case study marketing research

28 Case Study Examples Every Marketer Should See

Published: March 08, 2023

Putting together a compelling case study is one of the most powerful strategies for showcasing your product and attracting future customers. But it's not easy to create case studies that your audience can’t wait to read.

In this post, we’ll go over the definition of a case study and the best examples to inspire you.

What is a case study?

A case study is a detailed story of something your company did. It includes a beginning — often discussing a conflict, an explanation of what happened next, and a resolution that explains how the company solved or improved on something.

A case study proves how your product has helped other companies by demonstrating real-life results. Not only that, but marketing case studies with solutions typically contain quotes from the customer. This means that they’re not just ads where you praise your own product. Rather, other companies are praising your company — and there’s no stronger marketing material than a verbal recommendation or testimonial. A great case study is also filled with research and stats to back up points made about a project's results.

There are myriad ways to use case studies in your marketing strategy . From featuring them on your website to including them in a sales presentation, a case study is a strong, persuasive tool that shows customers why they should work with you — straight from another customer. Writing one from scratch is hard, though, which is why we’ve created a collection of case study templates for you to get started.

Fill out the form below to access the free case study templates.

Free Case Study Templates

Showcase your company's success using these three free case study templates.

• Data-Driven Case Study Template
• Product-Specific Case Study Template
• General Case Study Template

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There’s no better way to generate more leads than by writing case studies . But without case study examples to draw inspiration from, it can be difficult to write impactful studies that convince visitors to submit a form.

Marketing Case Study Examples

To help you create an attractive and high-converting case study, we've put together a list of some of our favorites. This list includes famous case studies in marketing, technology, and business.

These studies can show you how to frame your company offers in a way that is both meaningful and useful to your audience. So, take a look, and let these examples inspire your next brilliant case study design.

These marketing case studies with solutions show the value proposition of each product. They also show how each company benefited in both the short and long term using quantitative data. In other words, you don’t get just nice statements, like "This company helped us a lot." You see actual change within the firm through numbers and figures.

You can put your learnings into action with HubSpot's Free Case Study Templates . Available as custom designs and text-based documents, you can upload these templates to your CMS or send them to prospects as you see fit.

1. " How Handled Scaled from Zero to 121 Locations with the Help of HubSpot ," by HubSpot

What's interesting about this case study is the way it leads with the customer. That reflects a major HubSpot cornerstone, which is to always solve for the customer first. The copy leads with a brief description of why the CEO of Handled founded the company and why he thought Handled could benefit from adopting a CRM. The case study also opens up with one key data point about Handled’s success using HubSpot, namely that it grew to 121 locations.

Notice that this case study uses mixed media. Yes, there is a short video, but it's elaborated upon in the other text on the page. So while your case studies can use one or the other, don't be afraid to combine written copy with visuals to emphasize the project's success.

Key Learnings from the HubSpot Case Study Example

• Give the case study a personal touch by focusing on the CEO rather than the company itself.
• Use multimedia to engage website visitors as they read the case study.

2. " The Whole Package ," by IDEO

Here's a design company that knows how to lead with simplicity in its case studies. As soon as the visitor arrives at the page, they’re greeted with a big, bold photo and the title of the case study — which just so happens to summarize how IDEO helped its client. It summarizes the case study in three snippets: The challenge, the impact, and the outcome.

Immediately, IDEO communicates its impact — the company partnered with H&M to remove plastic from its packaging — but it doesn't stop there. As the user scrolls down, the challenge, impact, and progress are elaborated upon with comprehensive (but not overwhelming) copy that outlines what that process looked like, replete with quotes and intriguing visuals.

Key Learnings from the IDEO Case Study Example

• Split up the takeaways of your case studies into bite-sized sections.
• Always use visuals and images to enrich the case study experience, especially if it’s a comprehensive case study.

3. " Rozum Robotics intensifies its PR game with Awario ," by Awario

In this case study, Awario greets the user with a summary straight away — so if you’re feeling up to reading the entire case study, you can scan the snapshot and understand how the company serves its customers. The case study then includes jump links to several sections, such as "Company Profile," "Rozum Robotics' Pains," "Challenge," "Solution," and "Results and Improvements."

The sparse copy and prominent headings show that you don’t need a lot of elaborate information to show the value of your products and services. Like the other case study examples on this list, it includes visuals and quotes to demonstrate the effectiveness of the company’s efforts. The case study ends with a bulleted list that shows the results.

Key Learnings from the Awario Robotics Case Study Example

• Create a table of contents to make your case study easier to navigate.
• Include a bulleted list of the results you achieved for your client.

4. " Chevrolet DTU ," by Carol H. Williams

If you’ve worked with a company that’s well-known, use only the name in the title — like Carol H. Williams, one of the nation’s top advertising agencies, does here. The "DTU," stands for "Discover the Unexpected." It generates interest because you want to find out what the initials mean.

They keep your interest in this case study by using a mixture of headings, images, and videos to describe the challenges, objectives, and solutions of the project. The case study closes with a summary of the key achievements that Chevrolet’s DTU Journalism Fellows reached during the project.

Key Learnings from the Carol H. Williams Case Study Example

• If you’ve worked with a big brand before, consider only using the name in the title — just enough to pique interest.
• Use a mixture of headings and subheadings to guide users through the case study.

5. " How Fractl Earned Links from 931 Unique Domains for Porch.com in a Single Year ," by Fractl

Fractl uses both text and graphic design in their Porch.com case study to immerse the viewer in a more interesting user experience. For instance, as you scroll, you'll see the results are illustrated in an infographic-design form as well as the text itself.

Further down the page, they use icons like a heart and a circle to illustrate their pitch angles, and graphs to showcase their results. Rather than writing which publications have mentioned Porch.com during Fractl’s campaign, they incorporated the media outlets’ icons for further visual diversity.

Key Learnings from the Fractl Case Study Example

• Let pictures speak for you by incorporating graphs, logos, and icons all throughout the case study.
• Start the case study by right away stating the key results, like Fractl does, instead of putting the results all the way at the bottom.

6. " The Met ," by Fantasy

What's the best way to showcase the responsiveness and user interface of a website? Probably by diving right into it with a series of simple showcases— which is exactly what Fantasy does on their case study page for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They keep the page simple and clean, inviting you to review their redesign of the Met’s website feature-by-feature.

Each section is simple, showing a single piece of the new website's interface so that users aren’t overwhelmed with information and can focus on what matters most.

If you're more interested in text, you can read the objective for each feature. Fantasy understands that, as a potential customer, this is all you need to know. Scrolling further, you're greeted with a simple "Contact Us" CTA.

Key Learnings from the Fantasy Case Study Example

• You don’t have to write a ton of text to create a great case study. Focus on the solution you delivered itself.
• Include a CTA at the bottom inviting visitors to contact you.

7. " Rovio: How Rovio Grew Into a Gaming Superpower ," by App Annie

If your client had a lot of positive things to say about you, take a note from App Annie’s Rovio case study and open up with a quote from your client. The case study also closes with a quote, so that the case study doesn’t seem like a promotion written by your marketing team but a story that’s taken straight from your client’s mouth. It includes a photo of a Rovio employee, too.

Another thing this example does well? It immediately includes a link to the product that Rovio used (namely, App Annie Intelligence) at the top of the case study. The case study closes with a call-to-action button prompting users to book a demo.

Key Learnings from the App Annie Case Study Example

• Feature quotes from your client at the beginning and end of the case study.
• Include a mention of the product right at the beginning and prompt users to learn more about the product.

8. " Embracing first-party data: 3 success stories from HubSpot ," by Think with Google

Google takes a different approach to text-focused case studies by choosing three different companies to highlight.

The case study is clean and easily scannable. It has sections for each company, with quotes and headers that clarify the way these three distinct stories connect. The simple format also uses colors and text that align with the Google brand.

Another differentiator is the focus on data. This case study is less than a thousand words, but it's packed with useful data points. Data-driven insights quickly and clearly show how the value of leveraging first-party data while prioritizing consumer privacy.

Key Learnings from the Think with Google Case Study Example

• A case study doesn’t need to be long or complex to be powerful.
• Clear data points are a quick and effective way to prove value.

9. " In-Depth Performance Marketing Case Study ," by Switch

Switch is an international marketing agency based in Malta that knocks it out of the park with this case study. Its biggest challenge is effectively communicating what it did for its client without ever revealing the client’s name. It also effectively keeps non-marketers in the loop by including a glossary of terms on page 4.

The PDF case study reads like a compelling research article, including titles like "In-Depth Performance Marketing Case Study," "Scenario," and "Approach," so that readers get a high-level overview of what the client needed and why they approached Switch. It also includes a different page for each strategy. For instance, if you’d only be interested in hiring Switch for optimizing your Facebook ads, you can skip to page 10 to see how they did it.

The PDF is fourteen pages long but features big fonts and plenty of white space, so viewers can easily skim it in only a few minutes.

Key Learnings from the Switch Case Study Example

• If you want to go into specialized information, include a glossary of terms so that non-specialists can easily understand.
• Close with a CTA page in your case study PDF and include contact information for prospective clients.

10. " Gila River ," by OH Partners

Let pictures speak for you, like OH Partners did in this case study. While you’ll quickly come across a heading and some text when you land on this case study page, you’ll get the bulk of the case study through examples of actual work OH Partners did for its client. You will see OH Partners’ work in a billboard, magazine, and video. This communicates to website visitors that if they work with OH Partners, their business will be visible everywhere.

And like the other case studies here, it closes with a summary of what the firm achieved for its client in an eye-catching way.

Key Learnings from the OH Partners Case Study Example

• Let the visuals speak by including examples of the actual work you did for your client — which is especially useful for branding and marketing agencies.
• Always close out with your achievements and how they impacted your client.

11. " Facing a Hater ," by Digitas

Digitas' case study page for Sprite’s #ILOVEYOUHATER campaign keeps it brief while communicating the key facts of Digitas’ work for the popular soda brand. The page opens with an impactful image of a hundred people facing a single man. It turns out, that man is the biggest "bully" in Argentina, and the people facing him are those whom he’s bullied before.

Scrolling down, it's obvious that Digitas kept Sprite at the forefront of their strategy, but more than that, they used real people as their focal point. They leveraged the Twitter API to pull data from Tweets that people had actually tweeted to find the identity of the biggest "hater" in the country. That turned out to be @AguanteElCofler, a Twitter user who has since been suspended.

Key Learnings from the Digitas Case Study Example

• If a video was part of your work for your client, be sure to include the most impactful screenshot as the heading.
• Don’t be afraid to provide details on how you helped your client achieve their goals, including the tools you leveraged.

12. " Better Experiences for All ," by HermanMiller

HermanMiller sells sleek, utilitarian furniture with no frills and extreme functionality, and that ethos extends to its case study page for a hospital in Dubai.

What first attracted me to this case study was the beautiful video at the top and the clean user experience. User experience matters a lot in a case study. It determines whether users will keep reading or leave. Another notable aspect of this case study is that the video includes closed-captioning for greater accessibility, and users have the option of expanding the CC and searching through the text.

HermanMiller’s case study also offers an impressive amount of information packed in just a few short paragraphs for those wanting to understand the nuances of their strategy. It closes out with a quote from their client and, most importantly, the list of furniture products that the hospital purchased from the brand.

Key Learnings from the HermanMiller Case Study Example

• Close out with a list of products that users can buy after reading the case study.
• Include accessibility features such as closed captioning and night mode to make your case study more user-friendly.

13. " Capital One on AWS ," by Amazon

Do you work continuously with your clients? Consider structuring your case study page like Amazon did in this stellar case study example. Instead of just featuring one article about Capital One and how it benefited from using AWS, Amazon features a series of articles that you can then access if you’re interested in reading more. It goes all the way back to 2016, all with different stories that feature Capital One’s achievements using AWS.

This may look unattainable for a small firm, but you don’t have to go to extreme measures and do it for every single one of your clients. You could choose the one you most wish to focus on and establish a contact both on your side and your client’s for coming up with the content. Check in every year and write a new piece. These don’t have to be long, either — five hundred to eight hundred words will do.

Key Learnings from the Amazon AWS Case Study Example

• Write a new article each year featuring one of your clients, then include links to those articles in one big case study page.
• Consider including external articles as well that emphasize your client’s success in their industry.

14. " HackReactor teaches the world to code #withAsana ," by Asana

While Asana's case study design looks text-heavy, there's a good reason. It reads like a creative story, told entirely from the customer's perspective.

For instance, Asana knows you won't trust its word alone on why this product is useful. So, they let Tony Phillips, HackReactor CEO, tell you instead: "We take in a lot of information. Our brains are awful at storage but very good at thinking; you really start to want some third party to store your information so you can do something with it."

Asana features frequent quotes from Phillips to break up the wall of text and humanize the case study. It reads like an in-depth interview and captivates the reader through creative storytelling. Even more, Asana includes in-depth detail about how HackReactor uses Asana. This includes how they build templates and workflows:

"There's a huge differentiator between Asana and other tools, and that’s the very easy API access. Even if Asana isn’t the perfect fit for a workflow, someone like me— a relatively mediocre software engineer—can add functionality via the API to build a custom solution that helps a team get more done."

Key Learnings from the Asana Example

• Include quotes from your client throughout the case study.
• Provide extensive detail on how your client worked with you or used your product.

15. " Rips Sewed, Brand Love Reaped ," by Amp Agency

Amp Agency's Patagonia marketing strategy aimed to appeal to a new audience through guerrilla marketing efforts and a coast-to-coast road trip. Their case study page effectively conveys a voyager theme, complete with real photos of Patagonia customers from across the U.S., and a map of the expedition. I liked Amp Agency's storytelling approach best. It captures viewers' attention from start to finish simply because it's an intriguing and unique approach to marketing.

Key Learnings from the Amp Agency Example

• Open up with a summary that communicates who your client is and why they reached out to you.
• Like in the other case study examples, you’ll want to close out with a quantitative list of your achievements.

16. " NetApp ," by Evisort

Evisort opens up its NetApp case study with an at-a-glance overview of the client. It’s imperative to always focus on the client in your case study — not on your amazing product and equally amazing team. By opening up with a snapshot of the client’s company, Evisort places the focus on the client.

This case study example checks all the boxes for a great case study that’s informative, thorough, and compelling. It includes quotes from the client and details about the challenges NetApp faced during the COVID pandemic. It closes out with a quote from the client and with a link to download the case study in PDF format, which is incredibly important if you want your case study to be accessible in a wider variety of formats.

Key Learnings from the Evisort Example

• Place the focus immediately on your client by including a snapshot of their company.
• Mention challenging eras, such as a pandemic or recession, to show how your company can help your client succeed even during difficult times.

17. " Copernicus Land Monitoring – CLC+ Core ," by Cloudflight

Including highly specialized information in your case study is an effective way to show prospects that you’re not just trying to get their business. You’re deep within their industry, too, and willing to learn everything you need to learn to create a solution that works specifically for them.

Cloudflight does a splendid job at that in its Copernicus Land Monitoring case study. While the information may be difficult to read at first glance, it will capture the interest of prospects who are in the environmental industry. It thus shows Cloudflight’s value as a partner much more effectively than a general case study would.

The page is comprehensive and ends with a compelling call-to-action — "Looking for a solution that automates, and enhances your Big Data system? Are you struggling with large datasets and accessibility? We would be happy to advise and support you!" The clean, whitespace-heavy page is an effective example of using a case study to capture future leads.

Key Learnings from the Cloudflight Case Study Example

• Don’t be afraid to get technical in your explanation of what you did for your client.
• Include a snapshot of the sales representative prospects should contact, especially if you have different sales reps for different industries, like Cloudflight does.

18. " Valvoline Increases Coupon Send Rate by 76% with Textel’s MMS Picture Texting ," by Textel

If you’re targeting large enterprises with a long purchasing cycle, you’ll want to include a wealth of information in an easily transferable format. That’s what Textel does here in its PDF case study for Valvoline. It greets the user with an eye-catching headline that shows the value of using Textel. Valvoline saw a significant return on investment from using the platform.

Another smart decision in this case study is highlighting the client’s quote by putting it in green font and doing the same thing for the client’s results because it helps the reader quickly connect the two pieces of information. If you’re in a hurry, you can also take a look at the "At a Glance" column to get the key facts of the case study, starting with information about Valvoline.

Key Learnings from the Textel Case Study Example

• Include your client’s ROI right in the title of the case study.
• Add an "At a Glance" column to your case study PDF to make it easy to get insights without needing to read all the text.

19. " Hunt Club and Happeo — a tech-enabled love story ," by Happeo

In this blog-post-like case study, Happeo opens with a quote from the client, then dives into a compelling heading: "Technology at the forefront of Hunt Club's strategy." Say you’re investigating Happeo as a solution and consider your firm to be technology-driven. This approach would spark your curiosity about why the client chose to work with Happeo. It also effectively communicates the software’s value proposition without sounding like it’s coming from an in-house marketing team.

Every paragraph is a quote written from the customer’s perspective. Later down the page, the case study also dives into "the features that changed the game for Hunt Club," giving Happeo a chance to highlight some of the platform’s most salient features.

Key Learnings from the Happeo Case Study Example

• Consider writing the entirety of the case study from the perspective of the customer.
• Include a list of the features that convinced your client to go with you.

20. " Red Sox Season Campaign ," by CTP Boston

What's great about CTP's case study page for their Red Sox Season Campaign is their combination of video, images, and text. A video automatically begins playing when you visit the page, and as you scroll, you'll see more embedded videos of Red Sox players, a compilation of print ads, and social media images you can click to enlarge.

At the bottom, it says "Find out how we can do something similar for your brand." The page is clean, cohesive, and aesthetically pleasing. It invites viewers to appreciate the well-roundedness of CTP's campaign for Boston's beloved baseball team.

Key Learnings from the CTP Case Study Example

• Include a video in the heading of the case study.
• Close with a call-to-action that makes leads want to turn into prospects.

21. " Acoustic ," by Genuine

Sometimes, simple is key. Genuine's case study for Acoustic is straightforward and minimal, with just a few short paragraphs, including "Reimagining the B2B website experience," "Speaking to marketers 1:1," and "Inventing Together." After the core of the case study, we then see a quote from Acoustic’s CMO and the results Genuine achieved for the company.

The simplicity of the page allows the reader to focus on both the visual aspects and the copy. The page displays Genuine's brand personality while offering the viewer all the necessary information they need.

• You don’t need to write a lot to create a great case study. Keep it simple.
• Always include quantifiable data to illustrate the results you achieved for your client.

22. " Using Apptio Targetprocess Automated Rules in Wargaming ," by Apptio

Apptio’s case study for Wargaming summarizes three key pieces of information right at the beginning: The goals, the obstacles, and the results.

Readers then have the opportunity to continue reading — or they can walk away right then with the information they need. This case study also excels in keeping the human interest factor by formatting the information like an interview.

The piece is well-organized and uses compelling headers to keep the reader engaged. Despite its length, Apptio's case study is appealing enough to keep the viewer's attention. Every Apptio case study ends with a "recommendation for other companies" section, where the client can give advice for other companies that are looking for a similar solution but aren’t sure how to get started.

Key Learnings from the Apptio Case Study Example

• Put your client in an advisory role by giving them the opportunity to give recommendations to other companies that are reading the case study.
• Include the takeaways from the case study right at the beginning so prospects quickly get what they need.

23. " Airbnb + Zendesk: building a powerful solution together ," by Zendesk

Zendesk's Airbnb case study reads like a blog post, and focuses equally on Zendesk and Airbnb, highlighting a true partnership between the companies. To captivate readers, it begins like this: "Halfway around the globe is a place to stay with your name on it. At least for a weekend."

The piece focuses on telling a good story and provides photographs of beautiful Airbnb locations. In a case study meant to highlight Zendesk's helpfulness, nothing could be more authentic than their decision to focus on Airbnb's service in such great detail.

Key Learnings from the Zendesk Case Study Example

• Include images of your client’s offerings — not necessarily of the service or product you provided. Notice how Zendesk doesn’t include screenshots of its product.
• Include a call-to-action right at the beginning of the case study. Zendesk gives you two options: to find a solution or start a trial.

24. " Biobot Customer Success Story: Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida ," by Biobot

Like some of the other top examples in this list, Biobot opens its case study with a quote from its client, which captures the value proposition of working with Biobot. It mentions the COVID pandemic and goes into detail about the challenges the client faced during this time.

This case study is structured more like a news article than a traditional case study. This format can work in more formal industries where decision-makers need to see in-depth information about the case. Be sure to test different methods and measure engagement .

Key Learnings from the Biobot Case Study Example

• Mention environmental, public health, or economic emergencies and how you helped your client get past such difficult times.
• Feel free to write the case study like a normal blog post, but be sure to test different methods to find the one that best works for you.

25. " Discovering Cost Savings With Efficient Decision Making ," by Gartner

You don't always need a ton of text or a video to convey your message — sometimes, you just need a few paragraphs and bullet points. Gartner does a fantastic job of quickly providing the fundamental statistics a potential customer would need to know, without boggling down their readers with dense paragraphs. The case study closes with a shaded box that summarizes the impact that Gartner had on its client. It includes a quote and a call-to-action to "Learn More."

Key Learnings from the Gartner Case Study Example

• Feel free to keep the case study short.
• Include a call-to-action at the bottom that takes the reader to a page that most relates to them.

