual representation of data, which helps them quickly identify and focus on the information that matters most. 

Printed versions of case studies find their place at events like trade shows, where they serve as valuable sales collateral to engage prospective clients.  Even in the digital age, many businesses provide case studies in PDF format or as web-based landing pages, improving accessibility for their audience. 

Note: Landing pages , in particular, offer the flexibility to incorporate rich multimedia content, including images, charts, and videos. This flexibility in design makes landing pages an attractive choice for presenting detailed content to the audience.

Written case study advantages

Here are several significant advantages to leveraging case studies for your company:

  • Hyperlink accessibility.  Whether in PDF or landing page format, written case studies allow for embedded hyperlinks, offering prospects easy access to additional information and contact forms.
  • Flexible engagement.  Unlike video case studies, which may demand in-person arrangements, written case studies can be conducted via phone or video streaming, reducing customer commitment and simplifying scheduling.
  • Efficient scanning . Well-structured written case studies with a scannable format cater to time-strapped professionals. Charts and callout boxes with key statistics enhance the ease of information retrieval.
  • Printable for offline use.  Written case studies can be effortlessly printed and distributed at trade shows, sales meetings, and live events. This tangible format accommodates those who prefer physical materials and provides versatility in outreach, unlike video content, which is less portable.

Written case study disadvantages

Here are some drawbacks associated with the use of case studies:

  • Reduced emotional impact.  Written content lacks the emotional punch of live video testimonials, which engage more senses and emotions, making a stronger connection.
  • Consider time investment.  Creating a compelling case study involves editing, proofreading, and design collaboration, with multiple revisions commonly required before publication.
  • Challenges in maintaining attention.  Attention spans are short in today's ad-saturated world. Using graphics, infographics, and videos more often is more powerful to incite the right emotions in customers.

Video case studies

Video case studies are the latest marketing trend. Unlike in the past, when video production was costly, today's tools make it more accessible for users to create and edit their videos. However, specific technical requirements still apply.

Like written case studies, video case studies delve into a specific customer's challenges and how your business provides solutions. Yet, the video offers a more profound connection by showcasing the person who faced and conquered the problem.

Video case studies can boost brand exposure when shared on platforms like YouTube. For example, Slack's engaging case study video with Sandwich Video illustrates how Slack transformed its workflow and adds humor, which can be challenging in written case studies focused on factual evidence.

Source : YouTube

This video case study has garnered nearly a million views on YouTube.

Video case study advantages

Here are some of the top advantages of video case studies. While video testimonials take more time, the payoff can be worth it. 

  • Humanization and authenticity.  Video case studies connect viewers with real people, adding authenticity and fostering a stronger emotional connection.
  • Engaging multiple senses.  They engage both auditory and visual senses, enhancing credibility and emotional impact. Charts, statistics, and images can also be incorporated.
  • Broad distribution.  Videos can be shared on websites, YouTube, social media, and more, reaching diverse audiences and boosting engagement, especially on social platforms.

Video case study disadvantages

Before fully committing to video testimonials, consider the following:

  • Technical expertise and equipment.  Video production requires technical know-how and equipment, which can be costly. Skilled video editing is essential to maintain a professional image. While technology advances, producing amateurish videos may harm your brand's perception.
  • Viewer convenience.  Some prospects prefer written formats due to faster reading and ease of navigation. Video typically requires sound, which can be inconvenient for viewers in specific settings. Many people may not have headphones readily available to watch your content.
  • Demand on case study participants.  On-camera interviews can be time-consuming and location-dependent, making scheduling challenging for case study participants. Additionally, being on screen for a global audience may create insecurities and performance pressure.
  • Comfort on camera.  Not everyone feels at ease on camera. Nervousness or a different on-screen persona can impact the effectiveness of the testimonial, and discovering this late in the process can be problematic.

Written or video case studies: Which is right for you?

Now that you know the pros and cons of each, how do you choose which is right for you?

One of the most significant factors in doing video case studies can be the technical expertise and equipment required for a high level of production quality. Whether you have the budget to do this in-house or hire a production company can be one of the major deciding factors.

Still, written or video doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Some B2B companies are using both formats. They can complement each other nicely, minimizing the downsides mentioned above and reaching your potential customers where they prefer.

Let's say you're selling IT network security. What you offer is invaluable but complicated. You could create a short (three- or four-minute) video case study to get attention and touch on the significant benefits of your services. This whets the viewer's appetite for more information, which they could find in a written case study that supplements the video.

Should you decide to test the water in video case studies, test their effectiveness among your target audience. See how well they work for your company and sales team. And, just like a written case study, you can always find ways to improve your process as you continue exploring video case studies.

Case studies offer several distinctive advantages, making them an ideal tool for businesses to market their products to customers. However, their benefits extend beyond these qualities. 

Here's an overview of all the advantages of case studies:

Valuable sales support

Case studies serve as a valuable resource for your sales endeavors. Buyers frequently require additional information before finalizing a purchase decision. These studies provide concrete evidence of your product or service's effectiveness, assisting your sales representatives in closing deals more efficiently, especially with customers with lingering uncertainties.

Validating your value

Case studies serve as evidence of your product or service's worth or value proposition , playing a role in building trust with potential customers. By showcasing successful partnerships, you make it easier for prospects to place trust in your offerings. This effect is particularly notable when the featured customer holds a reputable status.

Unique and engaging content

By working closely with your customer success teams, you can uncover various customer stories that resonate with different prospects. Case studies allow marketers to shape product features and benefits into compelling narratives. 

Each case study's distinctiveness, mirroring the uniqueness of every customer's journey, makes them a valuable source of relatable and engaging content. Storytelling possesses the unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, a dimension that statistics alone often cannot achieve. 

Spotlighting valuable customers

Case studies provide a valuable platform for showcasing your esteemed customers. Featuring them in these studies offers a chance to give them visibility and express your gratitude for the partnership, which can enhance customer loyalty . Depending on the company you are writing about, it can also demonstrate the caliber of your business.

Now is the time to get SaaS-y news and entertainment with our 5-minute newsletter,   G2 Tea , featuring inspiring leaders, hot takes, and bold predictions. Subscribe below!

g2 tea cta 3-1

It's important to consider limitations when designing and interpreting the results of case studies. Here's an overview of the limitations of case studies:

Challenges in replication

Case studies often focus on specific individuals, organizations, or situations, making generalizing their findings to broader populations or contexts challenging. 

Time-intensive process

Case studies require a significant time investment. The extensive data collection process and the need for comprehensive analysis can be demanding, especially for researchers who are new to this method.

Potential for errors

Case studies can be influenced by memory and judgment, potentially leading to inaccuracies. Depending on human memory to reconstruct a case's history may result in variations and potential inconsistencies in how individuals recall past events. Additionally, bias may emerge, as individuals tend to prioritize what they consider most significant, which could limit their consideration of alternative perspectives.

Challenges in verification

Confirming results through additional research can present difficulties. This complexity arises from the need for detailed and extensive data in the initial creation of a case study. Consequently, this process requires significant effort and a substantial amount of time.

While looking at case studies, you may have noticed a quote. This type of quote is considered a testimonial, a key element of case studies.

If a customer's quote proves that your brand does what it says it will or performs as expected, you may wonder: 'Aren't customer testimonials and case studies the same thing?' Not exactly.

case study vs. testimonial

Testimonials are brief endorsements designed to establish trust on a broad scale. In contrast, case studies are detailed narratives that offer a comprehensive understanding of how a product or service addresses a specific problem, targeting a more focused audience. 

Crafting case studies requires more resources and a structured approach than testimonials. Your selection between the two depends on your marketing objectives and the complexity of your product or service.

Case in point!

Case studies are among a company's most effective tools. You're  well on your way to mastering them.

Today's buyers are tackling much of the case study research methodology independently. Many are understandably skeptical before making a buying decision. By connecting them with multiple case studies, you can prove you've gotten the results you say you can. There's hardly a better way to boost your credibility and persuade them to consider your solution.

Case study formats and distribution methods might change as technology evolves. However, the fundamentals that make them effective—knowing how to choose subjects, conduct interviews, and structure everything to get attention—will serve you for as long as you're in business. 

We covered a ton of concepts and resources, so go ahead and bookmark this page. You can refer to it whenever you have questions or need a refresher.

Dive into market research to uncover customer preferences and spending habits.

Kristen McCabe

Kristen’s is a former senior content marketing specialist at G2. Her global marketing experience extends from Australia to Chicago, with expertise in B2B and B2C industries. Specializing in content, conversions, and events, Kristen spends her time outside of work time acting, learning nature photography, and joining in the #instadog fun with her Pug/Jack Russell, Bella. (she/her/hers)

Explore More G2 Articles

marketing analytics software

Plans and Pricing

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Business leadership

Communication & collaboration

CX / Customer experience

EX / Employee experience

Hybrid work

Productivity

Small business

Virtual events

UCaaS Roundup

Business Communications Roundup

Business Software Roundup

Life @ RingCentral

RingCentral newsdesk

RingCentral products

Customer stories

Industry insights

Reports & research

Strategic partnerships

Working at RC Bulgaria

plan of case study

Already a partner?

Interested in partnering with us? Tell us a little about your business here .

Sales: (877) 768-4369

How to write a case study: The ultimate guide + examples and templates

plan of case study

It would be great if we could wave a magic wand to convince prospects to buy your product or service… But we can’t. So, a case study is your next best option. 

They’re a powerful sales and marketing tool for those prospects that are sitting on the fence. The problem is, they’re often dry, bland, and anything but magical. Never fear, though, as we’ve done some in-depth case study analysis.

We’re here to show you how to write a case study that will convince customers to choose you over your competitors. To create something so compelling they’ll have no doubt about your ability to deliver results.

Whether this is your first or 100th stab at it, we’ve got you covered with tips and best practices, real-world examples, and ideas for how to format a case study.  

In this post, we’ll look at:

  • What a case study is and why you need one
  • What makes a good case study

What should a case study include?

Essential prep for creating a case study.

  • How to write a good case study in 5 steps
  • 8 further case study best practices
  • 7 real-life case study examples
  • 8 case study templates to get you started

🔍 Are you looking for some case study examples? This compilation of case study data and leadership input from just a few RingCentral SMB customers will show you exactly how they have modernized their business communication processes.  

What is a case study and why should you create one?

A case study is basically a document— or it can be a video—that outlines how a customer used your product to overcome a problem. It’s real-world proof that your product works and gets results.

If your product or service has helped customers get great results, a case study will help you showcase those results to your future customers. They’re an excellent way to attract more business, and can mean the difference between a lost opportunity and a really good end-of-quarter.

Why are case studies important?

Case studies present a living, breathing witness to how effective your product or service is. In other words, they represent the ultimate in social proof. While customer reviews can also be valuable in influencing a potential client’s decision to buy from your company, they don’t pack the punch that case studies do.

That’s because with case studies, you can curate a story that highlights how well your product or service solved a real-life problem, and back it up with solid data. It demonstrates the value of your offering, while showing off your hard work in achieving success for a customer.

Case studies are relatable

Because you’re using real-world examples, rather than abstract concepts of what your product or service represents, case studies are fully relatable to potential new customers. 

They can put themselves in the shoes of the subject and empathize with their pain points—and realize that there’s a way to get similar results for themselves.

They’re unbiased

Whereas a landing page or product page can be purely self-promotional, a case study comes across as more authentic and unbiased. Instead of you saying how awesome your product is, the subject is saying it, and that counts for a lot. 

If they’ve switched to you from a competitor, that’s even better as it positions your product as superior without you having to spell it out.

They increase your authority

Case studies also demonstrate your ability to solve problems for your customers, positioning you as experts in your industry and building trust. The more case studies you have, the more established you’ll look. As in: “Wow, they have so many happy clients—they must be doing something right!”

They inspire readers

A narrative that’s engaging to read will get people interested in your company and inspire them to take a look around your website. And case studies give readers variety alongside other content formats such as product pages and blogs. They’re also an extra opportunity to add a CTA and nudge readers toward taking an action.

They have many uses

Case studies are versatile. You can publish and promote them in various places alongside your website—give a taster in social media posts with a link to the full article, add the video to your YouTube channel, share the stories in sales presentations. You can also extract elements like quotes from featured customers and repurpose them in other content, such as infographics.

In most cases it’s best to have case studies easily available on your website, not as downloadable gated content, but you do have this option for lead generation. You could write a blog post with a short version of the story, and offer the full version to readers in return for giving you their contact details.

They encourage loyalty

When you ask an existing customer to be the subject of a case study, it not only makes them feel special but it also reminds them of the benefits of your solution—which helps to reaffirm their loyalty. Plus, they’re getting extra brand exposure and a backlink to their own website, which boosts both their traffic and their authority online.  

In fact, there’s nothing to stop you reaching out to former customers who achieved good results with you before moving on (it happens). You never know, a reminder of you might even bring them back!

What makes a good case study? 

First, it’s helpful to highlight what makes a lot of case studies bad: most are painfully boring. What they have is research and detail, but what they lack is a cohesive, consumable story. 

They list numbers and contain data, but the reader isn’t sure what it all means or why it’s relevant to their problem. They end up existing as technical documents that do little to persuade or excite anyone. That’s unfortunate because they have the potential to be a powerful sales tool that can help you close big deals in the decision-making phase. 

So how do you write a case study that’s actually effective, then? Here are three characteristics every good case study should have:

It’s digestible

There’s no hard and fast rule on how long a case study should be. But it’s always a good idea to ask “how short can we make it?” 

A good case study avoids the unnecessary minutiae, knows what it’s trying to say, and communicates it quickly and without ambiguity. With a few exceptions, effective case studies are concise and clear. 

It’s thorough

On the other side of the length equation, being thorough is also important. Case study writing is all about making impressive claims about how a product helped someone achieve a certain result. However, it also needs to explain how it happened. 

Good case studies include key details that show how the customer got from A to B using the product—something you don’t get with customer reviews . Don’t make your reader work too hard to visualize the story. If you can use images and videos, use them.

It’s a story

Yes, case studies are sales tools. But the ones really worth reading tell a compelling story with a beginning, middle, and end. They beg to be read all the way through. Often, they present a problem that creates tension and demands a solution. And remember, in this story, the customer is the hero—not you.

Caveat: There is no one-size-fits-all approach for what to include in a case study. But, in general, there is a recognized case study format with certain sections you should feature to make it clearer and more impactful.  This format typically includes:

  • Title: This should be concise and engaging. Naming your document “A Case Study of RingCentral” sounds dry. A headline like “Navigating Communications in a Remote World: A RingCentral Case Study” has more impact and explains what theme you’re exploring.
  • Executive summary: Consider this like an abstract. Provide a brief overview of the case study, including the key purpose, approaches, findings, and solutions, without giving too much away.
  • Introduction: Provide essential details about the customer in context.
  • Challenges: Here’s where you highlight where your customer was before using your product or service and where they wanted to be. Present raw data where applicable and discuss any other background information that shows their struggles.
  • Solution: Here’s where you get to show off. Explain how and why the customer chose your company, and how a specific product or service helped them achieve their objectives.
  • Results: Time to get tangible. Dive into how the customer used your product, the results they saw, and long-lasting benefits. Incorporate any testimonials and statistics that showcase these results.
  • Conclusion: Case studies are just as much about the future as the present. Use this closing section to highlight where your case study customer is going next thanks to your solution. Consider including a call-to-action here to encourage your prospect to take the next step.

How long should a case study be?

There isn’t a definitive answer to this question, as the length of a case study can vary depending on factors such as the size of the project you’re talking about. It also depends on the type of case study—for example, if it’s in the form of a video then a couple of minutes is enough. (We’ll explore the different types a little later on in this post.)

Balance is the key here. You’ll need to to include enough information to convey the story properly and hook the reader in, but not so much that they get overwhelmed or the message of the story gets lost amid the detail. The last thing you want them to think is “TL;DR”.

It’s about being concise, and not allowing yourself to get carried away with the story. Only include what needs to be included, so that readers can clearly understand the subject’s pain point, the reason your solution was a good fit, and the success it achieved.

Remember that not every part of the case study has to be in narrative form. You can pull out stats and display them as graphics, highlight direct quotes or other key information, or add a photo of the subject. If your case study is on the longer side, break up the text with subheadings, bullet points, and white space.

Before you start actually writing, there’s a bit of prep work you’ll need to do to make sure your case study is amazing.

1. Choose your customer

You may have many customers who’ve seen great results using your product (let’s hope!). But you can’t just pick a name out of a hat and showcase their results. So, what’s the best way of selecting a client for a case study?

Steer clear of customers who may not be the right fit for your audience or whose results may not be typical.

For example, don’t feature an enterprise company when most of your customers are small businesses. Or a business achieving a 90% customer retention rate when most of them see 70% on average (still impressive, though).

When considering which customer to use, start by creating a list of customers that meet these criteria:

They’ve seen good results with your product or service

The numbers are what really matter. So choose customers that have seen strong results using your product (like Conair did with RingCentral). But be careful about showcasing exceptionally good results if they’re not likely to be repeated by most.

An example of a RingCentral case study of our relationship with Conair

They have a respected and recognizable brand

Strong brands give your product instant social proof. They prove that you’re established and trustworthy. That alone can make you a front-runner in the decision-making process. After all, if Big Brand X trusts you, so can a prospect.

They’re a typical customer

Good results don’t carry as much weight when they’re achieved by companies in other industries or verticals. Identify current customers that are similar to your target audience. A client who has faced similar challenges and pain points will evoke empathy and stir up interest in the mind of your prospective clients.

So, if you sell enterprise software, choose enterprise customers. If you’re a consultant in the healthcare industry, choose a customer that works in healthcare.

With your list in hand, you can start reaching out. Picking up the phone can be a lot more effective than sending an email. It’s more personal, lets you build rapport, and is harder to ignore. 

Try to get in touch with customers who use or are very familiar with your product or service—someone who can speak to results. Tell them you’re interested in writing a case study and you’d love to hear more about the results they’ve achieved. Be clear about what the process involves on their part—whether it’s a list of questions in an email, a phone call, or if it involves a camera and crew.  

If you’ve provided value, your customer is more likely to see you as a partner rather than a vendor and, hopefully, will be happy to participate. Remember, you’re also shining a spotlight on their own success. So it’s a win-win.  

That said, you may hear “no” a few times, too. Don’t get discouraged. Some customers will decline for different reasons, regardless of the results they’ve achieved with your product.

The benefits of moving to RingCentral: cost savings and a measurable boost in team productivity

RingCentral: W2O

2. Begin your research

Start collecting information about your customer. This is easier if you work as a team. From sales to content marketing to customer service, everyone who’s been in touch with customers will have insight about their experience.

They can help you understand what your customers do and sell, and what challenges they’re facing. Identify the stakeholders you need to speak with—anyone in the company who uses your product—from the CEO to the marketing intern. Collect stats, even ones you don’t think are relevant—they may be later.

3. Ask the right questions

Smart questions get insightful answers. Here are some examples of great questions to start with: 

  • “What were some of the bigger challenges you faced before using our product?”
  • “How does our product help you reach your individual goals?”
  • “Which key metrics have improved most since using our product/service?”
  • “Which parts of your business have been impacted most, and how?”
  • “How long did it take to roll out our product?”

But don’t stop there. Use these questions to segue into deeper, more targeted questions that underscore the real-world benefits of your product. Let the conversation flow naturally—this is the magic of interviews. You can’t always plan for what interesting topics come up next.

4. Identify your target audience

Beyond your customer’s industry, consider who the target audience of the case study is. Who will see it? What group of people does it need to influence?

While it’s often high-level executives who make large purchase decisions, employees at all levels can act as a champion for your product or brand. Your case study may have to persuade an IT worker that your product or service is going to make their job easier. Meanwhile, it may also need to convince the CFO that they’ll see a real return on investment.

5. Identify the top three things you want to highlight

During the initial research phase, you’ve likely uncovered a lot of interesting information about your customer and their experiences with your product. 

While it might be tempting to use it all, when you write a case study, you should quickly and clearly communicate the value of your product. Go through this information and identify the three most important business results you want to feature, like we did in the Barx Parx example shown below.

Stats and key performance indicators (KPIs) to consider using in your case study:

  • Ramp up time : How long did it take to get started with your product? Did it improve any other facet of their workflow? 
  • Sales results : How did the product impact your customer’s bottom line?
  • Total return on investment (ROI) : How long did it take to earn more than they spent on your product?
  • Productivity increases : Which teams saw improvements in process and workflow? And by how much?

Screenshot from a RingCentral and Barx Park case study, showing both productivity improvements and sales results

6. Choose your format

So, what does a case study look like visually? It doesn’t have to exist only as a PDF attachment in a late-stage deal email (although there’s nothing wrong with that). Consider the format. Think about who’s going to read it (or watch it). 

Do you want to turn this into fancy interactive content? Does your prospect have the time and interest to dig into the details? Or do they just want the facts? Choose the format that you think best engages the audience that you’re selling to. 

Here are some options:

Report format

This long-form document has been the gold standard for B2B case studies for many years. It’s effective when the subject matter is complex and demands detail.

Zendesk case study with IDC

Here’s how Zendesk presented their case study with IDC as a report .

Remember, a CTO who’s evaluating large-scale business communications platforms for a multi-year deal is going to want more information than a marketing manager who’s evaluating a new social media ad platform.

Keeping things short and sweet is often the best way to get your message heard. By focusing on the key points, you can highlight the biggest wins at just a glance. 

Most report format case studies can be easily condensed into a one-page document. This is ideal for prospects (and salespeople) who are short on time and prefer something they can quickly scan.

LinkedIn case study about Adobe

Few things can tell a story the way that video can, and case studies are no exception. They give you an unmatched level of creative freedom and storytelling using music, lighting, pacing, and voice that can evoke emotions and persuade someone using more than just numbers and facts. 

And at just a couple of minutes long, they can do a lot of heavy lifting in not a lot of time.

Dropbox case study about Expedia

Dropbox: Expedia

Infographic

If you’re wondering how to make a case study more memorable, it’s worth noting that people love infographics. They’re an excellent way to convey important data in a simple, eye-pleasing way.

If your case study requires you to use a lot of data to prove a point—or if visualizing data can make the results more clear—building an infographic case study can be a great investment.

Case study infographic

How to write a case study in 5 steps

Congrats. You’ve done the research. You’ve made the calls. You’ve pored over all the details. Now, all you have to do is write. 

