What’s a case study (or success story)?
A case study is a profile of an organization that has put to use a specific product, service, or standard.
In other words, it’s a real-life example of how a product or service works.
Some companies call case studies “success stories”, as the story illustrates how their client realized actual benefits using their product.
Case studies are highly credible and are regarded as a valuable tool in the sales, marketing, and public relations processes. Case studies elicit trust from your prospect, since they provide the proof of the pudding.
As such, case studies are an integral part of creating a trustworthy, credible brand for any organization.
What is the average length of a case study?
The ideal length of a case study is between 750 and 1000 words. Any shorter and you don’t have enough time to develop a compelling story that highlights the key benefits. Any longer and you lose your reader’s attention.
Ideally, a case study should fit on one two-sided, 8 ½ by 11 page. This makes the perfect take-away for your prospect to read at their leisure. And they will.
How much does a case study cost?
Bright Red Handle provides varying levels of services, depending on your requirements.
| Writing only | $1200 USD | Writing + layout | $1500 USD |
| Writing + creation of new graphics template + layout | $1800 USD |
Bulk pricing is available for four or more case studies. Please send us an email for more details on this offer.
What does the price of your case study include?
A high-quality case study covers several critical steps, including proper client engagement and focused writing.
Step 1: Initial briefing with you. This includes:
- A general overview of your product/service
- Discussion on key differentiating aspects of your product/service. Assistance on determining these (if required).
- A general overview of the implementation of your product/service at your client’s site
Step 2: Effective interview with your client. This includes:
- Preparation of a detailed questionnaire, which is submitted to your client beforehand
- Verbatim transcript of interview (for testimonials and quotes)
- Astute, experienced interview techniques for obtaining the best possible quotes and testimonials
- Deep technological understanding to quickly grasp the information your client relays
- A professional, courteous interview, which creates a favorable impression on your client
Step 3: Writing of case study. This includes:
- Entertaining writing that retains your audience’s attention and creates brand stickiness
- Highlighting of the chief business benefits realized
- Writing that promotes your key differentiating aspects
Step 4: Editing of case study. This includes:
- Review of case study with any of your internal personnel (product managers, product marketers, legal department, etc.)
- One to two edits to obtain a final version that is satisfactory to you
- (Optional) Approval management with your client
Do you offer bulk pricing?
Absolutely. Give me a call or send me an email, and let’s discuss your writing requirements.
Who reads case studies?
Everyone involved in the sales process, from user-level all the way up to the VP Finance and CEO. Print or PDF case studies are easily downloadable, and provide ready reference material for people who influence or make purchasing decisions.
Case studies and success stories may also be read by your prospects as part of your direct marketing programs or from your website.
Internal personnel also read case studies, to stay in touch with your customer base and to share in company successes.
How long does a case study take?
Generally, you will see a first draft of your case study seven to ten days after the client interview. All told, including interview set-up time, writing, approval from your client, and layout, a case study usually takes 6 weeks from start to finish. For emergencies, a case study can also be written in as little as one week, depending on your client’s availability. There is normally an added cost for “rush” case studies.
What are the main advantages of outsourcing my writing requirements?
An outsourced writer has three distinct advantages over your in-house resources.
Advantage #1: A fresh perspective
Outsourced writers have an outsider’s perspective on your organization that is, more than likely, a lot closer to your prospect’s than that of your employee’s. Daily involvement with the subject matter can make an in-house resource “too close” to the material, and can lead to blind spots, especially for the most obvious points of your offering.
Advantage #2: A neutral third party
An outsourced writer is often seen as more neutral than an in-house resource, and can thus elicit different reactions and responses from clients, whether they be internal or external.
Advantage#3: Significant cost savings
In the final analysis, outsourcing writing requirements is a huge cost savings for a company. Most writing requirements are project-based and sporadic. Outsourced writers work according to the project you need to complete, and thus maximize your investment. You don’t need to pay a full-time writer who has little to do during downtimes.
I really need a white paper. Can you do this as well?
Bright Red Handle works with the best in the business for white papers. Gordon Graham is an award-winning writer who has written hundreds of white papers for companies like Autodesk, Intuit, and Oracle.
Anne works with Gordon to ensure you get the highest quality white paper. Together they make one of the most powerful writing teams in the IT industry.
Do you write anything else besides case studies?
Yes, absolutely. In addition to case studies, I also provide writing services for websites, search engine optimized writing for websites, articles, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and direct mail and email campaigns.
I am a writer first and foremost. My specialty is in case studies for the high tech industry, particularly because there is a lack of writers who can write effectively for the IT industry.