26. " Bringing an Operator to the Game ," by Redapt

This case study example by Redapt is another great demonstration of the power of summarizing your case study’s takeaways right at the start of the study. Redapt includes three easy-to-scan columns: "The problem," "the solution," and "the outcome." But its most notable feature is a section titled "Moment of clarity," which shows why this particular project was difficult or challenging.

The section is shaded in green, making it impossible to miss. Redapt does the same thing for each case study. In the same way, you should highlight the "turning point" for both you and your client when you were working toward a solution.

Key Learnings from the Redapt Case Study Example

• Highlight the turning point for both you and your client during the solution-seeking process.
• Use the same structure (including the same headings) for your case studies to make them easy to scan and read.

27. " Virtual Call Center Sees 300% Boost In Contact Rate ," by Convoso

Convoso’s PDF case study for Digital Market Media immediately mentions the results that the client achieved and takes advantage of white space. On the second page, the case study presents more influential results. It’s colorful and engaging and closes with a spread that prompts readers to request a demo.

Key Learnings from the Convoso Case Study Example

• List the results of your work right at the beginning of the case study.
• Use color to differentiate your case study from others. Convoso’s example is one of the most colorful ones on this list.

28. " Ensuring quality of service during a pandemic ," by Ericsson

Ericsson’s case study page for Orange Spain is an excellent example of using diverse written and visual media — such as videos, graphs, and quotes — to showcase the success a client experienced. Throughout the case study, Ericsson provides links to product and service pages users might find relevant as they’re reading the study.

For instance, under the heading "Preloaded with the power of automation," Ericsson mentions its Ericsson Operations Engine product, then links to that product page. It closes the case study with a link to another product page.

Key Learnings from the Ericsson Case Study Example

• Link to product pages throughout the case study so that readers can learn more about the solution you offer.
• Use multimedia to engage users as they read the case study.

Start creating your case study.

Now that you've got a great list of examples of case studies, think about a topic you'd like to write about that highlights your company or work you did with a customer.

A customer’s success story is the most persuasive marketing material you could ever create. With a strong portfolio of case studies, you can ensure prospects know why they should give you their business.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

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14 Market Research Examples

This article was originally published in the MarketingSherpa email newsletter .

Example #1: National bank’s A/B testing

You can learn what customers want by conducting experiments on real-life customer decisions using A/B testing. When you ensure your tests do not have any validity threats, the information you garner can offer very reliable insights into customer behavior.

Here’s an example from Flint McGlaughlin, CEO of MarketingSherpa and MECLABS Institute, and the creator of its  online marketing course .

A national bank was working with MECLABS to discover how to increase the number of sign-ups for new checking accounts.

Customers who were interested in checking accounts could click on an “Open in Minutes” link on the bank’s homepage.

Creative Sample #1: Anonymized bank homepage

After clicking on the homepage link, visitors were taken to a four-question checking account selector tool.

Creative Sample #2: Original checking account landing page — account recommendation selector tool

After filling out the selector tool, visitors were taken to a results page that included a suggested package (“Best Choice”) along with a secondary option (“Second Choice”). The results page had several calls to action (CTAs). Website visitors were able to select an account and begin pre-registration (“Open Now”) or find out more information about the account (“Learn More”), go back and change their answers (“Go back and change answers”), or manually browse other checking options (“Other Checking Options”).

Creative Sample #3: Original checking account landing page — account recommendation selector tool results page

After going through the experience, the MECLABS team hypothesized that the selector tool wasn’t really delivering on the expectation the customer had after clicking on the “Open in Minutes” CTA. They created two treatments (new versions) and tested them against the control experience.

In the first treatment, the checking selector tool was removed, and instead, customers were directly presented with three account options in tabs from which customers could select.

Creative Sample #4: Checking account landing page Treatment #1

The second treatment’s landing page focused on a single product and had only one CTA. The call-to-action was similar to the CTA customers clicked on the homepage to get to this page — “Open Now.”

Creative Sample #5: Checking account landing page Treatment #2

Both treatments increased account applications compared to the control landing page experience, with Treatment #2 generating 65% more applicants at a 98% level of confidence.

Creative Sample #6: Results of bank experiment that used A/B testing

You’ll note the Level of Confidence in the results. With any research tactic or tool you use to learn about customers, you have to consider whether the information you’re getting really represents most customers, or if you’re just seeing outliers or random chance.

With a high Level of Confidence like this, it is more likely the results actually represent a true difference between the control and treatment landing pages and that the results aren’t just a random event.

The other factor to consider is — testing in and of itself will not produce results. You have to use testing as research to actually learn about the customer and then make changes to better serve the customer.

In the video How to Discover Exactly What the Customer Wants to See on the Next Click: 3 critical skills every marketer must master , McGlaughlin discussed this national bank experiment and explained how to use prioritization, identification and deduction to discover what your customers want.

This example was originally published in Marketing Research: 5 examples of discovering what customers want .

Example #2: Consumer Reports’ market intelligence research from third-party sources

The first example covers A/B testing. But keep in mind, ill-informed A/B testing isn’t market research, it’s just hoping for insights from random guesses.

In other words, A/B testing in a vacuum does not provide valuable information about customers. What you are testing is crucial, and then A/B testing is a means to help better understand whether insights you have about the customer are either validated or refuted by actual customer behavior. So it’s important to start with some research into potential customers and competitors to inform your A/B tests.

For example, when MECLABS and MarketingExperiments (sister publisher to MarketingSherpa) worked with Consumer Reports on a public, crowdsourced A/B test, we provided a market intelligence report to our audience to help inform their test suggestions.

Every successful marketing test should confirm or deny an assumption about the customer. You need enough knowledge about the customer to create marketing messages you think will be effective.

For this public experiment to help marketers improve their split testing abilities, we had a real customer to work with — donors to Consumer Reports.

To help our audience better understand the customer, the MECLABS Marketing Intelligence team created the 26-page ConsumerReports Market Intelligence Research document (which you can see for yourself at that link).

This example was originally published in Calling All Writers and Marketers: Write the most effective copy for this Consumer Reports email and win a MarketingSherpa Summit package and Consumer Reports Value Proposition Test: What you can learn from a 29% drop in clickthrough .

Example #3: Virtual event company’s conversation

What if you don’t have the budget for A/B testing? Or any of the other tactics in this article?

Well, if you’re like most people you likely have some relationships with other human beings. A significant other, friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, customers, a nemesis (“Newman!”). While conducting market research by talking to these people has several validity threats, it at least helps you get out of your own head and identify some of your blind spots.

WebBabyShower.com’s lead magnet is a PDF download of a baby shower thank you card ‘swipe file’ plus some extras. “Women want to print it out and have it where they are writing cards, not have a laptop open constantly,” said Kurt Perschke, owner, WebBabyShower.com.

That is not a throwaway quote from Perschke. That is a brilliant insight, so I want to make sure we don’t overlook it. By better understanding customer behavior, you can better serve customers and increase results.

However, you are not your customer. So you must bridge the gap between you and them.

Often you hear marketers or business leaders review an ad or discuss a marketing campaign and say, “Well, I would never read that entire ad” or “I would not be interested in that promotion.” To which I say … who cares? Who cares what you would do? If you are not in the ideal customer set, sorry to dent your ego, but you really don’t matter. Only the customer does.

Perschke is one step ahead of many marketers and business leaders because he readily understands this. “Owning a business whose customers are 95% women has been a great education for me,” he said.

So I had to ask him, how did he get this insight into his customers’ behavior? Frankly, it didn’t take complex market research. He was just aware of this disconnect he had with the customer, and he was alert for ways to bridge the gap. “To be honest, I first saw that with my wife. Then we asked a few customers, and they confirmed it’s what they did also. Writing notes by hand is viewed as a ‘non-digital’ activity and reading from a laptop kinda spoils the mood apparently,” he said.

Back to WebBabyShower. “We've seen a [more than] 100% increase in email signups using this method, which was both inexpensive and evergreen,” Perschke said.

This example was originally published in Digital Marketing: Six specific examples of incentives that worked .

Example #4: Spiceworks Ziff Davis’ research-informed content marketing

Marketing research isn’t just to inform products and advertising messages. Market research can also give your brand a leg up in another highly competitive space – content marketing.

Don’t just jump in and create content expecting it to be successful just because it’s “free.” Conducting research beforehand can help you understand what your potential audience already receives and where they might need help but are currently being served.

When Spiceworks Ziff Davis (SWZD) published its annual State of IT report, it invested months in conducting primary market research, analyzing year-over-year trends, and finally producing the actual report.

“Before getting into the nuts and bolts of writing an asset, look at market shifts and gaps that complement your business and marketing objectives. Then, you can begin to plan, research, write, review and finalize an asset,” said Priscilla Meisel, Content Marketing Director, SWZD.

This example was originally published in Marketing Writing: 3 simple tips that can help any marketer improve results (even if you’re not a copywriter) .

Example #5: Business travel company’s guerilla research

There are many established, expensive tactics you can use to better understand customers.

But if you don’t have the budget for those tactics, and don’t know any potential customers, you might want to brainstorm creative ways you can get valuable information from the right customer target set.

Here’s an example from a former client of Mitch McCasland, Founding Partner and Director, Brand Inquiry Partners. The company sold a product related to frequent business flyers and was interested in finding out information on people who travel for a living. They needed consumer feedback right away.

“I suggested that they go out to the airport with a bunch of 20-dollar bills and wait outside a gate for passengers to come off their flight,” McCasland said. When people came off the flight, they were politely asked if they would answer a few questions in exchange for the incentive (the $20). By targeting the first people off the flight they had a high likelihood of reaching the first-class passengers.

This example was originally published in Guerrilla Market Research Expert Mitch McCasland Tells How You Can Conduct Quick (and Cheap) Research .

Example #6: Intel’s market research database

When conducting market research, it is crucial to organize your data in a way that allows you to easily and quickly report on it. This is especially important for qualitative studies where you are trying to do more than just quantify the data, but need to manage it so it is easier to analyze.

Anne McClard, Senior Researcher, Doxus worked with Shauna Pettit-Brown of Intel on a research project to understand the needs of mobile application developers throughout the world.

Intel needed to be able to analyze the data from several different angles, including segment and geography, a daunting task complicated by the number of interviews, interviewers, and world languages.

“The interviews were about an hour long, and pretty substantial,” McClard says. So, she needed to build a database to organize the transcripts in a way that made sense.

Different types of data are useful for different departments within a company; once your database is organized you can sort it by various threads.

The Intel study had three different internal sponsors. "When it came to doing the analysis, we ended up creating multiple versions of the presentation targeted to individual audiences," Pettit-Brown says.

The organized database enabled her to go back into the data set to answer questions specific to the interests of the three different groups.

This example was originally published in 4 Steps to Building a Qualitative Market Research Database That Works Better .

Example #7: National security survey’s priming

When conducting market research surveys, the way you word your questions can affect customers’ response. Even the way you word previous questions can put customers in a certain mindset that will skew their answers.

For example, when people were asked if they thought the U.S. government should spend money on an anti-missile shield, the results appeared fairly conclusive. Sixty-four percent of those surveyed thought the country should and only six percent were unsure, according to Opinion Makers: An Insider Exposes the Truth Behind the Polls .

But when pollsters added the option, "...or are you unsure?" the level of uncertainty leaped from six percent to 33 percent. When they asked whether respondents would be upset if the government took the opposite course of action from their selection, 59 percent either didn’t have an opinion or didn’t mind if the government did something differently.

This is an example of how the way you word questions can change a survey’s results. You want survey answers to reflect customer’s actual sentiments that are as free of your company’s previously held biases as possible.

This example was originally published in Are Surveys Misleading? 7 Questions for Better Market Research .

Example #8: Visa USA’s approach to getting an accurate answer

As mentioned in the previous example, the way you ask customers questions can skew their responses with your own biases.

However, the way you ask questions to potential customers can also illuminate your understanding of them. Which is why companies field surveys to begin with.

“One thing you learn over time is how to structure questions so you have a greater likelihood of getting an accurate answer. For example, when we want to find out if people are paying off their bills, we'll ask them to think about the card they use most often. We then ask what the balance was on their last bill after they paid it,” said Michael Marx, VP Research Services, Visa USA.

This example was originally published in Tips from Visa USA's Market Research Expert Michael Marx .

Example #9: Hallmark’s private members-only community

Online communities are a way to interact with and learn from customers. Hallmark created a private members-only community called Idea Exchange (an idea you could replicate with a Facebook or LinkedIn Group).

The community helped the greeting cards company learn the customer’s language.

“Communities…let consumers describe issues in their own terms,” explained Tom Brailsford, Manager of Advancing Capabilities, Hallmark Cards. “Lots of times companies use jargon internally.”

At Hallmark they used to talk internally about “channels” of distribution. But consumers talk about stores, not channels. It is much clearer to ask consumers about the stores they shop in than what channels they shop.

For example, Brailsford clarified, “We say we want to nurture, inspire, and lift one’s spirits. We use those terms, and the communities have defined those terms for us. So we have learned how those things play out in their lives. It gives us a much richer vocabulary to talk about these things.”

This example was originally published in Third Year Results from Hallmark's Online Market Research Experiment .

Example #10: L'Oréal’s social media listening

If you don’t want the long-term responsibility that comes with creating an online community, you can use social media listening to understand how customers talking about your products and industry in their own language.

In 2019, L'Oréal felt the need to upgrade one of its top makeup products – L'Oréal Paris Alliance Perfect foundation. Both the formula and the product communication were outdated – multiple ingredients had emerged on the market along with competitive products made from those ingredients.

These new ingredients and products were overwhelming consumers. After implementing new formulas, the competitor brands would advertise their ingredients as the best on the market, providing almost magical results.

So the team at L'Oréal decided to research their consumers’ expectations instead of simply crafting a new formula on their own. The idea was to understand not only which active ingredients are credible among the audience, but also which particular words they use while speaking about foundations in general.

The marketing team decided to combine two research methods: social media listening and traditional questionnaires.

“For the most part, we conduct social media listening research when we need to find out what our customers say about our brand/product/topic and which words they use to do it. We do conduct traditional research as well and ask questions directly. These surveys are different because we provide a variety of readymade answers that respondents choose from. Thus, we limit them in terms of statements and their wording,” says Marina Tarandiuk, marketing research specialist, L'Oréal Ukraine.

“The key value of social media listening (SML) for us is the opportunity to collect people’s opinions that are as ‘natural’ as possible. When someone leaves a review online, they are in a comfortable environment, they use their ‘own’ language to express themselves, there is no interviewer standing next to them and potentially causing shame for their answer. The analytics of ‘natural’ and honest opinions of our customers enables us to implement the results in our communication and use the same language as them,” Tarandiuk said.

The team worked with a social media listening tool vendor to identify the most popular, in-demand ingredients discussed online and detect the most commonly used words and phrases to create a “consumer glossary.”

Questionnaires had to confirm all the hypotheses and insights found while monitoring social media. This part was performed in-house with the dedicated team. They created custom questionnaires aiming to narrow down all the data to a maximum of three variants that could become the base for the whole product line.

“One of our recent studies had a goal to find out which words our clients used to describe positive and negative qualities of [the] foundation. Due to a change in [the] product’s formula, we also decided to change its communication. Based on the opinions of our customers, we can consolidate the existing positive ideas that our clients have about the product,” Tarandiuk said.

To find the related mentions, the team monitored not only the products made by L'Oréal but also the overall category. “The search query contained both brand names and general words like foundation, texture, smell, skin, pores, etc. The problem was that this approach ended up collecting thousands of mentions, not all of which were relevant to the topic,” said Elena Teselko, content marketing manager, YouScan (L'Oréal’s social media listening tool).

So the team used artificial intelligence-based tagging that divided mentions according to the category, features, or product type.

This approach helped the team discover that customers valued such foundation features as not clogging pores, a light texture, and not spreading. Meanwhile, the most discussed and appreciated cosmetics component was hyaluronic acid.

These exact phrases, found with the help of social media monitoring, were later used for marketing communication.

Creative Sample #7: Marketing communicating for personal care company with messaging based on discoveries from market research

“Doing research and detecting audience’s interests BEFORE starting a campaign is an approach that dramatically lowers any risks and increases chances that the campaign would be appreciated by customers,” Teselko said.

This example was originally published in B2C Branding: 3 quick case studies of enhancing the brand with a better customer experience .

Example #11: Levi’s ethnographic research

In a focus group or survey, you are asking customers to explain something they may not even truly understand. Could be why they bought a product. Or what they think of your competitor.

Ethnographic research is a type of anthropology in which you go into customers’ homes or places of business and observe their actual behavior, behavior they may not understand well enough to explain to you.

While cost prohibitive to many brands, and simply unfeasible for others, it can elicit new insights into your customers.

Michael Perman, Senior Director Cultural Insights, Levi Strauss & Co. uses both quantitative and qualitative research on a broad spectrum, but when it comes to gathering consumer insight, he focuses on in-depth ethnographic research provided by partners who specialize in getting deep into the “nooks and crannies of consumer life in America and around the world.” For example, his team spends time in consumers’ homes and in their closets. They shop with consumers, looking for the reality of a consumer’s life and identifying themes that will enable designers and merchandisers to better understand and anticipate consumer needs.

Perman then puts together multi-sensory presentations that illustrate the findings of research. For example, “we might recreate a teenager’s bedroom and show what a teenage girl might have on her dresser.”

This example was originally published in How to Get Your Company to Pay Attention to Market Research Results: Tips from Levi Strauss .

Example #12: eBags’ ethnographic research

Ethnographic research isn’t confined to a physical goods brand like Levi’s. Digital brands can engage in this form of anthropology as well.

While usability testing in a lab is useful, it does miss some of the real-world environmental factors that play a part in the success of a website. Usability testing alone didn’t create a clear enough picture for Gregory Casey, User Experience Designer and Architect, eBags.

“After we had designed our mobile and tablet experience, I wanted to run some contextual user research, which basically meant seeing how people used it in the wild, seeing how people are using it in their homes. So that’s exactly what I did,” Gregory said.

He found consumers willing to open their home to him and be tested in their normal environment. This meant factors like the television, phone calls and other family members played a part in how they experienced the eBags mobile site.

“During these interview sessions, a lot of times we were interrupted by, say, a child coming over and the mother having to do something for the kid … The experience isn’t sovereign. It’s not something where they just sit down, work through a particular user flow and complete their interaction,” Gregory said.

By watching users work through the site as they would in their everyday life, Gregory got to see what parts of the site they actually use.

This example was originally published in Mobile Marketing: 4 takeaways on how to improve your mobile shopping experience beyond just responsive design .

Example #13: John Deere’s shift from product-centric market research to consumer-centric research

One of the major benefits of market research is to overcome company blind spots. However, if you start with your blind spots – i.e., a product focus – you will blunt the effectiveness of your market research.

In the past, “they’d say, Here’s the product, find out how people feel about it,” explained David van Nostrand, Manager, John Deere's Global Market Research. “A lot of companies do that.” Instead, they should be saying, “Let's start with the customers: what do they want, what do they need?”

The solution? A new in-house program called “Category Experts” brings the product-group employees over as full team members working on specific research projects with van Nostrand’s team.

These staffers handle items that don’t require a research background: scheduling, meetings, logistics, communication and vendor management. The actual task they handle is less important than the fact that they serve as human cross-pollinators, bringing consumer-centric sensibility back to their product- focused groups.

For example, if van Nostrand’s team is doing research about a vehicle, they bring in staffers from the Vehicles product groups. “The information about vehicle consumers needs to be out there in the vehicle marketing groups, not locked in here in the heads of the researchers.”

This example was originally published in How John Deere Increased Mass Consumer Market Share by Revamping its Market Research Tactics .

Example #14: LeapFrog’s market research involvement throughout product development (not just at the beginning and the end)

Market research is sometimes thought of as a practice that can either inform the development of a product, or research consumer attitudes about developed products. But what about the middle?

Once the creative people begin working on product designs, the LeapFrog research department stays involved.

They have a lab onsite where they bring moms and kids from the San Francisco Bay area to test preliminary versions of the products. “We do a lot of hands-on, informal qualitative work with kids,” said Craig Spitzer, VP Marketing Research, LeapFrog. “Can they do what they need to do to work the product? Do they go from step A to B to C, or do they go from A to C to B?”

When designing the LeapPad Learning System, for example, the prototype went through the lab “a dozen times or so,” he says.

A key challenge for the research department is keeping and building the list of thousands of families who have agreed to be on call for testing. “We've done everything from recruiting on the Internet to putting out fliers in local schools, working through employees whose kids are in schools, and milking every connection we have,” Spitzer says.

Kids who test products at the lab are compensated with a free, existing product rather than a promise of the getting the product they're testing when it is released in the future.

This example was originally published in How LeapFrog Uses Marketing Research to Launch New Products .

Related resources

The Marketer’s Blind Spot: 3 ways to overcome the marketer’s greatest obstacle to effective messaging

Get Your Free Test Discovery Tool to Help Log all the Results and Discoveries from Your Company’s Marketing Tests

Marketing Research: 5 examples of discovering what customers want

Online Marketing Tests: How do you know you’re really learning anything?