Here are five simple steps that’ll help you better understand how to create a case study that champions your customer and clearly showcases the real-world value of your products or services. 

1. Introduce the customer

Set the stage for your case study with an introduction. Briefly explain who your customer is with a bit of background information that can include their industry, product, company size, and location. 

You don’t have to dig into the nuts and bolts of their business, but you do want the reader to understand who they are and what they do. The more color you can provide here, the more impactful it’ll be when you show the awesome results this customer saw because they chose you.

2. State the problem

Every product or service is a possible solution to a problem. Explain the problem (or problems) that you helped your customer overcome. Describe the larger impact of the issue. Maybe it was customers leaving. Perhaps it was bad leads—or good leads that were never followed up on.

Use this as an opportunity to clearly show what was at stake, and make sure you leave the jargon out of it. Frame the problem in simple terms that any reader can understand. 

3. Introduce your product

This is where you begin solving the problem. Briefly introduce your proposed solution and what it does.

Start on a general level, then apply it to the challenge the customer was experiencing. Talk about which teams or individuals used your product and how they used it. Be sure to make the connection between the customer’s problem and your solution crystal clear.

4. Show results

The big reveal. What kind of results was your customer able to achieve using your product or service? Speak to how they solved the problem descriptively, but also with cold, hard numbers. 

Not everything can be measured in numbers (sometimes, peace of mind is a powerful benefit all on its own), but whenever you can, back up your story with the stats. At the very least, this will make it easy for a CFO—or a prospective customer who wants to buy—to justify buying your product.

For example: 

The customer saw a 33% increase in web traffic, a large influx of social media activity, and a 10% boost in revenue over the duration of the campaign.

5. Prove it

Don’t forget to show your math. How you get the results is just as important as the results themselves. What specific steps were taken to get those results? Not only will this help validate your claims, it makes it easier to envision how the reader may be able to achieve them, too.

8 Further case study best practices

That’s how to write a case study in broad strokes, but you might be wondering how to write a business case study that stands out from the crowd? Here are some top tips:

1. Avoid jargon 

As a subject matter expert in your line of work, it can be tempting to go into as much jargony detail as possible. This is normal as it’s often the language we use at work every day. 

Remember, though, that your customer probably doesn’t speak that language. When in doubt, try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn’t live and breathe your product or industry.. 

2. Spend time on your title

It’s tempting to use the case study’s most interesting or impressive KPI as your title. But that also gives away the ending before the story begins, and skips details that are important for context in the process. Try writing a title that piques interest without being a spoiler.

3. Edit. Then edit again. 

Once you’ve got your first draft completed (and the jargon removed), edit the case study. When writing case studies, one proofread is never enough. A few best practices here:

  • Look for and eliminate unnecessary adjectives—simple English is better.
  • Speak in an active voice. 
  • Look for details that get in the way of the story. 

And then do it all over again until you can’t edit it down anymore without losing the essence of the story.

4. Pay attention to the imagery

Well-designed charts, graphs, images, or infographics can do the heavy lifting of several pages of text in just seconds. 

They can also help break up large pieces of text, making the case study easier to read—and nicer to look at. After all, the end goal is to have these read all the way through.

Here’s an example of a graphic from a longer CPA Canada infographic (that includes a short case study embedded inside it): 

CPA Canada infographic (that includes a short case study embedded inside it)

5. Pull quotes

Hard data and results are good. But a customer quote is a great piece of social proof and adds a human element to your case study. And that makes your results more believable. 

Here’s an example of what that looks like, from a RingCentral case study :

A customer quote from the case study of Brightway Insurance’s success using RingCentral’s products

6. Make it scannable

Some people will take the time to read your case study front to back and absorb every detail. Some won’t give it more than a single glance. And sometimes, that person is the decision-maker. 

Make the most important results easy to spot, read, and retain at a glance. Write headings that are descriptive—if someone just scanned them, would they be able to get the gist of the story? Consider putting a summary at the very beginning of the study, or call out impressive results in a larger font size.

7. Record your interviews

Ditch the pen and paper. If you’re conducting one-on-one interviews over the phone, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by recording the conversation (with your customer’s consent, of course). 

There are tools that can make this easier too—you might find one or two in your marketing stack. For example, you could use RingSense AI for automatic note taking, summarizing, and transcribing.

8. Don’t forget the call to action (CTA)

Your prospect is excited because your case study has done an excellent job of showing how your product or service can help drive results for customers. Now, how do they get in touch with you to learn more? 

Whether it’s a button that links to your website, an email address, or a phone number, make sure there’s an easy way of getting in touch with you in the case study.

7 Examples of great case studies from real-life companies

So, that’s the theory covered, but what do great case studies look like in practice? We’ve included a few elements from RingCentral customer stories as examples above, but let’s dig a little deeper into two more of our case studies:

RingCentral: How Ryder made significant savings with cloud communications

This case study is about Ryder Systems, a Fortune 500 transportation company who modernized their IT communications infrastructure with RingCentral.

We start off with a subheading that sums up the story, plus the key stats at a glance. There’s another stats panel farther down the page to help break up the wall of text. Pull quotes also achieve this, but that’s not the only reason why we like to use quotes.

When the quote comes directly from a senior manager at the company we’ve helped, they’re telling an important part of the story in their own words. In this case, there’s a reference to the amount of money Ryder has saved with RingCentral, and a mention of the platform’s all-in-one cloud capabilities.

The content introduces Ryder and makes it clear that they are a big name in transportation (the single largest truck supplier in the US) and a noteworthy firm in general, as evidenced by membership of the Fortune 500 and Forbes’ Most Admired Companies. 

If a big player like this is happy to trust RingCentral with their business, that says a lot about our credentials too.

We mentioned earlier that customers are attracted to testimonials from companies similar to themselves. But RingCentral caters to businesses of all sizes—so if SMBs are reading this case study, we think they’ll see our association with a large company as “social proof” and a sign of our trustworthiness across the board.

The story goes on to explore Ryder’s pain points and how RingCentral solved them, inspiring other companies with similar problems to take action (i.e. to replace legacy systems that are slow and expensive). For further encouragement, it details how Ryder were so happy with the initial success that they also went on to implement RingCentral’s contact center solution.

A screenshot from the RingCentral/Ryder Systems case study

RingCentral: Helping Dispute Nation to change lives

Just to illustrate our point about RingCentral serving all sizes of business, here’s a case study for a much smaller company—consumer advocacy organization Dispute Nation, which has 10 employees.

Again, the story begins with stats and a pull quote from a company representative. In keeping with Dispute Nation’s values, it focuses less on the financial savings or efficiency brought by RingCentral tools but on how our solution helps this company to help others.

Drawing empathy from other startups and fast-growing small businesses, we mention how demand for the company’s services grew very quickly. This makes it obvious why they needed a unified communications system to reach all their clients by phone, SMS, and fax.

The case study highlights how digital fax in particular helps Dispute Nation to get client cases resolved sooner. Another pull quote mentions some of the other benefits of RingCentral, like automation and integrations with other tools. 

There are nods to mobility and flexibility, plus security and data privacy which will resonate with other highly-regulated industries.

The tale finishes strongly with the company founder’s assertion that “RingCentral is helping Dispute Nation improve more lives”. Readers who’ve been inspired to learn more can easily navigate from this page to explore products, resources, and get in touch.

A screenshot from the RingCentral/Dispute Nation case study

RingCentral is far from the only company to have recognized the importance of this kind of content.

Here are some more real-life case studies from other businesses you might just recognize:

RingCentral iswe’re far from the only company to have recognized the importance of this kind of content.

Mailchimp: Make a connection in real life with postcards

What we like about it: The title doesn’t give everything away all at once, and the case study tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end. The sections are clearly titled and organized, and the results are easy to find. As a bonus: the video adds a believable human element.

A screenshot from Mailchimp’s case study of their relationship with Onward Reserve

LinkedIn: How Adobe achieves alignment and ABM success with LinkedIn

What we like about it: It’s detailed without being a novella. It understands and speaks to the enterprise customer. The key points are in bullet format and easy to read. The important wins are highlighted. And the video makes the content easy to engage with.

A screenshot from the LinkedIn/Adobe case study

Hootsuite: How Meliá became one of the most influential hotel chains on social media

What we like about it: The title makes you want to read the whole customer story. They’ve embedded a well-produced video high on the page, so you can choose to watch it before you read on. The design and layout of the page makes the content and images easy to consume, and the results can’t be missed. Also, they weren’t shy about adding CTAs.

a screenshot from Hootsuite’s case study about Melia

Slack: So yeah, we tried Slack

What we like about it: This case study follows the tried and true format of customer, problem, solution, and results. It uses humor and relatable characters throughout to support the story and keep your attention. And it’s only two minutes long so it gets the point across quickly.

A screenshot from Slack’s engaging case study video

Assetworks: South Carolina School Board Insurance Trust

What we like about it: This case study tackles the otherwise complex and technical topic, and simplifies it as an infographic using images to make the results clear. It’s concise and easy to follow because you can see the math without actually doing any math.

An example of the infographic format used by Assetworks in their case study

8 Case study templates to get you started

Starting from scratch can be time-consuming. To help you, we’ve drawn together a few templates:

The generic one

Generic doesn’t mean boring! Canva’s templates are great if you need something concise and simple that still looks professional . A free account will give you access to several well-designed templates, including this one :

A screenshot of a case study template from Canva

The layout is provided for you, so it’s quick and easy to customize with your branding and content. Don’t be afraid to use this as a foundation, then add in visual elements like infographics and videos.

The data-driven one

If your key messages revolve around numbers, start with a template structure that lets you highlight these. HubSpot has a data-focused template where you can pack in graphs, charts, and other visuals to drive your message home:

A screenshot from HubSpot’s data-driven case study template

The industry-specific one

Not every template suits every company. Visme offers different templates created for different industries, including real estate, financial services, and healthcare.

An example of one of Visme’s case study templates

The problem-solution-impact one

This format takes a graphical rather than narrative approach, which helps readers to visualize the events and looks colorful and appealing on the page. The template is available as a free download from Smartsheet:

Screenshot of a problem-solution-impact template from Smartsheet

The idea of this is to present the story in a logical and sequential way. It starts with the challenge faced by the subject of the case study, looks at the solution your company provided, and shows what the outcome was.

Of course, you could choose to combine this with other elements like text content, stats, and quotes—making the “problem-solution-impact” graphic the main focus of the case study.

The product-specific one

You can choose to focus your case study on a particular product, highlighting key features and the  practical applications in the real world. 

It leans into the experience that the customer has had with the product—i.e., what it feels like to use it—and the specific benefits. This one is a good choice if the customer hasn’t been using the product for very long, and you haven’t yet gathered a lot of metrics.

HubSpot has a template for this purpose :

Screenshot of a product-specific template from HubSpot

The in-depth report one

Using the style of an in-depth report can be useful when you’ve worked with the customer on a complex project and you need to include a lot of detail.  

This template —another free one from Smartsheet—includes elements like decision criteria, data analysis, and the implementation plan:

Screenshot of an in-depth report template from Smartsheet

Just be careful with this one as you don’t want readers to be put off by a lot of text. Make sure the style is conversational and engaging, not dry and formal.

The employee story one

Okay, stick with us here—this one’s a little different. As well as asking customers to tell their stories, how about getting employees to share what it’s like to work for your company, or their experience of working on a particular project?

Employee stories or testimonials are often used for recruitment purposes, but they’re also a valuable form of marketing for potential customers. That’s because happy, engaged employees represent a company that cares about its people, which all helps you to build trust.

This example from Vanguard isn’t a template as such, but you can use it to inspire your own version. (It doesn’t have to be a video—you could still use a written narrative with direct quotes, photos, and stats on employee satisfaction.)

Employee story video from Vanguard’s LinkedIn

BONUS TEMPLATE: Form for customers participating in case studies

Earlier in this post, we briefly covered some of the questions you’ll need to ask your customers when putting together case studies. But it’s always helpful to have a visual guide, so we’re including this template from Vitally , which provides a framework for collaborating with customers and collecting the relevant data. 

You can adapt this to your own needs by adding further questions.

Screenshot of form template from Vitally

The final word on how to write a case study…

Sure, an ad or boosted social media post can make someone aware of your brand or that your product exists, and a landing page can tell them how your product can solve their problem. 

But there’s nothing quite as powerful as someone else singing your praises. 

And that’s exactly what a case study does. Spend the time to do it right and it has the potential to deliver huge ROI no matter how big or small your company is. And not just once—but over and over again.

Originally published Jun 15, 2024, updated Aug 15, 2024

plan of case study

The 9 best free messaging apps for small businesses: The ultimate list for 2024

Updated June 2024 Even for small businesses, free messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger can quickly become inadequate. Tasks and responsibilities can spiral out of control, security features can be lacking, and if you need to integrate it with your other business apps, good luck. Free consumer-facing apps aren’t designed for the level of ...

Thank you for your interest in RingCentral.

Related content

email etiquette

11 business email etiquette best practices | RingCentral

A worker at their desk taking part in a video call; perhaps using a Zoom alternative

8 Top Zoom alternatives for 2024 and beyond

plan of case study

13 more effective alternatives to “just touching base” emails

plan of case study

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.

Author

7 minute read

Writing a Case Study for Business

helped business professionals at:

Nice

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?

plan of case study

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.

Spot by Ocean sales deck

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.

open

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:

plan of 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.

plan of case study

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.

Found this post useful?

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Get notified as more awesome content goes live

(No spam, no ads, opt-out whenever)

You've just joined an elite group of people that make the top performing 1% of sales and marketing collateral.

Engaging decks. Made easy

Make your best case study to date

Try Storydoc for free for 14 days (keep anything you make for ever!)

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
  • Group Presentations
  • Dealing with Nervousness
  • Using Visual Aids
  • Grading Someone Else's Paper
  • Types of Structured Group Activities
  • Group Project Survival Skills
  • Leading a Class Discussion
  • Multiple Book Review Essay
  • Reviewing Collected Works
  • Writing a Case Analysis Paper
  • Writing a Case Study
  • About Informed Consent
  • Writing Field Notes
  • Writing a Policy Memo
  • Writing a Reflective Paper
  • Writing a Research Proposal
  • Generative AI and Writing
  • Acknowledgments

A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, condition, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate  key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity. A case study research paper usually examines a single subject of analysis, but case study papers can also be designed as a comparative investigation that shows relationships between two or more subjects. The methods used to study a case can rest within a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method investigative paradigm.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010 ; “What is a Case Study?” In Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London: SAGE, 2010.

How to Approach Writing a Case Study Research Paper

General information about how to choose a topic to investigate can be found under the " Choosing a Research Problem " tab in the Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper writing guide. Review this page because it may help you identify a subject of analysis that can be investigated using a case study design.

However, identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem . A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions. As Seawright and Gerring note, practical considerations such as time and access to information can influence case selection, but these issues should not be the sole factors used in describing the methodological justification for identifying a particular case to study. Given this, selecting a case includes considering the following:

  • The case represents an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? Cases often represent a topic that rests on the fringes of prior investigations because the case may provide new ways of understanding the research problem. For example, if the research problem is to identify strategies to improve policies that support girl's access to secondary education in predominantly Muslim nations, you could consider using Azerbaijan as a case study rather than selecting a more obvious nation in the Middle East. Doing so may reveal important new insights into recommending how governments in other predominantly Muslim nations can formulate policies that support improved access to education for girls.
  • The case provides important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem? In-depth analysis of a case can be based on the hypothesis that the case study will reveal trends or issues that have not been exposed in prior research or will reveal new and important implications for practice. For example, anecdotal evidence may suggest drug use among homeless veterans is related to their patterns of travel throughout the day. Assuming prior studies have not looked at individual travel choices as a way to study access to illicit drug use, a case study that observes a homeless veteran could reveal how issues of personal mobility choices facilitate regular access to illicit drugs. Note that it is important to conduct a thorough literature review to ensure that your assumption about the need to reveal new insights or previously hidden problems is valid and evidence-based.
  • The case challenges and offers a counter-point to prevailing assumptions? Over time, research on any given topic can fall into a trap of developing assumptions based on outdated studies that are still applied to new or changing conditions or the idea that something should simply be accepted as "common sense," even though the issue has not been thoroughly tested in current practice. A case study analysis may offer an opportunity to gather evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions about a research problem and provide a new set of recommendations applied to practice that have not been tested previously. For example, perhaps there has been a long practice among scholars to apply a particular theory in explaining the relationship between two subjects of analysis. Your case could challenge this assumption by applying an innovative theoretical framework [perhaps borrowed from another discipline] to explore whether this approach offers new ways of understanding the research problem. Taking a contrarian stance is one of the most important ways that new knowledge and understanding develops from existing literature.
  • The case provides an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem? Another way to think about choosing a case to study is to consider how the results from investigating a particular case may result in findings that reveal ways in which to resolve an existing or emerging problem. For example, studying the case of an unforeseen incident, such as a fatal accident at a railroad crossing, can reveal hidden issues that could be applied to preventative measures that contribute to reducing the chance of accidents in the future. In this example, a case study investigating the accident could lead to a better understanding of where to strategically locate additional signals at other railroad crossings so as to better warn drivers of an approaching train, particularly when visibility is hindered by heavy rain, fog, or at night.
  • The case offers a new direction in future research? A case study can be used as a tool for an exploratory investigation that highlights the need for further research about the problem. A case can be used when there are few studies that help predict an outcome or that establish a clear understanding about how best to proceed in addressing a problem. For example, after conducting a thorough literature review [very important!], you discover that little research exists showing the ways in which women contribute to promoting water conservation in rural communities of east central Africa. A case study of how women contribute to saving water in a rural village of Uganda can lay the foundation for understanding the need for more thorough research that documents how women in their roles as cooks and family caregivers think about water as a valuable resource within their community. This example of a case study could also point to the need for scholars to build new theoretical frameworks around the topic [e.g., applying feminist theories of work and family to the issue of water conservation].

Eisenhardt, Kathleen M. “Building Theories from Case Study Research.” Academy of Management Review 14 (October 1989): 532-550; Emmel, Nick. Sampling and Choosing Cases in Qualitative Research: A Realist Approach . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2013; Gerring, John. “What Is a Case Study and What Is It Good for?” American Political Science Review 98 (May 2004): 341-354; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Seawright, Jason and John Gerring. "Case Selection Techniques in Case Study Research." Political Research Quarterly 61 (June 2008): 294-308.

Structure and Writing Style

The purpose of a paper in the social sciences designed around a case study is to thoroughly investigate a subject of analysis in order to reveal a new understanding about the research problem and, in so doing, contributing new knowledge to what is already known from previous studies. In applied social sciences disciplines [e.g., education, social work, public administration, etc.], case studies may also be used to reveal best practices, highlight key programs, or investigate interesting aspects of professional work.

In general, the structure of a case study research paper is not all that different from a standard college-level research paper. However, there are subtle differences you should be aware of. Here are the key elements to organizing and writing a case study research paper.

I.  Introduction

As with any research paper, your introduction should serve as a roadmap for your readers to ascertain the scope and purpose of your study . The introduction to a case study research paper, however, should not only describe the research problem and its significance, but you should also succinctly describe why the case is being used and how it relates to addressing the problem. The two elements should be linked. With this in mind, a good introduction answers these four questions:

  • What is being studied? Describe the research problem and describe the subject of analysis [the case] you have chosen to address the problem. Explain how they are linked and what elements of the case will help to expand knowledge and understanding about the problem.
  • Why is this topic important to investigate? Describe the significance of the research problem and state why a case study design and the subject of analysis that the paper is designed around is appropriate in addressing the problem.
  • What did we know about this topic before I did this study? Provide background that helps lead the reader into the more in-depth literature review to follow. If applicable, summarize prior case study research applied to the research problem and why it fails to adequately address the problem. Describe why your case will be useful. If no prior case studies have been used to address the research problem, explain why you have selected this subject of analysis.
  • How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of understanding? Explain why your case study will be suitable in helping to expand knowledge and understanding about the research problem.

Each of these questions should be addressed in no more than a few paragraphs. Exceptions to this can be when you are addressing a complex research problem or subject of analysis that requires more in-depth background information.

II.  Literature Review

The literature review for a case study research paper is generally structured the same as it is for any college-level research paper. The difference, however, is that the literature review is focused on providing background information and  enabling historical interpretation of the subject of analysis in relation to the research problem the case is intended to address . This includes synthesizing studies that help to:

  • Place relevant works in the context of their contribution to understanding the case study being investigated . This would involve summarizing studies that have used a similar subject of analysis to investigate the research problem. If there is literature using the same or a very similar case to study, you need to explain why duplicating past research is important [e.g., conditions have changed; prior studies were conducted long ago, etc.].
  • Describe the relationship each work has to the others under consideration that informs the reader why this case is applicable . Your literature review should include a description of any works that support using the case to investigate the research problem and the underlying research questions.
  • Identify new ways to interpret prior research using the case study . If applicable, review any research that has examined the research problem using a different research design. Explain how your use of a case study design may reveal new knowledge or a new perspective or that can redirect research in an important new direction.
  • Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies . This refers to synthesizing any literature that points to unresolved issues of concern about the research problem and describing how the subject of analysis that forms the case study can help resolve these existing contradictions.
  • Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research . Your review should examine any literature that lays a foundation for understanding why your case study design and the subject of analysis around which you have designed your study may reveal a new way of approaching the research problem or offer a perspective that points to the need for additional research.
  • Expose any gaps that exist in the literature that the case study could help to fill . Summarize any literature that not only shows how your subject of analysis contributes to understanding the research problem, but how your case contributes to a new way of understanding the problem that prior research has failed to do.
  • Locate your own research within the context of existing literature [very important!] . Collectively, your literature review should always place your case study within the larger domain of prior research about the problem. The overarching purpose of reviewing pertinent literature in a case study paper is to demonstrate that you have thoroughly identified and synthesized prior studies in relation to explaining the relevance of the case in addressing the research problem.

III.  Method

In this section, you explain why you selected a particular case [i.e., subject of analysis] and the strategy you used to identify and ultimately decide that your case was appropriate in addressing the research problem. The way you describe the methods used varies depending on the type of subject of analysis that constitutes your case study.

