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What to Include in a Case Study: Layout, Content & Visuals

Learn what info to include in a business case study and how to structure it for maximum conversion, and see real-life examples and templates.

what are the elements of a case study

Dominika Krukowska

9 minute read

What to include in a case study

Short answer

What to include in a case study?

A successful case study should include the following elements:

  • Introduction (what was the problem and how it was solved in 1-2 sentences)
  • Client overview
  • The problem or challenge
  • How they solved their problem (with your solution)
  • Customer quotes and testimonials

For a case study to work all critical components must be in place.

Case studies can be gold mines for conversions, but extracting that gold isn't as straightforward as it seems.

What goes into a case study that tells a compelling story and draws your prospects down the conversion funnel?

There are some critical elements that you must include in your case study if you hope to generate conversions.

Yes, you read that right— making a partial case study could very well mean leaving money on the table.

In this post, I’ll share with you the secrets to creating a case study that’ll turn it from ‘blah’ to ‘bingo’.

You’ll learn what you must include in your case study to convert readers into buyers.

Let’s go!

What to include in your case study structure?

Crafting your case study is like writing a gripping novel, filled with characters, conflicts, and resolutions. Each component of your case study serves a unique purpose in narrating the story of how your product or service helps your clients conquer their challenges.

Here are the main chapters of your case study structure:

1. Introduction

Think of the introduction as your story's opening scene. It's your first impression, your initial hook, the gateway to the world you're about to unfold. Here, you aim to spark curiosity and give your reader a taste of the journey ahead.

How to create an introduction slide:

Include a video —this will get 32% more people to interact with your case study .

Create an opening line that instantly hooks your reader —think surprising statistics, bold statements, or intriguing questions.

Introduce the central theme of your case study —what's the big challenge or opportunity at play?

Connect with the reader's pain points to foster engagement right from the start.

Here’s an example of an introduction slide that hooks attention:

Cover slide example

2. Company overview

Here, you introduce your main hero—your client. You want to provide a clear and relatable backdrop that helps your audience understand who your client is, what they do, and what stakes are at play for them.

How to create a company overview slide:

Offer key details about the client's business —what's their industry? What's their market position?

Highlight the client's aspirations and values —this helps to humanize the company and build emotional connection.

Make sure to relate the company's context back to your reader. How does this company's situation reflect the challenges or opportunities your reader might face?

Here’s an example of a company overview slide:

Company overview slide example

3. The problem or challenge

This is the conflict that propels your story. It's the mountain your client needs to climb, the dragon they must slay. Without a significant problem or challenge, there's no tension, and without tension, there's no story and no engagement.

How to create a problem slide:

Clearly articulate the problem or challenge. Make it tangible and relatable.

Explore the implications of this problem. What's at stake for the client if it goes unresolved?

Aim to evoke emotion here. The more your reader feels the weight of the problem, the more invested they'll be in the solution.

Here’s an example of a problem slide:

Problem slide example

4. Your solution

Enter the trusted guide and confidant—your product or service. This is the pivotal moment where your client's fortunes begin to turn. Show how your offering comes into play, lighting the way toward resolution.

How to create a solution slide:

Detail how your solution addresses the client's problem. Show how the features of your product or service connect to the challenges at hand.

Walk your reader through the implementation process. Offer insights into the collaborative efforts and innovative approaches that made the difference.

Don’t shy away from any obstacles or setbacks that occurred during the solution phase. Showing how you overcame these can actually make your story more credible and relatable.

Here’s an example of a solution slide:

Solution slide example

This is the climax of your story, where all the tension that's been built up finally gets released. You need to demonstrate the transformation that occurred as a result of your solution.

How to create a results slide:

Show, don't tell. Use numbers, stats, and graphs to make your results concrete and impactful.

Discuss not just quantitative, but also qualitative results. How did your solution affect the client's morale, their customer satisfaction, their market reputation? Give detailed examples set in short anecdotes as experienced by a person (not an organization).

A side-by-side comparison of the 'before' and 'after' can be a powerful visual aid to highlight your impact.