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Marketing case study 101 (plus tips, examples, and templates)

Summary/Overview

If you’re familiar with content lines like, “See how our fancy new app saved Sarah 10 hours a week doing payroll,” you’ve encountered a marketing case study. That’s because case studies are one of the most powerful marketing tools, showcasing real-world applications and customer success stories that help build trust with potential customers.

More than 42% of marketers use case studies in their marketing strategy. Let’s face it — we love testimonials and reviews. People love hearing customer stories and experiences firsthand. In fact, 88% of consumers view reviews before making a purchase decision. Case studies work similarly by providing prospective customers with real-life stories demonstrating the brand’s success.

Case studies provide a more in-depth view of how your product solves an existing problem — something potential buyers can relate to and learn from.

In this article, we take a closer look at what marketing case studies are, why they’re important, and how you can use them to improve your content marketing efforts. You’ll also learn the key elements of a successful case study and how to turn a good case study into a great case study.

What is a marketing case study?

A case study is a narrative that documents a real-world situation or example. A marketing case study is a detailed examination and analysis of a specific strategy, initiative, or marketing campaign that a business has implemented. It’s intended to serve as an all-inclusive narrative that documents a real-world business situation and its outcome.

Marketing case studies are tools businesses use to showcase the effectiveness of a particular tool, technique, or service by using a real-world example. Companies often use case studies as sales collateral on websites, email marketing, social media , and other marketing materials. They provide readers with a firsthand look into how your product or service has helped someone else and demonstrate the value of your offering while building trust with potential customers.

Some common key components of a marketing case study include:

• Context: A case study begins by describing the business’s situation or problem. This often includes challenges, opportunities, or objectives.
• Strategy: An outline of the tactics or strategy utilized to address the business’s situation. This includes details such as the target audience, messaging, channels used, and other unique aspects of the approach.
• Implementation: Provide information about how the strategy was implemented, including timeline, resources, and budget.
• Results: This is arguably the most crucial part of a marketing case study. Present the results through data, metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate the impact of the strategy. The results section should highlight both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Challenges and Solutions: A great case study not only focuses on the successes but addresses any obstacles faced during the campaign. Make sure to address any challenges and how they were overcome or mitigated.
• Customer Feedback: Including testimonials or quotes from satisfied clients is a great way to add credibility and authenticity to a case study. Choose customer feedback that reinforces the positive outcomes of the strategy taken.
• Visuals: Compelling case studies include visuals such as graphs, charts, images, videos, and infographics to make the information presented more engaging and easier to understand.
• Analysis: An optional way to conclude a case study includes discussing key takeaways, insights, and lessons learned from a campaign.

Case studies can help you connect your product to the customer’s needs by providing a real world examples of success and encouraging conversions.

Benefits of marketing case studies

Some of the key benefits of using case studies in your marketing efforts include the following:

• Building trust and credibility. You build trust and credibility with potential clients or customers by demonstrating real world success stories. In-depth looks at how your products or services have helped other businesses or people achieve success can increase customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.
• Learn best practices. Learn from strategies employed in successful case studies and apply similar approaches to future campaigns.
• Enhancing sales and conversions. By highlighting the real world results your products or services have delivered, case studies can be a powerful tool for boosting sales. They can help demonstrate the value of your offering and persuade your target audience to make a purchase.
• Explain how your business generates results. Case studies are a compelling way to share key takeaways with your target audience and showcase your brand.
• Use them as content marketing material. Use case studies as content for marketing purposes on websites, social media, and beyond.

Case studies can help your business stand out and achieve success. By highlighting the real world results you’ve delivered, you can use case studies to boost sales, build customer loyalty, and compellingly showcase your business.

Tips on how to write an effective marketing case study

Are you ready to write a compelling case study? Get started with these tips.

Develop a clear and compelling headline

You have about 10 seconds to communicate your value proposition to keep customer attention. Whether you’re designing a new landing page or making a long-term plan for your brand’s content marketing strategy , the headline is the most crucial part.

A compelling title should capture readers’ attention and make them want to read more. To craft a compelling headline:

• Understand your audience: Before crafting a headline, ensure you know your target audience — what are their pain points, interests, and needs?
• Highlight the most significant result: Focus on the most impactful result achieved in the case study. What was the primary outcome of the strategy implemented?
• Keep it brief: Keep your headline concise and to the point. Try to keep your headline under 12 words.
• Use action words: Incorporate action verbs such as “achieved,” “transformed,” or “boosted” to convey a sense of accomplishment.
• Include data: Numbers make your headline more credible. For example, if the case study achieved a 75% increase in sales, include that in the headline.
• Emphasize benefits: Focus on the positive changes or advantages the implemented strategy brought to the client or business. Use these as selling points in your headline.
• Make it unique and memorable: Avoid generic phrases to make your headline stand out from the competition.
• Use keywords wisely: Incorporate relevant keywords that align with the case study and your target audience’s search interest to improve search engine visibility through search engine optimization (SEO).
• Consider subheadings: If you cannot fit all the necessary information in a headline, consider adding a subheading to provide additional context or details.

Here are some examples of clear and convincing case study headlines:

• “Achieving a 150% ROI: How [XYZ] Strategy Transformed a Startup”
• “How Optimized SEO Tactics Skyrocketed Sales by 80%”
• “Mastering Social Media: How [ABC] Brand Increased Engagement by 50%”
• “The Power of Personalization: How Tailored Content Quadrupled Conversions”

Write relatable content

Almost 90% of Gen Z and millennial shoppers prefer influencers who they consider relatable. Relatability is part of building trust and connection with your target audience.

When writing your case study, make content that resonates with readers and speaks to their pain points. The best marketing doesn’t just increase conversion rates — it also serves your customers’ needs. To write content that really resonates with your target audience, make sure to:

• Understand your audience: To successfully write relatable content, you first need to understand your target audience — their interests, pain points, and challenges. The more you know about your target audience, the better you can tailor your content to their needs.
• Identify pain points: As mentioned above, identify challenges your target audience may face. Make sure to highlight how the product or service in the case study can effectively address these pain points.
• Tell a story: Create a narrative that follows a standard story arc. Start with a relatable struggle that the customer or business faced and describe its associated emotions.
• Use real customer feedback: Incorporate quotes or testimonials from actual customers or clients. Including authentic voices makes the content more relatable to readers because they can see real people expressing their experiences.
• Use relatable language: Write in a tone to which your audience can relate. Only include overly technical terms if your target audience solely consists of experts who would understand them.
• Use social proof: Mention any recognitions, awards, or industry acknowledgments that may have been received by the customer or business in the case study.
• Encourage engagement: Urge readers to share their own challenges or experiences related to the subject matter of the case study. This is a great way to foster a sense of community.

Outline your strategies with corresponding statistics

Whether you’re showing off the results your marketing team achieved with a new strategy or explaining how your product has helped customers, data and research make it easier to back up claims.

Include relevant statistics in your case study to provide evidence of the effectiveness of your strategies, such as:

• Quantitative data: Use numerical data to quantify results.
• Qualitative data: Use qualitative data, such as customer testimonials, to back up numerical results.
• Comparisons: Compare the post-campaign results with the pre-campaign benchmarks to provide context for the data.
• Case study metrics: Include specific metrics relevant to your industry or campaign if applicable. For example, in e-commerce, common metrics could include customer acquisition cost, average order value, or cart abandonment rate.

By incorporating relatable outcomes — such as cost savings from new automation or customer responsiveness from your new social media marketing campaign — you can provide concrete evidence of how your product or service has helped others in similar situations.

Use multiple formats of representation

People love visuals . It doesn’t matter if it’s an infographic for digital marketing or a graph chart in print materials — we love to see our data and results represented in visuals that are easy to understand. Additionally, including multiple representation formats is a great way to increase accessibility and enhance clarity.

When making a case study, consider including various forms of representation, such as:

• Infographics: Use infographics to condense critical information into a visually appealing, easy-to-understand graphic. Infographics are highly sharable and can be used across marketing channels.
• Charts: Use charts (bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, etc.) to illustrate statistical information such as data trends or comparisons. Make sure to include clear labels and titles for each chart.
• Images: Include relevant photos to enhance the storytelling aspect of your case study. Consider including “before and after” pictures if relevant to your case study.
• Videos: Short videos summarizing a case study’s main points are great for sharing across social media or embedding into your case study.
• Tables: Use tables to help organize data and make it easier for readers to digest.
• Data visualizations: Include data visualizations such as flowcharts or heatmaps to illustrate user journeys or specific processes.
• Screenshots: If your case study involves digital products, include screenshots to provide a visual walkthrough of how the product or service works.
• Diagrams: Use diagrams, such as a flowchart, to explain complex processes, decision trees, or workflows to simplify complicated information.
• Timelines: If your case study involves a timeline of specific events, present it using a timeline graphic.

Use a consistent design style and color scheme to maintain cohesion when incorporating multiple formats. Remember that each format you use should serve a specific purpose in engaging the reader and conveying information.

Get your case study in front of your intended audience

What good is a compelling case study and a killer call to action (CTA) if no one sees it? Once you’ve completed your case study, share it across the appropriate channels and networks your target audience frequents and incorporate it into your content strategy to increase visibility and reach. To get your case study noticed:

• Take advantage of your website. Create a dedicated section or landing page on your website for your case study. If your website has a blog section, consider including it here. Optimize the page for search engines (SEO) by including relevant keywords and optimizing the meta description and headers. Make sure to feature your case study on your homepage and relevant product or service pages.
• Launch email marketing campaigns. Send out the case study to your email subscriber list. Be specific and target groups that would most likely be interested in the case study.
• Launch social media campaigns. Share your case study on your social media platforms. Use eye-catching graphics and engaging captions to draw in potential readers. Consider creating teaser videos or graphics to generate interest.
• Utilize paid promotions. Use targeted social media and search engine ads to reach specific demographics or interests. Consider retargeting ads to re-engage visitors who have previously interacted with your website.
• Issue a press release. If your case study results in a significant industry impact, consider issuing a press release to share the exciting news with relevant media outlets or publications.
• Utilize influencer outreach. Collaborate with influencers who can share your case study with their followers to increase credibility and expand your reach.
• Host webinars and presentations. Discuss the case study findings and insights through webinars or presentations. Promote these events through your various marketing channels and make sure to encourage participation.
• Utilize networking events and conferences. Present your case study at industry-related conferences, trade shows, or networking events. Consider distributing printed or digital copies of the case study to attendees.
• Utilize online communities. Share the case study in relevant online forums and discussion groups where your target audience congregates.
• Practice search engine optimization (SEO). Optimize the SEO elements of your case study to improve organic search ranking and visibility.

Remember, the key to successfully promoting your case study is to tailor your approach to your specific target audience and their preferences. Consistently promoting your case study across multiple channels increases your chances of it reaching your intended audience.

Marketing case study examples

Let’s look at some successful marketing case studies for inspiration.

“How Handled Scaled from Zero to 121 Locations with HubSpot”

Right away, they lead with compelling metrics — the numbers don’t lie. They use two different formats: a well-made video accompanied by well-written text.

The study also addresses customer pain points, like meeting a higher demand during the pandemic.

“How AppSumo grew organic traffic 843% and revenue from organic traffic 340%”

This case study from Omniscient Digital leads with motivating stats, a glowing review sharing a real user experience, and a video review from the AppSumo Head of Content.

The case study information is broken down into clearly marked sections, explaining the benefits to their target audience (startups) and providing plenty of visuals, charts, and metrics to back it up.

“How One Ecommerce Business Solved the Omnichannel Challenge with Bitly Campaigns”

Download this Bitly case study from their site to see the details of how this company made an impact.

Not only is it well designed, but it also tackles customer challenges right away. The most compelling types of case studies serve their audience by showing how the product or service solves their problems.

Bitly nails it by listing obstacles and jumping right into how the brand can help.

Marketing case study template

Use this basic template to better understand the typical structure of a business case study and use it as a starting place to create your own:

Case Study Title

Date: [Date]

Client or Company Profile:

• Client/Company Name: [Client/Company Name]
• Industry: [Industry]
• Location: [Location]
• Client/Company Background: [Brief client or company background information.]

Introduction:

• Briefly introduce the client or company and any necessary context for the campaign or initiative.
• Problem statement: Describe the specific challenge or problem faced by the client or company before implementing the campaign or initiative.
• Strategy: Explain the strategy that was implemented to address the challenge. Include details such as target audience, objectives, goals, and tactics.
• Implementation: Provide a timeline of the strategy’s implementation, including key milestones and other notable considerations taken during execution.
• Outcomes: Present the qualitative and quantitative results achieved through the implemented strategy. Include relevant metrics, statistics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Comparative data: Compare the post-campaign results to pre-campaign benchmarks or industry standards.

Analysis and Insights:

• Key insights: Summarize insights and lessons learned from the campaign and discuss the campaign's impact on the client or company’s goals.
• Challenges faced: Address any obstacles encountered during the campaign and how they were mitigated or overcome.

Conclusion:

• Conclusion: Summarize the campaign’s overall impact on the client or company. Highlight the value that was delivered by the implemented strategy and the success it achieved.
• Next Steps: Discuss potential follow-up actions, recommendations, or future strategies.

Testimonials:

• Include quotes or testimonials from the clients or customers who benefitted from the campaign.
• Incorporate relevant visuals to illustrate key points, findings, and results.

The above template is a great way to get started gathering your ideas and findings for a marketing case study. Feel free to add additional sections or customize the template to match your requirements.

Craft a compelling marketing case study for your business

Are you ready to make your marketing case study shine? With Adobe Express, you can make high-quality infographics and presentations that take your case studies to the next level.

Choose from our library of designed templates, or make it yourself with powerful tools and a library of ready-to-use graphic elements.

Get started with Adobe Express today to make compelling marketing case studies that engage your audience and drive conversions.

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How to Write a Marketing Case Study (With Examples)

Learn exactly what a marketing case study is, how to write one that stands out, and review some examples of existing, successful studies.

As any big brand like MailChimp, Spotify and IMB will tell you, case studies are a huge part of solidifying your brand as thought leaders.

A case study is a win: you share the success of a customer as a result of your company’s actions. At SimpleTexting we call them our Success Stories , but no matter the name, the structure is the same — how company A worked with B to achieve XYZ. 

In this article we’ll cover everything from the basics to real-life examples.What exactly is a marketing case study, what constitutes a good one, and most importantly, how do you build one?

Let’s get started.

What is a Marketing Case Study?

According to Curata , “a case study in the context of marketing is an analysis of a project, campaign or company that identifies a situation, recommended solutions, implementation actions, and identification of those factors that contributed to failure or success.”

Sure, it’s a bit wordy, but at its core marketing case studies share information with prospective customers or clients about how your product offered a solution.

It doesn’t need to be dry reading. It doesn’t even need to be a report (although it can be). The key with a case study is that it should read like a story—only the beginning, middle, and end are all replicable business takeaways.

Case studies are for businesses of all sizes. They can be just as effective for small and medium-sized businesses as they are for enterprise businesses. Here’s why you should be investing time in building case studies.

Why Write a Marketing Case Study?

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a second to explore why a business would invest the time and effort into writing a case study. After all, why share your big marketing secrets with the world, what do you get out of the deal?

Simply put, you get the chance to share your story. Case studies, after all, are just stories showcasing your products and methods. They make for pretty spectacular advertising because, to a reader, it doesn’t feel like they’re being marketed to.

92% of customers prefer that media messages sound like a story. By using case studies you’re appealing to the logical, casual consumer who wants to know the “who, what, where, when, and why” that drives them to buy without any of the extra fuss. Case studies are the perfect medium to package it all.

How to Write a Marketing Case Study

As mentioned, every good case study maintains one singular focus: how one company used another to achieve its goal(s). This means most marketing case studies tend to take on an easily understandable problem-solution structure.

Let’s take a look at what you need to create a successful case study.

Components of a Marketing Case Study

Using the ingredients above, assemble them in this order to create a basic marketing case study:

• Write a title : Don’t worry about spoiling the ending. With case studies you want your title to let readers know right away how a campaign ended.  A case study title should include the name of the company or brand being examined, if their campaign went well or poorly for them and a solid metric that demonstrates exactly how well or how poorly they performed. For example: “ SimpleTexting Cut Down Product Onboarding Process by 30% Through Video Instruction. “
• Introduce the subject: Every marketing case study should open with a brief historical overview of the company. What have they struggled with in the past that led to them developing this campaign? Who is their target audience, what do they sell?  Even if your subject is obscure, you want to build a sense of relatability to your readers: so be sure to structure from general to specific. After all, you want readers outside just your industry to take away value.
• Identify your subject’s problems : Avoid leaving your readers feeling underwhelmed by presenting your subject’s problems early on in your case study. What are they trying to build, fix, or change? These problems are what will ultimately establish the subject’s goal, a one or two-sentence overview of the outcomes they’d like to see.
• Spell out your strategies and tactics : The real meat to your case study occurs here. This portion of your study is where you describe what actions you specifically took to try and reach your goals: What did you expect to happen when you tried “X, Y, and Z”?  Your case study can write this all out in paragraph form if you want it to read with some fluidity, or you can simply bullet out your strategies below each goal. Examples of good strategies for a common marketing pain point, such as building a social media following, include: connecting with influencers, developing original creative content, and developing paid advertising parameters.
• Share your results with visuals : At this point, you’ll want to follow up with the preview you set in your title and share with readers how things went. If you saw success, how much and where? If you didn’t were you able to pinpoint where things went wrong? Spare no detail as you write out what worked and what didn’t, and be sure to provide replicable detail (it may be what inspires your reader to become a customer!). Some common metrics commonly found in case studies include: web analytics and traffic, backlinks generated, keyword rankings, shares or other social interactions. Graphics like charts, bolded quotes, and graphs are good opportunities to visually demonstrate your data.
• Wrap it up with a conclusion : Know the difference between reemphasizing and repeating. When writing a conclusion you shouldn’t sound like an echo, repeating exactly what you said in your introduction. Instead, you want to draw emphasis back to your key points and call your readers to action. Let them know what they can do right now to get connected and see this same success (or avoid its failure).  If you’re writing a case study for marketing purposes, this is where you sell yourself and your product.

Marketing Case Study Examples

You’ve certainly heard enough from us to this point. Now it’s time to see what all of these tips and tricks look like in action. `

A plethora of marketing case study examples are out there, each one with a different objective: educational, sales-driven, industry leadership, and more.

To give you a well-rounded picture, we’ll share some of our favorite marketing case studies with you so you can see it all in action for yourself.

1. Surf Live Saving Foundation

The Surf Life Saving Foundation rolled out an innovative new framework for their brand known as the surf lottery. Despite the size of the initiative they were able to break down their process on a share of voice campaign with a great deal of clarity. Why we like this case study : It provides actionable and replicable examples of how their objectives were received.

2. StyleHaul & Asana

Organizational application Asana also finds itself in a competition-heavy environment. They are one of many SaaS productivity programs available. They needed to give their brand more of a voice to edge out against competitors offering near-identical products. The problem that needed solving in this success story is relatable to businesses all around the world, and ASANA’s use of it is a showcase of why they’re leaders in what they do.

Why we like this case study : It’s storytelling at its finest and perfectly demonstrates the subtle advertising concept.

3. Red Sox and CTP

This is a great example of a marketing agency showcasing its history of work with a high-profile client (the Boston Red Sox). It explores their entire body of work on a dynamic landing page. Why we like this case study : It demonstrates what a multi-media approach to a digital case study should strive to be.

4. SimpleTexting & U.S. Hunger

We couldn’t talk the talk without walking the walk. We have a range of varied case studies on our Success Stories page, but one of our absolute favorites is the results from U.S. Hunger.

U.S. Hunger was looking for a way to reach those who need them most – including those without internet access.

Why we like this case study: Not only does it highlight the incredible work of U.S. Hunger, it also shows how much can be accomplished through SMS. It spins a new light on SMS marketing and shows the wider impact of accessible communication. 

Marketing Case Studies are Key to Brand Trust

As a business looking to grow, you need to prove to prospective customers and clients why they should invest in you. Whether it’s a service or a product, case studies are viable ways of showing that what you do works and discussing how you achieved it.

The most impactful case studies aren’t always the ones with big names attached to them. They’re the best stories, the best solutions, and the ones that the most people can relate to.

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Meghan Tocci

Meghan Tocci is a content strategist at SimpleTexting. When she’s not writing about SaaS, she’s trying to teach her puppy Lou how to code. So far, not so good.

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What Is a Case Study in Marketing and How to Build One (Examples)

A marketing case study allows you to illustrate and explain how you achieved enormous success in a specific situation.

For instance, last year, Jacob McMillen wrote about how Pronto used Crazy Egg to increase leads by 24 percent .

That’s a big number.

It’s not a full case study , but it demonstrates the goal of a marketing case study. You want to shock your audience, then explain exactly how you achieved your results — preferably with proof.

You might have read lots of case studies over the years without realizing your business could benefit from them. Lots of entrepreneurs are put off by the hard work and long hours required to build a marketing case study.

However, think about how many leads you might convert by proving your track record, establishing trust, and attracting traffic through SEO .

Let’s look at how marketing case studies can impact your business, discuss how to write one, and check out a few examples.

What Is a Case Study in Marketing?