If your subject of analysis is an incident or event . In the social and behavioral sciences, the event or incident that represents the case to be studied is usually bounded by time and place, with a clear beginning and end and with an identifiable location or position relative to its surroundings. The subject of analysis can be a rare or critical event or it can focus on a typical or regular event. The purpose of studying a rare event is to illuminate new ways of thinking about the broader research problem or to test a hypothesis. Critical incident case studies must describe the method by which you identified the event and explain the process by which you determined the validity of this case to inform broader perspectives about the research problem or to reveal new findings. However, the event does not have to be a rare or uniquely significant to support new thinking about the research problem or to challenge an existing hypothesis. For example, Walo, Bull, and Breen conducted a case study to identify and evaluate the direct and indirect economic benefits and costs of a local sports event in the City of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. The purpose of their study was to provide new insights from measuring the impact of a typical local sports event that prior studies could not measure well because they focused on large "mega-events." Whether the event is rare or not, the methods section should include an explanation of the following characteristics of the event: a) when did it take place; b) what were the underlying circumstances leading to the event; and, c) what were the consequences of the event in relation to the research problem.

If your subject of analysis is a person. Explain why you selected this particular individual to be studied and describe what experiences they have had that provide an opportunity to advance new understandings about the research problem. Mention any background about this person which might help the reader understand the significance of their experiences that make them worthy of study. This includes describing the relationships this person has had with other people, institutions, and/or events that support using them as the subject for a case study research paper. It is particularly important to differentiate the person as the subject of analysis from others and to succinctly explain how the person relates to examining the research problem [e.g., why is one politician in a particular local election used to show an increase in voter turnout from any other candidate running in the election]. Note that these issues apply to a specific group of people used as a case study unit of analysis [e.g., a classroom of students].

If your subject of analysis is a place. In general, a case study that investigates a place suggests a subject of analysis that is unique or special in some way and that this uniqueness can be used to build new understanding or knowledge about the research problem. A case study of a place must not only describe its various attributes relevant to the research problem [e.g., physical, social, historical, cultural, economic, political], but you must state the method by which you determined that this place will illuminate new understandings about the research problem. It is also important to articulate why a particular place as the case for study is being used if similar places also exist [i.e., if you are studying patterns of homeless encampments of veterans in open spaces, explain why you are studying Echo Park in Los Angeles rather than Griffith Park?]. If applicable, describe what type of human activity involving this place makes it a good choice to study [e.g., prior research suggests Echo Park has more homeless veterans].

If your subject of analysis is a phenomenon. A phenomenon refers to a fact, occurrence, or circumstance that can be studied or observed but with the cause or explanation to be in question. In this sense, a phenomenon that forms your subject of analysis can encompass anything that can be observed or presumed to exist but is not fully understood. In the social and behavioral sciences, the case usually focuses on human interaction within a complex physical, social, economic, cultural, or political system. For example, the phenomenon could be the observation that many vehicles used by ISIS fighters are small trucks with English language advertisements on them. The research problem could be that ISIS fighters are difficult to combat because they are highly mobile. The research questions could be how and by what means are these vehicles used by ISIS being supplied to the militants and how might supply lines to these vehicles be cut off? How might knowing the suppliers of these trucks reveal larger networks of collaborators and financial support? A case study of a phenomenon most often encompasses an in-depth analysis of a cause and effect that is grounded in an interactive relationship between people and their environment in some way.

NOTE:   The choice of the case or set of cases to study cannot appear random. Evidence that supports the method by which you identified and chose your subject of analysis should clearly support investigation of the research problem and linked to key findings from your literature review. Be sure to cite any studies that helped you determine that the case you chose was appropriate for examining the problem.

IV.  Discussion

The main elements of your discussion section are generally the same as any research paper, but centered around interpreting and drawing conclusions about the key findings from your analysis of the case study. Note that a general social sciences research paper may contain a separate section to report findings. However, in a paper designed around a case study, it is common to combine a description of the results with the discussion about their implications. The objectives of your discussion section should include the following:

Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings Briefly reiterate the research problem you are investigating and explain why the subject of analysis around which you designed the case study were used. You should then describe the findings revealed from your study of the case using direct, declarative, and succinct proclamation of the study results. Highlight any findings that were unexpected or especially profound.

Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important Systematically explain the meaning of your case study findings and why you believe they are important. Begin this part of the section by repeating what you consider to be your most important or surprising finding first, then systematically review each finding. Be sure to thoroughly extrapolate what your analysis of the case can tell the reader about situations or conditions beyond the actual case that was studied while, at the same time, being careful not to misconstrue or conflate a finding that undermines the external validity of your conclusions.

Relate the Findings to Similar Studies No study in the social sciences is so novel or possesses such a restricted focus that it has absolutely no relation to previously published research. The discussion section should relate your case study results to those found in other studies, particularly if questions raised from prior studies served as the motivation for choosing your subject of analysis. This is important because comparing and contrasting the findings of other studies helps support the overall importance of your results and it highlights how and in what ways your case study design and the subject of analysis differs from prior research about the topic.

Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings Remember that the purpose of social science research is to discover and not to prove. When writing the discussion section, you should carefully consider all possible explanations revealed by the case study results, rather than just those that fit your hypothesis or prior assumptions and biases. Be alert to what the in-depth analysis of the case may reveal about the research problem, including offering a contrarian perspective to what scholars have stated in prior research if that is how the findings can be interpreted from your case.

Acknowledge the Study's Limitations You can state the study's limitations in the conclusion section of your paper but describing the limitations of your subject of analysis in the discussion section provides an opportunity to identify the limitations and explain why they are not significant. This part of the discussion section should also note any unanswered questions or issues your case study could not address. More detailed information about how to document any limitations to your research can be found here .

Suggest Areas for Further Research Although your case study may offer important insights about the research problem, there are likely additional questions related to the problem that remain unanswered or findings that unexpectedly revealed themselves as a result of your in-depth analysis of the case. Be sure that the recommendations for further research are linked to the research problem and that you explain why your recommendations are valid in other contexts and based on the original assumptions of your study.

V.  Conclusion

As with any research paper, you should summarize your conclusion in clear, simple language; emphasize how the findings from your case study differs from or supports prior research and why. Do not simply reiterate the discussion section. Provide a synthesis of key findings presented in the paper to show how these converge to address the research problem. If you haven't already done so in the discussion section, be sure to document the limitations of your case study and any need for further research.

The function of your paper's conclusion is to: 1) reiterate the main argument supported by the findings from your case study; 2) state clearly the context, background, and necessity of pursuing the research problem using a case study design in relation to an issue, controversy, or a gap found from reviewing the literature; and, 3) provide a place to persuasively and succinctly restate the significance of your research problem, given that the reader has now been presented with in-depth information about the topic.

Consider the following points to help ensure your conclusion is appropriate:

  • If the argument or purpose of your paper is complex, you may need to summarize these points for your reader.
  • If prior to your conclusion, you have not yet explained the significance of your findings or if you are proceeding inductively, use the conclusion of your paper to describe your main points and explain their significance.
  • Move from a detailed to a general level of consideration of the case study's findings that returns the topic to the context provided by the introduction or within a new context that emerges from your case study findings.

Note that, depending on the discipline you are writing in or the preferences of your professor, the concluding paragraph may contain your final reflections on the evidence presented as it applies to practice or on the essay's central research problem. However, the nature of being introspective about the subject of analysis you have investigated will depend on whether you are explicitly asked to express your observations in this way.

Problems to Avoid

Overgeneralization One of the goals of a case study is to lay a foundation for understanding broader trends and issues applied to similar circumstances. However, be careful when drawing conclusions from your case study. They must be evidence-based and grounded in the results of the study; otherwise, it is merely speculation. Looking at a prior example, it would be incorrect to state that a factor in improving girls access to education in Azerbaijan and the policy implications this may have for improving access in other Muslim nations is due to girls access to social media if there is no documentary evidence from your case study to indicate this. There may be anecdotal evidence that retention rates were better for girls who were engaged with social media, but this observation would only point to the need for further research and would not be a definitive finding if this was not a part of your original research agenda.

Failure to Document Limitations No case is going to reveal all that needs to be understood about a research problem. Therefore, just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study , you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis. For example, the case of studying how women conceptualize the need for water conservation in a village in Uganda could have limited application in other cultural contexts or in areas where fresh water from rivers or lakes is plentiful and, therefore, conservation is understood more in terms of managing access rather than preserving access to a scarce resource.

Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings. If you do not, your reader may question the validity of your analysis, particularly if you failed to document an obvious outcome from your case study research. For example, in the case of studying the accident at the railroad crossing to evaluate where and what types of warning signals should be located, you failed to take into consideration speed limit signage as well as warning signals. When designing your case study, be sure you have thoroughly addressed all aspects of the problem and do not leave gaps in your analysis that leave the reader questioning the results.

Case Studies. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Gerring, John. Case Study Research: Principles and Practices . New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007; Merriam, Sharan B. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education . Rev. ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1998; Miller, Lisa L. “The Use of Case Studies in Law and Social Science Research.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 14 (2018): TBD; Mills, Albert J., Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Putney, LeAnn Grogan. "Case Study." In Encyclopedia of Research Design , Neil J. Salkind, editor. (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010), pp. 116-120; Simons, Helen. Case Study Research in Practice . London: SAGE Publications, 2009;  Kratochwill,  Thomas R. and Joel R. Levin, editors. Single-Case Research Design and Analysis: New Development for Psychology and Education .  Hilldsale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1992; Swanborn, Peter G. Case Study Research: What, Why and How? London : SAGE, 2010; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Los Angeles, CA, SAGE Publications, 2014; Walo, Maree, Adrian Bull, and Helen Breen. “Achieving Economic Benefits at Local Events: A Case Study of a Local Sports Event.” Festival Management and Event Tourism 4 (1996): 95-106.

Writing Tip

At Least Five Misconceptions about Case Study Research

Social science case studies are often perceived as limited in their ability to create new knowledge because they are not randomly selected and findings cannot be generalized to larger populations. Flyvbjerg examines five misunderstandings about case study research and systematically "corrects" each one. To quote, these are:

Misunderstanding 1 :  General, theoretical [context-independent] knowledge is more valuable than concrete, practical [context-dependent] knowledge. Misunderstanding 2 :  One cannot generalize on the basis of an individual case; therefore, the case study cannot contribute to scientific development. Misunderstanding 3 :  The case study is most useful for generating hypotheses; that is, in the first stage of a total research process, whereas other methods are more suitable for hypotheses testing and theory building. Misunderstanding 4 :  The case study contains a bias toward verification, that is, a tendency to confirm the researcher’s preconceived notions. Misunderstanding 5 :  It is often difficult to summarize and develop general propositions and theories on the basis of specific case studies [p. 221].

While writing your paper, think introspectively about how you addressed these misconceptions because to do so can help you strengthen the validity and reliability of your research by clarifying issues of case selection, the testing and challenging of existing assumptions, the interpretation of key findings, and the summation of case outcomes. Think of a case study research paper as a complete, in-depth narrative about the specific properties and key characteristics of your subject of analysis applied to the research problem.

Flyvbjerg, Bent. “Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research.” Qualitative Inquiry 12 (April 2006): 219-245.

  • << Previous: Writing a Case Analysis Paper
  • Next: Writing a Field Report >>
  • Last Updated: Jun 3, 2024 9:44 AM
  • URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments

27 Case Study Examples Every Marketer Should See

Caroline Forsey

Published: September 05, 2024

Putting together a compelling case study is one of the most powerful strategies for showcasing your product and attracting future customers. But it's not easy to create case studies that your audience can’t wait to read.

marketer reviewing case study examples

In this post, I’ll go over the definition of a case study and the best examples to inspire you.

Table of Contents

What is a case study?

Marketing case study examples, digital marketing case study examples.

plan of case study

Free Case Study Templates

Showcase your company's success using these three free case study templates.

  • Data-Driven Case Study Template
  • Product-Specific Case Study Template
  • General Case Study Template

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

A case study is a detailed story of something your company did. It includes a beginning — often discussing a challenge, an explanation of what happened next, and a resolution that explains how the company solved or improved on something.

A case study proves how your product has helped other companies by demonstrating real-life results. Not only that, but marketing case studies with solutions typically contain quotes from the customer.

This means that they’re not just ads where you praise your own product. Rather, other companies are praising your company — and there’s no stronger marketing material than a verbal recommendation or testimonial.

A great case study also has research and stats to back up points made about a project's results.

There are several ways to use case studies in your marketing strategy.

From featuring them on your website to including them in a sales presentation, a case study is a strong, persuasive tool that shows customers why they should work with you — straight from another customer.

Writing one from scratch is hard, though, which is why we’ve created a collection of case study templates for you to get started.

There’s no better way to generate more leads than by writing case studies . However, without case study examples from which to draw inspiration, it can be difficult to write impactful studies that convince visitors to submit a form.

To help you create an attractive and high-converting case study, we've put together a list of some of our favorites. This list includes famous case studies in marketing, technology, and business.

These studies can show you how to frame your company's offers in a way that is useful to your audience. So, look, and let these examples inspire your next brilliant case study design.

These marketing case studies with solutions show the value proposition of each product. They also show how each company benefited in both the short and long term using quantitative data.

In other words, you don’t get just nice statements, like “this company helped us a lot.” You see actual change within the firm through numbers and figures.

You can put your learnings into action with HubSpot's Free Case Study Templates . Available as custom designs and text-based documents, you can upload these templates to your CMS or send them to prospects as you see fit.

digital marketing case study, template

digital marketing case study, hubspot

digital marketing case study example from Rozum Robotics

digital marketing case study example from carolhwilliams

digital marketing case study example from fantasy

digital marketing case study example from google

digital marketing case study example from herman miller

digital marketing case study example from aws

digital marketing case study example from asana

9. " Rips Sewed, Brand Love Reaped ," by Amp Agency

digital marketing case study example from ampagency

digital marketing case study example from evisort

digital marketing case study example from cloudflight

digital marketing case study example from textel

digital marketing case study example from happeo

digital marketing case study example from ctp boston

digital marketing case study example from genuine

digital marketing case study example from apptio

digital marketing case study example from biobot analytics

digital marketing case study example from gartner

digital marketing case study example from Redapt

digital marketing case study example from Rozum Robotics

digital marketing case study example from fractl

digital marketing case study example from switch

Cognism SEO marketing case study

How to Write a Case Study: Bookmarkable Guide & Template

7 Pieces of Content Your Audience Really Wants to See [New Data]

7 Pieces of Content Your Audience Really Wants to See [New Data]

How to Market an Ebook: 21 Ways to Promote Your Content Offers

How to Market an Ebook: 21 Ways to Promote Your Content Offers

How to Write a Listicle [+ Examples and Ideas]

How to Write a Listicle [+ Examples and Ideas]

What Is a White Paper? [FAQs]

What Is a White Paper? [FAQs]

What is an Advertorial? 8 Examples to Help You Write One

What is an Advertorial? 8 Examples to Help You Write One

How to Create Marketing Offers That Don't Fall Flat

How to Create Marketing Offers That Don't Fall Flat

20 Creative Ways To Repurpose Content

20 Creative Ways To Repurpose Content

16 Important Ways to Use Case Studies in Your Marketing

16 Important Ways to Use Case Studies in Your Marketing

11 Ways to Make Your Blog Post Interactive

11 Ways to Make Your Blog Post Interactive

Showcase your company's success using these free case study templates.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

  • Design for Business
  • Most Recent
  • Presentations
  • Infographics
  • Data Visualizations
  • Forms and Surveys
  • Video & Animation
  • Case Studies
  • Digital Marketing
  • Design Inspiration
  • Visual Thinking
  • Product Updates
  • Visme Webinars
  • Artificial Intelligence

How To Outline a Case Study: 15 Examples & Templates

How To Outline a Case Study: 15 Examples & Templates

Written by: Christopher Jan Benitez

How To Outline a Case Study: 15 Examples & Templates

They allow you to make your business more appealing to your target audience, resulting in more leads and customers moving forward.

By definition, you should create more of these studies to show your business’s effectiveness to people, right?

But before you do, you must learn how to outline them first.

This post discusses how you can develop a case study outline, which templates to use, and best practices to follow.

Here’s a short selection of 8 easy-to-edit case study templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

plan of case study

Table of Contents

What is a case study, what is a case study outline, how do you write a case study outline, 15 case study outline examples, design tips for your case study outline, create your case study with visme.

A case study is a real-life success story of a customer who faced challenges and managed to overcome them by using your products or services. It's like a narrative that tells the tale of how someone benefited from what you have to offer. It's a way to showcase the practical application of your solutions in a specific situation and demonstrate the value they bring. So, it's not just a theoretical explanation but an engaging story that highlights the positive outcomes achieved by your customer.

Beyond business, case studies are commonly used in other settings, like academics, social sciences, medicine, psychology, and education. A case study is an in-depth examination and analysis of a specific individual, group, organization, event, or situation. It involves gathering detailed information and data to gain an extensive understanding of the subject being studied.

A case study outline is a roadmap for creating a solid case study report. It helps you organize and present all the important elements in a structured way. Think of it as a blueprint that guides you through the process. Of course, the specific outline can vary depending on why you're doing the case study and the specific situation you're studying. So, it's adaptable to fit your needs and make sure you cover everything necessary.

Made with Visme Infographic Maker

Below are the main parts of a typical case study outline:

  • Introduction: Describe the customer or client who is the focus of the case study.
  • Problem: Identify the client's issue, which is why they sought your help in the first place.
  • Goals/Solutions: Enumerate the goals you wish to achieve with the strategy you developed for this client. Then, discuss the tactics you used in the hopes of achieving these objectives.
  • Results/Achievements: Talk about the positive results of your campaign using data and figures. This section should emphasize the effectiveness of your business in solving the problem through your products and services.

If you want a head start with your case studies, use any of Visme's templates below.

Most of these templates contain the main parts mentioned above. Once you’ve chosen a case study template , simply edit it to best explain your case to prospects.

Choose from built-in graphics ranging from video backgrounds to fonts and place them in the presentation using Visme's drag-and-drop builder.

You can also collaborate with team members when editing the case study online template to finish the presentation ahead of time.

1. Medical Case Study

This blue-themed outline template is for you if you're in the medical field and doing a case study on a patient. It contains a table of laboratory findings and clinical manifestations, which lead to your diagnosis and conclusions.

plan of case study

2. Intel Case Study

This simple light-red template is perfect for tech companies looking to quickly present their case study with an overview of its background, goals, and strategy. It ends the presentation by going through the study’s figures and data.

plan of case study

3. UX Case Study

This zesty template tackles how a change in a site or app's user interface generated massive results in conversions. It lays down the site's problem and approach to solving it before dealing with the results.

plan of case study

4. Bit.ly Case Study

For marketers looking to track campaign results launched across various marketing channels, this template is for them. It briefly explains the background and goal of the case in the first place and the obstacles and results in the next.

plan of case study

5. Adobe Case Study

This orange and blue magenta template is heavy on text as it explains how your brand achieved positive results for a client campaign. Show this to similar prospects whom you're looking to turn into clients.

plan of case study

6. Fuji Xerox Australia Business Equipment Case Study

Marketing agencies looking for print businesses or similar to turn into clients won't go wrong with this blue three-page template. It details the case study background, goals, and achievements before concluding with its key results.

plan of case study

7. College For Adult Learning Training Organization Case Study

Marketers with a great track record of helping educational institutions will have great use for this red and blue-magenta template. From here, they can convert similar prospects into clients by showing your case study’s achievements and goals.

plan of case study

8. NVISIONCenters Case Study

A marketing strategy that works is what turns business owners into your clients. With this pink and medium blue template, your agency can showcase your expertise by featuring the results of your strategy with a previous client.

plan of case study

9. Neutrogena Case Study

This blue-themed template shows how a marketing agency could integrate mobile technology to generate sales in a client’s retail stores. It uses a fair share of images and text to communicate its solution and results.

plan of case study

10. Social Media Case Study

This red-on-blue template features the transformative power of social media when used correctly in a marketing campaign. Companies that offer social media marketing can use this to showcase their own successful campaigns.

plan of case study

11. Weebly Case Study

This template uses waves in the layout to add texture to your case study presentation . It's also short enough to help you share your marketing achievements with prospects looking to grow their ROI.

plan of case study

12. Small Business Accounting Case Study

Accounting firms looking to leverage case studies to bolster their leads will find this cyan-themed template useful. This text-heavy template shows prospects how they helped clients manage their receipts and expenditures.

plan of case study

13. Real Estate Development During COVID 19 Case Study

Lots of businesses were hit hard during COVID-19, but not all. If you find yourself in the latter and wish to share with potential clients the progress your clients during this period have made with your help, this theme template is for you.

plan of case study

14. Digital Marketing in Consumer Goods Case Study

This dynamic case study template benefits from its healthy balance of text and image and orange and cyan-blue theme. It allows marketing companies to make their case to prospects looking to promote their new line of products.

plan of case study

15. Automobile Company Case Study

B2B companies benefit the most from case studies due to their complex pricing structure. Therefore, this template is the best for such companies, as it breaks down the entire process to help justify their costs and enable prospects to make informed decisions.

plan of case study

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

Below are design tips you must keep in mind when outlining your case study:

Use White Space

Great attention to detail in a case study allows you to show off your initiative or campaign to your audience.

However, information becomes detrimental if you overload your audience with too much exposition page after page.

The best way to design your case study or any presentation is to utilize white space as much as possible.

It may sound counterintuitive to leave certain sections of your case study blank as if you’re wasting valuable real estate.

On the contrary, white space is simply a good design principle that enables information on your case study to breathe, giving your audience ample time to digest the information before hopping onto the next section properly.

To help create white space in your case study, limit your paragraphs to two s hort sentences each. Using graphics also enables you to create more white space due to their size.

Maximize Visuals

Case studies require lots of words so you can adequately present your exposition and explain how you achieved the positive results with your process.

But when designing your case study online, you should consider using visuals to explain things much easier for your audience.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, using images correctly allows you to use fewer words in your case study.

And because people process images much faster than words, they can comprehend the details in your presentation much easier.

The most common example of visuals in case studies is graphs and charts when presenting figures.

From Visme’s editor, click on the Data button from the side menu on the left to see templates of charts, tables, and radials you can drag and drop onto your presentation.

But using icons and graphics helps you communicate your message more effectively than just plain text.

From the editor again, click on Graphics to choose from over 500,000 stock photos and icons.

You can also upload your images to make your case study even more unique.