Here’s an example of a results slide:

Results slide example

6. Customer quotes/testimonials

Nothing reinforces a story better than having the hero vouch for its authenticity. Direct quotes from your client add depth, credibility, and emotional resonance to your case study.

How to create a testimonials slide:

Select quotes that reinforce the narrative of your case study.

The more genuine and heartfelt, the better. Authenticity speaks volumes.

Consider sprinkling testimonials throughout the case study rather than bunching them together to keep the reader engaged.

Here’s an example of a testimonials slide:

Quotes slide example

7. Next steps

Your story doesn’t end when the problem is solved. This is where you guide your reader toward the future, inspiring them to take action based on the journey they've just been through.

How to create a next steps slide:

Provide clear and compelling calls-to-action. What do you want the reader to do next? Download a whitepaper? Request a demo? Sign up and try your solution? Make it a small concession, not a big ask. The next reasonable action they can take to establish the relationship a tiny bit further.

Make it simple for readers to take the next step. Include links, contact information, or even embed your calendar into the case study.

Here’s an example of a next steps slide:

Next step slide example

What storytelling elements to include in a case study?

Compelling storytelling is an art, and when applied to business case studies, it can turn a rather dry piece of data into a riveting tale of success.

It's a chance to illustrate your value proposition in the real world, giving prospective clients a peek at what they could experience when they choose to work with you.

Here are some storytelling elements to include in your case study:

1. A clear storyline

Start with the basics: Who is your customer? What was their challenge? How did your product or service solve their problem? And, what was the outcome?

This forms the narrative arc of your case study, providing a backbone for your story. Ensure it’s a seamless narrative, taking the reader along a journey of transformation.

Here’s our recommended presentation storyline:

How to write a case study storyline that creates interest

2. Concrete outcomes

Data provides the meat of your case study. Numbers, percentages, and concrete results serve as proof that your solution works.

It's one thing to claim that your product or service is effective, but showcasing the results achieved by a real customer through hard data adds credence to your assertions.

3. Visuals that support and expand on the text

Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, well-placed visuals in your case study can make the message clearer and more compelling.

Graphs, charts, and infographics can help break down complex data, making it easier for the audience to digest. Furthermore, they break up long blocks of text, making your case study more engaging.

4. Interactive elements

In a world where scrolling has become second nature, your case study needs to be more than a static document.

Incorporating interactive elements like tabs to click through benefits, live data calculators, or sliders with case studies and customer testimonials invites your audience to engage with your content actively.

Our research showed that decks with interactive elements got scrolled to the bottom 41% more often and had a 21% longer average reading time than non-interactive ones.

Making interactive case studies sounds complicated but it’s actually very easy if you do it with our AI case study creator . You can send it to prospects directly from Storydoc or embed it as part of your website.

By making your reader an active participant in the story, you boost their engagement and increase the chances of them reading your content through to the end.

Benefits of including interactive elements in your case study presentation

More decks read in full

Longer average reading time

5. Testimonials and quotes directly from customers

Customer testimonials and direct quotes inject a sense of authenticity and credibility into your case study.

They bring a human touch to your narrative and foster trust in potential clients.

It's no longer just your voice touting the effectiveness of your solution; it's the voice of a satisfied customer who has personally experienced the benefits of your product or service.

6. Clear call to action

Finally, after painting a vivid picture of your product or service in action, you need to tell your audience what to do next.

A clear CTA—whether it’s to learn more, book a demo, or sign up—makes the next step evident for your audience.

Our data reveals that decks with a clear next step had a conversion rate 27% higher than those that ended with a generic "thank you."

Make the next step simple, straightforward, and compelling, so your reader knows precisely what to do to start their own success story with you.

What not to include in your case study?

While we've covered the essentials to include in your case study, it's equally important to identify elements that could distract from your message, decrease trust, or even confuse your audience.

Here's what you should avoid including in your case study:

1. Unverified claims / data

Every claim you make and every piece of data you share in your case study must be true and easy to check.

Trust is crucial in a case study, and even one bit of wrong information can damage trust and hurt your image.

So, make sure all your facts, figures, and results are correct, and always get the right permissions to share them.