A case study in marketing is a document or web page that includes several basic parts:

• Description of the subject : Explain your customer’s or client’s history and pain points.
• Subject’s goal : Identify your customer’s or client’s goal for the project so readers understand what to expect.
• Hypothesis for strategy : Tell your audience what you expected to happen after you implemented your strategy for the customer or client.
• Implementation of strategy : Take the reader through the step-by-step process you used to help your customer or client.
• Results of strategy : Deliver the results in as much detail as possible, preferably with a quote from the client or customer.
• Concluding findings : Explain what this case study has taught your specifically and how it can help other people.

You don’t have to include every category, but the more detail you add, the more effective your marketing case study becomes.

Most of the time, you’re conducting a case study for your own business. You want to show the world how your product or service has helped a customer in a huge way.

For that reason, it helps to know you’ll perform a case study from the beginning. In other words, try not to reverse-engineer a case study from a great result. Instead, track your arrangement with your customer throughout the process.

The Importance of Creating Case Studies to Convert Leads into Customers

Think of a marketing case study as a lure. It’s a way to dangle amazing results in front of your leads so they’ll decide to convert .

Imagine that you’re a customer who’s trying to decide between two businesses, each of which offers time management software. One company has a marketing case study that illustrates how it helped a customer save four hours per week. The other company has no case study.

Which company would you trust most?

You can use that consumer logic to inform your business decisions. Thinking like a customer can help you achieve new insights into marketing.

Creating a marketing case study gives you an edge that your competitors might have. It can also help your leads make more informed decisions.

Too many businesses copy their competitors or other businesses. Instead, you should spend time being more creative and innovative. Below is a video by Neil Patel that illustrates why you need to quit copying digital marketing strategies.

If you’re bold enough to be different, you can convert more leads. A marketing case study gives you that opportunity because nobody else can duplicate it.

Why is it so important to build trust?

Anybody can throw testimonials on their site by Ron R. and Jennifer K. Anyone can also make them up.

Trust is tenuous in the digital marketing world. If you can’t create it, you likely won’t convert leads into customers.

Think about all the companies that have experienced data hacks. Their stocks plummeted, consumer sentiment turned ugly, and profits dwindled. That’s because consumers lost trust.

Similarly, any company can make bold claims about its products or services. Consumers have become numb to superlative-littered copy and hyped-up videos. They want to see evidence.

If you can prove that your product or service delivers powerful results, you’ll gain your leads’ trust.

Marketing case studies show how you tackled a problem and overcame it on behalf of your customer or client. It’s that simple. The more detail you give, the more authority you create for your company — and the more your leads will trust your expertise.

4 Case Study Examples

Before we tell you how to build a case study, let’s look at a few examples to get you warmed up. Each of these marketing case studies illustrates the power behind the medium.

They’ll also show you how different case studies can look depending on design, detail, results, and goals.

The Shopify case study by HubSpot demonstrates how a narrative can be woven from a company’s journey. When Loren Padelford became head of sales, he immediately identified weak spots in Shopify’s sales cycle, so he decided to adopt HubSpot.

This case study highlights the ways in which Shopify used HubSpot’s email plugin to save time and improve communication flow. There’s a quote from Padelford in the case study, which can add even more impact in terms of building trust among leads.

Here, we have a fairly vague result. The company — specifically Padelford — claims to have achieved great success with HubSpot’s tools, but there aren’t any concrete numbers to back that up.

There’s nothing wrong with this approach, though, as long as your customer or client can offer a raving quote.

Ecommerce marketing case studies can become extremely valuable. In this case, Bit.ly used a more traditional template for a marketing case study. The PDF document includes several sections that take you through the process of how Vissla improved its omnichannel marketing with Bit.ly.

The results were that Vissla was able to visualize and centralize data in one place. They gained greater control over their social media marketing, which resulted in faster and better improvements in the content they shared.

There’s also a quote from Vissla’s media marketing manager, Keegan Fong: “Bitly Campaigns offers us a whole new way to look at our marketing channels. By giving us an easy-to-use dashboard that instantly displays the results of our multichannel promotions, we can see what kinds of content work on what channel, which channels we should be investing in the most, and what we need to do to optimize our content.” [ For Social: @vissla ]

3. Viperchill

There’s a great marketing case study from Viperchill that you’ll want to check out. It’s a quick, fun read that explains how the author created a squeeze page that generated more than 700 leads and results in a conversion rate of 64 percent.

Notice that he used hard numbers. Sometimes, it’s impossible to boil results down to a figure or percentage, but if you can, do so. People comprehend real numbers faster than lengthy text explanations.

4. MarketingSherpa

This MarketingSherpa case study is super detailed and describes the process by which MarketingSherpa helped a natural foods company boost revenue by 18 percent with a site redesign. You see the entire project from start to finish.

You’ll notice that there are lots of visuals. Since this marketing case study focused on design, visuals were imperative. Let your business and its niche guide the way in which you construct your case study.

How to Create a Case Study Marketing Strategy That Converts

Now that you’ve looked through a few case studies, how do you create a marketing case study of your own?

It starts with a case study marketing strategy that’s designed to convert leads. You don’t want to choose just any project. It should be geared toward other businesses or customers who might benefit from your business.

Let’s take it step by step.

1. Choose a success story that is closely related to your potential customer

You might notice that many companies publish numerous marketing case studies. There’s a reason for that.

Each case study targets a different segment of the company’s target audience. Let’s say that you sell shoes, purses, and hats. A case study about shoes won’t interest someone who’s shopping for hats.

You can either choose a project that has already concluded or one that is starting or underway. It’s always best to start at the beginning, but if you’re anxious, you can take the reverse-engineering route.

Decide which segment of your target audience you want to appeal to first. Next, select a case study subject closely related to that segment. You want your marketing case study to resonate with the leads you most want to convert.

2. Identify the key points of the case study and use storytelling

Decide what parts of the case study you want to highlight. These details will likely appear in the marketing case study’s headline as well as throughout the rest of the text.

For instance, if you helped a customer boost revenue by 200 percent, that’s a highly relevant detail. You’ll want to spotlight it in the headline and several times in the content so you keep it fresh in readers’ minds.

You might have several key points. Think about the struggles your customer was facing before you stepped in, how you approached the solution, and why alternatives weren’t working. When you can provide numbers, do so.

Once you’ve identified those key points, start weaving them into a narrative. Make it exciting! Add sensory details, frustration points, and colorful anecdotes.

A marketing case study shouldn’t sound dry. It needs to engage the reader so he or she keeps going until the end.

If possible, intersperse the copy with images. Make them relevant and easy to see on the screen. Let the images help supplement the story you’ve woven.

3. Highlight the great results

As mentioned above, results are paramount. If you can express them in numeric form, so much the better.

Consider creating a custom graphic to serve as the featured image on your post. That way, people can share the image on social. Add the amazing result to the text on the image to entice people to click.

The point here is to capture attention. If people are willing to pay attention to you, then you’ve won the first part of the battle. As long as you maintain that attention, you have a good chance of converting the lead.

4. Explore different types of design

Design can prove fundamental to a marketing case study’s success. If you’re publishing it as a blog post, break it up with H2s, H3s, and H4s to guide the reader through the story. Add images and leading lines to keep the visitor engaged.

Remember that color matters. Consider using colors for text and images that correlate with your customers’ color scheme or with your own site’s palette.

5. Ask for feedback! What does your potential customer want to learn?

Don’t let the conversation stop at the end of your marketing case study. Open up the forum for more insights.

Invite readers to ask you direct questions about your business, products, services, or methods. Not only that, but respond to those comments. Take each one as a gift.

These comments might tell you what type of case study you should create next or allow you to cement a conversion by answering objections or questions.

Marketing case studies can improve your conversion rate , but you have to put in the time and effort. Yes, a polished case study requires work, but if you can secure sales from its publication, why wouldn’t you give it your full attention?

Remember that trust matters when it comes to converting leads into customers . If you don’t have trust, you’ll lose your leads to your competitors.

A great marketing case study demonstrates your track record. It builds a case for leads to use your products or services over someone else’s.

What are you waiting for? Start creating your first marketing case study now.

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How to write a case study — examples, templates, and tools

It’s a marketer’s job to communicate the effectiveness of a product or service to potential and current customers to convince them to buy and keep business moving. One of the best methods for doing this is to share success stories that are relatable to prospects and customers based on their pain points, experiences, and overall needs.

That’s where case studies come in. Case studies are an essential part of a content marketing plan. These in-depth stories of customer experiences are some of the most effective at demonstrating the value of a product or service. Yet many marketers don’t use them, whether because of their regimented formats or the process of customer involvement and approval.

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing your hard work and the success your customer achieved. But writing a great case study can be difficult if you’ve never done it before or if it’s been a while. This guide will show you how to write an effective case study and provide real-world examples and templates that will keep readers engaged and support your business.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What is a case study?

How to write a case study, case study templates, case study examples, case study tools.

A case study is the detailed story of a customer’s experience with a product or service that demonstrates their success and often includes measurable outcomes. Case studies are used in a range of fields and for various reasons, from business to academic research. They’re especially impactful in marketing as brands work to convince and convert consumers with relatable, real-world stories of actual customer experiences.

The best case studies tell the story of a customer’s success, including the steps they took, the results they achieved, and the support they received from a brand along the way. To write a great case study, you need to:

• Celebrate the customer and make them — not a product or service — the star of the story.
• Craft the story with specific audiences or target segments in mind so that the story of one customer will be viewed as relatable and actionable for another customer.
• Write copy that is easy to read and engaging so that readers will gain the insights and messages intended.
• Follow a standardized format that includes all of the essentials a potential customer would find interesting and useful.
• Support all of the claims for success made in the story with data in the forms of hard numbers and customer statements.

Case studies are a type of review but more in depth, aiming to show — rather than just tell — the positive experiences that customers have with a brand. Notably, 89% of consumers read reviews before deciding to buy, and 79% view case study content as part of their purchasing process. When it comes to B2B sales, 52% of buyers rank case studies as an important part of their evaluation process.

Telling a brand story through the experience of a tried-and-true customer matters. The story is relatable to potential new customers as they imagine themselves in the shoes of the company or individual featured in the case study. Showcasing previous customers can help new ones see themselves engaging with your brand in the ways that are most meaningful to them.

Besides sharing the perspective of another customer, case studies stand out from other content marketing forms because they are based on evidence. Whether pulling from client testimonials or data-driven results, case studies tend to have more impact on new business because the story contains information that is both objective (data) and subjective (customer experience) — and the brand doesn’t sound too self-promotional.

Case studies are unique in that there’s a fairly standardized format for telling a customer’s story. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for creativity. It’s all about making sure that teams are clear on the goals for the case study — along with strategies for supporting content and channels — and understanding how the story fits within the framework of the company’s overall marketing goals.

Here are the basic steps to writing a good case study.

1. Identify your goal

Start by defining exactly who your case study will be designed to help. Case studies are about specific instances where a company works with a customer to achieve a goal. Identify which customers are likely to have these goals, as well as other needs the story should cover to appeal to them.

The answer is often found in one of the buyer personas that have been constructed as part of your larger marketing strategy. This can include anything from new leads generated by the marketing team to long-term customers that are being pressed for cross-sell opportunities. In all of these cases, demonstrating value through a relatable customer success story can be part of the solution to conversion.

2. Choose your client or subject

Who you highlight matters. Case studies tie brands together that might otherwise not cross paths. A writer will want to ensure that the highlighted customer aligns with their own company’s brand identity and offerings. Look for a customer with positive name recognition who has had great success with a product or service and is willing to be an advocate.

The client should also match up with the identified target audience. Whichever company or individual is selected should be a reflection of other potential customers who can see themselves in similar circumstances, having the same problems and possible solutions.

Some of the most compelling case studies feature customers who:

• Switch from one product or service to another while naming competitors that missed the mark.
• Experience measurable results that are relatable to others in a specific industry.
• Represent well-known brands and recognizable names that are likely to compel action.
• Advocate for a product or service as a champion and are well-versed in its advantages.

Whoever or whatever customer is selected, marketers must ensure they have the permission of the company involved before getting started. Some brands have strict review and approval procedures for any official marketing or promotional materials that include their name. Acquiring those approvals in advance will prevent any miscommunication or wasted effort if there is an issue with their legal or compliance teams.

3. Conduct research and compile data

Substantiating the claims made in a case study — either by the marketing team or customers themselves — adds validity to the story. To do this, include data and feedback from the client that defines what success looks like. This can be anything from demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to a specific metric the customer was striving to improve. Case studies should prove how an outcome was achieved and show tangible results that indicate to the customer that your solution is the right one.

This step could also include customer interviews. Make sure that the people being interviewed are key stakeholders in the purchase decision or deployment and use of the product or service that is being highlighted. Content writers should work off a set list of questions prepared in advance. It can be helpful to share these with the interviewees beforehand so they have time to consider and craft their responses. One of the best interview tactics to keep in mind is to ask questions where yes and no are not natural answers. This way, your subject will provide more open-ended responses that produce more meaningful content.

4. Choose the right format

There are a number of different ways to format a case study. Depending on what you hope to achieve, one style will be better than another. However, there are some common elements to include, such as:

• An engaging headline
• A subject and customer introduction
• The unique challenge or challenges the customer faced
• The solution the customer used to solve the problem
• The results achieved
• Data and statistics to back up claims of success
• A strong call to action (CTA) to engage with the vendor

It’s also important to note that while case studies are traditionally written as stories, they don’t have to be in a written format. Some companies choose to get more creative with their case studies and produce multimedia content, depending on their audience and objectives. Case study formats can include traditional print stories, interactive web or social content, data-heavy infographics, professionally shot videos, podcasts, and more.

5. Write your case study

We’ll go into more detail later about how exactly to write a case study, including templates and examples. Generally speaking, though, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing your case study.

• Be clear and concise. Readers want to get to the point of the story quickly and easily, and they’ll be looking to see themselves reflected in the story right from the start.
• Provide a big picture. Always make sure to explain who the client is, their goals, and how they achieved success in a short introduction to engage the reader.
• Construct a clear narrative. Stick to the story from the perspective of the customer and what they needed to solve instead of just listing product features or benefits.
• Leverage graphics. Incorporating infographics, charts, and sidebars can be a more engaging and eye-catching way to share key statistics and data in readable ways.
• Offer the right amount of detail. Most case studies are one or two pages with clear sections that a reader can skim to find the information most important to them.
• Include data to support claims. Show real results — both facts and figures and customer quotes — to demonstrate credibility and prove the solution works.

6. Promote your story

Marketers have a number of options for distribution of a freshly minted case study. Many brands choose to publish case studies on their website and post them on social media. This can help support SEO and organic content strategies while also boosting company credibility and trust as visitors see that other businesses have used the product or service.

Marketers are always looking for quality content they can use for lead generation. Consider offering a case study as gated content behind a form on a landing page or as an offer in an email message. One great way to do this is to summarize the content and tease the full story available for download after the user takes an action.

Sales teams can also leverage case studies, so be sure they are aware that the assets exist once they’re published. Especially when it comes to larger B2B sales, companies often ask for examples of similar customer challenges that have been solved.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about case studies and what they should include, you may be wondering how to start creating great customer story content. Here are a couple of templates you can use to structure your case study.

Template 1 — Challenge-solution-result format

• Start with an engaging title. This should be fewer than 70 characters long for SEO best practices. One of the best ways to approach the title is to include the customer’s name and a hint at the challenge they overcame in the end.
• Create an introduction. Lead with an explanation as to who the customer is, the need they had, and the opportunity they found with a specific product or solution. Writers can also suggest the success the customer experienced with the solution they chose.
• Present the challenge. This should be several paragraphs long and explain the problem the customer faced and the issues they were trying to solve. Details should tie into the company’s products and services naturally. This section needs to be the most relatable to the reader so they can picture themselves in a similar situation.
• Share the solution. Explain which product or service offered was the ideal fit for the customer and why. Feel free to delve into their experience setting up, purchasing, and onboarding the solution.
• Explain the results. Demonstrate the impact of the solution they chose by backing up their positive experience with data. Fill in with customer quotes and tangible, measurable results that show the effect of their choice.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that invites readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to nurture them further in the marketing pipeline. What you ask of the reader should tie directly into the goals that were established for the case study in the first place.

Template 2 — Data-driven format

• Start with an engaging title. Be sure to include a statistic or data point in the first 70 characters. Again, it’s best to include the customer’s name as part of the title.
• Create an overview. Share the customer’s background and a short version of the challenge they faced. Present the reason a particular product or service was chosen, and feel free to include quotes from the customer about their selection process.
• Present data point 1. Isolate the first metric that the customer used to define success and explain how the product or solution helped to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 2. Isolate the second metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 3. Isolate the final metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Summarize the results. Reiterate the fact that the customer was able to achieve success thanks to a specific product or service. Include quotes and statements that reflect customer satisfaction and suggest they plan to continue using the solution.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that asks readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to further nurture them in the marketing pipeline. Again, remember that this is where marketers can look to convert their content into action with the customer.

While templates are helpful, seeing a case study in action can also be a great way to learn. Here are some examples of how Adobe customers have experienced success.

Juniper Networks

One example is the Adobe and Juniper Networks case study , which puts the reader in the customer’s shoes. The beginning of the story quickly orients the reader so that they know exactly who the article is about and what they were trying to achieve. Solutions are outlined in a way that shows Adobe Experience Manager is the best choice and a natural fit for the customer. Along the way, quotes from the client are incorporated to help add validity to the statements. The results in the case study are conveyed with clear evidence of scale and volume using tangible data.

The story of Lenovo’s journey with Adobe is one that spans years of planning, implementation, and rollout. The Lenovo case study does a great job of consolidating all of this into a relatable journey that other enterprise organizations can see themselves taking, despite the project size. This case study also features descriptive headers and compelling visual elements that engage the reader and strengthen the content.

Tata Consulting

When it comes to using data to show customer results, this case study does an excellent job of conveying details and numbers in an easy-to-digest manner. Bullet points at the start break up the content while also helping the reader understand exactly what the case study will be about. Tata Consulting used Adobe to deliver elevated, engaging content experiences for a large telecommunications client of its own — an objective that’s relatable for a lot of companies.

Case studies are a vital tool for any marketing team as they enable you to demonstrate the value of your company’s products and services to others. They help marketers do their job and add credibility to a brand trying to promote its solutions by using the experiences and stories of real customers.

When you’re ready to get started with a case study:

• Think about a few goals you’d like to accomplish with your content.
• Make a list of successful clients that would be strong candidates for a case study.
• Reach out to the client to get their approval and conduct an interview.
• Gather the data to present an engaging and effective customer story.

Adobe can help

There are several Adobe products that can help you craft compelling case studies. Adobe Experience Platform helps you collect data and deliver great customer experiences across every channel. Once you’ve created your case studies, Experience Platform will help you deliver the right information to the right customer at the right time for maximum impact.

To learn more, watch the Adobe Experience Platform story .

Keep in mind that the best case studies are backed by data. That’s where Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform and Adobe Analytics come into play. With Real-Time CDP, you can gather the data you need to build a great case study and target specific customers to deliver the content to the right audience at the perfect moment.

Watch the Real-Time CDP overview video to learn more.

Finally, Adobe Analytics turns real-time data into real-time insights. It helps your business collect and synthesize data from multiple platforms to make more informed decisions and create the best case study possible.

Request a demo to learn more about Adobe Analytics.

https://business.adobe.com/blog/perspectives/b2b-ecommerce-10-case-studies-inspire-you

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/business-case

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/what-is-real-time-analytics

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12 great case study examples (plus case study writing tips)

GatherContent Contributor, Writer

5 minute read.

Interviewed by:

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Lead with Content

How to put content at the centre of digital transformation.

Padma Gillen

Digital Content Consultant

This long-form content style is also becoming more common as more marketers discover its value. According to Hubspot’s 2021 State of Marketing report , more than 30% of marketers use case studies as a primary marketing media—up from 13% in 2020.

If you’re new to the world of case studies, we’ll be diving into what case studies are, why they’re important, and how to create your own. We’ll also highlight some compelling case study examples that you can learn from.

What is a case study?

A good case study highlights customer stories showing the following:

• The problems the business faced before using a product or service
• How the product or service proposed to solve the problems
• The before and after of using a product or service
• The measurable positive impact of the product or service on metrics such as click-through rate, website traffic, or sales

While case studies are most often product or service-focused, sometimes businesses use them to share their brand or founder story.

These types of case studies typically focus on organizational progress, such as how they grew their revenue or website traffic. One example is this Outfunnel case study on how the team saved over 80% of its time with user onboarding.

Why are case studies important?

They may not suit every business. But case studies are beneficial, for example, for helping SaaS brands reach future customers.

If they make sense for your industry, case studies should be an important part of your content marketing strategy for many reasons.

Three reasons you should incorporate them as soon as possible are:

• To provide value to your audience: At its core, the best marketing doesn’t just drive sales; it serves its audience. Case studies are a brilliant way to teach your audience tips they can incorporate into their businesses. It can also serve as research for industry experts to quote.
• To show off your expertise: A great case study is a perfect blend of data and storytelling. It showcases your expertise to your target audience, most likely dealing with similar issues. By telling a good story in your case studies, you’re essentially saying, “Look how we made everything better for X client—we can do that for you, too.”
• As social proof: Because case studies are available to the public, they’re undeniable social proof—better than hard-to-believe testimonials with client initials. This makes them extra valuable as MOFU and BOFU content ; they can drive sales at the click of a button.

