Here’s Why Writing A Marketing Case Study Is Worth The Effort

For the majority, a marketing case study may seem like a document that presents the results of a particular marketing project or campaign. But it’s one of the most valuable pieces of content any marketing agency or company should ever have in their arsenal. 

Without it, they might not be able to bag clients or customers. But based on studies since 2013, case studies may not be the number one content for these agencies or companies. That may be the case, but it still serves a tremendous purpose: to persuade customers to avail their marketing services.

In this article, know why it’s still important to publish case studies. Plus, check out the best marketing case study examples as well.

What is a Marketing Case Study?

A marketing case study is a document or page that contains the results and explanation of a marketing project or campaign. 

Most marketing case studies are a page-long on PDFs and a website. However, some could go beyond the number of pages to further explain processes or solutions.

Parts of A Marketing Case Study

When writing a case study, Alexa and Hubspot wrote you should include these basic elements before publishing them online:

• Title
• Problem or Challenges
• Objectives
• Solutions
• Results

Client name doesn’t have to be part of it, but most marketing companies and agencies would have a placeholder as [industry] business. For example, they would say, retail business. 

Aside from that, some companies or agencies would add visuals to make it more entertaining or to break text. Since case studies are considered web content, you want people to stay on the page, and any content with visuals get more views.

Why Should You Publish Case Studies?

1. Shows Proof of Your Work

It’s much easier for graphic designers to show off their work. They publish a portfolio online, and clients can hire them for work. The same goes for content writers. They can present a portfolio of their best writing work too.

But for marketing agencies and companies, potential clients will appreciate seeing case studies. It helps them realize that this is a legitimate company and could work on their current marketing issues.

One other thing that Hubspot points out is it can become a persuasive tool for prospective clients and customers. Having a case study will show what your difference is and what your process or solution is in solving a marketing issue. The prospective client or customer will then decide if your marketing company or agency is the best fit to help solve their current marketing concerns.

2. Establishes You As An Authority

Adding to the earlier point about legitimacy, you want to show your marketing company is an authority. It shows that your company or agency is capable of producing results for clients. Therefore, potential clients or customers can consider you as they find more agencies to solve any marketing problems.

3. Provides Another Form of Content

Marketing case studies are another content type you should publish on your site. 

In a CoSchedule study, 3% of marketers voted Case Studies as part of their top-performing content. It’s not high up like social media ads, email marketing, and blog posts, but it still provides value. However, in a 2019 study conducted by Jessica Mehring, 57% of companies still publish case studies. Regardless of these numbers, case studies remain relevant for SaaS and B2B companies.

Case studies won’t precisely play a huge part in your SEO efforts. But, if a potential visitor comes across your site, they can click on the Case Studies or Results page of your site to view what you’ve accomplished for previous clients.

But, you can make it work in your favor. In fact, more than 70% of B2B companies would incorporate case studies into their blogs. With the right keywords, you might get more clicks and visits.

4. Tells A Story

A client or customer comes to you with a marketing issue they can’t solve. So, they avail of your services. But many companies and agencies don’t see problem-solving as just a business transaction. For them, it’s a chance to tell their customer’s stories.

The marketing case study is a text version of your customer’s journey. Remember the fundamental storytelling elements:

• Character: The customer and your company
• Conflict: Marketing issue
• Resolution: The results

You can add in other things like the exposition (background) too. Or perhaps a point of view (who’s telling this story, is it the customer or you?). Regardless, treat every case study as a story to tell, and you should have the key elements present in them.

Examples of Marketing Case Studies

For you to get a better understanding of how marketing case studies should be presented, check out these seven best examples to inspire yours.

Talkwalker: HelloFresh

The Talkwalker case study for HelloFresh demonstrates that the customer is the protagonist of the story. Aside from including the primary elements of a case study, they added their client’s images. It’s great to add images like this because it will introduce the reader to HelloFresh. And at the same time, it gives the case study life.

Single Grain: Harris Teeter

Single Grain shows you don’t need an elaborate marketing case study to show off your proof. It seems they provided only a summary, and that’s enough to get a client interested. So long as you include the challenges, approach, and results, like in their Harris Teeter case study, you’re all set.

KlientBoost: Stanford GSB

This one by KlientBoost doesn’t elaborate on much, and it’s a good thing. It means potential clients or customers can skim the content and view only the information that matters.

What made them different from the other case studies in this list is they added a snippet from the Digital Marketing Manager of Stanford GSB. Adding this kind of social proof to your case study can make you seem like a legitimate source.

Big Leap: Avis

For Big Leap, numbers are everything, and it shows in their case studies. 

In this example from Avis, you’ll see numbers flashing on your screen upon loading the page. Immediately, you’ll see the results produced by their services. As you scroll down further, you’ll see they added a background of how Avis partnered with Big Leap. Plus, they included the strategies and an explanation of the results.

One thing that most agencies and companies shouldn’t forget is adding a call-to-action (CTA). If a potential client seems convinced of what you did, add contact details or a link. This way, they can request a quote or partner with you.

Titan Growth: Mizuno

Right at the get-go, you see the results of Titan Growth’s marketing campaign or project for Mizuno, just like the Avis case study. But what makes this a stark contrast from the Avis one is they simplified the information. Not only that, but they added a short interview video of the VP of Digital Marketing & eCommerce.

The video is a nice touch because it allows you to hear the client’s side, instead of the agency or company doing the talking for them.

Directive Consulting: Tokenex

Directive Consulting provides a web page and a 5-page PDF of their case study. It’s a common practice by many marketing agencies and companies.

They have a CTA button on their PDF, which is the right call, so prospective clients can immediately contact them. On the other hand, the web page shows links to two other case studies. It’s another strategy for them to guide visitors to other pages and learn more about what they have accomplished.

SEO Brand: Montblanc

You can cut to the chase when writing your case study. In fact, if you can, reduce the web page scrolling, like this case study by SEO Brand for Montblanc. They say short is sweet, and SEO Brand keeps it that way. It’s an excellent no-frills example of how you can present a case study without going into too much detail.