2. Confidential or sensitive information

When writing a case study, it's crucial to remember that privacy matters. Even though it's exciting to share all the details, you need to protect your client's private information.

Always get clear permission before using any client data and remember to hide any information that could identify specific individuals.

This careful approach shows your respect for privacy and builds trust with your audience, making your case study not just engaging, but also responsible and professional.

3. Technical jargon

A case study should be easy for everyone to understand, so avoid using industry-specific language. Even if you know the jargon, your audience might not.

Keeping your language simple and clear will help more people understand your case study. Too much technical language can confuse readers and distract from the story you're trying to tell.

4. Salesy language

While a case study is designed to show prospective clients how valuable your offer is, it's important not to sound too pushy.

A case study should tell a story, not sound like a sales pitch. Keep your language helpful and interesting. The success story should be enough to sell itself.

Create your best case study yet from ready-made templates

Now that you're equipped with all the essentials of crafting a compelling case study, it's time to bring your narrative to life.

Don’t work hard if you can work easy and get better results.

Interactive case study templates are your shortcut to creating engaging and informative case studies. They provide a clear path for your narrative, intuitive ways to present your data, and an engaging space for sharing customer testimonials.

Grab a template, and let your story do the talking!

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Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

what are the elements of a case study

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The 7 Essential Elements of a Great Case Study

Template: 23 Case Study Questions Every Marketer Should Ask

March 24, 2023

By Mike Wolfe

Research shows that 93 percent of consumers say online reviews will affect shopping choices . Online reviews certainly help tell a part of your organization’s story, but when you want to offer a bigger picture and really show off what you can do, there’s nothing like a case study. 

A great case study can help assure your audience that you’re more than capable of helping them with their problems because you’ve been there and done that for similar organizations. Ever looked at an organization’s website and checked out their case studies or testimonials before filling out a form or giving them a call?

These are great pieces of collateral that can have an immediate impact on the audience you connect with and can be used in a number of ways throughout the course of your marketing and sales efforts.

When you are looking to put together your next case study (or revamp some of your older ones), take these essential elements into consideration.

1. Common Problem or Challenge

Start with clearly defined issues..

When your audience takes the time to read your case study, they likely do so because they want to see that you resolved a problem or challenge they’re facing. Before writing a case study, consider some common problems or challenges your personas are experiencing and start there. 

2. Explanation of Resolution

Describe the problems, but really showcase your solutions..

Your customer came to you with a problem or need for you to solve—and you knocked it out of the park! Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to describing how you resolved the customer’s problems. Highlight the ways your product or service was the perfect fit for your customer so potential customers can start connecting the dots on how you can help them too.

3. Compelling Story

Tell the story of your customers’ experience..

Problems and solutions are important to cover, but don’t forget to make your case study relatable to your audience. Telling the story from the perspective of the customer and describing how they felt and what they experienced throughout the process helps your audience put themselves in your customer’s shoes. 

Template: 23 Case Study Questions Every Marketer Should Ask

4. Customer Quotes

Give your customer a voice..

Take your storytelling to the next level by using real customer quotes that support your case study. The best quotes will draw a clear connection between the customer’s good experience and your product or service, offering an intimate look at how your business helped them succeed. Be sure to choose quotes that perfectly illustrate the results you achieved for your customer, and make sure they accurately reflect the customer’s opinion.

5. Successful Outcome

Let’s see some results.

You’ve got the beginning of the story (why you and the customer met) and the middle of the story (how you worked to help them). Now, in order for this to have a happy ending for both your customers and your audience, you need the results to bring it home.

The key here is to be as specific as possible with your outcomes. Let those results shine and give your audience a glimpse into what they can potentially see from partnering with your organization.

6. Visual Aids

Engage readers visually..

Visual aids help bring a tangible element to the case study, making it more memorable and engaging for readers. Case studies that include visual elements such as photos, diagrams, infographics, or videos can often be more persuasive and effective than those that don’t. Visual aids can also help make complex topics more easily understandable, and they often create a stronger emotional connection with potential customers.

7. Descriptive Name

Cap it off with a great title..