Incorporate Branding

Throughout the case study, you want people to know the role your company played for the positive results your clients experienced with their business.

And it’s just not slapping your logo on the cover of the case study. You must also use the color , font , and other elements that are part of your brand guidelines in your case study outline.

Doing so enables you to remain consistent with your visual identity , which makes associating your company with the case study much easier for people.

If you’re constantly designing visual content for presentations and reports, Visme’s Brand Wizard lets you build your brand kit on the platform by importing your website URL.

To do this, log in to your dashboard and click the “My Brand” button on the left.

Once the page loads, you’ll find the Brand Wizard link. Click on it so you can enter the URL of your domain.

From here, Visme will take the logo, colors, and fonts you used on your site and include them in your brand kit.

Aside from your visual brand, you should maintain your brand’s tone and voice in the case study’s copy. For example, how you write the background, solutions, and achievements should reflect how your website’s copy reads like.

Make It Interactive

Most case studies are factual presentations of work done for a specific client. Unfortunately, this lends to a certain dullness in which the audience has nothing to do but sit down and listen to them.

But there’s a way to make your case study engaging so that your audience can be part of it instead of just bystanders.

For example, you can have your highlighted customer share a screen recording or audio file about how your company helped this person improve their business. From here, you can embed the files into your case study, which your audience can play anytime they want.

With Visme, you can make these interactive content show as popups in your presentation.

Select the element that people will click on to trigger the popup. Then, choose Actions > Hotspot from the floating bar before linking the video uploaded onto the cloud to the case study.

Here’s a video on how to create popups with your interactive content:

You can also add a voiceover in your presentation to help people with reading disabilities understand the contents of your case study.

If you want to close your audience to clients or customers of your brand, you must present your case study in the best way possible.

Following the design tips above is a great place to start. But you probably won’t be able to implement them properly unless you possess the necessary design skills.

With Visme, however, you don’t have to be a professional designer to produce professional-looking case studies that will wow your audience.

Just choose from our case study outline templates and edit each using the platform’s built-in features.

Easily put together professional case studies in Visme

plan of case study

Trusted by leading brands

Capterra

Recommended content for you:

11 SBAR Templates for Every Medical, Business & Project Needs

Create Stunning Content!

Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.

plan of case study

About the Author

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer who specializes in digital marketing. His work has been published on SEO and affiliate marketing-specific niches like Monitor Backlinks, Niche Pursuits, Nichehacks, Web Hosting Secret Revealed, and others.

plan of case study

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

  • Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

  • Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

  • Google Tag Manager
  • Infographics
  • Daily Infographics
  • Popular Templates
  • Accessibility
  • Graphic Design
  • Graphs and Charts
  • Data Visualization
  • Human Resources
  • Beginner Guides

Blog Graphic Design 15+ Case Study Examples for Business, Marketing & Sales

15+ Case Study Examples for Business, Marketing & Sales

Written by: Alice Corner Jan 12, 2023

Venngage case study examples

Have you ever bought something — within the last 10 years or so — without reading its reviews or without a recommendation or prior experience of using it?

If the answer is no — or at least, rarely — you get my point.

Positive reviews matter for selling to regular customers, and for B2B or SaaS businesses, detailed case studies are important too.

Wondering how to craft a compelling case study ? No worries—I’ve got you covered with 15 marketing case study templates , helpful tips, and examples to ensure your case study converts effectively.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a case study?

What to include in a professional case study, business case study examples, simple case study examples, marketing case study examples, sales case study examples.

  • Case study FAQs

A case study is an in-depth, detailed analysis of a specific real-world situation. For example, a case study can be about an individual, group, event, organization, or phenomenon. The purpose of a case study is to understand its complexities and gain insights into a particular instance or situation.

In the context of a business, however, case studies take customer success stories and explore how they use your product to help them achieve their business goals.

Case Study Definition LinkedIn Post

As well as being valuable marketing tools , case studies are a good way to evaluate your product as it allows you to objectively examine how others are using it.

It’s also a good way to interview your customers about why they work with you.

Related: What is a Case Study? [+6 Types of Case Studies]

A professional case study showcases how your product or services helped potential clients achieve their business goals. You can also create case studies of internal, successful marketing projects. A professional case study typically includes:

  • Company background and history
  • The challenge
  • How you helped
  • Specific actions taken
  • Visuals or Data
  • Client testimonials

Here’s an example of a case study template:

marketing case study example

Whether you’re a B2B or B2C company, business case studies can be a powerful resource to help with your sales, marketing, and even internal departmental awareness.

Business and business management case studies should encompass strategic insights alongside anecdotal and qualitative findings, like in the business case study examples below.

Conduct a B2B case study by researching the company holistically

When it comes to writing a case study, make sure you approach the company holistically and analyze everything from their social media to their sales.

Think about every avenue your product or service has been of use to your case study company, and ask them about the impact this has had on their wider company goals.

Venngage orange marketing case study example

In business case study examples like the one above, we can see that the company has been thought about holistically simply by the use of icons.

By combining social media icons with icons that show in-person communication we know that this is a well-researched and thorough case study.

This case study report example could also be used within an annual or end-of-year report.

Highlight the key takeaway from your marketing case study

To create a compelling case study, identify the key takeaways from your research. Use catchy language to sum up this information in a sentence, and present this sentence at the top of your page.

This is “at a glance” information and it allows people to gain a top-level understanding of the content immediately. 

Purple SAAS Business Case Study Template

You can use a large, bold, contrasting font to help this information stand out from the page and provide interest.

Learn  how to choose fonts  effectively with our Venngage guide and once you’ve done that.

Upload your fonts and  brand colors  to Venngage using the  My Brand Kit  tool and see them automatically applied to your designs.

The heading is the ideal place to put the most impactful information, as this is the first thing that people will read.

In this example, the stat of “Increase[d] lead quality by 90%” is used as the header. It makes customers want to read more to find out how exactly lead quality was increased by such a massive amount.

Purple SAAS Business Case Study Template Header

If you’re conducting an in-person interview, you could highlight a direct quote or insight provided by your interview subject.

Pick out a catchy sentence or phrase, or the key piece of information your interview subject provided and use that as a way to draw a potential customer in.

Use charts to visualize data in your business case studies

Charts are an excellent way to visualize data and to bring statistics and information to life. Charts make information easier to understand and to illustrate trends or patterns.

Making charts is even easier with Venngage.

In this consulting case study example, we can see that a chart has been used to demonstrate the difference in lead value within the Lead Elves case study.

Adding a chart here helps break up the information and add visual value to the case study. 

Red SAAS Business Case Study Template

Using charts in your case study can also be useful if you’re creating a project management case study.

You could use a Gantt chart or a project timeline to show how you have managed the project successfully.

event marketing project management gantt chart example

Use direct quotes to build trust in your marketing case study

To add an extra layer of authenticity you can include a direct quote from your customer within your case study.

According to research from Nielsen , 92% of people will trust a recommendation from a peer and 70% trust recommendations even if they’re from somebody they don’t know.

Case study peer recommendation quote

So if you have a customer or client who can’t stop singing your praises, make sure you get a direct quote from them and include it in your case study.

You can either lift part of the conversation or interview, or you can specifically request a quote. Make sure to ask for permission before using the quote.

Contrast Lead Generation Business Case Study Template

This design uses a bright contrasting speech bubble to show that it includes a direct quote, and helps the quote stand out from the rest of the text.

This will help draw the customer’s attention directly to the quote, in turn influencing them to use your product or service.

Less is often more, and this is especially true when it comes to creating designs. Whilst you want to create a professional-looking, well-written and design case study – there’s no need to overcomplicate things.

These simple case study examples show that smart clean designs and informative content can be an effective way to showcase your successes.

Use colors and fonts to create a professional-looking case study

Business case studies shouldn’t be boring. In fact, they should be beautifully and professionally designed.

This means the normal rules of design apply. Use fonts, colors, and icons to create an interesting and visually appealing case study.

In this case study example, we can see how multiple fonts have been used to help differentiate between the headers and content, as well as complementary colors and eye-catching icons.

Blue Simple Business Case Study Template

Marketing case studies are incredibly useful for showing your marketing successes. Every successful marketing campaign relies on influencing a consumer’s behavior, and a great case study can be a great way to spotlight your biggest wins.

In the marketing case study examples below, a variety of designs and techniques to create impactful and effective case studies.

Show off impressive results with a bold marketing case study

Case studies are meant to show off your successes, so make sure you feature your positive results prominently. Using bold and bright colors as well as contrasting shapes, large bold fonts, and simple icons is a great way to highlight your wins.

In well-written case study examples like the one below, the big wins are highlighted on the second page with a bright orange color and are highlighted in circles.

Making the important data stand out is especially important when attracting a prospective customer with marketing case studies.

Light simplebusiness case study template

Use a simple but clear layout in your case study

Using a simple layout in your case study can be incredibly effective, like in the example of a case study below.

Keeping a clean white background, and using slim lines to help separate the sections is an easy way to format your case study.

Making the information clear helps draw attention to the important results, and it helps improve the  accessibility of the design .

Business case study examples like this would sit nicely within a larger report, with a consistent layout throughout.

Modern lead Generaton Business Case Study Template

Use visuals and icons to create an engaging and branded business case study

Nobody wants to read pages and pages of text — and that’s why Venngage wants to help you communicate your ideas visually.

Using icons, graphics, photos, or patterns helps create a much more engaging design. 

With this Blue Cap case study icons, colors, and impactful pattern designs have been used to create an engaging design that catches your eye.

Social Media Business Case Study template

Use a monochromatic color palette to create a professional and clean case study

Let your research shine by using a monochromatic and minimalistic color palette.

By sticking to one color, and leaving lots of blank space you can ensure your design doesn’t distract a potential customer from your case study content.

Color combination examples

In this case study on Polygon Media, the design is simple and professional, and the layout allows the prospective customer to follow the flow of information.

The gradient effect on the left-hand column helps break up the white background and adds an interesting visual effect.

Gray Lead Generation Business Case Study Template

Did you know you can generate an accessible color palette with Venngage? Try our free accessible color palette generator today and create a case study that delivers and looks pleasant to the eye:

Venngage's accessible color palette generator

Add long term goals in your case study

When creating a case study it’s a great idea to look at both the short term and the long term goals of the company to gain the best understanding possible of the insights they provide.

Short-term goals will be what the company or person hopes to achieve in the next few months, and long-term goals are what the company hopes to achieve in the next few years.

Check out this modern pattern design example of a case study below:

Lead generation business case study template

In this case study example, the short and long-term goals are clearly distinguished by light blue boxes and placed side by side so that they are easy to compare.

Lead generation case study example short term goals

Use a strong introductory paragraph to outline the overall strategy and goals before outlining the specific short-term and long-term goals to help with clarity.

This strategy can also be handy when creating a consulting case study.

Use data to make concrete points about your sales and successes

When conducting any sort of research stats, facts, and figures are like gold dust (aka, really valuable).

Being able to quantify your findings is important to help understand the information fully. Saying sales increased 10% is much more effective than saying sales increased.

While sales dashboards generally tend it make it all about the numbers and charts, in sales case study examples, like this one, the key data and findings can be presented with icons. This contributes to the potential customer’s better understanding of the report.

They can clearly comprehend the information and it shows that the case study has been well researched.

Vibrant Content Marketing Case Study Template

Use emotive, persuasive, or action based language in your marketing case study

Create a compelling case study by using emotive, persuasive and action-based language when customizing your case study template.

Case study example pursuasive language

In this well-written case study example, we can see that phrases such as “Results that Speak Volumes” and “Drive Sales” have been used.

Using persuasive language like you would in a blog post. It helps inspire potential customers to take action now.

Bold Content Marketing Case Study Template

Keep your potential customers in mind when creating a customer case study for marketing

82% of marketers use case studies in their marketing  because it’s such an effective tool to help quickly gain customers’ trust and to showcase the potential of your product.

Why are case studies such an important tool in content marketing?

By writing a case study you’re telling potential customers that they can trust you because you’re showing them that other people do.

Not only that, but if you have a SaaS product, business case studies are a great way to show how other people are effectively using your product in their company.

In this case study, Network is demonstrating how their product has been used by Vortex Co. with great success; instantly showing other potential customers that their tool works and is worth using.

Teal Social Media Business Case Study Template

Related: 10+ Case Study Infographic Templates That Convert

Case studies are particularly effective as a sales technique.

A sales case study is like an extended customer testimonial, not only sharing opinions of your product – but showcasing the results you helped your customer achieve.

Make impactful statistics pop in your sales case study

Writing a case study doesn’t mean using text as the only medium for sharing results.

You should use icons to highlight areas of your research that are particularly interesting or relevant, like in this example of a case study:

Coral content marketing case study template.jpg

Icons are a great way to help summarize information quickly and can act as visual cues to help draw the customer’s attention to certain areas of the page.

In some of the business case study examples above, icons are used to represent the impressive areas of growth and are presented in a way that grabs your attention.

Use high contrast shapes and colors to draw attention to key information in your sales case study

Help the key information stand out within your case study by using high contrast shapes and colors.

Use a complementary or contrasting color, or use a shape such as a rectangle or a circle for maximum impact.

Blue case study example case growth

This design has used dark blue rectangles to help separate the information and make it easier to read.

Coupled with icons and strong statistics, this information stands out on the page and is easily digestible and retainable for a potential customer.

Blue Content Marketing Case Study Tempalte

Case study examples summary

Once you have created your case study, it’s best practice to update your examples on a regular basis to include up-to-date statistics, data, and information.

You should update your business case study examples often if you are sharing them on your website .

It’s also important that your case study sits within your brand guidelines – find out how Venngage’s My Brand Kit tool can help you create consistently branded case study templates.

Case studies are important marketing tools – but they shouldn’t be the only tool in your toolbox. Content marketing is also a valuable way to earn consumer trust.

Case study FAQ s

Why should you write a case study.

Case studies are an effective marketing technique to engage potential customers and help build trust.

By producing case studies featuring your current clients or customers, you are showcasing how your tool or product can be used. You’re also showing that other people endorse your product.

In addition to being a good way to gather positive testimonials from existing customers, business case studies are good educational resources and can be shared amongst your company or team, and used as a reference for future projects.

How should you write a case study?

To create a great case study, you should think strategically. The first step, before starting your case study research, is to think about what you aim to learn or what you aim to prove.

You might be aiming to learn how a company makes sales or develops a new product. If this is the case, base your questions around this.

You can learn more about writing a case study  from our extensive guide.

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

Some good questions you could ask would be:

  • Why do you use our tool or service?
  • How often do you use our tool or service?
  • What does the process of using our product look like to you?
  • If our product didn’t exist, what would you be doing instead?
  • What is the number one benefit you’ve found from using our tool?

You might also enjoy:

  • 12 Essential Consulting Templates For Marketing, Planning and Branding
  • Best Marketing Strategies for Consultants and Freelancers in 2019 [Study + Infographic]

Discover popular designs

plan of case study

Infographic maker

plan of case study

Brochure maker

plan of case study

White paper online

plan of case study

Newsletter creator

plan of case study

Flyer maker

plan of case study

Timeline maker

plan of case study

Letterhead maker

plan of case study

Mind map maker

plan of case study

Ebook maker

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base

Methodology

  • What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

Case study examples
Research question Case study
What are the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction? Case study of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park
How do populist politicians use narratives about history to gain support? Case studies of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán and US president Donald Trump
How can teachers implement active learning strategies in mixed-level classrooms? Case study of a local school that promotes active learning
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind farms for rural communities? Case studies of three rural wind farm development projects in different parts of the country
How are viral marketing strategies changing the relationship between companies and consumers? Case study of the iPhone X marketing campaign
How do experiences of work in the gig economy differ by gender, race and age? Case studies of Deliveroo and Uber drivers in London

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

  • Academic style
  • Vague sentences
  • Style consistency

See an example

plan of case study

Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

  • Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
  • Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
  • Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
  • Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

  • Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
  • Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
  • Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Normal distribution
  • Degrees of freedom
  • Null hypothesis
  • Discourse analysis
  • Control groups
  • Mixed methods research
  • Non-probability sampling
  • Quantitative research
  • Ecological validity

Research bias

  • Rosenthal effect
  • Implicit bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Selection bias
  • Negativity bias
  • Status quo bias

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, November 20). What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods. Scribbr. Retrieved September 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/case-study/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, primary vs. secondary sources | difference & examples, what is a theoretical framework | guide to organizing, what is action research | definition & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Therapy Center
  • When To See a Therapist
  • Types of Therapy
  • Best Online Therapy
  • Best Couples Therapy
  • Managing Stress
  • Sleep and Dreaming
  • Understanding Emotions
  • Self-Improvement
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Student Resources
  • Personality Types
  • Sweepstakes
  • Guided Meditations
  • Verywell Mind Insights
  • 2024 Verywell Mind 25
  • Mental Health in the Classroom
  • Editorial Process
  • Meet Our Review Board
  • Crisis Support

What Is a Case Study?

Weighing the pros and cons of this method of research

Verywell / Colleen Tighe

  • Pros and Cons

What Types of Case Studies Are Out There?

Where do you find data for a case study, how do i write a psychology case study.

A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, anthropology, political science, and social work.

The point of a case study is to learn as much as possible about an individual or group so that the information can be generalized to many others. Unfortunately, case studies tend to be highly subjective, and it is sometimes difficult to generalize results to a larger population.

While case studies focus on a single individual or group, they follow a format similar to other types of psychology writing. If you are writing a case study, we got you—here are some rules of APA format to reference.  

At a Glance

A case study, or an in-depth study of a person, group, or event, can be a useful research tool when used wisely. In many cases, case studies are best used in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for you to conduct an experiment. They are helpful for looking at unique situations and allow researchers to gather a lot of˜ information about a specific individual or group of people. However, it's important to be cautious of any bias we draw from them as they are highly subjective.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies?

A case study can have its strengths and weaknesses. Researchers must consider these pros and cons before deciding if this type of study is appropriate for their needs.

One of the greatest advantages of a case study is that it allows researchers to investigate things that are often difficult or impossible to replicate in a lab. Some other benefits of a case study:

  • Allows researchers to capture information on the 'how,' 'what,' and 'why,' of something that's implemented
  • Gives researchers the chance to collect information on why one strategy might be chosen over another
  • Permits researchers to develop hypotheses that can be explored in experimental research

On the other hand, a case study can have some drawbacks:

  • It cannot necessarily be generalized to the larger population
  • Cannot demonstrate cause and effect
  • It may not be scientifically rigorous
  • It can lead to bias

Researchers may choose to perform a case study if they want to explore a unique or recently discovered phenomenon. Through their insights, researchers develop additional ideas and study questions that might be explored in future studies.

It's important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop hypotheses that can then be addressed in experimental research.

Case Study Examples

There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of  Freud's work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Some great examples of case studies in psychology include:

  • Anna O : Anna O. was a pseudonym of a woman named Bertha Pappenheim, a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud's, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy as an approach to mental health treatment.
  • Phineas Gage : Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who experienced a terrible accident in which an explosion sent a metal rod through his skull, damaging important portions of his brain. Gage recovered from his accident but was left with serious changes in both personality and behavior.
  • Genie : Genie was a young girl subjected to horrific abuse and isolation. The case study of Genie allowed researchers to study whether language learning was possible, even after missing critical periods for language development. Her case also served as an example of how scientific research may interfere with treatment and lead to further abuse of vulnerable individuals.

Such cases demonstrate how case research can be used to study things that researchers could not replicate in experimental settings. In Genie's case, her horrific abuse denied her the opportunity to learn a language at critical points in her development.

This is clearly not something researchers could ethically replicate, but conducting a case study on Genie allowed researchers to study phenomena that are otherwise impossible to reproduce.

There are a few different types of case studies that psychologists and other researchers might use:

  • Collective case studies : These involve studying a group of individuals. Researchers might study a group of people in a certain setting or look at an entire community. For example, psychologists might explore how access to resources in a community has affected the collective mental well-being of those who live there.
  • Descriptive case studies : These involve starting with a descriptive theory. The subjects are then observed, and the information gathered is compared to the pre-existing theory.
  • Explanatory case studies : These   are often used to do causal investigations. In other words, researchers are interested in looking at factors that may have caused certain things to occur.
  • Exploratory case studies : These are sometimes used as a prelude to further, more in-depth research. This allows researchers to gather more information before developing their research questions and hypotheses .
  • Instrumental case studies : These occur when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more than what is initially obvious to observers.
  • Intrinsic case studies : This type of case study is when the researcher has a personal interest in the case. Jean Piaget's observations of his own children are good examples of how an intrinsic case study can contribute to the development of a psychological theory.

The three main case study types often used are intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Intrinsic case studies are useful for learning about unique cases. Instrumental case studies help look at an individual to learn more about a broader issue. A collective case study can be useful for looking at several cases simultaneously.

The type of case study that psychology researchers use depends on the unique characteristics of the situation and the case itself.

There are a number of different sources and methods that researchers can use to gather information about an individual or group. Six major sources that have been identified by researchers are:

  • Archival records : Census records, survey records, and name lists are examples of archival records.
  • Direct observation : This strategy involves observing the subject, often in a natural setting . While an individual observer is sometimes used, it is more common to utilize a group of observers.
  • Documents : Letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc., are the types of documents often used as sources.
  • Interviews : Interviews are one of the most important methods for gathering information in case studies. An interview can involve structured survey questions or more open-ended questions.
  • Participant observation : When the researcher serves as a participant in events and observes the actions and outcomes, it is called participant observation.
  • Physical artifacts : Tools, objects, instruments, and other artifacts are often observed during a direct observation of the subject.

If you have been directed to write a case study for a psychology course, be sure to check with your instructor for any specific guidelines you need to follow. If you are writing your case study for a professional publication, check with the publisher for their specific guidelines for submitting a case study.

Here is a general outline of what should be included in a case study.

Section 1: A Case History

This section will have the following structure and content:

Background information : The first section of your paper will present your client's background. Include factors such as age, gender, work, health status, family mental health history, family and social relationships, drug and alcohol history, life difficulties, goals, and coping skills and weaknesses.

Description of the presenting problem : In the next section of your case study, you will describe the problem or symptoms that the client presented with.

Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the symptoms should also be noted. Any screening or diagnostic assessments that are used should also be described in detail and all scores reported.

Your diagnosis : Provide your diagnosis and give the appropriate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual code. Explain how you reached your diagnosis, how the client's symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible difficulties in reaching a diagnosis.