Good to Know: Not sure how to use case studies? They work well as lead magnets, landing pages, repurposed blog posts, and, if you have the capacity, even video content!

12 real-life case study examples to bookmark

Reading about the mechanics of case studies is more straightforward than writing case studies from scratch.

That’s why we’ve gathered 12 real-life marketing case study examples you can review before you embark on creating yours.

1. GatherContent | University of Edinburgh

What works: In this great case study, GatherContent includes quotes from the client (the University of Edinburgh) about how their software has improved their content workflow. This adds a human element and will help readers with the same issues identify with the client.

View more GatherContent case studies .

2. Omniscient Digital | AppSumo

What works: Omniscient Digital includes client feedback in video format and shares the results they achieved in a digestible bullet point format.

3. Bit.ly | Vissla

What works: Besides hosting this case study on their website, Bit.ly provides a PDF link that can both be viewed online or downloaded. Plus, the PDF is visually appealing and easy to read.

4. Asana | Autodesk

What works: Asana leads with their impact and includes basic information about their client to the right of the page so the reader immediately gets bite-sized background information.

5. Shopify | Bombas

What works: Shopify includes a video in their case study, as well as multiple eye-catching images of Bombas products. This ensures that the case study serves both companies, possibly generating customer interest in Bombas socks.

6. Outfunnel | Alight Analytics

What works: Outfunnel has repurposed its case study into a blog post, which increases its visibility. The study is also full of client quotes, which adds valuable social proof.

7. Sapling | Zapier

What works: Sapling also shares quick preliminary information about Zapier on the left panel and includes several screenshots to show the impact of their product on the company’s processes.

8. BigCommerce | Skullcandy

What works: The quick metrics in bold hit readers quickly and highlight BigCommerce expertise to potential customers even before they read the entire case study.

9. Google Ads | L’Oreal

What works: Video format. Few things beat hearing the client praise the service and explain the process and results of the campaign in their own words.

10. ActiveCampaign | Your Therapy Source

What works: ActiveCampaign efficiently showcases the problems and solutions before delving into how they helped the client achieve desired results.

11. Intuit | Xenex Healthcare

What works: The main benefit is highlighted on the first page of the PDF and the rest of the study delves into the process and the nitty-gritty of the product’s impact.

12. Grayscale | Upwork

What works: This page features minimal text. It focuses on quotes from decision-makers at Upwork and ends with a call-to-action that will likely drive conversions.

How to write your own case study

How can you write engaging, effective case studies like the examples above? Here are six steps.

1. Identify a worthy case

Think of projects—either for yourself or for clients—that got outstanding results. Then, whittle it down to the cases that your target audience is most likely to relate to , perhaps because they experience the same problem or have the same goal as in the case.

2. Reflect on your chosen case

Once you’ve decided on the case you’ll start with, do some deeper reflection on the details. What was the project goal? What challenges did you encounter along the way? How did you overcome them to reach your goal?

3. Think about differentiation

Take the last step even further and think of anything you did differently than others might. Did you an experimental tactic or strategy or create a custom solution? If so, use those details to subtly show potential customers why they should be interested in what you have to offer.

4. Gather quotes

Next, get hard-hitting quotes from project stakeholders or clients. Having their thoughts on goals, project obstacles, the solutions provided, and the outcomes will make your description of the case more credible.

5. Draft your case study

Time to turn the details you’ve compiled into a case study draft. How? We’ll talk about the best format for case studies shortly.

6. Add visuals

Next, create visuals that will reinforce the main points of your case study. These could include:

• Charts or screenshots to show the change in metrics before and after the project
• An infographic to give a brief visual overview of the case
• Pictures of deliverables (e.g. a web design agency might show a picture of the new site it designed for a client)
• Product images such as screenshots from within your software that was used on the project

After any designated reviewers and approvers give their stamp of approval on the case study, it’s ready to be published and promoted!

What’s the best case study format?

We’ve seen A+ examples of case studies and gotten some more context on how to create them for your brand or organization. Now, it's time to get to work. As you do, remember to include the following vital sections in your case study format:

• Client name and profile
• The problem
• Your solution (and screenshots!)
• Before and after ( real results with data)
• Appealing visuals, photos, illustrations, infographics, charts, and graphs
• A memorable CTA

Ready to get started? Thankfully, you don’t have to go it alone.

GatherContent—a powerful tool for case study creation

GatherContent makes it possible to keep track of all your case study research —even while working with your marketing team. You don’t have to guess what stage the piece is at or consult another tool to know when your part is due or who to pass the torch to.

GatherContent is a content hub that helps you keep all your content creation in one place , whether you’re writing blog posts, email newsletters, social media posts, or case studies. With content modeling features like Components , you can effortlessly maintain brand identity throughout all your case studies.

Read more customer success stories here to learn more!

Techniques for collaboratively prioritising content

Learn six collaborative methods for prioritising content so your team can be aligned and have confidence in the content being published..

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40 case studies in branding.

[Apple: Innovation and Design as Brand Identity]

[Nike: Building a Global Brand Through Storytelling and Innovation]

[Tesla: Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry Through Innovation and Sustainability]

[Amazon: Transforming Retail and Beyond]

[Zoom: Connecting the World Through Video Communications]

[Beyond Meat: A Plant-Based Revolution]

[TikTok: A Dance with Global Success]

[Coca-Cola: Quenching the World’s Thirst for Over a Century]

[Netflix: Redefining the Future of Entertainment]

[Airbnb: Disrupting the Hospitality Industry]

[Starbucks: Brewing Success Through Innovation and Responsibility]

[The Walt Disney Company: A Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation]

[McDonald’s: Serving Success with a Side of Innovation]

[Dove (Unilever): Crafting Beauty and Confidence]

[IKEA: A Symphony of Design, Affordability, and Sustainability]

[LEGO: Building Blocks of Innovation and Success]

[Slack: Revolutionizing Workplace Communication]

[Patagonia: A Case Study in Sustainable Business Practices]

[Spotify: Transitioning from music sales to subscription streaming]

[Warby Parker: Disrupting the traditional eyewear market with an online-first approach]

[Allbirds: A Case Study in Sustainable Footwear Innovation]

40.1 Apple : Innovation and Design as Brand Identity

• Introduction:

Apple Inc., known for its revolutionary technology and design, has built its brand on innovation and a unique user experience. What began as a garage startup in 1976 has become one of the world’s most valuable companies. Let’s explore how Apple achieved this success.

• Background:

Founding and Early Years: Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple started as a computer manufacturer. The launch of the Apple I computer in 1976 marked the company’s debut, and the subsequent Apple II became a significant success.

Rise to Prominence: With the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984, Apple emphasized graphical user interface, leading the way in user-friendly computing. The iPod, iPhone, iPad, and MacBook line have since become iconic products.

• Product Development: Regularly updating products to include the latest technology.
• Software Ecosystem: Creating a seamless software environment that ties different Apple products together.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Sleek and modern design across all products.
• User Experience: Emphasizing intuitive interfaces.
• Apple Ecosystem: The interoperability of products encourages customers to stay within the Apple brand.
• Customer Service: Apple’s customer support, including the Genius Bar in Apple Stores, provides personalized service.
• Store Design: Apple Stores are known for their minimalist design and layout.
• In-Store Experience: Offering hands-on experience with products and one-on-one customer service.
• High Pricing Strategy: Apple’s premium pricing limits accessibility for many consumers.
• Dependence on Key Products: A significant reliance on the iPhone, which generates a large portion of revenue.
• Manufacturing Practices: Criticisms regarding working conditions in factories.
• Environmental Concerns: Issues related to recycling and waste management.
• Cultural Impact and Legacy:

Apple’s marketing has not only sold products but also shaped culture.

Think Different Campaign: This campaign emphasized Apple’s image as a company for creative and unconventional thinkers.

Influence on Music Industry: With the iPod and iTunes, Apple changed how people buy and listen to music.

Smartphone Revolution: The iPhone transformed mobile communication.

• Conclusion:

Apple’s brand is more than just a logo; it’s a symbol of innovation, quality, and a unique customer experience. By consistently focusing on design and innovation, Apple has maintained a strong brand identity that resonates with consumers globally. Its success offers essential insights into how a focus on innovation, design, and customer experience can build a powerful and enduring brand. The company’s challenges and criticisms also provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of operating at the forefront of technology.

• Further Exploration:

Apple’s Advertising: Analyzing various Apple advertising campaigns over the years.

Competitor Analysis: Understanding how Apple’s branding strategies compare with competitors like Samsung, Google, and Microsoft.

Future Outlook: Speculating on Apple’s future in an ever-changing technology landscape.

This extended case study provides a comprehensive view of Apple’s branding, suitable for students who want to delve deeply into branding’s multifaceted nature. It includes various aspects of branding, marketing, challenges, and impact, allowing for a rich understanding of how a brand can shape not only a company’s success but also influence broader culture and industry trends.

40.2 Nike: Building a Global Brand Through Storytelling and Innovation

Nike, Inc. is a household name synonymous with athleticism, performance, and innovation. Through its creative marketing strategies and commitment to design, Nike has become a leader in the sports apparel industry. This case study will explore Nike’s rise to prominence and the branding strategies that have kept it at the forefront of the sports industry.

• Founding and Early Years: Founded as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, the company changed its name to Nike, Inc. in 1971. The famous swoosh logo and the “Just Do It” slogan became integral parts of the brand’s identity.
• Growth and Expansion: With an initial focus on running shoes, Nike expanded into various sports, including basketball, soccer, and golf, becoming a multi-sport brand.
• Historical Partnerships: Nike’s collaboration with athletes like Michael Jordan led to the creation of the Air Jordan line.
• Global Ambassadors: Associating with top athletes like Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo, and LeBron James.
• Emotional Connection: Creating ads that resonate emotionally with consumers, such as the “Find Your Greatness” campaign.
• Social Commentary: Engaging in cultural conversations, like the Colin Kaepernick campaign.
• Technological Advancements: Such as Nike Air cushioning technology and Flyknit fabric.
• Customization: Allowing consumers to personalize products through the NIKEiD platform.
• Nike Run Clubs: Building a community around the brand through running clubs and apps.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Such as the “Move to Zero” campaign focusing on reducing environmental impact.
• Market Competition: Competition from brands like Adidas and Under Armour.
• Pricing Strategies: Balancing premium pricing with accessibility for a broader audience.
• Labor Practices: Historical criticisms regarding factory working conditions.
• Sustainability Challenges: Managing environmental impacts across the supply chain.

Nike’s influence goes beyond sports apparel.

Influence on Streetwear: Collaborations with designers like Virgil Abloh have made Nike relevant in fashion circles.

Promotion of Women’s Sports: Marketing campaigns focusing on female athletes.

Global Reach: Establishing a presence in various global markets and sports.

Nike’s brand success lies in its ability to intertwine sports, culture, and personal aspiration. Its collaborations with athletes, investment in storytelling, and commitment to innovation have made it a leader in the sports apparel industry. The challenges and criticisms it has faced provide insight into the complexities of maintaining a global brand. Understanding Nike’s branding strategies offers an exciting exploration into how a brand can connect with consumers on multiple levels and across diverse markets.

Analyzing Advertising Campaigns: Students may explore various campaigns to understand how Nike connects with different demographics.

Competitor Analysis: Comparing Nike’s strategies with competitors to understand market dynamics.

Future of Sports Branding: Speculating on the future of branding in the sports industry and how Nike may continue to innovate.

This comprehensive case study provides a deep understanding of Nike’s branding strategies and allows students to appreciate the multifaceted nature of branding in the modern market. The connections between sports, culture, innovation, and marketing weave together to create a compelling story that offers valuable insights for anyone interested in branding, marketing, or the sports industry.

40.3 Tesla: Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry Through Innovation and Sustainability

Tesla, Inc. is not just a car manufacturer; it’s a technology company with a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Founded by a group of engineers, including Elon Musk, who became the public face of the company, Tesla has become a symbol of innovation and environmental responsibility. This case study explores how Tesla achieved this status.

• Founding and Early Years: Founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, and later joined by Elon Musk, JB Straubel, and Ian Wright, Tesla started with a vision to create electric cars that didn’t compromise on performance.
• Road to Success: The launch of the Tesla Roadster in 2008 proved that electric cars could be both stylish and powerful. Subsequent models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y, diversified the product line.
• Autopilot: Developing self-driving technology.
• Battery Technology: Pioneering advancements in battery efficiency and lifespan.
• Clean Energy Products: Including solar panels and the Powerwall for energy storage.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: Efforts to minimize environmental impact in production.
• Online Sales: Bypassing traditional dealerships, selling directly to consumers online.
• Customer Experience: Creating unique showrooms and offering test drives.
• Elon Musk’s Twitter Presence: Utilizing social media to promote and defend the brand.
• Product Launches: Hosting grand events to unveil new products.
• Production Challenges: Meeting demand and managing quality control.
• Market Competition: Growing competition from traditional automakers entering the EV market.
• Labor Practices: Controversies related to factory conditions.
• Autopilot Safety Concerns: Debates over the safety of Tesla’s self-driving technology.

Changing Automotive Industry: Pushing the entire automotive industry towards electric vehicles.

Energy Conversation: Shaping dialogues about renewable energy and climate change.

Stock Market Phenomenon: Tesla’s unique position in the stock market as a technology/automotive company.

Tesla’s brand represents a fusion of technology, sustainability, and luxury. Through innovative products, a focus on environmental responsibility, and disruptive sales models, Tesla has not only built a successful brand but has also changed the landscape of the automotive industry. Analyzing Tesla’s strategies, challenges, and impacts provides valuable insights into how a brand can be a catalyst for industry-wide change.

Comparative Analysis: Understanding how Tesla’s branding strategies differ from traditional automotive brands.

Future of Mobility: Speculating on the future of electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and Tesla’s role in shaping that future.

Global Expansion: Exploring Tesla’s efforts to expand into various global markets, such as China and Europe.

40.4 Amazon: Transforming Retail and Beyond

Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, started as an online bookstore and quickly expanded into a vast e-commerce platform that sells virtually everything. Beyond retail, Amazon has also entered cloud computing, entertainment, and even healthcare. This case study will explore Amazon’s diverse business activities and how they’ve contributed to its colossal success.

• Early Years: Started in a garage, focusing on books, before expanding into other categories.
• Global Expansion: Rapid growth into international markets and diversified product offerings.
• Customer Experience: One-click ordering, personalized recommendations, and fast shipping.
• Amazon Prime: Subscription model offering free shipping, video streaming, and more.
• Amazon Marketplace: Allowing third-party sellers to reach Amazon’s vast customer base.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS): A leading provider of cloud computing services.
• Voice Technology: Introduction of Alexa and Echo smart speakers.
• Amazon Studios: Producing and distributing original content.
• Twitch Acquisition: Engaging the gaming community.
• Whole Foods Acquisition: Entering the brick-and-mortar retail space.
• Amazon Pharmacy: Expanding into the healthcare sector.
• Market Power: Criticisms related to monopolistic practices.
• Tax Practices: Scrutiny over tax strategies and contributions.
• Working Conditions: Concerns over conditions in warehouses and treatment of employees.
• Environmental Impact: Criticisms related to packaging and carbon footprint.
• Changing Retail Landscape: Influencing consumer expectations and competitors’ strategies.
• Innovation Leader: Setting standards in technology, logistics, and customer service.

Amazon’s success story is a testament to innovation, diversification, and relentless focus on customer experience. By continuously expanding into new areas, Amazon has not only transformed retail but also various other industries. Examining Amazon’s strategies, challenges, and cultural impact provides a deep understanding of modern business dynamics and the role of branding in shaping industry landscapes.

Competitive Analysis: Understanding Amazon’s position among global tech giants.

Future Projections: Exploring potential new markets and technologies for Amazon.

Regulatory Landscape: Analyzing potential legal and regulatory challenges.

This extensive case study offers students a multifaceted exploration of one of the world’s most impactful brands. From e-commerce to entertainment, Amazon’s influence is felt across multiple sectors. Understanding its success and challenges provides insights into innovation, strategy, ethics, and the complex dynamics of modern business environments.

40.5 Zoom: Connecting the World Through Video Communications

Zoom Video Communications, known simply as Zoom, played a pivotal role in connecting people during a time of global upheaval. Founded by Eric Yuan in 2011, Zoom quickly rose to prominence as a leading platform for video conferencing, webinars, and collaboration. This case study explores Zoom’s exponential growth, the strategies that propelled it, and the challenges it faced along the way.

• Founding Vision: Eric Yuan, a former Cisco executive, founded Zoom with a mission to make video communication frictionless and reliable.
• Early Growth: Despite entering a competitive market, Zoom differentiated itself through ease of use and robust performance.
• Ease of Use: Simple interface, quick setup, and no user account required for joining meetings.
• Quality and Reliability: Consistent video and audio quality across various devices and internet connections.
• Business and Enterprise Solutions: Offering scalable solutions for organizations of all sizes.
• Education Sector: Customized features for virtual classrooms and administrative meetings.
• Healthcare Integration: Compliance with healthcare regulations for telemedicine use.
• Localization: Tailoring offerings to different regions and languages.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with hardware vendors and integrators for seamless user experience.
• Free Access for Schools: Providing free access to educational institutions during lockdowns.
• Scaling Infrastructure: Rapidly expanding server capacity to handle surging demand.
• Security Enhancements: Addressing early security concerns with significant updates and transparency.
• “Zoombombing” Incidents: Unwanted intrusions into meetings raised questions about security.
• Data Privacy Concerns: Scrutiny over encryption and data handling practices.
• Competing Platforms: Navigating competition from established players like Microsoft and new entrants like Google.
• Sustaining Growth: Challenges in maintaining growth rates as restrictions lift and in-person meetings resume.
• Changing Work Culture: Enabling remote work, hybrid models, and global collaboration.
• Social Connections: Facilitating social interactions, virtual family gatherings, and online events.
• Redefining Communication: Setting new standards for video communication and online engagement.

Zoom’s journey is a compelling study in understanding customer needs, agile adaptation, and effective scaling. From a startup competing against tech giants to becoming a household name, Zoom’s story offers valuable lessons in innovation, strategic planning, crisis management, and ethical considerations. Analyzing Zoom’s branding, growth strategies, challenges, and cultural impact provides rich insights into the dynamics of technology-driven market disruption and the responsibilities that come with rapid success.

Competitive Landscape Analysis: Understanding Zoom’s position in a fast-evolving market.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: Analyzing Zoom’s response to security and privacy concerns.

Long-term Strategy and Sustainability: Evaluating Zoom’s plans to sustain growth and diversify offerings.

40.6 Beyond Meat: A Plant-Based Revolution

Beyond Meat has become a synonym for the plant-based food movement, leading the way in creating meat alternatives that cater to a growing global demand for sustainable and ethical eating. This case study explores the company’s journey, its innovative products, market strategies, and the broader impact on the food industry.

• Founding Vision: Established by Ethan Brown in 2009, Beyond Meat aimed to address environmental, health, and ethical concerns related to animal agriculture.
• Product Innovation: The development of plant-based meat substitutes that mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat.
• Not Just for Vegetarians: Positioning products to appeal to meat-eaters looking to reduce meat consumption.
• Retail and Food Service Partnerships: Collaborations with supermarkets, fast-food chains, and restaurants.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Engaging well-known advocates of plant-based diets, such as Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Sustainability Messaging: Emphasizing the environmental and health benefits of plant-based foods.
• Adaptation to Local Tastes: Developing products tailored to various global markets and cuisines.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex food regulations in different countries.
• Rising Competitors: Facing competition from both traditional food companies and new entrants in the plant-based sector.
• Product Differentiation: Striving to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
• Taste and Texture Expectations: Meeting consumer expectations for flavors and textures similar to traditional meat.
• Price Barriers: Addressing price competitiveness with animal-based products.
• Transparency in Ingredients: Providing clear information about ingredients and processing methods.
• Life Cycle Analysis: Assessing the full environmental impact of products, from production to consumption.
• Changing Consumer Habits: Influencing a shift in dietary preferences towards plant-based options.
• Industry Collaboration: Collaborations with traditional meat producers and food service providers.
• Impact on Animal Agriculture: Contributing to debates about the sustainability and ethics of conventional meat production.

Beyond Meat’s story represents a transformative moment in the food industry, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and conscious consumption. By analyzing Beyond Meat’s product innovation, market strategies, challenges, and cultural impact, students can gain insights into how a company can both lead and adapt to changing consumer values and industry dynamics. This case encourages critical thinking about innovation, branding, competition, ethics, and the interplay between business and societal needs.

Comparative Analysis with Competitors: Examining strategies and approaches of other players in the plant-based food market.

Consumer Behavior Study: Investigating consumer attitudes towards plant-based alternatives.

Sustainability Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the sustainability aspects of plant-based foods.

40.7 TikTok: A Dance with Global Success

TikTok, a social media app developed by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has quickly become a sensation, particularly among younger users. This case study examines TikTok’s rapid growth, innovative content delivery, competition, and the complex regulatory landscape it navigates.