When writing a marketing case study, it is important to include an effective title that accurately describes the content. A catchy and well-crafted title can help draw readers in and entice them to learn more about the journey your customer went through. Good titles are concise yet descriptive, so readers can quickly understand what the case study is about and why it is important. 

Ready to Write Your Amazing New Case Study? 

Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

  • Interview your customer about their experience. Ask questions that will help you tell the full story from their point of view, such as:
  • What was the customer looking to solve when partnering with you?
  • What did the customer need that you were able to provide?
  • What has their experience been with your product or service?
  • Show their results and give a brief overview of how your tools, strategies, and/or recommendations were impactful.
  • Use bullet points to emphasize key findings within the story and grab some quotes from your conversation with the customer to highlight.
  • Create some calls to action for the sidebars or footers of your related blog content.

Once created, there are many great places to showcase your next case study. Link to it from your sales collateral or event materials (including your booths and product sheets). Have the resources to use video in your customer conversations? Send these videos out through your social channels to help your audience put a face and a voice to the results you can bring them.

One final piece of advice: Look at metrics about how your audience is primarily viewing content, and capitalize on those options for your next great case study. Best of luck!

This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated since.

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Easily craft compelling customer interviews & provide leads with the information they need to make an informed decision.

Case Study Questions Template

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About the author

Mike Wolfe is a Project Strategist at SmartBug Media helping clients find success through inbound marketing. Read more articles by Mike Wolfe .

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Home » Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Case Study – Methods, Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

A case study is an in-depth examination of a single case or a few selected cases within a real-world context. Case study research is widely used across disciplines such as psychology, sociology, business, and education to explore complex phenomena in detail. Unlike other research methods that aim for broad generalizations, case studies offer an intensive understanding of a specific individual, group, event, or situation.

Case Study Research

A case study is a research method that involves a detailed examination of a subject (the “case”) within its real-life context. Case studies are used to explore the causes of underlying principles, behaviors, or outcomes, providing insights into the nuances of the studied phenomena. This approach allows researchers to capture a wide array of factors and interactions that may not be visible in other methods, such as experiments or surveys.

Key Characteristics of Case Studies :

  • Focus on a specific case, individual, or event.
  • Provide in-depth analysis and contextual understanding.
  • Useful for exploring new or complex phenomena.
  • Generate rich qualitative data that contributes to theory building.

Types of Case Studies

Case studies can be classified into different types depending on their purpose and methodology. Common types include exploratory , descriptive , explanatory , intrinsic , and instrumental case studies.

1. Exploratory Case Study

Definition : An exploratory case study investigates an area where little is known. It helps to identify questions, variables, and hypotheses for future research.

Characteristics :

  • Often used in the early stages of research.
  • Focuses on discovery and hypothesis generation.
  • Helps clarify research questions.

Example : Examining how remote work affects team dynamics in an organization that has recently transitioned to a work-from-home model.

2. Descriptive Case Study

Definition : A descriptive case study provides a detailed account of a particular case, describing it within its context. The goal is to provide a complete and accurate depiction without necessarily exploring underlying causes.

  • Focuses on describing the case in detail.
  • Provides comprehensive data to paint a clear picture of the phenomenon.
  • Helps understand “what” happened without delving into “why.”

Example : Documenting the process and outcomes of a corporate restructuring within a company, describing the actions taken and their immediate effects.

3. Explanatory Case Study

Definition : An explanatory case study aims to explain the cause-and-effect relationships of a particular case. It focuses on understanding “how” or “why” something happened.

  • Useful for causal analysis.
  • Aims to provide insights into mechanisms and processes.
  • Often used in social sciences and psychology to study behavior and interactions.

Example : Investigating why a school’s test scores improved significantly after implementing a new teaching method.

4. Intrinsic Case Study

Definition : An intrinsic case study focuses on a unique or interesting case, not because of what it represents but because of its intrinsic value. The researcher’s interest lies in understanding the case itself.

  • Driven by the researcher’s interest in the particular case.
  • Not meant to generalize findings to broader contexts.
  • Focuses on gaining a deep understanding of the specific case.

Example : Studying a particularly successful start-up to understand its founder’s unique leadership style.

