I’ve recently finished two case studies for my website. These case studies are about the work I’ve done recently for two different clients and the results they’ve seen. It was both exhilarating and stressful to create these case studies. I loved that my clients saw measurable results and were willing to share them with me and offer positive testimonials. There is nothing better than positive feedback. It’s like fuel for my creative fire.
Even so, I found writing case studies for myself difficult. It’s like trying to tell my life story in one paragraph. So much strategic thought and planning go into what I do and how I do it. The client’s mission, vision, brand identity, strategic plan, and business goals are embedded in every piece I write. The strategy behind the project and the tactics and channels we use are also important factors. And then there’s the story I am telling which includes the hero (reader), the conflict or problem, the solution (the client), and the resolution. Every piece has a story arc that drives the narrative. And then there’s the metrics or the measurements we use to decide whether we were successful. It’s a lot. And trying to distill it down into a two-page digestible and skimmable case study was daunting.
It was also a little scary because what if I’m wrong? What if my reasoning was faulty or my story arc was not compelling enough. Even if the metrics were positive, there is still that nagging thought that I could have done better or I could have done something differently. That’s imposter syndrome kicking in. I’m learning to ignore it, but it’s very persistent.
This is weird because I love getting feedback from clients, both positive and constructive criticism. I just wrote a LinkedIn post about it earlier this week. I think client feedback makes my work (and, therefore, my case studies) better. So you would think I wouldn’t mind putting my whole process out there for the world to review. But it’s one thing to have a client read a piece that is for them and will ultimately be theirs to use as they want. It’s another to show the world my inner thought process from beginning to end. It’s like showing up to the first day of school naked.
But case studies are necessary if I want to grow my business. So here I am, in full disclosure, showing it all. I’m proud of my work, and I’m pretty sure my clients are happy with their results. So, that is enough for me.
If you’d like to be my next case study, contact me today so we can get started on your content!