• Launch and Growth: TikTok was launched in 2016 and merged with Musical.ly in 2018 to expand its reach in the U.S. market.
• Algorithm Magic: TikTok’s unique algorithm offers personalized content, leading to higher engagement and user retention.
• Short Video Format: Users create engaging 15-second videos with a wide array of editing tools.
• Personalized Feed: The “For You Page” algorithm provides a customized content feed, enhancing user experience.
• Hashtag Challenges: Promoting user-generated content through viral challenges.
• Collaborations and Duets: Enabling collaboration between users to foster community.
• Music and Dance Focus: Strong emphasis on music and dance-related content.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with youth influencers to drive adoption.
• Local Content Adaptation: Encouraging content that resonates with local cultures and trends.
• Strategic Advertising: Utilizing in-app advertising and partnerships with brands.
• Data Security Issues: Ongoing debates over data privacy and national security.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Challenges related to compliance with international regulations.
• Competing for Attention: A battle with platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
• Intellectual Property Concerns: Issues related to copyright and content ownership.
• Democratizing Content Creation: Empowering individuals to become content creators.
• Cultural Influence: Fostering global cultural exchange and trends.

TikTok’s story is a fascinating example of how a social media platform can become a global phenomenon through innovative technology, strategic targeting, community engagement, and adaptability to local cultures. This case allows students to explore various aspects of social media business, including algorithms, user engagement, competition, regulation, and cultural impact.

Algorithm Analysis: Delve into how TikTok’s algorithm works and compare it with other platforms.

Regulatory Compliance Study: Investigate TikTok’s compliance with different countries’ regulatory frameworks.

Cultural Impact Research: Explore how TikTok influences and reflects cultural trends across the globe.

40.8 Coca-Cola: Quenching the World’s Thirst for Over a Century

Coca-Cola, founded in 1886, has grown to become one of the world’s leading beverage companies. This case study explores Coca-Cola’s brand legacy, marketing innovations, product diversity, sustainability initiatives, and the challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing global beverage market.

• Founding and Early Years: From a pharmacy concoction to a global brand.
• Iconic Advertising Campaigns: A look at some of Coca-Cola’s most memorable marketing efforts.
• Logo and Packaging: The evolution of Coca-Cola’s iconic logo and bottle design.
• Sponsorships and Partnerships: Coca-Cola’s association with sports events, entertainment, and charities.
• Local Market Adaptation: Customizing products and campaigns to fit regional tastes and cultures.
• Digital Engagement: Leveraging social media and technology for customer engagement.
• Beverage Portfolio: Introduction to Coca-Cola’s diverse product line, including soft drinks, water, and juices.
• Health-Conscious Offerings: Response to changing consumer preferences towards healthier options.
• Water Stewardship: Initiatives to reduce water usage and support community water projects.
• Recycling and Packaging: Commitment to reducing plastic waste through recycling and innovative packaging.
• Market Competition: An overview of competitors like PepsiCo and changing consumer tastes.
• Health and Regulatory Scrutiny: Challenges related to sugar content and obesity concerns.
• Emerging Markets: Strategies and challenges in entering and thriving in new markets.
• Economic Sensitivities: How global economic fluctuations affect sales and operations.

Coca-Cola’s story offers an inspiring journey into the world of branding, marketing, innovation, and corporate responsibility. The brand’s ability to adapt, innovate, and remain socially responsible provides valuable insights for anyone interested in business, marketing, and sustainability.

Marketing Analysis: Investigate how Coca-Cola has maintained its brand appeal over time.

Sustainability Evaluation: Examine Coca-Cola’s efforts in promoting environmental stewardship.

Global Business Study: Analyze Coca-Cola’s strategies in adapting to different cultures and markets.

This student version of the Coca-Cola case study serves as an engaging educational resource for courses related to business, marketing, branding, sustainability, and global commerce. Through exploration, discussion, and critical analysis, students can uncover the multifaceted dynamics that have shaped Coca-Cola’s success and its continued relevance in today’s competitive and evolving marketplace. It invites learners to reflect on the power of branding, the importance of innovation, the challenges of global expansion, and the growing significance of corporate social responsibility in modern business.

40.9 Netflix: Redefining the Future of Entertainment

Netflix, founded in 1997, has transformed from a DVD rental service to a global streaming giant. With over 200 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix has redefined the way people consume entertainment. This case study explores Netflix’s growth, innovation, content strategy, and the challenges it faces in a competitive market.

• Founding and Early Growth: From a mail-order DVD service to streaming pioneer.
• Subscription Model: Introduction of the subscription model that revolutionized content consumption.
• Streaming Technology: Development of cutting-edge streaming technology to deliver content seamlessly.
• Personalized Recommendations: Utilization of algorithms to tailor content suggestions to individual viewers.
• Original Content Creation: Investment in exclusive shows and movies to differentiate from competitors.
• Content Licensing: Acquiring rights to popular shows and movies to broaden the content library.
• Localization Strategy: Adapting content to suit diverse cultural tastes and regulatory requirements.
• Emerging Markets Growth: Expanding into developing regions with unique pricing and content strategies.
• Streaming Wars: Competition with other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max.
• Regulatory and Legal Hurdles: Navigating complex international laws and content regulations.
• Content Piracy Concerns: Efforts to combat unauthorized sharing and illegal streaming of content.

Netflix’s story is a testament to innovation, adaptability, and the power of a customer-centric approach. The lessons drawn from Netflix’s success and ongoing challenges provide valuable insights for those interested in technology, media, marketing, and global business strategy.

Technology Analysis: Investigate how Netflix’s technological advancements have shaped its success.

Content Strategy Evaluation: Examine how Netflix’s original content creation has redefined the entertainment industry.

Global Business Study: Analyze Netflix’s strategies for entering and thriving in diverse global markets.

40.10 Airbnb: Disrupting the Hospitality Industry

Airbnb, established in 2008, has emerged as a disruptive force in the global hospitality industry. This platform connects hosts and travelers, providing unique accommodations and experiences. This case study examines Airbnb’s innovation, growth, and the challenges it faces, providing comprehensive insights for students interested in entrepreneurship, technology, law, and global business.

• Founding Story: How an idea to rent air mattresses turned into a revolutionary business concept.
• Peer-to-Peer Model: Airbnb’s model of connecting hosts with travelers and its impact on traditional lodging.
• Platform Design: Exploration of the user-friendly design, including search functionality, booking process, and communication between hosts and guests.
• Trust and Community Building: Methods of establishing trust through reviews, verification processes, host education, community guidelines, and conflict resolution.
• Revenue Model: Understanding Airbnb’s commission-based revenue model, pricing strategies, and value proposition for hosts and guests.
• Global Growth Strategy: Airbnb’s rapid expansion into various cities and countries, including marketing strategies, partnerships, and local engagement.
• Experiences and Diversification: Introduction of Airbnb Experiences, business travel accommodations, and other extensions of the platform.
• Challenges in Scaling: Examination of the obstacles faced during rapid growth, including maintaining quality, customer support, and local adaptation.
• Local Regulations and Compliance: Encounters with legal issues, zoning laws, city ordinances, and ongoing battles with regulators and the traditional hotel industry.
• Impact on Housing Markets: Exploration of criticisms and studies on Airbnb’s effect on local housing prices, availability, gentrification, and neighborhood dynamics.
• Safety and Liability Concerns: Analysis of safety measures, insurance policies, host responsibilities, and incidents that have raised concerns.
• Sustainable Travel Initiatives: Airbnb’s efforts to promote eco-friendly travel practices, partnerships with local communities, and support for responsible hosting.
• Community Outreach and Disaster Response: Airbnb’s involvement in community development and providing emergency accommodations during natural disasters or crises.
• Brand Identity and Positioning: Examination of Airbnb’s brand evolution, advertising campaigns, social media presence, and efforts to differentiate itself from competitors.
• Customer Segmentation and Personalization: Strategies for targeting different customer segments and personalizing the user experience through algorithms and data analysis.

Airbnb’s transformation of the hospitality industry offers an in-depth look into technology-driven disruption, entrepreneurial innovation, community engagement, legal complexities, and social impact. The multifaceted nature of Airbnb’s journey provides a rich context for exploring diverse business concepts.

• Further Exploration and Assignments:

Platform Analysis Project: Students analyze Airbnb’s platform functionality, user experience, and technological innovations.

Regulatory Environment Study: Research and debates on the legal and ethical aspects of Airbnb’s operations in different regions.

Global Strategy Simulation: Group exercise to plan Airbnb’s entry into a new market, considering cultural, legal, and market dynamics.

Social Impact Assessment: Critical evaluation of Airbnb’s social responsibility efforts, community impact, and sustainability initiatives.

40.11 Starbucks: Brewing Success Through Innovation and Responsibility

Starbucks, founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, has become a global coffee icon, known for its premium quality coffee, unique store ambiance, and commitment to social responsibility. This case study examines Starbucks’ journey from a single store to an international chain, focusing on its strategic decisions, marketing practices, innovations, and challenges.

• Founding and Early Years: How Starbucks transformed from a single store selling quality coffee beans into a global coffeehouse chain.
• Mission and Vision: An examination of Starbucks’ commitment to inspiring and nurturing the human spirit, one cup at a time.
• Retail Innovation: An exploration of Starbucks’ unique store designs, customer experience, and the introduction of the “third place” concept.
• Product Diversification: Starbucks’ expansion into various products, including specialty beverages, food, packaged products, and even non-coffee items.
• Global Expansion: Strategies and challenges in entering new markets across different continents.
• Brand Building and Positioning: How Starbucks built a strong brand that emphasizes quality, community, and ethical sourcing.
• Loyalty Programs: The impact and success of Starbucks’ rewards program in enhancing customer loyalty and retention.
• Digital Engagement: Utilizing mobile apps, social media, and digital marketing to engage customers.
• Ethical Sourcing: Commitment to sourcing ethically produced coffee through fair trade practices and farmer support.
• Environmental Initiatives: Efforts in reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting reusable products.
• Community Engagement: Investing in local communities through education, volunteerism, and support for local causes.
• Market Saturation: The challenge of maintaining growth amid increasing competition and market saturation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Navigating cultural differences in global markets and occasional backlashes.
• Economic Factors: Responding to economic downturns and changes in consumer spending habits.
• Mobile Ordering: Implementing mobile ordering and payment systems to enhance convenience.
• Data Analytics: Leveraging data to personalize marketing and enhance customer experiences.
• Partnerships with Technology Companies: Collaborations to expand reach and offer new products.

Starbucks’ story offers valuable insights into brand building, global expansion, innovation, social responsibility, and resilience in the face of challenges. Its journey from a single store to a global chain showcases the importance of strategic decision-making, adaptability, and commitment to core values.

Supply Chain Analysis: Investigate Starbucks’ complex supply chain and its approach to ensuring quality and ethical practices.

Competitive Landscape Study: Analyze Starbucks’ competitive positioning and the dynamics of the coffeehouse industry.

Crisis Management Review: Examine Starbucks’ response to various challenges and crises over the years.

40.12 The Walt Disney Company: A Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation

The Walt Disney Company, founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy O. Disney, has grown from a small animation studio to a global entertainment conglomerate. This case study delves into Disney’s storied history, business diversification, technological leadership, and strategies that have made it a symbol of creativity and imagination.

• Founding and Early Success: The birth of Mickey Mouse, the creation of the first synchronized sound and full-color cartoons, and the groundbreaking “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
• Expanding the Magic Kingdom: Disney’s foray into theme parks, beginning with Disneyland in 1955 and followed by a global expansion.
• Diversification: Exploration of Disney’s diversification into various entertainment sectors, including movies, television, theme parks, merchandise, and media networks.
• Content Creation and Distribution: Examination of Disney’s strategies in producing and distributing content through various channels, including streaming services like Disney+.
• Global Expansion: Analysis of Disney’s strategies to enter and thrive in international markets, including China and Europe.
• Brand Building: How Disney built a universally loved brand based on storytelling, characters, and immersive experiences.
• Synergy: Understanding how Disney leverages its characters and stories across multiple business segments.
• Digital Engagement: Exploration of Disney’s digital marketing efforts, social media presence, and engagement with younger audiences.
• Revolutionizing Animation: Disney’s pioneering role in animation technology, including the introduction of CGI.
• Immersive Experiences: The integration of technology in theme parks for personalized and interactive experiences.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Insight into Disney’s acquisitions, including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Exploration of Disney’s collaborations with other companies to enhance its product offerings and reach.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Disney’s efforts in environmental conservation, community support, and ethical sourcing.
• Content and Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing storytelling with cultural respect and inclusiveness.
• Market Saturation and Competition: Navigating an increasingly competitive media and entertainment landscape.
• Regulatory and Legal Challenges: Adhering to varying regulations across global markets.
• Pandemic Response: Adaptation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on various business segments.

The Walt Disney Company’s journey offers a captivating exploration of creativity, innovation, strategic thinking, and adaptability. From pioneering animation to building global theme parks, launching streaming services, and acquiring leading entertainment brands, Disney’s story is a rich lesson in entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, and global business strategies.

Leadership Analysis: Investigate Disney’s leadership strategies and the role of key leaders in shaping the company.

Competitive Landscape Study: Analyze Disney’s competitive positioning and the dynamics of the entertainment industry.

Crisis Management Review: Examine Disney’s response to various challenges, including economic downturns and unexpected crises.

40.13 McDonald’s: Serving Success with a Side of Innovation

McDonald’s is more than just a fast-food chain; it’s a global phenomenon that has shaped the way people eat around the world. Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, the company has since evolved into a multi-billion-dollar giant with thousands of locations worldwide. This case study examines the key ingredients behind McDonald’s success.

• Founding and Early Growth: A look at McDonald’s beginnings, from a single drive-in to the creation of the Speedee Service System, a precursor to the modern fast-food restaurant.
• Global Expansion: How McDonald’s turned the Golden Arches into an international symbol, adapting to various cultures and tastes.
• Franchising: Exploration of McDonald’s franchising model and how it fueled the company’s rapid growth.
• Menu Innovation: How McDonald’s constantly innovates its menu to meet consumer demands and local preferences.
• Supply Chain Management: Examination of McDonald’s logistical prowess in sourcing and distributing ingredients across the globe.
• Sustainability Efforts: An insight into McDonald’s initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
• Iconic Branding: Understanding how the Golden Arches and characters like Ronald McDonald became global icons.
• Advertising and Promotions: A review of memorable ad campaigns and marketing strategies that resonate with various demographics.
• Customer Experience: How McDonald’s focuses on customer satisfaction through services like McDelivery and the recent digital transformation.
• Digital Ordering and Mobile Apps: Exploration of McDonald’s embrace of technology to enhance customer convenience.
• Smart Restaurants: How technology is changing the in-store experience, from kiosks to AI-powered drive-thrus.
• Health Concerns: Analysis of criticisms regarding the nutritional content of McDonald’s food and the company’s response.
• Labor Practices: Discussion of challenges related to employee wages, benefits, and working conditions.
• Competitive Landscape: Examination of the fast-food market competition and how McDonald’s maintains its edge.
• Adaptation to Changing Consumer Preferences: The shift towards healthier options and how McDonald’s is responding.
• Investments in Technology: Future technological innovations that may shape the McDonald’s experience.
• Sustainability Goals: Long-term objectives in minimizing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility.

McDonald’s journey offers a multifaceted case study in entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, global expansion, and adaptability. From flipping burgers in a single location to flipping the script on fast food worldwide, the company continues to evolve, facing new challenges and seizing opportunities.

40.14 Dove (Unilever): Crafting Beauty and Confidence

Dove, a personal care brand owned by Unilever, has become synonymous with beauty and self-esteem through its innovative products and socially conscious campaigns. This case study invites you to explore Dove’s journey and its commitment to promoting a more inclusive and positive depiction of beauty.

• Dove’s Inception: A look at the brand’s origins in 1957 with the launch of the Dove Beauty Bar.
• Product Portfolio: Overview of Dove’s wide range of personal care products, including body wash, hair care, and skincare.
• The “Real Beauty” Campaign: Examination of Dove’s groundbreaking campaign that challenged conventional beauty standards.
• Customer Engagement: Insights into Dove’s interaction with customers through social media, events, and community outreach.
• Global Expansion: Strategies behind Dove’s growth into various international markets and adaptation to different cultures.
• Research and Development: A look at how Dove constantly innovates its product line through scientific research and consumer insights.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Understanding Dove’s efforts in reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical sourcing.
• Promoting Self-Esteem: Analysis of Dove’s initiatives to enhance self-esteem, particularly among young women, through education and advertising.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: How Dove collaborates with NGOs, influencers, and other stakeholders to amplify social messages.
• Market Competition: Assessment of the competitive landscape and how Dove differentiates itself.
• Advertising Backlash: Discussion of certain advertising missteps and how the brand managed the fallout.
• Trend Adaptation: Exploration of how Dove aligns with emerging beauty and wellness trends.
• Technology Integration: How Dove leverages technology, including AI and data analytics, for product development and personalized experiences.
• Sustainability Goals: Examination of Dove’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical practices.

Dove’s journey presents an engaging case study that goes beyond products and marketing to encompass social values, consumer connection, innovation, and global reach. The brand’s commitment to challenging beauty norms and promoting self-esteem has set it apart in a crowded market.

40.15 IKEA: A Symphony of Design, Affordability, and Sustainability

• Founding and Mission: Founded in Sweden in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA’s mission is to “create a better everyday life for many people.” It emphasizes affordability, design, and functionality.
• Overview of Offerings: IKEA offers a wide range of home furnishings, including furniture, kitchen appliances, decor, and accessories.
• Global Presence: With over 400 stores in 50 countries, IKEA has become a global leader in the home furnishing industry.
• Product Design and Development: IKEA’s products are known for minimalist design, functionality, and ease of assembly. Collaboration with designers worldwide keeps its offerings fresh and innovative.
• Supply Chain and Manufacturing: A well-integrated supply chain with close relationships to over 1,000 suppliers allows IKEA to maintain low costs while ensuring quality and sustainability.
• Retail Experience: The IKEA in-store experience is distinctive with showrooms, self-service warehouses, and in-store restaurants offering Swedish cuisine.
• Pricing Strategy: IKEA’s cost-conscious approach means designing products from the price tag up, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.
• Digitalization and E-commerce: With a strong online presence, IKEA provides customers with online shopping options, planning tools, and virtual product previews.
• Advertising Campaigns: IKEA uses creative and often humorous advertising to appeal to a broad customer base, focusing on life improvement and solutions.
• Online Engagement: Digital catalogs, apps, and social media keep IKEA’s audience engaged and provide valuable customer insights.
• In-store Promotions: Seasonal displays and in-store events promote new products and encourage customer interaction.
• Brand Identity and Values: IKEA’s brand emphasizes sustainability, inclusiveness, and accessibility.
• Environmental Practices: Commitment to sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency are core to IKEA’s operations.
• Renewable Energy Projects: IKEA invests in wind and solar energy, aiming to produce as much renewable energy as it consumes in its operations by 2030.
• Social Responsibility: The IKEA Foundation supports initiatives related to children’s education, refugee support, and climate change.
• Sustainable Product Lines: IKEA offers products that promote sustainable living, from energy-efficient appliances to recycled materials.
• Cultural Adaptation: IKEA adapts its product lines and marketing to reflect local tastes, customs, and living conditions.
• Market Entry Strategies: IKEA studies each market carefully, adapting its store format and product selection to local needs.
• Challenges in Different Markets: Navigating regulations, cultural differences, and local competition has posed challenges in some markets.
• Competition and Market Pressures: IKEA faces competition from both traditional furniture stores and online platforms.
• Cultural Missteps: Some global marketing campaigns have been criticized for insensitivity to local cultures.
• Quality Concerns: IKEA’s emphasis on low cost has sometimes led to perceived quality issues.
• Emerging Markets: Expansion into new markets like India and South America presents opportunities and challenges.
• Technological Innovations: IKEA is exploring augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart home technologies.
• Sustainability Goals: Commitment to further sustainability through its entire value chain.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: IKEA’s collaboration with designers, tech companies, and even other retailers fuels innovation.

IKEA’s unique blend of design, affordability, sustainability, and global reach has made it a standout brand in the home furnishing industry. The company’s multifaceted approach offers a rich study of modern retail, branding, international business, and corporate responsibility. The complexities and successes of IKEA’s model provide invaluable insights and inspiration for students across various disciplines.