5. Instrumental Case Study

Definition : An instrumental case study examines a particular case to gain insights into a broader issue. The case serves as a tool for understanding something more general.

  • The case itself is not the focus; rather, it is a vehicle for exploring broader principles or theories.
  • Helps apply findings to similar situations or cases.
  • Useful for theory testing or development.

Example : Studying a well-known patient’s therapy process to understand the general principles of effective psychological treatment.

Methods of Conducting a Case Study

Case studies can involve various research methods to collect data and analyze the case comprehensively. The primary methods include interviews , observations , document analysis , and surveys .

1. Interviews

Definition : Interviews allow researchers to gather in-depth information from individuals involved in the case. These interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the study’s goals.

  • Develop a list of open-ended questions aligned with the study’s objectives.
  • Conduct interviews with individuals directly or indirectly involved in the case.
  • Record, transcribe, and analyze the responses to identify key themes.

Example : Interviewing employees, managers, and clients in a company to understand the effects of a new business strategy.

2. Observations

Definition : Observations involve watching and recording behaviors, actions, and events within the case’s natural setting. This method provides first-hand data on interactions, routines, and environmental factors.

  • Define the behaviors and interactions to observe.
  • Conduct observations systematically, noting relevant details.
  • Analyze patterns and connections in the observed data.

Example : Observing interactions between teachers and students in a classroom to evaluate the effectiveness of a teaching method.

3. Document Analysis

Definition : Document analysis involves reviewing existing documents related to the case, such as reports, emails, memos, policies, or archival records. This provides historical and contextual data that can complement other data sources.

  • Identify relevant documents that offer insights into the case.
  • Systematically review and code the documents for themes or categories.
  • Compare document findings with data from interviews and observations.

Example : Analyzing company policies, performance reports, and emails to study the process of implementing a new organizational structure.

Definition : Surveys are structured questionnaires administered to a group of people involved in the case. Surveys are especially useful for gathering quantitative data that supports or complements qualitative findings.

  • Design survey questions that align with the research goals.
  • Distribute the survey to a sample of participants.
  • Analyze the survey responses, often using statistical methods.

Example : Conducting a survey among customers to measure satisfaction levels after a service redesign.

Case Study Guide: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: define the research questions.

  • Clearly outline what you aim to understand or explain.
  • Define specific questions that the case study will answer, such as “What factors led to X outcome?”

Step 2: Select the Case(s)

  • Choose a case (or cases) that are relevant to your research question.
  • Ensure that the case is feasible to study, accessible, and likely to yield meaningful data.

Step 3: Determine the Data Collection Methods

  • Decide which methods (e.g., interviews, observations, document analysis) will best capture the information needed.
  • Consider combining multiple methods to gather rich, well-rounded data.

Step 4: Collect Data

  • Gather data using your chosen methods, following ethical guidelines such as informed consent and confidentiality.
  • Take comprehensive notes and record interviews or observations when possible.

Step 5: Analyze the Data

  • Organize the data into themes, patterns, or categories.
  • Use qualitative or quantitative analysis methods, depending on the nature of the data.
  • Compare findings across data sources to identify consistencies and discrepancies.

Step 6: Interpret Findings

  • Draw conclusions based on the analysis, relating the findings to your research questions.
  • Consider alternative explanations and assess the generalizability of your findings.

Step 7: Report Results

  • Write a detailed report that presents your findings and explains their implications.
  • Discuss the limitations of the case study and potential directions for future research.

Examples of Case Study Applications

  • Objective : To understand the success factors of a high-growth tech company.
  • Methods : Interviews with key executives, analysis of internal reports, and customer satisfaction surveys.
  • Outcome : Insights into unique management practices and customer engagement strategies.
  • Objective : To examine the impact of project-based learning on student engagement.
  • Methods : Observations in classrooms, interviews with teachers, and analysis of student performance data.
  • Outcome : Evidence of increased engagement and enhanced critical thinking skills among students.
  • Objective : To explore the effectiveness of a new mental health intervention.
  • Methods : Interviews with patients, assessment of clinical outcomes, and reviews of therapist notes.
  • Outcome : Identification of factors that contribute to successful treatment outcomes.
  • Objective : To assess the impact of urban development on local wildlife.
  • Methods : Observations of wildlife, analysis of environmental data, and interviews with residents.
  • Outcome : Findings showing the effects of urban sprawl on species distribution and biodiversity.