Section 2: Treatment Plan

This portion of the paper will address the chosen treatment for the condition. This might also include the theoretical basis for the chosen treatment or any other evidence that might exist to support why this approach was chosen.

  • Cognitive behavioral approach : Explain how a cognitive behavioral therapist would approach treatment. Offer background information on cognitive behavioral therapy and describe the treatment sessions, client response, and outcome of this type of treatment. Make note of any difficulties or successes encountered by your client during treatment.
  • Humanistic approach : Describe a humanistic approach that could be used to treat your client, such as client-centered therapy . Provide information on the type of treatment you chose, the client's reaction to the treatment, and the end result of this approach. Explain why the treatment was successful or unsuccessful.
  • Psychoanalytic approach : Describe how a psychoanalytic therapist would view the client's problem. Provide some background on the psychoanalytic approach and cite relevant references. Explain how psychoanalytic therapy would be used to treat the client, how the client would respond to therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
  • Pharmacological approach : If treatment primarily involves the use of medications, explain which medications were used and why. Provide background on the effectiveness of these medications and how monotherapy may compare with an approach that combines medications with therapy or other treatments.

This section of a case study should also include information about the treatment goals, process, and outcomes.

When you are writing a case study, you should also include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the strengths and limitiations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. 

In your discussion section, you should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies?

Need More Tips?

Here are a few additional pointers to keep in mind when formatting your case study:

  • Never refer to the subject of your case study as "the client." Instead, use their name or a pseudonym.
  • Read examples of case studies to gain an idea about the style and format.
  • Remember to use APA format when citing references .

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach .  BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011;11:100.

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach . BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011 Jun 27;11:100. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-11-100

Gagnon, Yves-Chantal.  The Case Study as Research Method: A Practical Handbook . Canada, Chicago Review Press Incorporated DBA Independent Pub Group, 2010.

Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . United States, SAGE Publications, 2017.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

  • English (EN)
  • Português (BR)
  • Deutsch (DE)
  • Español (ES)
  • Italiano (IT)
  • Nederlands (NL)
  • Français (FR)

11 Tips For Creating a More Effective Case Study (With Examples)

Neil Patel

Are you using case studies to promote your business? If you’re not, it’s a good idea to consider including them in your content marketing.

Because case studies are a powerful tool to increase sales and drive conversions.

They provide real-life examples of how your brand helps customers reach their goals.

An in-depth case study highlights your successes and allows you to show rather than tell prospective customers how you can help them reach their goals.

However, writing a solid case study can be a challenge. Many examples I see online are bland, thin, and don’t deliver the value they could.

It’s time to change that. In this article, I detail 11 actionable tips explaining how to write a case study.

Let’s get started with tip number one.

1. Write About Someone Your Ideal Customer Will Relate To

Do you know who your ideal customer is ? If it’s someone in the education industry, make case studies about your university customers. If it’s someone in the automobile industry, make your case studies about auto parts and accessories manufacturers. Whatever niche you’re in, case studies give you the perfect way to reach your target market.

The goal is to ensure that your case study shows prospective customers that you are:

  • comfortable in their industry
  • understand their industry’s specific needs
  • know how to give their industry targeted results

Think about it on a smaller level, such as when you’re reading a how-to blog post — most posts are geared toward average readers.

However, when you see a post explicitly designed for your needs (such as online marketing for the healthcare industry), you are more likely to understand and apply the information.

The same is true with case studies – people who read about results in their industry can see the possibilities. Writing case studies also positions you as an expert in your sector, helping to boost your authority and give consumers confidence.

2. Tell the Story from Start to Finish

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, storytelling matters . Telling a memorable story as a content writer sets you apart and positions you as the go-to expert in your industry.

Storytelling is the most powerful way to breathe life into your content and brand. It’s the art of communicating an event, project, or experience in an interesting and relatable manner.

In a nutshell, it’s about time you tap into the power of storytelling if you want your readers to really know your customers.

When you’re considering writing a case study, look at:

  • Who is the sample customer, and what do they do?
  • What were the customer’s goals?
  • What were the customer’s needs?
  • How did you satisfy those needs and help customers meet their goals?

Then, apply the same rules as you would with any other form of storytelling by including a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Interesting Beginning

The image below shows how Nick Francis from HelpScout started his story with a strong line. You have to keep reading after such a captivating beginning.

A story from Nick Francis with an interesting beginning.

Expository Middle

Remember that this is the meat of your story – the main body.  It must resonate with people. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

  • Use persuasive words, encouraging people to act.
  • Lay out your thoughts and advice clearly by using bulleted points.
  • Include interactive videos to make your story truly engaging. 
  • Go straight to the point; avoid needless words.
  • Outline the results your existing clients and students achieved by working with you.

For inspiration on the above, look at the NP digital case study library .

Action-Oriented Conclusion

Make your conclusion action-oriented. In other words, tell y our prospects what to do next and how to do it.

However, don’t bore readers and potential clients after you’ve persuaded them with a high-quality expository middle.

Remember to include a course of action in every phase of your client acquisition process . Otherwise, you’ll lose out on motivated clients.

When concluding your story-based case study, you can ask simple interview questions to avoid being sales-y or pushy. 

Later, you can follow up with the customer in the case study and update it to show how your clients continue to reap the benefits.

Finally, highlight emotional benefits and hard numbers. Did your solution improve morale, increase employee retention, or allow workers to focus on less tedious tasks?

This allows readers to see that your goal is to help with immediate needs and to deliver long-term results.

3. Structure Your Case Study to Persuade

Writing a case study only builds credibility if you know how to structure it. Don’t forget there are a gazillion case studies out there that no one cares about.

How do you write a case study that gets noticed above the noise? You need the power to persuade. Think Robert Collier, David Ogilvy, and Gary Halbert.

These copywriters are still talked about today, and they all know how to create persuasive copy by:

  • Using emotional language to connect with an audience
  • Focusing on the benefits of a product or service and not just the features
  • Highlighting your audience’s pain points and positioning your product/service as the solution
  • Including testimonials, or social proof as we most often refer to it today

You can apply these same steps to writing a case study that resonates with your audience. However, there are other approaches you could take, like telling the story from the perspective of a happy customer.

Case Study Outline Example

Here’s an example outline for a case study: 

  • Introduction: Start with a brief overview of the problem your customer faced. Include a background of the company and the product/service you used to help resolve their issues.
  • The Challenge: Clearly define the challenge or issue that led to the case study. This should include the impact, scope, and duration of the problem.
  • The Solution: Next, explain the solution or strategy you implemented to address the challenge. Include the unique approach, resources, and other vital details.
  • The Implementation: This section should cover how your company executed the solution, including timelines, roles and responsibilities of team members, and other details about the implementation process.
  • The Results: Highlight the outcomes of the strategy, including the specific impact on customer satisfaction ratings, customer retention, and other metrics. Use graphs and charts to showcase the results.
  • Conclusion: Finally, conclude with a recap of the problem, the solution adopted, and the results achieved. Also, include any additional insights, learnings, and recommendations for future improvements.
  • References: Include references or sources that support the case study. This ensures credibility and can help readers further understand the solution and outcomes presented in the case study. For instance, include a screenshot of the increased conversions and quotes from your client.

4. Make Your Case Study Easy to Read

No one wants to read one huge chunk of text, no matter how interesting and informative it might be. Case studies, like blog posts, should be scannable and easy to read .

Be sure to use good content formatting elements as you would with articles, blog posts, and copywriting on your website, including:

  • bulleted lists
  • bold or italicized text

In addition to providing excellent SEO value for your case studies page, these formatting elements will help your readers (especially those that like to skim) find the most important parts of your case study and understand the value you deliver.

Consider adding multimedia elements in addition to written content, such as videos, PDFs, and images, to mix it up and make the content more engaging.

Images of the actual customer results dashboards, and even video interviews make your case study easier to read and more compelling.

  • Include a clear introduction that offers context and outlines the main problem or challenges your case study covers.
  • Use quotes and testimonials from customers or clients to add credibility and make the case study more relatable.
  • Include a conclusion or summary that ties everything together and highlights the key takeaways.

Another way to produce case studies is with before and after images. We’ll look at an example next.

5. Provide Clear “Before and After” Examples

Fitness experts tend to use this strategy most effectively. You’ve all seen the “Before and After” example images of people who have lost a dramatic amount of weight.

When people want to lose weight or build muscle, purchasing any product or program often depends on the “before and after” images. Take a look at this example from Fit Father Project:

An example of a before and after image.

These case studies work well because they show what’s possible and what the program can help you achieve. There are few better ways to advertise a fitness business.

However, even as an internet marketer, you can still use the “before and after” when writing a case study.

You’ve got to understand that when prospective clients are seriously looking for the best solution or service provider to hire, they don’t want to hear or see anything except the results.

It’s not enough to highlight product features and benefits. That can help, but the real motivation usually comes from measurable results.

In your case study, you can showcase your clients’ challenges before they began using your product.

Showing the transition from before to after that product, strategy, or approach can persuade clients to hire you more than any other tactic.

I always do this when I host a live webinar or write a post, and you can do this when writing a case study, too.

6. Include Real Numbers

Have you ever read case studies where a business states they “doubled traffic” for the customer in their case study and wondered if that meant they went from 100 to 200 visits or 10,000 to 20,000 visits?

When writing a case study, you need to be specific. Share exactly how much your increased traffic, revenue, or whatever goals matter to your customers. Put the numbers out there. Including this data makes your case study more believable and helps build trust in your brand.

Instead of saying you doubled their traffic, provide specific, accurate numbers and (if possible) actual proof through charts, graphs, or analytics data.

Remember that only some people are as familiar with analytics technology as you are, so highlight the most important pieces of data and provide context as to why it matters.

Here’s an example from Page One :

An example of a before and after chart.

This way, the reader can see where the customer began and where the customer ended up with your help.

Plus, having the picture proof can help the reader envision exactly what you might do for them, making your case study that much more powerful.

7. Talk About Specific Strategies in Your Case Study

You’ve doubled a website’s traffic or sales, right? How did you do it? This is where you sell your products or services simply by saying which ones you used and how they led to the desired result.

Don’t just say, “our online marketing services led to these results.” Instead, say something like, ” A three-month social media campaign focusing on Facebook and YouTube and a five-month link-building campaign led to an increase in rankings and an increase in traffic from 2,000 to 15,000 per month.”

Consider including metrics and data to support the campaign’s success, such as click-through rates, conversions, or engagement metrics. This helps to back up your claims and establish credibility with potential clients or customers.

Don’t worry about giving away your secrets — the goal is to establish your brand as an industry leader, and you need to show you know your stuff.

8. Test Different Content Formats

Writing a case study doesn’t have to follow the typical format. Try different types of case studies, such as video testimonials , where you have your clients answer questions about what they do, their needs, their goals, and how you met them.

Quoting your customer in their own words makes the case study even more relatable to your ideal customer than you telling the story.

Infographics, webinars , testimonials, and even podcasts can also be used to highlight case studies. Don’t get stuck in the same old text-only format — get creative and see what type of content your users respond to.

Here’s a case study example from Venngage that uses a brochure-style case study to highlight how Vortex grew conversion. (Notice the results section that highlights specific gains).

A case study example from Venngage.

9. Find the Right Competitor to Profile in Your Case Study

Who are your competitors, and what results did they achieve? Profiling your competitor in your case study analysis is a great way to show how your product works.

Not sure how to get started? Check out our step-by-step guide below.

First, let’s find your competitors, in case you don’t know yet who they are.

i).   First step: Go to Semrush.com . Enter your blog URL (e.g., neilpatel.com) into the search box. Then, click on the “search” button.

ii).   Second step: Analyze your competitors. Scroll down through the results, and you’ll see your “Main Organic Competitors”:

A SEMRush competitor report.

iii).  Third step: Research your competitors. From the list of your main organic competitors, you can pick one of them to research.

Visit their website and read a couple of posts. Look for experiments, split tests, case studies, client testimonials, interview questions, etc.

Then, leverage that data in your case study.

In the client’s mind, since a brand offers the same service or sells the same product and it worked, your own offer may also work – all things being equal.

For example, if you’re a software marketer who just started out, you probably don’t have much data or any compelling success stories yet.

However, you can profile other SaaS marketers. You could share the results that Pat Flynn’s clients got or profile Derek Halpern and his students.

Here’s a recent case study where I profiled some of my competitors. I shared how these competitors increased their email open rates.

A case study from Neil Patel.

You don’t even have to showcase data from your core competitors as part of your custom paper.

If you see a brand that’s doing great and making a real impact, you can share its journey and revenue (assuming you have access to it).

Way back in February 2016, Pat Flynn generated over $65,000. You could share a case study on your blog to inspire clients on what’s obtainable.

Your titles could be similar to these:

  • Case Study: How Pat Flynn Generated Over $65,000 in February [3-Step Process]
  • 7 Steps to Making Over $100,000 From Blogging [Must Read for B2B Marketers]

Not too long ago, I profiled Shopify and shared how the online shopping cart company grew 10x in 3 years .

Is there a benefit of this case study, seeing that it’s not directly related to my blog or the results from my clients?

Well, take a look at the title again. See the underlined section. That’s what matters to any client.

When showcasing the results from competitors or other brands, find a way to provide value.

Help the reader see the possibility of getting similar or even better results. You could showcase results from competitors and use those as a benchmark for your own performance. 

Showcasing competitors’ results also gives you the opportunity to create content highlighting your brand’s unique value proposition or competitive advantages. This can help to differentiate your brand from the competition and make it more appealing to potential customers or clients.

10. Appeal to Different Types of Learners

While some people enjoy reading, others may prefer audio, video, or visual representation of your case study; consider taking your text-based case studies and re-purposing the content as:

  • A YouTube video
  • An engaging infographic (Hubspot has a list of 20 to inspire you).

The bonus of YouTube videos and infographics is that they are easy to share. Your case study could go beyond your site, helping more potential customers discover the benefits of your products/services.

You could also embed your case studies into other types of content — such as an ebook, how-to blog post, or resource guide. Additionally, you might link to your case study from other posts to prove your value, mention it in a webinar, or include numbers in a presentation.

11. Make Your Case Studies Easy to Find

What’s the point of writing a case study if no one reads it? For easy discoverability, keep your case studies organized and easy to find. This means listing them on your website, optimizing them for search , and promoting them in email and social media.

Here are a few case study examples that are easy to find — and, therefore, much more powerful.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services provides case studies from multiple niches. AWS also makes it easy to look for industry-specific case studies. 

Amazon Web Services

AWS mixes it up with podcasts, videos, and other media types.

What AWS also does well is detail specifics, as we suggested earlier. For instance, in a case study for its client Silverblaze, AWS highlights the 66 percent reduction in annual infrastructure costs.

Drupal provides case studies right on its homepage. Users considering using the solution don’t have to look far to see how other brands are succeeding with Drupal.

Examples of where Drupal is used.

Quick Checklist: 11 Steps to Create a Better Case Study

Writing an in-depth case study helps highlight your successes and turn prospects into customers. Here’s how to make them more effective.

  • Make it relatable. Highlight a customer similar to your ideal customer so they can relate to the results.
  • Tell the whole story from start to finish. That means including a beginning, middle, and end and using storytelling. Don’t just tell how you helped a week out — carry the story through and show how your product or service delivered value weeks or months down the line.
  • Structure your case study to persuade.
  • Make it easy to read. Your case study should be detailed, but don’t make it dissertation-level. Use clear formatting and casual language.
  • Provide before and after case study examples. .
  • Include numbers: Storytelling is valuable, but so is proof. Use precise numbers to prove your value.
  • Get specific about strategies. If you helped a client double their traffic, discuss how you did it. Did you up their content production, increase on-page SEO , etc.
  • Find the right kind of competitor to profile in your case study. Look for competitors in your niche and profile them. Detail their results and let readers know what’s possible.
  • Use different formats: Case studies don’t have to be in blog form! Consider videos, infographics, webinars, or even podcasts.
  • Appeal to different learners: Some people respond to different kinds of content. Consider including multiple elements, such as an infographic in a blog post, to appeal to all types of learners.
  • Make your case studies easy to find: Highlight them on your website, optimize them, and promote them on social media.

Case Study FAQs

What makes a good case study.

A good case study focuses on the customer’s experience and how they benefited from using a product or service.  It should be concise and evergreen, providing contextual details without being overly wordy. Rather than solely promoting the company, a case study should focus on the customer’s problem, how your product or service provided a solution, and the results your customer got.

What is the format of a case study report?

Typically, a case study details your customer’s problem, followed by the solution provided by the product or service, results, and data analysis. It also includes any limitations or challenges encountered and a conclusion with key takeaways. Case studies can come in a variety of formats from videos to infographics to text with images strategically placed throughout.

How long should a case study be?

The length varies, but they usually range from 500-1,500 words. Be sure to keep it to the point and don’t add copy just to make it longer.

What are the most important parts of a case study?

The most important parts of a case study typically include:

  • The problem or challenge faced by the customer or client.
  • The solution or approach provided by the product or service being studied.
  • The results and data analysis of the solution or approach.
  • The limitations or challenges encountered during the process.
  • A conclusion or key takeaways that summarize the overall impact of the solution or approach.

Additionally, you can include a well-crafted title and executive summary that capture the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the case study.

Make it relatable, easy to read, and use storytelling. That’s the simplest way to build a case study. 

It starts with research. Ask your customers to fill out a short form highlighting how you helped them reach their goals — and be sure to ask for specific results.

Explain how the case study will help them by increasing brand awareness and link opportunities. Remember, a highly effective case study helps both you and your client build trust and reach a wider audience.

Then mix it up with different formats, ensuring you’re appealing to different learners, and apply the other tips in this article. 

I bet that was easier than you thought, wasn’t it? 

Keep trying different methods to find the ones that hit home with your clients, and you’ll soon be writing case studies that secure new leads .

How do you feel about building a client case study and then using them on your website? Share your thoughts below.

Consulting with Neil Patel

See How My Agency Can Drive More Traffic to Your Website

  • SEO - unlock more SEO traffic. See real results.
  • Content Marketing - our team creates epic content that will get shared, get links, and attract traffic.
  • Paid Media - effective paid strategies with clear ROI.

Book a Call

Are You Using Google Ads? Try Our FREE Ads Grader!

Stop wasting money and unlock the hidden potential of your advertising.

  • Discover the power of intentional advertising.
  • Reach your ideal target audience.
  • Maximize ad spend efficiency.

Ads Grader

About the author:

Co Founder of NP Digital & Owner of Ubersuggest

He is the co-founder of NP Digital . The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer on the web, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. Neil is a New York Times bestselling author and was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations.

source: https://neilpatel.com/blog/creating-a-great-case-study/

30% of the world’s marketers visit Neil Patel’s blog every month for insights, strategies, and the latest trends in the dynamic realm of marketing..

Fill out the form below to download this blog

Monthly Marketing Budget Under $750 $750 to $1,500 $1,500 to $5,000 $5,000 to $10,000 $10,000 to $25,000 $25,000 to $50,000 $50,000 to $100,000 Above $100,000

Marketing team size I don’t have a marketing team 1 person 2-5 people 6-10 people 10+ people

Business type Ecommerce Professional Services SaaS Other

Industry Animal & Pet Apparel, Fashion & Jewelry Arts & Entertainment Attorneys, Law & Legal Automotive (Sales & Rental) Beauty, Cosmetics & Personal Care Career & Employment Education, Coaching & Instruction Farming, Agriculture & Sustainability Finance, Banks, Investments & Accounting Fitness, Supplements & Vitamins Health-Related, Wellness & Medical Heavy Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Home Improvement, HVAC, Roofing, Furniture, Decor Insurance Logistics & Transportation Marketing, Advertising, PR & Digital Services Pharma Real Estate Restaurants, Foods & Beverages Travel, Hotel & Tourism Other

Challenges Need more awareness and traffic Not enough leads Leads not converting into sales The current strategy is not working A mix of the above

Number of employees 1 - 5 6 - 25 26 - 100 100+

Your urgency for hiring help I need help IMMEDIATELY I need to start working on it THIS QUARTER I have 6 MONTHS to decide I have more than A YEAR Gathering information for DIY Not a priority

By clicking the button below, you consent for NP Digital and partners to use automated technology, including pre-recorded messages, cell phones and texts, and email to contact you at the number and email address provided. This includes if the number is currently on any Do Not Call Lists. This consent is not required to make a purchase. Privacy Policy .

Thank you for providing your information

Preparing the file. Please wait...

Your download will automatically start in a few seconds. If your download does not start, please click here .

If you want my team to do your marketing for you, just click the button below and schedule a call with us:

Book a call

How to Write a Case Study - All You Wanted to Know

plan of case study

What do you study in your college? If you are a psychology, sociology, or anthropology student, we bet you might be familiar with what a case study is. This research method is used to study a certain person, group, or situation. In this guide from our dissertation writing service , you will learn how to write a case study professionally, from researching to citing sources properly. Also, we will explore different types of case studies and show you examples — so that you won’t have any other questions left.

What Is a Case Study?

A case study is a subcategory of research design which investigates problems and offers solutions. Case studies can range from academic research studies to corporate promotional tools trying to sell an idea—their scope is quite vast.

What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and a Case Study?

While research papers turn the reader’s attention to a certain problem, case studies go even further. Case study guidelines require students to pay attention to details, examining issues closely and in-depth using different research methods. For example, case studies may be used to examine court cases if you study Law, or a patient's health history if you study Medicine. Case studies are also used in Marketing, which are thorough, empirically supported analysis of a good or service's performance. Well-designed case studies can be valuable for prospective customers as they can identify and solve the potential customers pain point.

Case studies involve a lot of storytelling – they usually examine particular cases for a person or a group of people. This method of research is very helpful, as it is very practical and can give a lot of hands-on information. Most commonly, the length of the case study is about 500-900 words, which is much less than the length of an average research paper.

The structure of a case study is very similar to storytelling. It has a protagonist or main character, which in your case is actually a problem you are trying to solve. You can use the system of 3 Acts to make it a compelling story. It should have an introduction, rising action, a climax where transformation occurs, falling action, and a solution.

Here is a rough formula for you to use in your case study:

Problem (Act I): > Solution (Act II) > Result (Act III) > Conclusion.