40.16 LEGO: Building Blocks of Innovation and Success

• Founding and History: LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO brick, as we know it today, was launched in 1958.
• Product Portfolio: Beyond the iconic bricks, LEGO’s products include themed sets, video games, movies, and educational tools.
• Mission and Values: LEGO’s mission is to “Inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow” through creative play and learning.
• Innovation in Design: LEGO constantly innovates its product line, incorporating new themes and licensed partnerships (e.g., Star Wars, Marvel).
• Quality and Precision: The manufacturing process emphasizes precision and quality, ensuring compatibility across generations of LEGO bricks.
• Digital Expansion: LEGO has embraced digital gaming and augmented reality experiences, extending the brand into the digital realm.
• Brand Building: LEGO’s brand revolves around creativity, imagination, learning, and fun.
• Advertising and Promotion: Utilizing various channels, LEGO engages customers through inventive advertising campaigns and social media.
• Community Engagement: LEGO Ideas invites fans to submit and vote on new product ideas. The LEGO community is actively engaged in product development, events, and online forums.
• Retail Experience: LEGO stores offer hands-on experiences with play areas, workshops, and exclusive products.
• Online Shopping: The online store provides an extensive product selection, customization options, and exclusive membership benefits.
• Global Distribution: LEGO products are available in more than 140 countries through various retail channels.
• LEGO Education: Through LEGO Education, the company offers learning solutions that encourage hands-on, playful learning in schools.
• Charitable Activities: The LEGO Foundation supports children’s development and learning through various global initiatives.
• Environmental Sustainability: LEGO is committed to reducing its environmental impact, including the goal to produce all products and packaging with sustainable materials by 2030.
• Market Pressures: Facing competition from both traditional toys and digital games, LEGO has had to continuously innovate and adapt.
• Intellectual Property Issues: LEGO has faced legal challenges around patents and copyrights, particularly concerning the design of its bricks.
• Economic Fluctuations: Economic downturns and shifts in consumer behavior have influenced LEGO’s sales and growth strategies.
• Adaptation to Local Markets: LEGO tailors its marketing and product strategies to different cultures and consumer preferences.
• Challenges in Emerging Markets: Entering new markets such as China has presented both opportunities and challenges, including issues related to counterfeiting.
• Technological Innovation: LEGO continues to explore new technologies, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence.
• Collaborations and Licensing: Partnerships with entertainment franchises and designers fuel creativity and market reach.
• Focus on Adult Fans: LEGO has been expanding its appeal to adult fans through complex sets and themes that cater to various interests.

LEGO’s journey from a small carpentry shop to a global brand is a study in innovation, adaptability, community engagement, and brand stewardship. Its commitment to quality, creativity, and social responsibility offers a multifaceted case study with insights into product development, marketing, sustainability, global business strategy, and more. The story of LEGO inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, marketers, designers, and leaders to think creatively and act with purpose and integrity.

40.17 Slack: Revolutionizing Workplace Communication

• Founding and Background: Launched in 2013 by Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Cal Henderson, and Serguei Mourachov, Slack has quickly become one of the leading tools for team communication.
• Business Model: Slack offers a freemium model where basic features are free, with paid plans for more functionality.
• Key Features: Slack provides channels, direct messaging, file sharing, integrations with other tools, and more to enhance team communication.
• Innovation and Updates: Continual updates and feature enhancements have kept Slack at the forefront of workplace communication tools.
• User-Centric Design: Slack’s interface is designed for ease of use and collaboration, reducing email overload.
• Target Audience: Primarily targeting businesses, both small and large, Slack has also found usage in communities and other groups.
• Growth Strategies: Referral programs, partnerships, and effective content marketing have contributed to Slack’s rapid adoption.
• Customer Engagement: Slack has utilized community engagement, feedback, and customer support to foster loyalty and improve its product.
• Competitors: Major competitors include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and others offering communication and collaboration tools.
• Differentiation: Slack’s integrations, customization, and user experience have been key differentiators.
• Security Concerns: As with many digital platforms, security and privacy have been challenges, and Slack has implemented measures to ensure data protection.
• Freemium to Premium: The free version attracts users, while additional features and support drive customers to paid plans.
• Enterprise Solutions: Slack’s Enterprise Grid offers solutions tailored to large organizations, including advanced security and administrative features.
• Localization and Cultural Adaptation: Slack has localized its product for various markets and cultures to drive global adoption.
• Challenges in Emerging Markets: Issues such as local compliance, competition, and connectivity can present challenges in various regions.
• Pandemic Response: The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in Slack usage, adapting to new work patterns.
• Long-term Trends: Remote and hybrid work trends may shape Slack’s future development and market positioning.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Acquiring companies like Rimeto added capabilities to Slack’s portfolio.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with companies like Google, Salesforce, and others have extended Slack’s functionality.
• Salesforce Acquisition: The pending acquisition by Salesforce as of the cut-off knowledge date may significantly shape Slack’s future direction.
• Continued Innovation: Slack continues to explore new features, integrations, and market opportunities.

Slack’s story offers insights into the fast-paced world of technology startups, product development, global expansion, and market competition. Its response to changing work patterns and its strategic acquisitions and partnerships make it a rich subject for study. The lessons from Slack’s journey are relevant to aspiring entrepreneurs, product managers, marketers, and others interested in technology, innovation, and the future of work.

40.18 Patagonia: A Case Study in Sustainable Business Practices

• Background: Patagonia, founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, is an outdoor clothing and gear retailer known for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Mission: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
• Innovation: Patagonia has been a leader in developing sustainable fabrics and materials.
• Quality & Durability: Emphasizing long-lasting products to reduce consumerism.
• Recycling & Repairing: Offering repair services and encouraging recycling of products through programs like “Worn Wear.”
• Transparency: Publicly sharing supply chain information and environmental impacts.
• Activism Marketing: Taking strong stances on environmental and social issues.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with NGOs and community organizations.
• Supply Chain: Focusing on ethical production, fair labor practices, and organic materials.
• Environmental Activism: Regularly donating to environmental causes and supporting conservation efforts.
• B Corp Certification: Patagonia is a certified B Corporation, aligning profit with purpose.
• Profit vs. Purpose: Balancing strong financial growth with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
• Investing in Sustainability: Reinvesting profits in sustainable initiatives and environmental causes.
• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive market while maintaining ethical standards.
• Scale and Growth: Balancing growth and scalability with sustainability commitments.
• Greenwashing Accusations: Managing perceptions and criticisms related to authenticity and impact.
• International Expansion: Adapting sustainable practices across diverse markets and cultures.
• Global Partnerships: Collaborating with global organizations to expand environmental initiatives.
• Employee Engagement: Fostering a workplace culture that aligns with company values.
• Leadership and Governance: Maintaining leadership that embodies the brand’s ethos.
• Influencing Other Brands: Patagonia’s practices have influenced other companies to consider sustainability.
• Industry Collaboration: Working with competitors on common goals such as responsible sourcing.
• Adaptation to Climate Change: Developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• New Market Opportunities: Exploring new product lines and markets while adhering to core values.

Patagonia serves as a compelling example of a company that has successfully integrated sustainability, ethical considerations, and environmental activism into every aspect of its business. From innovative product development to bold marketing strategies and influential industry leadership, Patagonia’s case study offers valuable insights for those interested in business ethics, environmental stewardship, social entrepreneurship, and innovative brand management. The brand’s ongoing challenges and successes provide rich material for analysis and reflection on the future of sustainable business practices.

40.19 Spotify: Transitioning from music sales to subscription streaming

• Background: Spotify, founded in 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, transformed the way people access and enjoy music.
• Mission: “To unlock the potential of human creativity—by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by it.”
• Streaming Model: Spotify’s on-demand streaming model allows users to access millions of songs and podcasts.
• Algorithm & Personalization: The use of algorithms to create personalized playlists and recommendations.
• Freemium Model: Free, ad-supported tier alongside premium subscriptions.
• Revenue Streams: Subscriptions, advertising, and partnerships.
• User Engagement: Innovative playlists like “Discover Weekly” engage users.
• Collaborations: Partnerships with artists, labels, and other brands.
• International Reach: Spotify has expanded to numerous countries, adapting to various markets and regulations.
• Localized Content: Offering content that resonates with local cultures and tastes.
• Market Competitors: Facing competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
• Royalty Disputes: Navigating complex relationships with labels, artists, and rights holders.
• Environmental Footprint: Efforts to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.
• Supporting Artists: Initiatives to support emerging artists and creatives.
• New Features: Continual innovation in features and user experience.
• Podcasts and Original Content: Investing in podcasts and original content to diversify offerings.
• Technology Investments: Exploring technologies like AI to enhance user experience.
• Changing Consumer Behavior: Transforming the way people consume and interact with music.
• Influence on the Music Industry: Affecting record labels, artists, and music distribution.

Spotify’s rise as a leading music streaming platform offers a multifaceted case study encompassing technology innovation, marketing strategies, global expansion, and industry impact. From navigating complex licensing agreements to crafting personalized user experiences, Spotify’s journey provides valuable insights into digital transformation, competitive strategy, customer engagement, and the future of entertainment. It serves as a valuable example for understanding modern business dynamics in the digital age, including the ongoing challenges and opportunities of operating in a rapidly evolving industry.

40.20 Warby Parker: Disrupting the traditional eyewear market with an online-first approach

• Background: Founded in 2010, Warby Parker aimed to offer designer eyewear at a fraction of the price through a direct-to-consumer model.
• Mission: “To offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.”
• Design: In-house design leading to unique and affordable eyewear.
• Home Try-On: A free program allowing customers to try on glasses at home before purchasing.
• Direct-to-Consumer: Selling directly to customers through e-commerce and physical stores, cutting out intermediaries.
• Social Responsibility: “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program donates glasses to those in need.
• Digital Marketing: Effective use of social media and content marketing.
• Community Engagement: Building brand loyalty through community events and collaborations.
• Physical Stores: Combining e-commerce with brick-and-mortar stores for an omnichannel experience.
• International Growth: Expanding to Canada and other markets, adapting to local regulations and preferences.
• Traditional Competitors: Competition with traditional eyewear brands and retailers.
• Copycat Brands: Managing competition from similar direct-to-consumer eyewear startups.
• Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing: Commitment to using sustainable materials.
• Carbon Neutrality: Efforts to reduce and offset carbon emissions.
• Virtual Try-On: Use of augmented reality for virtual try-ons via mobile app.
• Telehealth Services: Offering eye exams and prescriptions through telehealth technology.
• Disrupting Traditional Retail: Changing the way people shop for glasses.
• Promoting Social Responsibility: Encouraging other brands to adopt socially responsible practices.

Warby Parker’s innovative approach to eyewear retail has not only disrupted traditional industry practices but also set new standards in customer experience, social responsibility, and sustainability. Through its unique business model, commitment to social causes, and use of technology, Warby Parker has carved out a unique position in the market. The case study of Warby Parker offers valuable insights into how innovative thinking, customer-centric approaches, and ethical business practices can create a strong brand identity and successful business in today’s competitive retail landscape. It’s an exemplary story for understanding modern entrepreneurship, retail strategies, marketing, and social entrepreneurship.

40.21 Allbirds: A Case Study in Sustainable Footwear Innovation

• Background: Allbirds, founded in 2016 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, aimed to create comfortable and sustainable footwear.
• Mission: “To tread lighter on the planet while making better things people love to wear.”
• Sustainable Materials: Allbirds uses renewable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber.
• Comfort and Design: Combining sustainable materials with comfortable and aesthetically appealing design.
• Direct-to-Consumer: Selling directly to customers to reduce costs and improve accessibility.
• Ethical Sourcing: Ensuring the ethical treatment of animals and workers in the supply chain.
• Storytelling: Emphasizing the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovative materials.
• Word-of-Mouth: Leveraging satisfied customers as brand advocates.
• International Presence: Expanding into international markets while staying true to the brand’s values.
• Localized Initiatives: Tailoring products and marketing to suit local preferences.
• Market Competitors: Competing with established footwear brands and other sustainable startups.
• Scale and Sustainability: Balancing growth with maintaining eco-friendly practices.
• Carbon Footprint: Measuring and reducing the brand’s carbon footprint.
• Circular Economy: Exploring ways to make footwear more recyclable and sustainable.
• Transparency: Sharing information about the supply chain and material sources.
• Community Engagement: Partnering with organizations for social and environmental causes.
• Research and Development: Continuing to innovate with new materials and product lines.
• Market Expansion: Exploring new markets and consumer segments.
• Changing Consumer Behavior: Influencing the way consumers think about sustainable products.
• Inspiring Competitors: Encouraging other brands to prioritize sustainability.

Allbirds’ unique approach to footwear production, blending innovation, comfort, and sustainability, has positioned it as a leader in the sustainable fashion movement. The Allbirds case study provides a valuable window into the world of sustainable business, marketing, and product innovation. By exploring Allbirds’ strategies and challenges, students can gain insights into how a commitment to ethical practices, environmental consciousness, and customer satisfaction can drive success in today’s competitive market. The case offers lessons for those interested in entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and ethical consumerism.

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What is Marketing Research? Examples and Best Practices

12 min read

Marketing research is essentially a method utilized by companies to collect valuable information regarding their target market. Through the common practice of conducting market research, companies gather essential information that enables them to make informed decisions and develop products that resonate with consumers. It encompasses the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data, which aids in identifying consumer demands, anticipating market trends, and staying ahead of the competition.

Exploratory research is one of the initial steps in the marketing research process. It helps businesses gain broad insights when specific information is unknown. If you are seeking insight into how marketing research can influence the trajectory of your SaaS, then you have come to the right place!

• Market research is a systematic and objective process crucial for understanding target markets, refining business strategies, and informing decisions, which includes collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on customers, competitors, and the industry.
• Primary market research gathers specific data directly from the target audience using tools like surveys and focus groups, while secondary market research utilizes existing data from various sources to provide broader market insights.
• Effective market research combines both qualitative methods, which explore consumer motivations, and quantitative methods, which provide measurable statistics, to create comprehensive insights that guide business strategy and decision-making.

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Defining marketing research

Launching a product without knowing what your target audience wants is like walking in the dark. Market research lights the way, helping you collect, analyze, and understand information about your target market. This allows you to refine your business strategies and make decisions based on solid evidence.

Gone are the days when just intuition or subjective judgment was enough. Objective insights from market research help avoid costly mistakes and meet consumer needs by identifying trends and changes in the market. This is crucial for assessing a product’s potential success, optimizing marketing strategies, and preparing for market shifts.

Market research is a systematic approach that provides essential information, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the commercial world. Partnering with market research companies can offer additional benefits, leveraging their expertise in understanding market demands, trends, market size, economic indicators, location, market saturation, and pricing. Whether starting a new business, developing products, or updating marketing plans, understanding how to conduct effective market research is key to success.

To conduct market research effectively, businesses must determine study goals, identify target consumers, collect and analyze data, and use the findings to make informed decisions. This process is vital for evaluating past performance, measuring changes over time, and addressing specific business needs. It guides businesses in product development, marketing strategies, and overall decision-making, ensuring a better ROI and providing an eye-opening view of the market through various research methods, whether conducted in-house or outsourced.

The purpose of marketing research

Conducting marketing research is more than just gathering data; it’s about turning that data into actionable insights to refine your business strategies. This process helps you understand what motivates your customers, enabling you to tailor your products and services to minimize risks from the start. Importantly, market research plays a pivotal role in measuring and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are critical for understanding key demographics, improving user experience, designing better products, and driving customer retention. Customer satisfaction is measured as a key outcome, directly linked to the success of marketing strategies and business activities.

For SaaS product managers, market research, including competitive analysis, is crucial. It evaluates past strategies and gauges the potential success of new offerings. This research provides essential insights into brand strength, consumer behavior, and market position, which are vital for teams focused on sales, marketing, and product development.

A key aspect of market research is analyzing customer attitudes and usage. This analysis offers detailed insights into what customers want, the choices they make, and the challenges they face. It helps identify opportunities in the market and aids in formulating effective strategies for market entry.

Overall, market research equips SaaS entrepreneurs with the knowledge to meet their target audience’s needs effectively, guiding product adjustments and innovations based on informed decisions.

Key components of market research

Conducting market research is analogous to preparing a cake, requiring precise ingredients in specific quantities to achieve the intended outcome. Within this realm, necessary components consist of primary and secondary data gathering, thorough analysis, and insightful interpretation.

Primary research techniques such as exploratory studies, product evolution inquiries, estimations of market dimensions and shares, and consumer behavior examinations play a crucial role in collecting targeted information that can be directly applied. These methods afford a deeper understanding of your target demographic, allowing for customized strategy development.

In contrast, secondary research enriches the specificity of primary findings by adding wider context. It taps into external resources encompassing works from other investigators, sector-specific reports, and demographics data, which provide an expansive yet less particularized landscape view of the marketplace.

The subsequent phase involves meticulous analysis of collated data offering unbiased perspectives critical for identifying deficiencies while recognizing emerging patterns. Technological progress now facilitates examination efforts on both structured and unstructured datasets effectively addressing large-scale analytical complexities.

Ultimately, it’s through expert-led interpretation that value transcends raw figures, yielding strategies grounded in deep comprehension. Akin to decoding recipes using selected ingredients—this interpretative step enables crafting optimal business maneuvers just as one would bake their ideal confectionery creation utilizing proper culinary guidance.

Types of market research: primary and secondary

Now that you know the importance of clear research objectives, let’s explore the different types of market research and the techniques available to achieve these goals. Market research methods can be divided into two main categories: primary research and secondary research . The choice between these depends on factors like your budget, time constraints, and whether you need exploratory data or definitive answers.

Primary research involves collecting new data directly from sources. This process is like mining for precious metals, as it requires using various methods to gather fresh insights.

• Surveys (here – in-app survey templates from Userpilot ).

• Interviews.

• Focus groups.
• Product trials.

This approach gives you first-hand insight into your target audience.

Conversely, secondary research uses already established datasets of primary data – which can add depth and reinforcement to your firsthand findings.

Conducting your own market research using primary research tools can be a cost-effective strategy, allowing businesses to gather valuable insights directly and tailor their research to specific needs.

Let’s look a bit deeper into them now.

What is primary market research?

Market research uses primary market research as an essential tool. This involves collecting new data directly from your target audience using various methods, such as surveys , focus groups, and interviews.

Each method has its benefits. For example, observational studies allow you to see how consumers interact with your product.

There are many ways to conduct primary research.

Focus Groups : Hold discussions with small groups of 5 to 10 people from your target audience. These discussions can provide valuable feedback on products, perceptions of your company’s brand name, or opinions on competitors. Additionally, these discussions can help understand the characteristics, challenges, and buying habits of target customers, optimizing brand strategy.

Interviews : Have one-on-one conversations to gather detailed information from individuals in your target audience.

Surveys : These are a common tool in primary market research and can be used instead of focus groups to understand consumer attitudes. Surveys use structured questions and can reach a broad audience efficiently.

Navigating secondary market research

While marketing research using primary methods is like discovering precious metals, secondary market research technique is like using a treasure map. This approach uses data collected by others from various sources, providing a broad industry view. These sources include market analyses from agencies like Statista, historical data such as census records, and academic studies.

Secondary research provides the basic knowledge necessary for conducting primary market research goals but may lack detail on specific business questions and could also be accessible to competitors.

To make the most of secondary market research, it’s important to analyze summarized data to identify trends, rely on reputable sources for accurate data, and remain unbiased in data collection methods.

The effectiveness of secondary research depends significantly on how well the data is interpreted, ensuring that this information complements the insights from primary research.

Qualitative vs quantitative research

Market research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, offering distinct insights that complement each other. Qualitative research aims to understand consumer behaviors and motivations through detailed analysis, while quantitative research collects measurable data for statistical analysis.

The selection of qualitative or quantitative methods should align with your research goals. If you need to uncover initial insights or explore deep consumer motivations, qualitative techniques like surveys or interviews are ideal.

On the other hand, if you need data that can be measured and analyzed for reliability, quantitative methods are more suitable.

However, these approaches don’t have to be used separately. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods in mixed-method studies allows you to capture both detailed exploratory responses and concrete numerical data. This integration offers a comprehensive view of the market, leveraging the strengths of both approaches to provide a fuller understanding of market conditions.

Implementing market research tools: Userpilot’s role

Similar to how a compass is essential for navigation at sea, businesses need appropriate instruments to carry out effective market research. Userpilot’s suite of product analytics and in-app engagement tools are critical components for this purpose.

Acting as a Buyer Persona Research instrument, Userpilot’s product analytics provide key quantitative research capabilities. This helps clearly define and comprehend the attributes and behaviors of potential customers, providing you with insights into your ICP (Ideal Customer Persona), user preferences, and product-market fit.

Beyond product analytics, Userpilot offers robust in-app engagement features such as modals and surveys that support real time collection of market research information. These interactive features work synergistically with the analytical tools to enable companies to gather detailed data and feedback crucial for informed business decision-making.

Marketing research process: Step-by-step guide

Marketing research conists of several critical stages:

• Defining precise goals.
• Delving into the knowledge of your target demographic.
• Collecting and scrutinizing data.
• Revealing insights that can be translated into tangible actions.

Following these steps allows you to gather critical information that guides business decisions.

An effective research strategy is crucial and involves:

• Properly allocating funds.
• Formulating testable hypotheses.
• Choosing appropriate methods for the study.
• Determining the number of study participants.
• Considering external variables.

A well-planned strategy ensures that your market research is focused, efficient, and produces useful outcomes.

After collecting data, the next step is to analyze it. This involves comparing the data to your initial questions to draw conclusions relevant to your business strategies.

Userpilot makes your data analysis easier by providing handy analytics dashboards for key user metrics such as activation, engagement, core feature adoption, and retention out of the box:

Finally, you report the findings and the process, providing recommendations based on the evidence. This is like solving a puzzle: each piece helps to complete the overall picture.

Challenges and best practices in market research

Delving into market research comes with its own set of hurdles. Those conducting the research must deliver more profound insights within increasingly shorter timespans, and they need to cultivate strategic, continuous research methods to stay abreast of an ever-changing business landscape.

Ensuring high-quality data can be demanding due to issues such as disjointed tools or insufficient analytical expertise. New solutions like Userpilot are surfacing that make these obstacles less daunting by offering accessible and user-friendly options. Maintaining clear lines of communication with your market research team is crucial for achieving both punctuality and quality in outcomes.