Case studies are valuable for in-depth exploration and understanding of complex phenomena within their real-life contexts. By using methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and surveys, researchers can obtain comprehensive data and generate insights that are specific to the case. Whether exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, case studies offer unique opportunities for understanding and discovering practical applications for theories.

  • Baxter, P., & Jack, S. (2008). Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice Researchers . The Qualitative Report, 13(4), 544–559.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research . SAGE Publications.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Thomas, G. (2016). How to Do Your Case Study (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

About the author

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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10 Components of a Case Study You Absolutely Need to Include

Updated July 2024: SaaS case studies are essential for demonstrating the value of your products and showcasing the success your customers have experienced. To streamline the creation of these case studies, adhering to a specific case study format is vital. In this post, discover the 10 key components of a case study that you need to include.

This post is part of a series on how to write a B2B case study .

Components of a case study : must-have elements for success

1. develop a results-oriented title.

Your case study title needs to resonate. Do this by providing results-oriented information your audience cares about. Your title should include the name of the customer, the product or solution they used, and the main benefit or result.

Company A Uses Company B to Level Up Its Customer Experience and Drive 105% Increase in Revenue

2. Craft an engaging executive summary

One of the most crucial components of a case study is a compelling executive summary . It tells your potential customer what to expect and how they might be able to relate to the information provided.

Begin by introducing your customer and their challenges. Then, emphasize how your B2B SaaS company helped deliver the right solution. Finally, include a preview of the outcomes your customer achieved with your products.

Twilio Segment's executive summary for its Domino's case study

3. Outline your customer’s challenges

By asking the right case study questions , you can illustrate the obstacles your customer faced that prompted them to seek out a B2B SaaS solution. For example, maybe previous solution was a drain on time, resources or budgets.

This section is an ideal spot to use a customer quote and let them share their story in their words. Remember to paint your customer in a positive light. Focus on how they wanted to improve their business and avoid overly negative language.

monday.com's executive summary for its Cloudinary case study

Source: monday.com

4. Lead your reader along your customer’s journey

Help your reader picture themselves in your customer’s shoes. Lay out the steps your customer took to try to solve their problem, including an overview of the other products they investigated before they decided on yours. But be mindful not to toot your own horn—you’re simply recapping the facts.

Envysion's executive summary for its Denny's case study

Source: Envysion

5. Share the moment of discovery

The core components of a case study wouldn’t be complete without a section on how your customer decided on your specific B2B SaaS solution.

First, provide insight into which of their business requirements it met. Then include any other reasons the partnership was a good fit—perhaps your companies shared similar organizational values.

This is an area where case study testimonials make for powerful storytelling. They allow you to set your case study up to dive into how you and your product solved your customer’s challenges.

LeanData's executive summary for its Zendesk's case study

Source: LeanData

6. Spend some time on the solution

In the “solution” component of your case study, you get to pitch your products without the fear of sounding like a used car salesman. Remember, you didn’t rush in and save the day—this is about your customer’s goals and how your solution helped them reach their objectives. As a result, you simply need to outline the products your customer purchased and the benefits they provided.

Example of the "Solution" section for another component of a case study.

7. Walk your reader through the implementation

Change can be daunting, especially when it comes to the unknown, so it’s crucial that you give your reader a clear sense of how the implementation process went for your customer.

For example, if problems arose, don’t be afraid to be transparent about them, but tie the storyline back to how you and your customer overcame the challenges. This is one of the most important components of a case study, and is an opportunity to let your customer service shine.

Sage's executive summary for its Network Partners case study

Source: Sage

8. Celebrate your customer’s results

77% of SaaS companies include metrics in at least 50% of their case studies . Metrics are where you can show off the data—hard numbers like revenue gains and time saved that illustrate the return on investment your customer gained from your solution.

Showcase how well your products solved the customer’s problems. Find out what to do if you don’t have case study metrics to work with.