Types of Case Studies

The purpose of a case study is to provide detailed reports on an event, an institution, a place, future customers, or pretty much anything. There are a few common types of case study, but the type depends on the topic. The following are the most common domains where case studies are needed:

Types of Case Studies

  • Historical case studies are great to learn from. Historical events have a multitude of source info offering different perspectives. There are always modern parallels where these perspectives can be applied, compared, and thoroughly analyzed.
  • Problem-oriented case studies are usually used for solving problems. These are often assigned as theoretical situations where you need to immerse yourself in the situation to examine it. Imagine you’re working for a startup and you’ve just noticed a significant flaw in your product’s design. Before taking it to the senior manager, you want to do a comprehensive study on the issue and provide solutions. On a greater scale, problem-oriented case studies are a vital part of relevant socio-economic discussions.
  • Cumulative case studies collect information and offer comparisons. In business, case studies are often used to tell people about the value of a product.
  • Critical case studies explore the causes and effects of a certain case.
  • Illustrative case studies describe certain events, investigating outcomes and lessons learned.

Need a compelling case study? EssayPro has got you covered. Our experts are ready to provide you with detailed, insightful case studies that capture the essence of real-world scenarios. Elevate your academic work with our professional assistance.

order case study

Case Study Format

The case study format is typically made up of eight parts:

  • Executive Summary. Explain what you will examine in the case study. Write an overview of the field you’re researching. Make a thesis statement and sum up the results of your observation in a maximum of 2 sentences.
  • Background. Provide background information and the most relevant facts. Isolate the issues.
  • Case Evaluation. Isolate the sections of the study you want to focus on. In it, explain why something is working or is not working.
  • Proposed Solutions. Offer realistic ways to solve what isn’t working or how to improve its current condition. Explain why these solutions work by offering testable evidence.
  • Conclusion. Summarize the main points from the case evaluations and proposed solutions. 6. Recommendations. Talk about the strategy that you should choose. Explain why this choice is the most appropriate.
  • Implementation. Explain how to put the specific strategies into action.
  • References. Provide all the citations.

How to Write a Case Study

Let's discover how to write a case study.

How to Write a Case Study

Setting Up the Research

When writing a case study, remember that research should always come first. Reading many different sources and analyzing other points of view will help you come up with more creative solutions. You can also conduct an actual interview to thoroughly investigate the customer story that you'll need for your case study. Including all of the necessary research, writing a case study may take some time. The research process involves doing the following:

  • Define your objective. Explain the reason why you’re presenting your subject. Figure out where you will feature your case study; whether it is written, on video, shown as an infographic, streamed as a podcast, etc.
  • Determine who will be the right candidate for your case study. Get permission, quotes, and other features that will make your case study effective. Get in touch with your candidate to see if they approve of being part of your work. Study that candidate’s situation and note down what caused it.
  • Identify which various consequences could result from the situation. Follow these guidelines on how to start a case study: surf the net to find some general information you might find useful.
  • Make a list of credible sources and examine them. Seek out important facts and highlight problems. Always write down your ideas and make sure to brainstorm.
  • Focus on several key issues – why they exist, and how they impact your research subject. Think of several unique solutions. Draw from class discussions, readings, and personal experience. When writing a case study, focus on the best solution and explore it in depth. After having all your research in place, writing a case study will be easy. You may first want to check the rubric and criteria of your assignment for the correct case study structure.

Read Also: ' WHAT IS A CREDIBLE SOURCES ?'

Although your instructor might be looking at slightly different criteria, every case study rubric essentially has the same standards. Your professor will want you to exhibit 8 different outcomes:

  • Correctly identify the concepts, theories, and practices in the discipline.
  • Identify the relevant theories and principles associated with the particular study.
  • Evaluate legal and ethical principles and apply them to your decision-making.
  • Recognize the global importance and contribution of your case.
  • Construct a coherent summary and explanation of the study.
  • Demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Explain the interrelationships between the environment and nature.
  • Integrate theory and practice of the discipline within the analysis.

Need Case Study DONE FAST?

Pick a topic, tell us your requirements and get your paper on time.

Case Study Outline

Let's look at the structure of an outline based on the issue of the alcoholic addiction of 30 people.

Introduction

  • Statement of the issue: Alcoholism is a disease rather than a weakness of character.
  • Presentation of the problem: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there.
  • Explanation of the terms: In the past, alcoholism was commonly referred to as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is now the more severe stage of this addiction in the disorder spectrum.
  • Hypotheses: Drinking in excess can lead to the use of other drugs.
  • Importance of your story: How the information you present can help people with their addictions.
  • Background of the story: Include an explanation of why you chose this topic.
  • Presentation of analysis and data: Describe the criteria for choosing 30 candidates, the structure of the interview, and the outcomes.
  • Strong argument 1: ex. X% of candidates dealing with anxiety and depression...
  • Strong argument 2: ex. X amount of people started drinking by their mid-teens.
  • Strong argument 3: ex. X% of respondents’ parents had issues with alcohol.
  • Concluding statement: I have researched if alcoholism is a disease and found out that…
  • Recommendations: Ways and actions for preventing alcohol use.

Writing a Case Study Draft

After you’ve done your case study research and written the outline, it’s time to focus on the draft. In a draft, you have to develop and write your case study by using: the data which you collected throughout the research, interviews, and the analysis processes that were undertaken. Follow these rules for the draft:

How to Write a Case Study

📝 Step 📌 Description
1. Draft Structure 🖋️ Your draft should contain at least 4 sections: an introduction; a body where you should include background information, an explanation of why you decided to do this case study, and a presentation of your main findings; a conclusion where you present data; and references.
2. Introduction 📚 In the introduction, you should set the pace very clearly. You can even raise a question or quote someone you interviewed in the research phase. It must provide adequate background information on the topic. The background may include analyses of previous studies on your topic. Include the aim of your case here as well. Think of it as a thesis statement. The aim must describe the purpose of your work—presenting the issues that you want to tackle. Include background information, such as photos or videos you used when doing the research.
3. Research Process 🔍 Describe your unique research process, whether it was through interviews, observations, academic journals, etc. The next point includes providing the results of your research. Tell the audience what you found out. Why is this important, and what could be learned from it? Discuss the real implications of the problem and its significance in the world.
4. Quotes and Data 💬 Include quotes and data (such as findings, percentages, and awards). This will add a personal touch and better credibility to the case you present. Explain what results you find during your interviews in regards to the problem and how it developed. Also, write about solutions which have already been proposed by other people who have already written about this case.
5. Offer Solutions 💡 At the end of your case study, you should offer possible solutions, but don’t worry about solving them yourself.

Use Data to Illustrate Key Points in Your Case Study

Even though your case study is a story, it should be based on evidence. Use as much data as possible to illustrate your point. Without the right data, your case study may appear weak and the readers may not be able to relate to your issue as much as they should. Let's see the examples from essay writing service :

‍ With data: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there. Without data: A lot of people suffer from alcoholism in the United States.

Try to include as many credible sources as possible. You may have terms or sources that could be hard for other cultures to understand. If this is the case, you should include them in the appendix or Notes for the Instructor or Professor.

Finalizing the Draft: Checklist

After you finish drafting your case study, polish it up by answering these ‘ask yourself’ questions and think about how to end your case study:

  • Check that you follow the correct case study format, also in regards to text formatting.
  • Check that your work is consistent with its referencing and citation style.
  • Micro-editing — check for grammar and spelling issues.
  • Macro-editing — does ‘the big picture’ come across to the reader? Is there enough raw data, such as real-life examples or personal experiences? Have you made your data collection process completely transparent? Does your analysis provide a clear conclusion, allowing for further research and practice?

Problems to avoid:

  • Overgeneralization – Do not go into further research that deviates from the main problem.
  • Failure to Document Limitations – Just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study, you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis.
  • Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications – Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings.

How to Create a Title Page and Cite a Case Study

Let's see how to create an awesome title page.

Your title page depends on the prescribed citation format. The title page should include:

  • A title that attracts some attention and describes your study
  • The title should have the words “case study” in it
  • The title should range between 5-9 words in length
  • Your name and contact information
  • Your finished paper should be only 500 to 1,500 words in length.With this type of assignment, write effectively and avoid fluff

Here is a template for the APA and MLA format title page:

There are some cases when you need to cite someone else's study in your own one – therefore, you need to master how to cite a case study. A case study is like a research paper when it comes to citations. You can cite it like you cite a book, depending on what style you need.

Citation Example in MLA ‍ Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing, 2008. Print.
Citation Example in APA ‍ Hill, L., Khanna, T., & Stecker, E. A. (2008). HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing.
Citation Example in Chicago Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies.

Case Study Examples

To give you an idea of a professional case study example, we gathered and linked some below.

Eastman Kodak Case Study

Case Study Example: Audi Trains Mexican Autoworkers in Germany

To conclude, a case study is one of the best methods of getting an overview of what happened to a person, a group, or a situation in practice. It allows you to have an in-depth glance at the real-life problems that businesses, healthcare industry, criminal justice, etc. may face. This insight helps us look at such situations in a different light. This is because we see scenarios that we otherwise would not, without necessarily being there. If you need custom essays , try our research paper writing services .

Get Help Form Qualified Writers

Crafting a case study is not easy. You might want to write one of high quality, but you don’t have the time or expertise. If you’re having trouble with your case study, help with essay request - we'll help. EssayPro writers have read and written countless case studies and are experts in endless disciplines. Request essay writing, editing, or proofreading assistance from our custom case study writing service , and all of your worries will be gone.

Don't Know Where to Start?

Crafting a case study is not easy. You might want to write one of high quality, but you don’t have the time or expertise. Request ' write my case study ' assistance from our service.

What Is A Case Study?

How to cite a case study in apa, how to write a case study.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

plan of case study

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

research paper abstract

  • How to Order

User Icon

Writing A Case Study

Case Study Examples

Barbara P

Brilliant Case Study Examples and Templates For Your Help

15 min read

Case Study Examples

People also read

A Complete Case Study Writing Guide With Examples

Simple Case Study Format for Students to Follow

Understand the Types of Case Study Here

It’s no surprise that writing a case study is one of the most challenging academic tasks for students. You’re definitely not alone here!

Most people don't realize that there are specific guidelines to follow when writing a case study. If you don't know where to start, it's easy to get overwhelmed and give up before you even begin.

Don't worry! Let us help you out!

We've collected over 25 free case study examples with solutions just for you. These samples with solutions will help you win over your panel and score high marks on your case studies.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive in and learn the secrets to writing a successful case study.

Arrow Down

  • 1. An Overview of Case Studies
  • 2. Case Study Examples for Students
  • 3. Business Case Study Examples
  • 4. Medical Case Study Examples
  • 5. Psychology Case Study Examples 
  • 6. Sales Case Study Examples
  • 7. Interview Case Study Examples
  • 8. Marketing Case Study Examples
  • 9. Tips to Write a Good Case Study

An Overview of Case Studies

A case study is a research method used to study a particular individual, group, or situation in depth. It involves analyzing and interpreting data from a variety of sources to gain insight into the subject being studied. 

Case studies are often used in psychology, business, and education to explore complicated problems and find solutions. They usually have detailed descriptions of the subject, background info, and an analysis of the main issues.

The goal of a case study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Typically, case studies can be divided into three parts, challenges, solutions, and results. 

Here is a case study sample PDF so you can have a clearer understanding of what a case study actually is:

Case Study Sample PDF

How to Write a Case Study Examples

Learn how to write a case study with the help of our comprehensive case study guide.

Case Study Examples for Students

Quite often, students are asked to present case studies in their academic journeys. The reason instructors assign case studies is for students to sharpen their critical analysis skills, understand how companies make profits, etc.

Below are some case study examples in research, suitable for students:







Case Study Example in Software Engineering

Qualitative Research Case Study Sample

Software Quality Assurance Case Study

Social Work Case Study Example

Ethical Case Study

Case Study Example PDF

These examples can guide you on how to structure and format your own case studies.

Struggling with formatting your case study? Check this case study format guide and perfect your document’s structure today.

Business Case Study Examples

A business case study examines a business’s specific challenge or goal and how it should be solved. Business case studies usually focus on several details related to the initial challenge and proposed solution. 

To help you out, here are some samples so you can create case studies that are related to businesses: 





Here are some more business case study examples:

Business Case Studies PDF

Business Case Studies Example

Typically, a business case study discovers one of your customer's stories and how you solved a problem for them. It allows your prospects to see how your solutions address their needs. 

Medical Case Study Examples

Medical case studies are an essential part of medical education. They help students to understand how to diagnose and treat patients. 

Here are some medical case study examples to help you.

Medical Case Study Example

Nursing Case Study Example

Want to understand the various types of case studies? Check out our types of case study blog to select the perfect type.

Psychology Case Study Examples 

Case studies are a great way of investigating individuals with psychological abnormalities. This is why it is a very common assignment in psychology courses. 

By examining all the aspects of your subject’s life, you discover the possible causes of exhibiting such behavior. 

For your help, here are some interesting psychology case study examples:

Psychology Case Study Example

Mental Health Case Study Example

Sales Case Study Examples

Case studies are important tools for sales teams’ performance improvement. By examining sales successes, teams can gain insights into effective strategies and create action plans to employ similar tactics.

By researching case studies of successful sales campaigns, sales teams can more accurately identify challenges and develop solutions.

Sales Case Study Example

Interview Case Study Examples

Interview case studies provide businesses with invaluable information. This data allows them to make informed decisions related to certain markets or subjects.

Interview Case Study Example

Marketing Case Study Examples

Marketing case studies are real-life stories that showcase how a business solves a problem. They typically discuss how a business achieves a goal using a specific marketing strategy or tactic.

They typically describe a challenge faced by a business, the solution implemented, and the results achieved.

This is a short sample marketing case study for you to get an idea of what an actual marketing case study looks like.

: ABC Solutions, a leading provider of tech products and services.


Engaging and informative content highlighting products and services.
Incorporating real-world examples to showcase the impact of ABC Solutions.

Utilizing analytics to refine content strategies.
Aligning content with customer needs and pain points.

Content marketing efforts led to a significant boost in brand visibility.
Compelling narratives highlighting how products and services transformed businesses.

 Here are some more popular marketing studies that show how companies use case studies as a means of marketing and promotion:

“Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected” by Carol H. Williams

This case study explores Chevrolet's “ DTU Journalism Fellows ” program. The case study uses the initials “DTU” to generate interest and encourage readers to learn more. 

Multiple types of media, such as images and videos, are used to explain the challenges faced. The case study concludes with an overview of the achievements that were met.

Key points from the case study include:

  • Using a well-known brand name in the title can create interest.
  • Combining different media types, such as headings, images, and videos, can help engage readers and make the content more memorable.
  • Providing a summary of the key achievements at the end of the case study can help readers better understand the project's impact.

“The Met” by Fantasy

“ The Met ” by Fantasy is a fictional redesign of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, created by the design studio Fantasy. The case study clearly and simply showcases the museum's website redesign.

The Met emphasizes the website’s features and interface by showcasing each section of the interface individually, allowing the readers to concentrate on the significant elements.

For those who prefer text, each feature includes an objective description. The case study also includes a “Contact Us” call-to-action at the bottom of the page, inviting visitors to contact the company.

Key points from this “The Met” include:

  • Keeping the case study simple and clean can help readers focus on the most important aspects.
  • Presenting the features and solutions with a visual showcase can be more effective than writing a lot of text.
  • Including a clear call-to-action at the end of the case study can encourage visitors to contact the company for more information.

“Better Experiences for All” by Herman Miller

Herman Miller's minimalist approach to furniture design translates to their case study, “ Better Experiences for All ”, for a Dubai hospital. The page features a captivating video with closed-captioning and expandable text for accessibility.

The case study presents a wealth of information in a concise format, enabling users to grasp the complexities of the strategy with ease. It concludes with a client testimonial and a list of furniture items purchased from the brand.

Key points from the “Better Experiences” include:

  • Make sure your case study is user-friendly by including accessibility features like closed captioning and expandable text.
  • Include a list of products that were used in the project to guide potential customers.

“NetApp” by Evisort 

Evisort's case study on “ NetApp ” stands out for its informative and compelling approach. The study begins with a client-centric overview of NetApp, strategically directing attention to the client rather than the company or team involved.

The case study incorporates client quotes and explores NetApp’s challenges during COVID-19. Evisort showcases its value as a client partner by showing how its services supported NetApp through difficult times. 

  • Provide an overview of the company in the client’s words, and put focus on the customer. 
  • Highlight how your services can help clients during challenging times.
  • Make your case study accessible by providing it in various formats.

“Red Sox Season Campaign,” by CTP Boston

The “ Red Sox Season Campaign ” showcases a perfect blend of different media, such as video, text, and images. Upon visiting the page, the video plays automatically, there are videos of Red Sox players, their images, and print ads that can be enlarged with a click.

The page features an intuitive design and invites viewers to appreciate CTP's well-rounded campaign for Boston's beloved baseball team. There’s also a CTA that prompts viewers to learn how CTP can create a similar campaign for their brand.

Some key points to take away from the “Red Sox Season Campaign”: 

  • Including a variety of media such as video, images, and text can make your case study more engaging and compelling.
  • Include a call-to-action at the end of your study that encourages viewers to take the next step towards becoming a customer or prospect.

“Airbnb + Zendesk” by Zendesk

The case study by Zendesk, titled “ Airbnb + Zendesk : Building a powerful solution together,” showcases a true partnership between Airbnb and Zendesk. 

The article begins with an intriguing opening statement, “Halfway around the globe is a place to stay with your name on it. At least for a weekend,” and uses stunning images of beautiful Airbnb locations to captivate readers.

Instead of solely highlighting Zendesk's product, the case study is crafted to tell a good story and highlight Airbnb's service in detail. This strategy makes the case study more authentic and relatable.

Some key points to take away from this case study are:

  • Use client's offerings' images rather than just screenshots of your own product or service.
  • To begin the case study, it is recommended to include a distinct CTA. For instance, Zendesk presents two alternatives, namely to initiate a trial or seek a solution.

“Influencer Marketing” by Trend and WarbyParker

The case study "Influencer Marketing" by Trend and Warby Parker highlights the potential of influencer content marketing, even when working with a limited budget. 

The “Wearing Warby” campaign involved influencers wearing Warby Parker glasses during their daily activities, providing a glimpse of the brand's products in use. 

This strategy enhanced the brand's relatability with influencers' followers. While not detailing specific tactics, the case study effectively illustrates the impact of third-person case studies in showcasing campaign results.

Key points to take away from this case study are:

  • Influencer marketing can be effective even with a limited budget.
  • Showcasing products being used in everyday life can make a brand more approachable and relatable.
  • Third-person case studies can be useful in highlighting the success of a campaign.

Marketing Case Study Template

Marketing Case Study Example

Now that you have read multiple case study examples, hop on to our tips.

Tips to Write a Good Case Study

Here are some note-worthy tips to craft a winning case study 

  • Define the purpose of the case study This will help you to focus on the most important aspects of the case. The case study objective helps to ensure that your finished product is concise and to the point.
  • Choose a real-life example. One of the best ways to write a successful case study is to choose a real-life example. This will give your readers a chance to see how the concepts apply in a real-world setting.
  • Keep it brief. This means that you should only include information that is directly relevant to your topic and avoid adding unnecessary details.
  • Use strong evidence. To make your case study convincing, you will need to use strong evidence. This can include statistics, data from research studies, or quotes from experts in the field.
  • Edit and proofread your work. Before you submit your case study, be sure to edit and proofread your work carefully. This will help to ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.

There you go!

We’re sure that now you have secrets to writing a great case study at your fingertips! This blog teaches the key guidelines of various case studies with samples. So grab your pen and start crafting a winning case study right away!

Having said that, we do understand that some of you might be having a hard time writing compelling case studies.

But worry not! Our expert case study writing service is here to take all your case-writing blues away! 

With 100% thorough research guaranteed, our online essay service can craft an amazing case study within 24 hours! 

So why delay? Let us help you shine in the eyes of your instructor!

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Get Help

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Case Study

plan of case study

Case Study: Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan

Overview/Background

The Issue: Implement a robust public involvement effort that provided a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on a wolf restoration and management plan. 

In November 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 114 directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in Colorado no later than December 31, 2023, on designated lands west of the Continental Divide; hold statewide hearings about scientific, economic, and social considerations; periodically obtain public input to update the plan; and use state funds to assist livestock owners in preventing conflicts with gray wolves and pay fair compensation for livestock losses. 

Keystone was selected by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to implement a robust public involvement effort that would provide a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on the wolf restoration and management planning process. In addition to robust public engagement, Keystone and CPW facilitated a Technical Working Group and a Stakeholder Advisory Group to facilitate insights and feedback throughout the entire planning process. The Technical Working Group included state and federal agency scientist and experts. The Stakeholder Advisory Group was selected by CPW for diversity in demographics, geographic regions, and perspectives. 

Keystone’s approach emphasized inclusivity and accessibility through in-person meetings, public town halls, and focus groups. Keystone conducted public open houses and geographic focus groups, led in-person and virtual interest-based focus groups and Tribal consultations, and facilitated monthly gatherings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) for more than a year.

The process involved regional meetings to gather local input, synthesizing feedback into recommendations, and facilitating expert and community stakeholder meetings. During the project, Keystone conducted 47 public meetings engaging more than 3,400 participants with thousands more participating via online methods, such as submitting comments. Keystone also worked closely with CPW, TWG, SAG, and Tribal communities, maintaining transparent communication and regular updates to all stakeholders as well as the Parks and Wildlife Commission.

The project resulted in the development and approval of a comprehensive gray wolf restoration and management plan, which included the majority of recommendations developed and synthesized through the collaborative process led by Keystone. On May 3, 2023, the Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the final Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. A timeline of the project is below.

  • November 2020: Proposition 114 passed.
  • Spring 2021: Keystone selected to lead public engagement.
  • Summer 2021: Statewide public engagement meetings conducted.
  • Summer 2021-Summer 2022: Keystone convened monthly meetings with SAG and TWG
  • August 2022: TWG released its final recommendations.
  • September 2022: SAG released its final recommendations.
  • Winter 2023: Keystone hosts in-person public comment meetings in addition to gathering online comments.
  • May 3, 2023: CPW approved the final plan.

plan of case study

Michael S. Regan was sworn in as the 16th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on March 11, 2021, becoming the first Black man and second person of color to lead the U.S. EPA.

