Engineering Copywriter Blog

Various case study elements need to be implemented well in order to produce an effective case study. A good story induces empathy from readers. When used correctly in marketing, it allows brands to communicate with clients and potential customers, letting them know that the company recognizes their issues or pain areas. Through this, readers become eager to learn further on ways a brand could assist them. 

This is essentially what a case study entails and how it functions when the right case study elements are utilized. It describes how your services, product, or organization solved a customer problem challenge by utilizing a storytelling structure. An effective case study describes a methodology and the excellent service a client had with a brand. It’s such a good approach to establish a company’s authority as a leader in its field.

Figure 1. TREWMarketing Survey Results for Engineers

While user reviews are important in marketing, case studies go a step further. According to a recent survey, engineers, for example, find case studies as the second most valuable content when researching information at 41%. 

The most important thing is that case studies are true stories centered on genuine occurrences involving real companies. As a result, they come across as more credible right away. And, since the bulk of marketing decisions are founded on credibility and reputation, you’re off to something.

Read on to understand the important elements of an effective case study and how you can utilize it for your engineering firm.

1. Creates a compelling story

Just because a story is genuine does not mean it has to be dull. The key is to transform it into a narrative. 

For example, a construction company has been experiencing multiple equipment problems. They turn to another engineering firm that specializes in equipment maintenance. 

This narrative alone will seem uninteresting to read. But when you add more details including the reason why the construction company had to outsource, the selection process, and the considerations they had to make, the situation becomes more lively and interesting. 

All those are unusual circumstances that add complexity to the situation. As a result, a problem is created in the minds of engineers, triggering ideas as well as emotions.

2. Has a collection of interesting data

Case studies work best with engineers when there is data to analyze. According to the same study as above, engineers find datasheets as a very valuable source of information at 73%.

In the above example, the engineering firm creating the case study can include relevant statistics in the study. These can incorporate downtime and employee utilization rate before and after outsourcing the equipment maintenance. By doing so, engineering readers can easily see the improvement in terms of production and how the company benefited from it.

3. The case study makes use of real client problems

One of the case study elements that makes it effective is by using real client problems. Engineers, in particular, seek them because of their authenticity and the value they provide to their professional experience. It shows them concrete examples of companies going through problems and eventually solving them.

If you are working on your case study too, emphasize the important items by listing them in bullet points and providing quotes from the customer. Real client statements are a great way to showcase effectively how you have helped your clients.

4. Shows the solution of the problem

The resolution to the issues addressed in real scenarios is another case study element that needs to be present. One of the  goals of a case study is to showcase a real client problem and demonstrate how it was resolved. This gives the clients a sense of assurance that the company is capable of meeting their needs.

For a case study to be effective, it should show specific steps on how the problem was solved. Enumerate the process that you have undergone and the strategies you have put in place to achieve the result. This will show the potential clients your capabilities as a partner.

5. Educates potential clients on what the company can offer

There really is no easier way to persuade potential customers other than showing them evidence of actual problems that your engineering firm has solved. Engineering case studies demonstrate that your products and services are effective. This boosts the potential customer’s enthusiasm in selecting your product or service over a rival company. 

Furthermore, case studies might point to the reality that you are keen to go the extra mile to assist a customer in addressing a problem. It could also be used as definitive evidence that you are capable of resolving the problems of the customers.

Effective case studies for engineers

Case studies are generally regarded as uninteresting. By rendering them emotional and realistic, you may transform them into effective virtual learning tools. They could provide you instant credibility because they are based on genuine scenarios. There’s no need for all those marketing talks or self-promotional publicity that is common in other forms of advertisements. 

Don’t just point out the obvious. Integrate things into an engrossing plot with doable action. Simply make sure it assists your engineering readers in their respective fields of expertise. If you need help with creating an effective case study for your engineering audience, drop us a line!