Example of the "Results" section for another component of a case study.

9. Close the loop with a call to action

Using the right components of a case study so far has helped keep your reader’s attention until the end of the piece, creating an important opportunity for you to guide them to the next step you want them to take. You can accomplish this by including a clear call to action (CTA) that speaks directly to them at the end of your B2B SaaS case study. See these case study CTA examples to learn how to make your calls to action stand out.

Databrick's executive summary for its case study

10. Don’t get too caught up in using the perfect format

A lot of experts will tell you that your content needs to include all of the components of a case study and follow a structured formula. But don’t stress over this.

A creative story doesn’t lock itself into anything too prescriptive. And you don’t have to chunk your content into specific modules like some ’90s business plan. The most interesting and compelling stories take a creative approach to case study format , and they play with perspective.

10 components of a case study: did you include them all?

Now that you know the 10 parts of a case study, take a look back through your own case studies. Have you included each of the components?

Moving forward, a good way to ensure you capture the whole story accurately is to fill out a case study brief before you start. This will help ensure you get a timely case study approval from your customer.

And last, but certainly not least, have you squeezed every last ounce of value from your case studies? Here are 13 ways to repurpose your case studies for maximum results.

Get help writing your case studies

Partnering with a SaaS content marketing agency like Uplift Content allows you to produce a consistent flow of high-quality marketing and sales collateral that generates and nurtures leads—and closes sales faster. Check out our case study writing services .

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As the founder of Uplift Content, Emily leads her team in creating done-for-you case studies, ebooks and blog posts for high-growth SaaS companies like ClickUp, Calendly and WalkMe. Connect with Emily on Linkedin

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Writing A Case Study

Case Study Format

Barbara P

Simple Case Study Format for Students to Follow

Case Study Format

People also read

What is a Case Study? Learn to Write With Steps, Examples & More

Understand the 7 Types of Case Study Here

15+ Free to Download Great Case Study Examples

Having trouble making your case studies stand out? Finding it hard to organize your story? You're not alone!

Many students struggle with writing a case study!

Imagine spending a lot of time on your case studies, but they don't grab your reader's interest. But don't worry!

In this guide, we will go step by step through case study formatting, along with practical tips to make your research stand out from the rest!

By following our step-by-step approach, you can understand how to craft a compelling case study format as well.

So, let’s get started!

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  • 1. How to Format a Case
  • 2. Case Study Format Template
  • 3. Case Study Format Examples

How to Format a Case

When it comes to writing a case study , understanding how to write a case study format is key to presenting your research effectively.

If you are wondering how to make a case study format, here are the elements to include in your case study paper format.

Case Study Formatting Guidelines

Effective case study formatting is essential to convey your insights clearly and engage your audience. Here are the key points to ensure your case study is well-organized and impactful:

  • Opt for easily readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Maintain a consistent font size, typically 12 points for the body text.
  • Set line spacing to double-spaced for the entire document.
  • Use bullet points for a concise and scannable information presentation.
  • Employ numbered lists for sequences of steps or chronological order of events.
  • Bold or italicize key phrases to draw attention to critical points; use underline sparingly.
  • Choose left, center, or justified alignment based on your overall design.
  • Make your headings clear and organized so readers know what's important.

If you need further assistance, check our case study format for students pdf here:

How To Write A Case Study Pdf

Case Study Format Template

Case studies can be used for different purposes. In social sciences, it can help you understand the problems of other people.

In businesses, it can help you earn the trust of potential customers. But do you even know what are the different types of case study and how to write one?

Refer to this case study format pdf before you start writing your own document. This student case study format sample contains all the information you might need when gathering information for your case study.

Case Study Format Examples

Case study examples are the best way to learn the basic techniques for writing a great case study on your own.

For your help, we have also compiled real-life case study examples along with a format that you can refer to while writing your own.

Explore these short case study sample PDFs to gain insights into presenting your research cohesively.

APA Case Study Format

If you are asked to write a case study in APA format, keep in mind there are some specific requirements that you need to adhere to.

Here is a case study APA format example for you to learn how to format a case study.