Administrator Regan is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he developed a passion for the environment while hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather, and exploring the vast lands, waters, and inner Coastal Plain of North Carolina.

As the son of two public servants – his mother, a nurse for nearly 30 years, and his father, a retired Colonel with the North Carolina National Guard, Vietnam veteran, and former agricultural extension agent – Michael Regan went on to follow in his parents’ footsteps and pursue a life of public service.

Prior to his nomination as EPA Administrator, Michael Regan served as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

As Secretary, he spearheaded the development and implementation of North Carolina’s seminal plan to address climate change and transition the state to a clean energy economy. Under his leadership, he secured the largest coal ash clean-up in United States history. He led complex negotiations regarding the clean-up of the Cape Fear River, which had been contaminated for years by the toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). In addition, he established North Carolina’s first-of-its-kind Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory board to better align social inequities, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

Previously, Administrator Regan served as Associate Vice President of U.S. Climate and Energy, and as Southeast Regional Director of the Environmental Defense Fund where he convened energy companies, business leaders, environmental and industry groups, and elected officials across the country to achieve pragmatic solutions to the climate crisis.

He began his career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, eventually becoming a national program manager responsible for designing strategic solutions with industry and corporate stakeholders to reduce air pollution, improve energy efficiency and address climate change.

Throughout his career, he has been guided by a belief in forming consensus, fostering an open dialogue rooted in respect for science and the law, and an understanding that environmental protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand.

Administrator Regan is a graduate of the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, making him the first EPA Administrator to have graduated from a Historically Black College and University. He earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University.

He and his wife Melvina are proud parents to their son, Matthew.

plan of case study

From 2021 to 2022, Pershing supported Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in advancing various international commitments over the past year. These include the conclusion of the Glasgow Climate Pact at the UN Climate Convention, adoption of a  Global Methane Pledge  by over 100 countries, a  joint declaration  between China and the U.S. on enhancing climate action, and a commitment by  nations representing over half of the world’s economy  to reduce their emissions to levels that will keep the warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next decade.

Previously, Jonathan served as Special Envoy for Climate Change at the U.S. Department of State and lead U.S. negotiator to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Jonathan played a key role in successfully negotiating landmark climate change deals with nations such as China, India, the European Union, Canada and Mexico. In this capacity—as well as in his earlier capacity as Deputy Special Envoy—he was instrumental in securing the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and subsequently, as senior international climate advisor to the White House and Secretary of State, was charged with overseeing its early implementation.

Prior to that, Jonathan served as the Senior Climate Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Energy and the Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis at the Department of Energy. He was a key architect of the “Mission Innovation” commitment to double climate and clean energy research and development budgets around the world, and a major contributor to the first ever “Quadrennial Energy Review,” a deep assessment of U.S. energy policy.

Jonathan spent six years as the director of the Climate, Energy and Pollution Program at the World Resources Institute; five years as the Head of the Environment Division at the International Energy Agency in Paris; and for nearly a decade in the 1990s, he served the Science Advisor and Deputy Director of the Office of Global Change in the U.S. Department of State.

He holds a Ph.D. in geology and geophysics from the University of Minnesota. A scientist by training, he served as a lead author, review editor and contributor for reports of the Nobel-prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He has taught at the University of Minnesota and at American University, and he has published and lectured widely on climate and energy issues. In addition, he lived and worked for several years in Alaska in the energy and mining industry.

plan of case study

Since 2007, Griffin has reported daily from the Pentagon where she questions senior military leaders, travels to war zones with the Joint Chiefs and Secretaries of Defense, and reports on all aspects of the military and the current wars against ISIS and Al Qaeda.

Most recently, Griffin reported on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war live from the Pentagon. She extensively covered the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reporting live from Lviv and Kyiv, Ukraine, where she presented an exclusive sit-down interview with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. In April of 2022, she secured an exclusive interview with United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany following his meeting with dozens of defense ministers on the war in Ukraine. Prior to traveling to Europe, Griffin spearheaded FNC’s Ukrainian war coverage stateside with around the clock updates from the Pentagon. In 2021, she led reporting surrounding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, notably grilling Pentagon Officials over their handling of the evacuation. Additionally, she covered the terror attack at Abbey Gate, including securing an interview with chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley.

Additionally, Griffin covered the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012, and the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011. She has secured major interviews with former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in Baghdad on the day the Iraq War ended in December 2011, an exclusive interview with General David Petraeus in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2010 when he took over as the top US commander there. Griffin also traveled with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on multiple trips overseas from 2007 – 2011. She began her work at the Pentagon at the start of the “surge.”

During Griffin’s tenure at FNC, she has provided coverage from Israel. She provided on scene coverage of the Palestinian Intifada from 2000 – 2007 and was among the first reporters to arrive in the wake of the South-East Asia tsunami tragedy, reporting from Phuket and Khao Lak, Thailand. While based in Jerusalem, she reported on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, countless suicide bombings, military incursions, and failed peace deals. In 2000, she provided on-site coverage of Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, its withdrawal from the Gaza strip in 2005 and Yasser Arafat’s funeral. Also, Griffin is credited with conducting a rare and extensive interview with former Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon on his farm in 2009 before he lapsed into a coma.

Prior to joining FNC, Griffin covered the Middle East region for several American media organizations including National Public Radio and U.S. News & World Report. Previously, she reported for The Sowetan newspaper in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she covered Nelson Mandela’s prison release and numerous other historic moments in South Africa’s transition away from the apartheid regime.

A graduate of Harvard University in 1992, Griffin received a B.A. in comparative politics. Griffin played an integral role in the rescue of FNC’s state department correspondent Benjamin Hall. Her efforts were documented in Hall’s New York Times bestseller “Saved: A Reporter’s Mission to Make it Home.” In September 2022, Griffin received the Transatlantic Leadership Network’s “Freedom of the Media” Gold Medal for Public Service award. She is the co-author of the book, “This Burning Land: Lessons from the Frontlines of the Transformed Israeli- Palestinian Conflict,” which she wrote with her husband, Greg Myre, regarding their experience in Israel.

plan of case study

Rob joined Anterix’s predecessor, pdvWireless, as Chief Strategy Officer in 2015, where, together with Executive Chairman Morgan O’Brien, he helped to conceive and lead the execution of Anterix’s vision of transformative broadband connectivity for the modern grid. Throughout his tenure with the company—becoming Chief Operating Officer and later President, CEO, and Director in 2020—Rob has progressively shaped Anterix into a creator of utility-first solutions for the industry’s most pressing energy challenges, leveraging 900 MHz private wireless broadband networks.

At Anterix, Rob, with his team, has created a track record of strategic achievements. These include securing the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to enable broadband development in the 900 MHz band; developing Anterix’s innovative, scalable business model; building industry-wide partnerships and harnessing momentum to bring together pioneering utilities and more than 100 leading technology companies driving solutions that leverage 900 MHz broadband; and developing a game-winning leadership team to accomplish the company’s transformative broadband mission. Rob also pioneered the founding of the Utility Broadband Alliance, the industry-leading utility-led organization championing private broadband networks as a key enabler of the energy transformation.

Prior to joining Anterix, Rob served in key leadership roles where he helped to build breakthrough telecommunications and technology companies, including Unison Site Management, IDT Telecom, The Associated Group, and Nextel. Rob serves as a board member of the Keystone Energy Board and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ. He is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and The George Washington University School of Government & Business Administration.

Among his honors, Rob was shortlisted for the New Jersey Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2023 and is a recipient of the 2022 New Jersey Biz Digi-Tech Innovator Award.

Classroom Logo

  • Teacher Opportunities
  • AP U.S. Government Key Terms
  • Bureaucracy & Regulation
  • Campaigns & Elections
  • Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
  • Comparative Government
  • Constitutional Foundation
  • Criminal Law & Justice
  • Economics & Financial Literacy
  • English & Literature
  • Environmental Policy & Land Use
  • Executive Branch
  • Federalism and State Issues
  • Foreign Policy
  • Gun Rights & Firearm Legislation
  • Immigration
  • Interest Groups & Lobbying
  • Judicial Branch
  • Legislative Branch
  • Political Parties
  • Science & Technology
  • Social Services
  • State History
  • Supreme Court Cases
  • U.S. History
  • World History

Log-in to bookmark & organize content - it's free!

  • Bell Ringers
  • Lesson Plans
  • Featured Resources

Lesson Plan: Civil War Journal - Case Study of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth

Red Arrow

Introduction to the Journal

Former President of the Michigan Historical Commission Jack Dempsey provided introductory remarks for his talk about a Michigan woman’s Civil War journal and her experience during the war. The Abraham Lincoln Civil War Roundtable of Michigan hosted this program.

Description

This lesson uses the Civil War era writings of soldier Samuel Woodworth and his wife Ellen to explore the conflict from a unique perspective. The lesson, which features former President of the Michigan Historical Commission Jack Dempsey speaking at the Abraham Lincoln Civil War Roundtable of Michigan, opens with two reflective questions that ask students to reflect on what can be learned from primary sources and consider what the roles of women were during the Civil War. Students then view an introductory video clip in which Dempsey provides opening comments about the journal. Next, students view and analyze two video clips that provide background information about Ellen and Samuel Woodworth and the roles of northern women during the Civil War. From there, students learn about Ellen and Samuel Woodworth’s various roles during the Civil War by watching and responding to four video clips. Next, students view and analyze four video clips that detail the various themes that are evident in the Woodworth journal. Students then view and analyze two final video clips in which Dempsey discusses what happened to the Woodworths after the War and why their writings are worthy of contemporary publication. Finally, students respond to a summative writing prompt that asks them to "detail the challenges [Ellen and Samuel Woodworth] faced and their related contributions during this era."

This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handout and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

You can also save and share the following Google resource for students to use with this lesson.

Handout: Graphic Organizer (Google Doc).

In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

Pose the following brainstorming questions to your students, directing them to record their responses in their graphic organizer, share with a partner, and then with the class if they choose.

  • What can we learn from the private letters of those from the past?
  • Describe the roles of women during the Civil War.

INTRODUCTION

Play the following introductory video clip of former President of the Michigan Historical Commission Jack Dempsey providing introductory remarks for his talk about a Michigan woman’s Civil War journal and her experience during the war. Direct your students to answer the related question on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.

Clip #1: Introduction to the Journal (3:14).

  • Based on the clip, where is Ellen Woodworth’s journal currently located?
  • Is the document shown in the clip actually “a diary or a journal?” Explain.
  • How can we be sure that the document is “authentic?”
  • What is “interesting” about the letters?
  • Who is the “hero” of the story? Why?

Direct your students to their graphic organizers to view and define the vocabulary terms that will appear in the lesson in the chart in their graphic organizer handout. The vocabulary words are also listed to the right on this webpage.

We recommend having your students complete the activity in a jigsaw format to save time. Or, depending on time and resources, you may consider having your students engage in a Frayer's Model activity , where each student is responsible for completing one or two items. Students can then post their models around the room for reference throughout the lesson.

Note: this is not an all-encompassing list of terms included in each video. We recommend you preview the video clips to determine any necessary additions/subtractions to this list for your specific students .

Direct students to the Background section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following two video clips that provide background information about Ellen and Samuel Woodworth and the roles of northern women during the Civil War. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.

Clip #2: Contributions of Northern Women (1:41).

  • Based on the clip, what event did President Abraham Lincoln attend in March of 1864?
  • Whose “virtues” did President Lincoln extol during the event?
  • Summarize the quote from President Lincoln, as shown in the clip.
  • What idea is “often overlooked?” Explain.

Clip #3: Ellen Preston and Samuel Woodworth (2:58).

  • Summarize the biographical information about the two individuals, as discussed in the clip.
  • Is either person “remarkable?” Explain.
  • Based on the clip, who have most of the books about women during the Civil War focused on? Why?
  • What “major contributions” did northern women make during the War?

Direct students to the War Time section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following four video clips that highlight Ellen and Samuel Woodworth’s various roles during the Civil War. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.

Clip #4: Recruitment and Enlistment (2:02).

  • Based on the clip, why did Samuel Woodworth enlist in the military?
  • Summarize Jack Dempsey’s comments about ‘honor.’ What was a “bounty?”
  • What was “not typical” about Samuel? Explain.
  • According to Dempsey, what role did Samuel have in the military?

Clip #5: To the Deep South (4:40).

  • How did Samuel Woodworth get to the “deep South?” Why?
  • Summarize the history and roles of Samuel’s “regiment.”
  • What caused “most” of the deaths in Samuel’s regiment, and what percentage of the soldiers never returned home?
  • Why was the regiment especially “important” in 1863 and 1864?

Clip #6: Ellen’s Roles (1:22).

  • What was Ellen Woodworth doing while her husband was “away at the front?”
  • Based on the clip, what did Ellen routinely offer to send her husband?
  • Describe Ellen’s “resourcefulness” during the Civil War.

Clip #7: A Cartoon (2:54).

  • Before playing the clip, describe what roles you see depicted in the cartoon image.
  • According to Jack Dempsey, was Ellen Woodworth a prognosticator? Explain.
  • Based on the clip, was Ellen a teacher, a nurse, or a cook?
  • What other roles did Ellen “fulfill” during the Civil War?

THEMES AND LESSONS

Direct students to the Themes and Lessons section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following four video clips that detail the various themes that are evident in the Woodworth journal. Direct your students to answer the related questions on their graphic organizer and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.

Clip #8: The Journal and Slavery (6:25).

  • What is “revealed” throughout the journal?
  • Based on the clip, why had Samuel and Ellen Woodworth moved to Michigan? Who was already living in the area?
  • What did Samuel see “for the first time” when he became a soldier during the Civil War?
  • Why did “most” northern soldiers fight during the War?
  • According to Jack Dempsey, what might Samuel have agreed with? How do we know?
  • Based on the clip, how did his military service change Samuel’s views regarding slavery? Explain.
  • Compare Ellen and Samuel’s views about religion, as discussed by Dempsey.
  • What was Ellen’s “motivation” for writing letters to her husband, and what insight does the journal offer us today?

Clip #9 Poignant Moments (1:25).

  • Summarize Ellen Woodworth’s Christmas 1863 message to her husband, as discussed in the clip.
  • What is a “recurring theme” in many of Ellen’s messages?
  • How does the third “comment” parallel events in our own lives? Explain.

Clip #10: Dangers and Faith (4:22).

  • What “danger” did Samuel Woodworth face as a soldier?
  • Based on the clip, what did Samuel see while working on the railroads?
  • What did Samuel “incur” during his time in the military?
  • Why did Ellen experience “anxiety?” Explain.
  • Describe Ellen’s “abiding faith” and summarize its related impact.

Clip #11: Military Record and Hospital (3:54).

  • What does Samuel Woodworth’s military record shown in the clip ‘indicate?’
  • According to Jack Dempsey, what were the conditions at General Hospital No. 15?
  • Based on the clip, who was Dr. Tripler and what did he do?
  • Why has Tripler been “denigrated?” Summarize Dempsey’s related comments about Civil War medicine.

After your students finish sharing their findings from the last section, direct them to the Reflection section of their graphic organizers. Instruct your students to view the following final two video clips in which former President of the Michigan Historical Commission Jack Dempsey discusses what happened to the Woodworths after the War and why their writings are worthy of contemporary publication. Direct your students to answer the related questions and share their findings with a partner, small group, or the class when finished.

Clip #12: After the War (1:31).

  • Based on the clip, what happened to Samuel and Ellen Woodworth after the Civil War?
  • What is the “description” on Ellen’s grave marker? Why is this “inadequate?”
  • How were Ellen and Samuel “reunited?”

Clip #13: Worthy of Publication (4:46).

  • How is this journal a “new perspective” about the Civil War? Explain.
  • Based on the clip, which unique themes are evident in the letters?
  • How do the letters showcase both “intensity” and “intimacy?”
  • According to Jack Dempsey, what do primary source materials allow us to do?

After your students are finished with the lesson, direct them to complete the final culminating writing prompt and have students share their responses, comparing their perspectives with their classmates' perspectives: Having learned about the Civil War experiences of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth, detail the challenges they faced and their related contributions during this era . Be sure to include evidence from the video clips in the lesson to support your argument .

Related Articles

  • This Place Mount Pleasant (Clarke Digital Collections)
  • "Places" in the Journal (University of Georgia Press)

Additional Resources

  • Bell Ringer: Civil War: Women and Nursing in the South
  • Bell Ringer: Civil War Medicine and Disabled Veterans
  • Bell Ringer: Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Bell Ringer: Civil War Guerilla Warfare and The Lieber Code
  • Bell Ringer: Legalized Prostitution During the Civil War
  • Lesson Plan: Rural America after the Civil War
  • Lesson Plan: Fraternization During the Civil War
  • Lesson Plan: Civil War Attacks on Civilians and Private Property
  • Lesson Plan: African American Letters to Abraham Lincoln
  • Lesson Plan: African American Civil War Era Letters
  • American Civil War (1861-65)
  • Bushwhacker
  • Confederate
  • Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
  • Homestead Act Of 1862

UPitt Logo

  • open search

From the latest big breakthrough to the most influential and inspiring figures on campus to Pitt in the community, Pittwire is your official source for what’s happening now.

  • Health and Wellness
  • Technology and Science
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Community Impact
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Innovation and Research
  • Our City/Our Campus
  • Pitt Magazine
  • Features & Articles
  • Accolades & Honors
  • Ones to Watch
  • Announcements and Updates
  • Life at Pitt
  • Arts & Sciences
  • Computing & Information
  • Dental Medicine
  • Engineering
  • General Studies
  • Health & Rehabilitation
  • Honors College
  • Public & Intl Affairs
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • COVID-19 Response
  • Sustainability
  • University News
  • Health Equity
  • Be welcoming and engaged

FPO Tower

Subscribe to Pittwire Today

The pitt pantry lockers won a national food waste reduction award.

A student grabs an item from the Pitt Pantry lockers.

Pitt is the Food Waste Reduction winner in the National Wildlife Federation 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Case Study Competition. The University was recognized for its Pitt Pantry lockers, an innovative approach to minimizing food waste and addressing food insecurity on campus.

The award-winning initiative launched in fall 2023. With support from a Pennsylvania Hunger Free Campus grant, Pitt installed temperature-controlled lockers to distribute meals prepared with recovered food from the Eatery to food insecure students. Between November 2023 and April 2024, 86 students accessed more than 1,000 meals, diverting 1,023 pounds of food from landfills that would otherwise not be used.

The lockers build on the success of Food Recovery Heroes. Working with Pitt’s Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services division and dining provider Chartwells, the student organization has helped the University divert more than 200,000 pounds of surplus food from campus to local hunger-fighting agencies. Founded in 2015, the Pitt Pantry supports Pitt students and employees facing food insecurity.

In addition to supporting students facing food insecurity, the food lockers are used by the campus community for food and grocery pickup from Pitt Eats. This dual-purpose system ensures user confidentiality and helps reduce the stigma associated with receiving a free meal.

By providing free, nutritious meals, the lockers contribute to Pitt’s Sustainability Plan, which includes the goals of proactively meeting students' basic needs and reducing landfill waste 25% below 2017 levels by 2030. This initiative both addresses immediate food needs and reduces waste while supporting Pitt’s broader commitments to sustainability and student well-being.

Pitt’s case study is featured in the National Wildlife Federation’s “ Learn from your peers ” resource, serving as a model for other institutions aiming to implement similar programs.

You can help shape Pitt’s Campus Master Plan

Here’s the latest in campus construction at pitt, connect with your neighbors during pitt’s free block party series.

Information

  • Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

  • Active Journals
  • Find a Journal
  • Proceedings Series
  • For Authors
  • For Reviewers
  • For Editors
  • For Librarians
  • For Publishers
  • For Societies
  • For Conference Organizers
  • Open Access Policy
  • Institutional Open Access Program
  • Special Issues Guidelines
  • Editorial Process
  • Research and Publication Ethics
  • Article Processing Charges
  • Testimonials
  • Preprints.org
  • SciProfiles
  • Encyclopedia

energies-logo

Article Menu

plan of case study

  • Subscribe SciFeed
  • Recommended Articles
  • Google Scholar
  • on Google Scholar
  • Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Modeling of geothermal energy recovery from a depleted gas reservoir: a case study.

plan of case study

1. Introduction

2. geological settings, 3. geological model, 4. dynamic model, 5. geothermal model, 6. history matching, 7. variability of fluid flow and composition in system components, 8. pressure variability in system components, 9. temperature variability in system components, 10. correlations of temperature and pressure in producing and injecting wells.

  • the producing wells’ bottom-hole temperature and pressure are known as a result of the reservoir simulations and are used to calculate the temperature and pressure at the producing wellheads,
  • for the injecting wells, the bottom-hole pressures are known from the reservoir simulations, where they result from the assumed injection rates, and the wellhead temperatures are known from the temperature profile along the surface installation. Hence, the wellhead pressures and bottom-hole temperature of the injected fluid are determined from the injecting well correlations between the wellhead and bottom-hole quantities.

11. Correlations of Temperature and Pressure in Surface Installation

12. simulation results of geothermal energy recovery and discussion, 13. summary and conclusions.

  • total fluid production rate at the level of the historical production rates of the individual producing wells in the selected gas field,
  • balanced nature of the production and injection of fluids expressed by identical volumes of these fluids under reservoir conditions–an assumption guaranteeing the maximum possible stability of reservoir pressures,
  • stationarity of the fluid temperature at the outflow of the thermal energy exchangers–an assumption that allows the minimization of the number of iterations in the process of reservoir simulations,
  • lack of phase transitions in the producing wells and surface installations,
  • initial stage with a variable rate and composition of produced fluid, characterized by a generally increasing power of geothermal energy recovery–the duration of this stage may significantly vary between the clusters (from 8 years in the G-N cluster up to 25 years in the G-CN cluster),
  • middle stage with a relatively constant rate and composition of the produced fluid and the simultaneous stationary temperature of this fluid (between 5 years in the G-NN cluster up to 15 years in the G-C cluster),
  • final stage with a constant flow and composition of the produced fluid and a gradual decrease in the temperature of this fluid (for the remaining time of the 50-year forecast period, i.e., 13 years in the G-CN cluster up to 32 years in the G-NN cluster),
  • technical factors, including the thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of the fluid transporting elements of the system (producing and injecting wells, interconnecting pipelines, etc.), where their energy losses can be reduced by the technical improvement of the elements and/or by their more optimum localization, generally under the control of the project implementation,
  • reservoir-related factors, including water- and residual gas-to-CO 2 producing ratios that are determined by the reservoir characteristics and the completion intervals of the producing wells–typically beyond the recovery system control.