APA 7 Case Study Format

Business Case Study Format

Business case studies can help businesses sell products or services to prospects. Here is a perfect example for you to learn how to write an impressive business case study.

Case Study Format For MBA Students

MBA Case Study Format

Case Study Format Nursing

Writing a great nursing case study can be tough. That’s why we have provided a case study format for nursing students to use as a guide in creating their work. 

Refer to this family case study format example if you are writing a nursing case study for the first time.

Nursing Case Study Format

Harvard Business School Case Study Format

Looking for HBS style business case study? Here is one for you to read and take hints and ideas to prepare this type of case study like a professional.

Medical Case Study Format

Writing medical case studies is helpful in medical practices as it gives a lot of information about different diseases. Look at this example and learn how to write a detailed medical case study.

Case Study Format Psychology

To study how the human mind works, you need a clear and organized method. Follow this easy psychology case study format to explore the details of psychological research:

Report Case Study Format

A well-structured report case study provides a detailed analysis of a specific situation, helping businesses and researchers make informed decisions. 

Use the following format as a guide for creating an insightful and professional report case study.

Report Case Study Format PDF

To sum it up,

Writing high-quality case studies means combining a clear structure, good storytelling, and smart presentation. If you follow the tips I've shared in this blog, you're on your way to making interesting stories that grab people's attention.

If your case study is causing problems, consider getting professional help. Our essay service is designed to help you secure top grades by meeting the criteria set by professors.

Our skilled writers are here to assist with any type of assignment you may have. Explore our case study writing service to relieve your stress and excel academically.

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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.

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is a Case Study? Definition, Elements and 15 Examples

    Elements of a case study It takes more than a good track record to provide case studies to new hires. Businesses should know how to properly write and format them. Effective case studies break scenarios down into parts so that every aspect can be analyzed. The following format includes the necessary five-part structure:

  2. 8 Essential Components of a Case Study (Includes Interview ...

    What is a Case Study? From a broad perspective, a case study is an in-depth analysis of a particular subject. Generally, the study covers a problem-solution-results format. When applied to the business world, a case study examines how a customer had a problem, found a solution using a particular product or service, and shares the results of the ...

  3. 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.

  4. What to Include in a Case Study: Layout, Content & Visuals

    Crafting your case study is like writing a gripping novel, filled with characters, conflicts, and resolutions. Each component of your case study serves a unique purpose in narrating the story of how your product or service helps your clients conquer their challenges. Here are the main chapters of your case study structure: 1. Introduction

  5. The 7 Essential Elements of a Great Case Study

    Case studies that include visual elements such as photos, diagrams, infographics, or videos can often be more persuasive and effective than those that don't. Visual aids can also help make complex topics more easily understandable, and they often create a stronger emotional connection with potential customers. 7. Descriptive Name

  6. Case Study

    A case study is a research method that involves a detailed examination of a subject (the "case") within its real-life context. Case studies are used to explore the causes of underlying principles, behaviors, or outcomes, providing insights into the nuances of the studied phenomena. This approach allows researchers to capture a wide array of ...

  7. How To Write A Convincing Case Study: Five Must-Have Elements

    As a reminder, a case study is a story of the customer's journey, and for a journey to exist, there have to be some obstacles to overcome. Here are some initial challenges many of our marketing ...

  8. 7 Elements Of A Successful Case Study

    7 Elements A Successful Case Study Must Possess. If you look at the case study section of a textbook, you are likely to doze off. They often have dull situations described in legal terms. Each one will include the specific chapter of a company policy that was violated, citing its page and number. While this is factually accurate, it holds no ...

  9. 10 Components of a Case Study to Close Bigger Deals Faster

    To streamline the creation of these case studies, adhering to a specific case study format is vital. In this post, discover the 10 key components of a case study that you need to include. This post is part of a series on how to write a B2B case study. Components of a case study: must-have elements for success. 1. Develop a results-oriented title

  10. Case Study Format

    Case Study Format Examples. Case study examples are the best way to learn the basic techniques for writing a great case study on your own. For your help, we have also compiled real-life case study examples along with a format that you can refer to while writing your own.. Explore these short case study sample PDFs to gain insights into presenting your research cohesively.