Author Contributions

Data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

  • REN21, 2020: Renewables 2020: Global Status Report. Chapter 01; Global Overview. Available online: https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2020/ (accessed on 5 July 2023).
  • Fridleifsson, I.B.; Bertani, R.; Huenges, E.; Lund, J.W.; Ragnarsson, A.; Rybach, L.; Hohmeyer, O.; Trittin, T. The possible role and contribution of geothermal energy to the mitigation of climate change. In Proceedings of the IPCC Scoping Meeting on Renewable Energy Sources Conference, Luebeck, Germany, 20–25 January 2008; pp. 59–80. Available online: https://web.archive.org/web/20100308014920/http:/www.iea-gia.org/documents/FridleifssonetalIPCCGeothermalpaper2008FinalRybach20May08_000.pdf (accessed on 5 July 2023).
  • Bennett, K.; Li, K.; Horne, R. Power Generation Potential from Coproduced Fluids in the Los Angeles Basin. In Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA, 30 January–1 February 2012; pp. 1–97. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Erdlac, R.J.; Armour, L.; Lee, R.; Snyder, S.; Sorensen, M.; Matteucci, M.; Horton, J. Ongoing resource assessment of geothermal energy from sedimentary basins in Texas. In Proceedings of the 32 Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford, CA, USA, 22–24 January 2007. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Li, K.; Sun, W. A modified method for estimating geothermal resources in oil and gas reservoirs. Math. Geosci. 2014 , 47 , 105–117. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Liu, J.; Li, R.; Sun, Z. Exploitation and utilization technology of geothermal resources in oil fields. In Proceedings of the World Geothermal Congress 2015, Melbourne, Australia, 19–25 April 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Wang, S.; Yan, J.; Li, F.; Hu, J.; Li, K. Exploitation and utilization of oilfield geothermal resources in China. Energies 2016 , 9 , 798. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Lahaie, F.; Grasso, J.R. Loading rate impact on the fracturing pattern: Lessons from hydrocarbon recovery, Lacq gas field, France. J. Geophys. Res. 1999 , 104 , 17941–17954. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Pathak, P.; Fidra, Y.; Avida, H.; Kahar, Z.; Agnew, M.; Hidayat, D. The Arun gas field in Indonesia: Resource management of a mature field. In Proceedings of the SPE Asia Pacific Conference on Integrated Modeling for Asset Management, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29–30 March 2004; pp. 1–22. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Dijksman, N.C. Managing a Giant: 50 Years of Groningen Gas. In Proceedings of the 2009 SPE Offshore Europe Oil Gas Conference & Exhibition, Aberdeen, UK, 8–11 September 2009; pp. 1–17. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Huang, X.; He, Y.; Wu, Y. The Feasibility study on gas field water heterostrate recycling of Longgang gas field. Chem. Eng. Oil Gas 2010 , 39 , 505–509. [ Google Scholar ]
  • He, G.; Li, J.; Wang, J.; Zhang, J. New progress and outlook of development technologies in Sulige gas field. Nat. Gas Ind. 2011 , 31 , 12–16. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Yu, J.; Pei, J.; Wang, L.; Zhu, J.; Zhang, H. Gas pool properties and its exploration implications of the Dongfang13-2 gravity reservoir-overpressure gas field in Yinggehai Basin. Acta Pet. Sin. 2014 , 35 , 829–838. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Hettema, M.; Yperen, G.; Kortekaas, M. A Predictive Model for the Seismicity Rate of the Groningen Gas Reservoir. In Proceedings of the Fifty-Second US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Seattle, WA, USA, 17–20 June 2018; pp. 1–9. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Topór, T.; Słota-Valim, M.; Kudrewicz, R. Assessing the Geothermal Potential of Selected Depleted Oil and Gas Reservoirs Based on Geological Modeling and Machine Learning Tools. Energies 2023 , 16 , 5211. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Brown, D.W. A hot dry rock geothermal energy concept utilizing supercritical CO 2 instead of water. In Proceedings of the Twenty-Fifth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA, 24–26 January 2000. SGP-TR-165. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Pruess, K. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Comparing Water with CO 2 as Heat Transmission Fluids ; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Berkeley, CA, USA, 2007; Available online: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1fr9q7q8 (accessed on 5 July 2023).
  • Sowiżdżał, A.; Starczewska, M.; Papiernik, B. Future Technology Mix—Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)—An Overview of Selected Projects as an Example for Future Investments in Poland. Energies 2022 , 15 , 3505. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute. Analysis of the Possibility of Acquiring Geothermal Energy from Oil Reservoirs ; INiG-PIB, Statutory Work Documentation; DK-4100-40/22; Oil and Gas Institute—National Research Institute: Krakow, Poland, 2022. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Pruess, K. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Using CO 2 as Working Fluid-A Novel Approach for Generating Renewable Energy with Simultaneous Sequestration of Carbon. Geothermics 2006 , 35 , 351–367. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Zhang, F.-Z.; Jiang, P.-X.; Xu, R.-N. System Thermodynamic Performance Comparison of CO 2 -EGS and Water-EGS Systems. Appl. Therm. Eng. 2013 , 61 , 236–244. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Pan, L.H.; Oldenburg, C.M.; Wu, Y.S.; Pruess, K. T2Well/ECO2N Vession 1.0: Multiphase and Non-Isothermal Model for Coupled Wellbore-Reservoir Flow of Carbon Dioxide and Variable Salinity Water ; Earth Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California: Berkeley, CA, USA, 2011. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Pan, L.; Oldenburg, C.M. T2Well-An Integrated Wellbore-Reservoir Simulator. Comput. Geosci. 2014 , 65 , 46–55. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Lei, H. Performance Comparison of H2O and CO2 as the Working Fluid in Coupled Wellbore/Reservoir Systems for Geothermal Heat Extraction. Front. Earth Sci. Sec. Econ. Geol. 2022 , 10 , 819778. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Pańko, A.; Szott, W.; Łętkowski, P.; Rychlicki, A. Forecasting the Watering Process of the Radlin Natural Gas Deposit Using a Simulation Model of the Deposit. Stage I–Construction of a Geological Model (in Polish: Prognozowanie Procesu Zawadnia Się Złoża Gazu Ziemnego Radlin Przy Pomocy Symulacyjnego Modelu Złoża. Etap I–Konstrukcja Modelu Geologicznego) ; Archiwum Instytutu Nafty i Gazu, Państwowego Instytutu Badawczego: Kraków, Poland, 2007. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Shen, Y.; Yang, Y.; Yang, G.; Hou, X.; Ye, W.; You, Z.; Xi, J. Damage characteristics and thermos-physical properties changes of limestone and sandstone during thermal treatment from −30 °C to 1000 °C. Heat Mass Transf. 2018 , 54 , 3389–3407. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Somerton, W.H. Developments in Petroleum Science. In Thermal Properties and Temperature-Related Behavior of Rock/Fluid Systems ; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1992; Volume 37, pp. ii–vi, 1–257. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Thermophysical Properties. Available online: https://webbook.nist.gov (accessed on 3 April 2024).
  • Szpunar, T.; Majkrzak, M. Temperature distribution in the geothermal well when using the mixture of the brine and supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid (in Polish: Sposób oceny rozkładu temperatury w produkcyjnym otworze geotermalnym przy dopływie mieszaniny solanki i dwutlenku węgla w zakresie warunków nadkrytycznych). Nafta-Gaz 2023 , 3 , 190–198. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Heidarian, E.; Hatami, T.; Rahimi, M.; Moghadasi, J. Viscosity of pure carbon dioxide at supercritical region. J. Supercrit. Fluids 2011 , 56 , 144–151. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Gambill, W.R. How to estimate mixture viscosity. Chem. Eng. 1959 , 66 , 151–152. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Hobler, T. Ruch Ciepła i Wymienniki ; Wydawnictwo Nauk Technicznych: Warszawa, Poland, 1971; 970p. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Maples, R.E. Petroleum Refinery Process Economics ; PennWell Corporation: Tulsa, OK, USA, 2000; p. 474. ISBN 0878147799/9780878147793. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Gabolde, G.; Nguyen, J.P. Drilling Data Hendbook ; Institut Francais du Petrole Publications: Paris, France, 1999. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Walden, H. Mechanika Płynów ; Wydawnictwa Politechniki Warszawskiej: Warszawa, Poland, 1991; Available online: https://bcpw.bg.pw.edu.pl/Content/164/PDF/wah_7_31.pdf (accessed on 2 June 2024).
  • Mohammadian, E.; Mohamed, B.; Azdarpour, A.; Hamidi, H.; Othman, N.H.B.; Dollah, A.; SNBCMHussein Sazali, R.A.B. CO 2 -EOR/Sequestration: Current Trends and Future Horizons. In Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes—New Technologies ; IntechOpen: London, UK, 2019; Available online: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/69763 (accessed on 1 November 2023).
  • Ouyang, L.B. New Correlations for Predicting the Density and Viscosity of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Under Conditions Expected in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Operations. Open Pet. Eng. J. 2011 , 4 , 13–21. Available online: https://benthamopen.com/DOWNLOAD-PDF/TOPEJ-4-13/ (accessed on 5 June 2024). [ CrossRef ]
  • Bała, M.; Skupio, R. Wpływ ciśnienia i temperatury na kształtowanie się parametrów sprężystych i gęstość mediów złożowych. Nafta-Gaz 2013 , 69 , 887–893. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Place Software. Available online: http://www.peacesoftware.de/einigewerte/ (accessed on 5 June 2024).
  • McCain, W.D. Reservoir-Fluid Property Correlations-State of the Art. SPE Res. Eng. 1991 , 6 , 266–272. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Robertson, E.C. Thermal Properties of Rock ; Open-File Report; U.S. Geological Survey: Reston, VA, USA, 1988. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
  • Vivas, C.; Hu, Z.; Salehi, S. Texture-Dependent Thermal Properties of Sandstone Rocks Examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy for Thermal Energy Storage Applications. ASME Open J. Eng. 2023 , 2 , 021054. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]

Click here to enlarge figure

PropertyUnitMinimumMaximumAverage
Porosity%1.428.617.0
PermeabilitymD0.1195.032.0
Thicknessm3612675
Net-to-gross%0.097.955.4
Component% MoleCritical Temperature T [K]Critical Pressure P [bar]Eccentricity Factor ωParameter Ω Parameter Ω Molar Mass MBoiling Point T [K]Critical Volume V Critical Gas Compressi-Bility Factor Z Parachor
C 0.825190.646.00.0080.42750.086616.0111.60.0990.287477.3
C 0.002305.448.80.00980.42750.086630.1184.60.1480.2847108.9
C 0.001369.842.40.1520.42750.086644.1231.10.2030.2803151.9
N 0.166126.233.90.040.42750.086628.077.40.0900.290541.0
CO 0.006304.273.80.2250.42750.086644.0194.70.0940.274178.0
N CO C C C
N -----
CO −0.0315----
C 0.02780.1200---
C 0.04070.12000.0000--
C 0.07630.12000.00000.0000-
ClusterProducing WellsInjecting Wells
G-NNR-17
R-20
R-18
R-19
R-21
G-NR-13
R-16A
R-11
R-60
G-CNR-44
R-54
R-9
R-42
R-45
G-CR-53R-7
R-38
G-CSR-1
R-32
R-33
R-35A
R-4
R-31
R-34
R-51
G-SR-27
R-29
R-30
R-2
R-3
R-5
ParameterSystem Component
RockBrineCO Hydrocarbon Gas
NameUnitInitialFinalInitialFinalInitialFinalInitialFinal
temperature, T°C114.6110.1114.8112.1114.3107.7114.5109.8
pressure, Pbar356.5356.9356.5357.3356.8356.6354.4354.4
density, rkg/m 2185.02185.01167.21169.3671.7694.3191.2193.8
specific enthalpy, hkJ/kg161.2157.1614.1602.7410.4397.9935.5922.6
QuantitySystem ComponentTotal
RockBrineCO Hydrocarbon Gas
NameUnitInitialFinalInitialFinalInitialFinalInitialFinalInitialFinal
initial volume, V ,
final volume, V
Mm 504.7504.762.761.539.342.58.36.3615.0615.0
initial mass, M ,
final mass, M
Mt1102.81102.873.171.926.429.51.61.21203.91205.4
initial enthalpy, H ,
final enthalpy, H
PJ177.7173.244.943.310.811.71.51.1234.9229.4
initial enthalpy, H ,
final enthalpy, H
GWh49,365.348,109.812,475.912,031.53007.93261.2413.2313.165,262.363,715.6
Enthalpy Decrease,
ΔH
System ComponentTotal
RockBrineCO Hydrocarbon Gas
PJ4.51.6−0.90.45.6
GWh1255.4444.3−253.2100.11546.7
2.5%3.6%−8.4%24.2%2.4%
FluidProduced Enthalpy
[PJ][%]
CO 3.85269.18%
Hydrocarbon gas0.71612.86%
Brine1.00017.96%
All fluids5.568100.00%
ClusterEnthalpy Produced by CO Enthalpy Produced by Hydrocarbon GasEnthalpy Produced by BrineEnthalpy Produced by All Fluids
[PJ][%][PJ][%][PJ][%][PJ][%]
G-NN0.57014.79%0.0294.07%0.51751.69%1.11616.83%
G-N0.45211.73%0.12217.05%0.12712.74%0.70212.67%
G-CN0.47512.33%0.23633.02%0.11711.65%0.82813.81%
G-C0.2917.55%0.0010.16%0.0454.49%0.3376.47%
G-CS1.32134.29%0.18025.18%0.11611.58%1.61731.48%
G-S0.74419.31%0.14720.51%0.0797.85%0.96918.75%
all clusters3.852100.00%0.716100.00%1.000100.00%5.568100.00%
Segment of the Geothermal Recovery SystemProducing Well Bottom Holes to Separator InflowSeparator Inflow to Separator OutflowSeparator Outflow to Exchanger InflowExchanger Inflow to Exchanger OutflowExchanger Outflow to Injecting Well Bottom Holes
Relative power
variation
20.33%28.61%0.07%46.45%4.56%
The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

Szott, W.; Ruciński, P.; Łętkowski, P.; Szpunar, T.; Majkrzak, M.; Siuda, T.; Wojtowicz, R. Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas Reservoir: A Case Study. Energies 2024 , 17 , 4579. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184579

Szott W, Ruciński P, Łętkowski P, Szpunar T, Majkrzak M, Siuda T, Wojtowicz R. Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas Reservoir: A Case Study. Energies . 2024; 17(18):4579. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184579

Szott, Wiesław, Piotr Ruciński, Piotr Łętkowski, Tadeusz Szpunar, Marcin Majkrzak, Tomasz Siuda, and Robert Wojtowicz. 2024. "Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas Reservoir: A Case Study" Energies 17, no. 18: 4579. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184579

Article Metrics

Article access statistics, further information, mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

MDPI

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals

IMAGES

  1. 49 Free Case Study Templates ( + Case Study Format Examples + )

    plan of case study

  2. Case Study Definition: How to Conduct a Perfect Case Study?

    plan of case study

  3. 49 Free Case Study Templates ( + Case Study Format Examples + )

    plan of case study

  4. How to Create a Case Study + 14 Case Study Templates

    plan of case study

  5. Pitzviews Learning: An Example of A Case Study

    plan of case study

  6. Case Study Lesson Plan

    plan of case study

VIDEO

  1. Retirement Plan Fiduciary Basics: A Small 401(k) Plan Case Study

  2. Care plan on Dementia,#careplan, #casepresentation most important NCP on dementia in mental health

  3. GIS 2024: Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park

  4. Case Study UCW Pipeline Project CANADA Stakeholders Engagement

  5. Case Study UCW Pipeline Project CANADA Stakeholders Engagement

  6. Case Presentation/ Nursing Care Plan/ Case study on Lung Abscess #nursingcriteria

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Case Study: Bookmarkable Guide & Template

    Video Case Study. Plan on meeting with the client and shooting an interview. Seeing the subject, in person, talk about the service you provided them can go a long way in the eyes of your potential customers. Plus, you can create cross-channel posts with the video, or take still images from the video to use with any social media account. ...

  2. How to write a case study

    Case study examples. While templates are helpful, seeing a case study in action can also be a great way to learn. Here are some examples of how Adobe customers have experienced success. Juniper Networks. One example is the Adobe and Juniper Networks case study, which puts the reader in the customer's shoes.

  3. How to Write a Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide (+ Examples)

    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.

  4. 16 case study examples (+ 3 templates to make your own)

    For example, the case study quotes the social media manager and project manager's insights regarding team-wide communication and access before explaining in greater detail. Takeaway: Highlight pain points your business solves for its client, and explore that influence in greater detail. 3. EndeavourX and Figma.

  5. 15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

    Plan the case study format, length and audience you wish to target. Interview the Client: Reach out to the company you want to showcase and ask relevant questions about their journey and achievements. Revision & Editing: Review your case study and ask for feedback. Include relevant quotes and CTAs to your case study.

  6. What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template

    Case study examples. Case studies are proven marketing strategies in a wide variety of B2B industries. Here are just a few examples of a case study: Amazon Web Services, Inc. provides companies with cloud computing platforms and APIs on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. This case study example illustrates the benefits Thomson Reuters experienced ...

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

    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.

  8. How to Write a Case Study: Steps, Examples & Templates

    Now, all you have to do is write. Here are five simple steps that'll help you better understand how to create a case study that champions your customer and clearly showcases the real-world value of your products or services. 1. Introduce the customer. Set the stage for your case study with an introduction.

  9. How to Write a Case Study (+10 Examples & Free Template!)

    Most resources tell you that a case study should be 500-1500 words. We also encourage you to have a prominent snapshot section of 100 words or less. The results and benefits section should take the bulk of the word count. Don't use more words than you need. Let your data, images, and customers quotes do the talking.

  10. How to Create a Case Study + 14 Case Study Templates

    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. Customize this template and make it your own!

  11. 5 Steps for Writing a Case Study for Business (+Templates)

    Usually, 2-4 paragraphs + a few bullet points with key results will do. Pro Tip. 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.

  12. Writing a Case Study

    A case study research paper examines a person, place, event, condition, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis in order to extrapolate key themes and results that help predict future trends, illuminate previously hidden issues that can be applied to practice, and/or provide a means for understanding an important research problem with greater clarity.

  13. Case Study Method: A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Researchers

    Rather than discussing case study in general, a targeted step-by-step plan with real-time research examples to conduct a case study is given. Introduction In recent years, a great increase in the number of students working on their final dissertation across business and management disciplines has been noticed ( Lee & Saunders, 2017 ).

  14. How To Write a Case Study: Definition, Tips and Example

    A case study is a document that focuses on a business problem and provides a clear solution. Marketers use case studies to tell a story about a customer's journey or how a product or service solves a specific issue. Case studies can be used in all levels of business and in many industries. A thorough case study often uses metrics, such as key ...

  15. 27 Case Study Examples Every Marketer Should See

    19. " Bringing an Operator to the Game," by Redapt. This case study example by Redapt is another great demonstration of the power of summarizing your case study's takeaways right at the start of the study. Redapt includes three easy-to-scan columns: "The problem," "the solution," and "the outcome.".

  16. How To Outline a Case Study: 15 Examples & Templates

    2. Intel Case Study. This simple light-red template is perfect for tech companies looking to quickly present their case study with an overview of its background, goals, and strategy. It ends the presentation by going through the study's figures and data. Customize this template and make it your own!

  17. 15+ Case Study Examples for Business, Marketing & Sales

    A case study is an in-depth, detailed analysis of a specific real-world situation. For example, a case study can be about an individual, group, event, organization, or phenomenon. The purpose of a case study is to understand its complexities and gain insights into a particular instance or situation. In the context of a business, however, case ...

  18. What Is a Case Study?

    A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods, but quantitative methods are sometimes also used.

  19. Case Study: Definition, Examples, Types, and How to Write

    A case study is an in-depth analysis of one individual or group. Learn more about how to write a case study, including tips and examples, and its importance in psychology. ... Section 2: Treatment Plan . This portion of the paper will address the chosen treatment for the condition. This might also include the theoretical basis for the chosen ...

  20. 11 Tips for Writing an Effective Case Study

    For instance, include a screenshot of the increased conversions and quotes from your client. 4. Make Your Case Study Easy to Read. No one wants to read one huge chunk of text, no matter how interesting and informative it might be. Case studies, like blog posts, should be scannable and easy to read.

  21. How to Write a Case Study: from Outline to Examples

    1. Draft Structure. 🖋️ Your draft should contain at least 4 sections: an introduction; a body where you should include background information, an explanation of why you decided to do this case study, and a presentation of your main findings; a conclusion where you present data; and references. 2. Introduction.

  22. 28+ Case Study Examples

    A case study is a research method used to study a particular individual, group, or situation in depth. It involves analyzing and interpreting data from a variety of sources to gain insight into the subject being studied. Case studies are often used in psychology, business, and education to explore complicated problems and find solutions.

  23. Case Study: Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan

    Overview/Background. The Issue: Implement a robust public involvement effort that provided a variety of opportunities for Coloradans to engage, learn, and provide substantive input and feedback on a wolf restoration and management plan. In November 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 114 directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission to restore and manage gray wolves in ...

  24. Lesson Plan: Civil War Journal

    Lesson Plan: Civil War Journal - Case Study of Ellen and Samuel Woodworth. Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Clip 4 Clip 5 Clip 6 Clip 7 Clip 8 Clip 9 Clip 10 Clip 11 Clip 12 Clip 13. Introduction to the Journal.

  25. The Pitt Pantry lockers won a national food waste reduction award

    Pitt is the Food Waste Reduction winner in the National Wildlife Federation 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Case Study Competition. The University was recognized for its Pitt Pantry lockers, an innovative approach to minimizing food waste and addressing food insecurity on campus. The award-winning initiative launched in fall 2023.

  26. Modeling of Geothermal Energy Recovery from a Depleted Gas ...

    The results of the studies performed for the presented and discussed case show the feasibility of the geothermal energy recovery process in the deep, depleted gas reservoir with the use of CO 2 as the energy transporting medium. In general, the complexity of the obtained results proves the necessity to apply the system's detailed modeling and ...