The advantages of engaging in marketing research cannot be overstated.

Real-life examples of successful market research

Real-life examples of market research in the SaaS industry often showcase innovative approaches to understanding customer needs and product-market fit.

For instance, Slack, the communication platform, utilized extensive market research to identify gaps in communication tools and understand the workflows of teams. This led to the development of features that seamlessly integrated with other tools and catered to the needs of various team sizes and structures.

Another example is HubSpot, which conducted market research to understand the pain points of small to medium-sized businesses in managing customer relationships. The insights gained helped shape their all-in-one inbound marketing, sales, and service platform, which has become integral to their users’ daily operations. These examples demonstrate how SaaS companies can employ market research to inform product development, improve user experience, and strategically position themselves in a competitive market.

Choosing the right market research tools

For B2B SaaS product managers aiming to do market research, having the right set of tools can make a significant difference. Here’s a list of valuable SaaS tools that can be leveraged for effective market research:

• Userpilot : A comprehensive Product Growth Platform offering in-depth product analytics, a code-free in-app experience builder, bespoke in-app survey capabilities, and robust integration options with platforms like Salesforce and Hubspot. This tool is particularly useful for understanding user behavior, enhancing user engagement, and gathering targeted feedback.
• Qualtrics : Known for its powerful survey tools, Qualtrics helps businesses gather and analyze customer feedback effectively. Its advanced analytics features are ideal for testing market hypotheses and understanding customer sentiments.
• SurveyMonkey : A versatile tool that enables product managers to create, send, and analyze surveys quickly and easily. SurveyMonkey is suitable for gauging customer satisfaction and collecting feedback on potential new features.
• Mixpanel : Specializes in user behavior analytics, offering detailed insights into how users interact with your product. This is essential for identifying patterns and optimizing product features.
• Hotjar : Combines analytics and feedback tools to give teams insights into user behavior and preferences. Hotjar’s heatmaps and session recordings are invaluable for understanding the user experience on a deeper level.
• Tableau : A leading platform for business intelligence and data visualization, Tableau allows product managers to create comprehensive visual reports that can inform strategic decisions based on user data analysis.

Each of these tools provides unique functionalities that can assist SaaS product managers in conducting thorough market research, thereby ensuring that their products are perfectly aligned with user needs and market demands.

Measuring the impact of market research

The pivotal challenge for market research lies in demonstrating its return on investment (ROI) and overall influence on corporate success sufficiently enough to justify regular financial commitment from company leaders. The worth attributed to a market research firm hinges not only on their ability to deliver relevant and high-caliber information, but also on their pricing structures and their contribution towards propelling organizational growth.

To gauge how effectively business choices made based on market research findings succeed, various metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are utilized. These numerical tools act as navigational aids directing enterprises toward achieving objectives while simultaneously verifying that efforts invested in conducting market analysis are yielding fruitful guidance.

Throughout our look at market research, we’ve seen its importance and impact. Our discussion covered the basics of market research, its key components, and different types, including both qualitative and quantitative methods, and the role of Userpilot’s tools. We’ve examined the details of the market research process, tackled challenges, identified best practices, and shared success stories. We also provided advice on choosing the right market research partner and how to measure the effectiveness of your market research.

In today’s data-driven world, comprehensive market research is crucial for companies that want to succeed. It acts like a guide, helping businesses navigate the complex market landscape. Start your own detailed research today, supported by insightful analytics to help you succeed.

Frequently asked questions

What is market research and why is it important.

Understanding your target market, honing business strategies, and making informed decisions are all essential components that depend heavily on effective market research. It offers objective insights to help avoid expensive errors and foresees the needs of customers .

What is the difference between primary and secondary market research?

Primary market research is characterized by the direct gathering of data, in contrast to secondary market research which leverages existing information from alternative sources for addressing research inquiries.

Such a distinction can guide you in selecting an approach that aligns with your precise needs for conducting specific research.

What are some examples of successful market research?

Examples of successful market research are evident in the operations of well-known companies such as Starbucks, Apple, and McDonald’s. They have harnessed this tool to fine-tune their business strategies and make decisions based on solid information.

By employing market research, these businesses have managed to gain insight into their customers’ desires and needs, which has contributed significantly to their success.

How can I choose the right market research partner?

Selecting an ideal market research ally involves identifying a firm that resonates with your project requirements, financial plan, and corporate goals while also verifying their track record of dependability and consistency via reviews from previous clients.

Best wishes on your endeavor!

How is the impact of market research measured?

The effectiveness of market research hinges on the precision, representativeness, and pertinence of its data, along with how successful business decisions are when they’re based on the findings from this research. These elements define the impact of the research conducted.

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Ethical and effective: Conducting market research on mental health topics

While there has been an increase in mental health conversations, the marketing research industry still lacks a standard set of guidelines to approaching mental health topics. Researchers are not trained to offer mental health advice, but there are measures to be aware of when conducting studies surrounding it.

Best practices for approaching mental health marketing research

Editor’s note: Laura Bayzle is a partner at The Link Group.

Over the past several years, we have seen an increased interest from our clients to understand mental health better. This has looked different across industries. Among our pharmaceutical clients who are exploring therapies for mental health conditions, there is a need to better understand the emotional and therapeutic journey among patients who struggle with these conditions. Among our consumer clients, there is a need to better understand how mental health may be impacted by things like skin conditions or beauty standards so they can develop programs and messaging for their brands.

As a result, more of our research projects either focus on respondents with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety or encourage patients to talk about the mental burden that comes with different health conditions or societal norms. We’ve seen that having these conversations through qualitative interviews – or asking these questions in quantitative surveys – can trigger feelings of despair, depression or anxiety among respondents. As researchers, what are our obligations and duties in these situations, and what is the best way to handle them as they come up?

Providing mental health support and resources to research respondents

We recently had a project where we were understanding the mental health and wellness impact that different skin conditions have on people and their loved ones. Patients completed online journals followed by webcam in-depth interviews. During the online journal portion of the research where respondents shared their personal experiences, one respondent shared feelings of despair and self-harm. Alarmed, we looked to the industry to find best practices and guidance on how to navigate the situation and came up empty-handed. The information we did find was primarily geared toward clinical research studies and wasn’t as actionable in a market research setting.

We were able to address the situation with our respondent and, in doing so, realized that there is a real need for the industry to adopt best practices for these scenarios, especially in light of the increased attention clients have on this topic. In the meantime, we have pulled together our own internal best practices. Our hope is that by sharing it with others, we can start the conversation and inspire the industry to create a more comprehensive and standard set of guidelines.

We must remember that most of us are not trained on mental health matters. Our role as researchers is to uncover insights that help our clients solve problems. When we find ourselves talking with respondents who may need mental health support, it is important to remember that: 

• We are not licensed or certified to provide mental health support and we are not ethically obligated to do so in our role.  
• We are not trained to diagnose or treat mental illness (or any other medical condition). Providing respondents any advice on diagnosis or treatment is unethical. 
• Because we protect personal identifying information (PII) in our studies, we are limited in the amount of outreach we can do. Our obligation as researchers is to adhere to our PII standards and policies. 

While we are not ethically obligated to provide mental health support and cannot ethically provide advice on diagnosis or treatment, from a humanistic and empathetic perspective, we may feel compelled to provide support and resources to respondents. These are some best practices we have developed internally to give guidance on how to do that within the boundaries of our role as researchers.

What to do before starting the study

Before conducting the project, determine the expected level of mental health impact that you anticipate the study having on a respondent. Consider the research topic, respondent type, study objective, length of study and types of questions you anticipate asking. If you determine that the research study may create emotional distress in some respondents: 

• Be thoughtful in the types of questions you ask in the discussion guide and/or questionnaire. Consider pulling in other colleagues to brainstorm and frame questions appropriately. 
• Local police or law enforcement. 
• 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org) or 1-800-273-TALK.
• Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).

What language should be used when conducting mental health research?

Consider including an additional introduction for respondents to read or agree to so they understand the potential risk of the types of questions or topics they will be exposed to and allow respondents to opt out if they wish. 

Sample introduction language that we have included in the past: 

This is a research study that involves questions related to sensitive topics/your mental health. As researchers, we do not provide mental health services and we do not have access to your personal information. However, we will provide information about mental health services and resources, should you decide you need assistance at any time. Those resources can be found here [LINK TO INFORMATION]. You can opt out of the research at any time or choose not to answer questions that may cause you mental distress or harm.

In addition, consider including end of survey/end of interview language and resources proactively for respondents to access if they choose.

Sample end of survey/interview language that we have included in the past:

In this study, we asked you questions about your mental state. As researchers, we do not provide mental health services. If you would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling, please contact [list of resources/hotlines].  

How to approach respondents participating in in-facility, webcam or phone mental health research

If a respondent expresses emotional distress during the interview, researchers should use their best judgement on how to proceed. This could include:

• Redirecting the conversation and/or ending the interview.
• Moderator or other researcher asking the facility staff or tech for help during the interview and allowing staff to handle the situation accordingly.
• Moderator notifying the recruiters or staff after the interview to see if follow-up is needed by staff or tech with the respondent.

Approaching respondents participating in asynchronous mental health research

If a respondent expresses emotional distress (including desire/intent to harm self or others) during asynchronous research, researchers should use best judgement about next steps. Keep in mind that the incident may not be viewed until many hours after the response has been made, due to the nature of the research methodology. 

• Notify the recruiters about the situation and help them decide if there is an urgent threat and allow recruiters to handle the situation accordingly. 
• Privately provide mental health resources to the respondent through a private response or chat through the online platform.

What to do after conducting the mental health study  

We feel it is best practice to let the client know about any situations that arose during research and the actions we took to address that situation. It may lead to a conversation on what could be done differently in the future, especially if this is an area that the client would like to continue to pursue. 

The goal of our research should always be to keep our respondents and researchers safe, both physically and emotionally. With an increase in the amount of research we do in the mental health space, we hope that these guidelines serve as thought starters for a broader conversation about how to navigate mental health topics. The work we do as researchers allows us gain deep insights from respondents about mental health which, in turn, helps advance the mental health field across different industries. Keeping researchers and respondents safe while we do that will help us continue to advance this important work. 

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Textual sentiment analysis and description characteristics in crowdfunding success: The case of cybersecurity and IoT industries

• Research Paper
• Open access
• Published: 29 April 2024
• Volume 34 , article number  30 , ( 2024 )

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• Abraham Yosipof   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3176-8982 1 , 2 ,
• Netanel Drori 3 ,
• Or Elroy 1 , 4 &
• Yannis Pierraki 5  

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Crowdfunding platforms offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to evaluate their technologies, validate their market, and raise funding. Such platforms also provide technologies with an opportunity to rapidly transition from research to market, which is especially crucial in fast-changing industries. In this study, we investigated how the sentiments expressed in the text of the project campaigns and project characteristics influence the success of crowdfunding in innovative industries such as cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT). We examined 657 cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) projects between 2010 and 2020 that were promoted on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, two rewards-based crowdfunding platforms. We extracted technological topic attributes that may influence project success and measured the sentiments of project descriptions using a Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) model. We found that the sentiment of the description and the textual topic characteristics are associated with the success of funding campaigns for cybersecurity and IoT projects.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Introduction

Online crowdfunding is a relatively new form of financing for projects, people, and businesses that has received considerable attention from both academics and practitioners in the last decade (Belleflamme et al., 2014 ; Mollick, 2014 ). The crowdfunding model enables a large number of people to contribute small amounts of money to projects in the hope of achieving a combined total amount that meets or surpasses a predetermined funding target that was decided by the project. Crowdfunding has its roots in the creative industries, where it was successfully pioneered in the financing of albums and concerts (Gamble et al., 2017 ). Schwienbacher and Larralde ( 2010 ) define crowdfunding as an open call for the provision of financial resources either in the form of donations or in exchange for some form of reward or voting rights to support initiatives for specific purposes. Mollick ( 2014 ) defines crowdfunding as “the efforts by entrepreneurial individuals and groups – cultural, social, and for-profit – to fund their ventures by drawing on relatively small contributions from a relatively large number of individuals using the internet, without standard financial intermediaries.”

Crowdfunding has grown exponentially in recent years and is expected to reach a market size of $28.8 billion by 2025. The concept of crowdfunding is rooted in the broader concept of crowdsourcing, which develops activities using the ideas, feedback, and solutions sourced from the “crowd” (Belleflamme et al., 2014 ). The objective of crowdfunding is to raise funding from the general public who can then participate in strategic decisions or may even have voting rights, e.g., in the case of equity crowdfunding (Lambert & Schwienbacher, 2010 ). During initial concepts and seed phases, companies can use donations and rewards-based crowdfunding (Best et al., 2013 ; Rossi, 2014 ), which became popular thanks to platforms like IndieGoGo in 2008 and Kickstarter in 2009 (Agrawal et al., 2014 ; Ahlers et al., 2015 ; Belleflamme et al., 2014 ; Mollick, 2014 ; Zhang & Chen, 2019 ). During the period of planning, development, business launch, and early growth, crowdfunding may bridge the gap to later capital needs in the future, such as expansions, where traditional forms of financing, like business angels and venture capital funds, are available.

Sentiment and textual analysis have been used by researchers to investigate how emotions and sentiments expressed in pitches of entrepreneurs may influence crowdfunding fundraising success, providing contradicting results (Mochkabadi & Volkmann, 2020 ; Wang et al., 2017 , 2018 ). Further, previous research on the dynamics of crowdfunding did not distinguish between industries (Mollick, 2014 ). The objective of this paper is to investigate how the sentiment of text in project campaigns, and project topic characteristics, influence crowdfunding success in innovative industries. We focus on projects in the fields of cybersecurity and IoT, as those present high risks in terms of being disrupted or becoming obsolete (Jensen & Özkil, 2018 ; Moore, 2010 ; Zhu et al., 2021 ). Backers face high information asymmetries with respect to evaluating the underlying science of such technologies, as well as the market opportunities available to them. Determining which new crowdfunding projects are likely to be successful is a challenging task that may require specialized knowledge from the investors. Potential investors in such projects may be more prone to sentiments and emotions to compensate for the challenges associated with the novelty of the technologies and the lack of specialized knowledge. The fundamental uniqueness of cybersecurity and IoT projects within a crowdfunding environment is that they rely on the crowd, rather than technology experts, who are arguably less equipped to make educated investment decisions due to a lack of specialized knowledge. It is therefore unclear whether innovative and unconventional projects, such as cybersecurity and IoT projects, are well-positioned to leverage crowdfunding advantages compared to other, more conventional sectors.

In this study, we examined campaigns listed on the Kickstarter and IndieGoGo platforms between 2010 and 2020. Both platforms are based in the USA but serve entrepreneurs from across the world who engage in fundraising campaigns. We identified 657 campaigns that involve cybersecurity and IoT-related projects. The goals of this study are to investigate how the sentiments derived from the text used in the description of crowdfunding campaigns relate to funding success and to examine whether specific technology topics used by cybersecurity projects may influence campaign success.

We, therefore, make the following contributions. First, we show how the sentiment of the description of cybersecurity and IoT projects affects the campaigns’ success. Second, we demonstrate how the text embedded in the project campaigns, created by the entrepreneurs to identify specific technological topics, is associated with campaign success. Third, we examine whether previous research findings on the drivers of success in crowdfunding generally also hold for projects in the cybersecurity and IoT sectors, even though these sectors require specialized knowledge from investors. Lastly, we contribute to the literature on the arguably under-researched intersection of entrepreneurial finance and specialized projects. The results of this study will benefit technology professionals, potential investors, and companies operating in cybersecurity- and IoT-related technologies.

This study is structured as follows: The second and third sections review the academic literature related to sentiment analysis in crowdfunding research. The fourth section describes the research methodology and data sources. The fifth section presents the results of the analysis. The sixth section discusses key findings and practical implications. The seventh section presents the limitations of the study and provides areas for future research.

Literature background

Crowdfunding dynamics and campaign success.

Venture capital scholars have provided an extensive list of factors that lead to successful company fundraising (Baum & Silverman, 2004 ; Shane & Stuart, 2002 ). In this case, potential signals of quality play an important role in investors’ decisions (Spence, 1978 ). In the context of crowdfunding, previous research identified several quality signals that lead to the success of crowdfunding campaigns (Ahlers et al., 2015 ). Many projects lack various types of professional quality aspects, which might be the reason why so many projects do not reach their funding goal (Mochkabadi & Volkmann, 2020 ). Mollick ( 2014 ) analyzed Kickstarter campaigns and found that personal networks and project quality are associated with the success of crowdfunding efforts. In addition, longer duration of the campaign decreases the chances of success (Cumming et al., 2017 ; Mollick, 2014 ; Song et al., 2019 ), possibly because a long campaign is a sign for lack of confidence (Mollick, 2014 ). However, Zheng et al. ( 2014 ) found the opposite is true on Chinese reward-crowdfunding platforms, where the duration of the campaign is positively associated with success.

Promotion by the platform is strongly associated with success (Song et al., 2019 ), and therefore, projects promoted by a crowdfunding platform, such as Kickstarter’s Staff Picks or Projects We Love, are more likely to succeed. Signals such as videos and frequent updates are associated with greater success, and spelling errors reduce the chance of success (Jensen & Özkil,  2018 ; Wu et al.,  2024 ; Zhang et al., 2023 ). Cumming et al. ( 2017 ) found that the success of cleantech crowdfunding projects likely depends on the number of photos in their gallery, the presence of video pitches, and the length and quality of the project description.

In the case of equity crowdfunding, where investors receive a stake in the company in exchange for their financial support, Hakenes and Schlegel ( 2014 ) found that high funding goals may provide backers with a sense of security as their investment will only go through if enough other people will also choose to back the campaign, which implies that a higher level of due diligence will be performed. However, in the case of reward crowdfunding, which offers backers non-monetary, often tangible rewards in return for their pledges, such as products or experiences, several researchers suggest that higher funding goals lead to lower chances of success (Cumming et al., 2017 ; Jolliffe, 2002 ; Mollick, 2014 ; Zheng et al., 2014 ). In addition, Belleflamme et al. ( 2014 ) found that smaller targets are preferable in rewards-based campaigns and larger targets in equity crowdfunding.

Belleflamme et al. ( 2014 ) also found that companies that offer products are more successful in achieving their funding goals than those offering services, mainly due to the inherent preference of people to invest in tangible outcomes which are perceived as more certain. Furthermore, Härkönen ( 2014 ) suggests that the success of a crowdfunding campaign can be attributed to the ability of the crowd to easily understand the promoted product. In this case, the information provided in the description of the crowdfunding pitch is of particular importance. Following the work of Belleflamme et al. ( 2014 ), this work distinguishes between software and hardware projects to test whether the “tangibility” of a project also plays a role in the success of a campaign.

Akerlof ( 1970 ) described the asymmetry of information using the example of used car sales, where the seller usually has better information on the product. In crowdfunding, the entrepreneur knows more about the project than the investors, which creates uncertainty that is further intensified in the case of projects that also require specialized knowledge. A large number of projects and investors involved in crowdfunding platforms offer a unique learning environment to study the information asymmetries when new technologies are involved and the value of mechanisms on crowdfunding platforms to mitigate such asymmetries (Cumming et al., 2017 ).

Cybersecurity and IoT

There is no consensual definition of cybersecurity, as it is a broadly used term with highly variable definitions, often subjective, and at times uninformative (Craigen et al., 2014 ). The International Telecommunication Union defines cybersecurity as “the collection of tools, policies, security concepts, security safeguards, guidelines, risk management approaches, actions, training, best practices, assurance and technologies that can be used to protect the cyber environment and organization and user’s assets” (International Telecommunication Union, 2009 ; ITU, 2009 ). Craigen et al. ( 2014 ) define cybersecurity as “the organization and collection of resources, processes, and structures used to protect cyberspace and cyberspace-enabled systems from occurrences that misalign de jure from de facto property rights.” Most definitions emphasize the multidimensional nature of cybersecurity and its relation to organizational, economic, political, and other human dimensions (Goodall et al., 2009 ).

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects, i.e., “things,” embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of communicating and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. IoT projects are on the rise as a result of the progress in digitization and its positive effect on firms’ performance (Viktora-Jones et al., 2024 ) and as being an important element in digital transformation. IoT projects can be based on software or hardware, where cybersecurity could be a subcategory of IoT (Sorri et al., 2022 ).

Although the importance of companies in the fields of cybersecurity and IoT is enormous today, those companies face several challenges, such as increased legal and industry competition risks, that differentiate them from conventional companies that raise funding from private investors (Zhu et al., 2021 ). Jensen and Özkil ( 2018 ) identified challenges in crowdfunded technology product development, that could result in the failure of the crowdfunding campaign. In addition, Molling and Zanela Klein ( 2022 ) found that companies struggle to understand the potential and limitations of IoT to generate appropriate value propositions for their IoT products and services. Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and IndieGoGo offer a fast transition from research and development to the market, and examining the dynamics of crowdfunding in the IoT and cybersecurity industries is therefore of great importance.

Textual and sentiment analysis in crowdfunding research: hypotheses development

Mochkabadi and Volkmann ( 2020 ) argue that there is great potential in analyzing how the language used in updates and project proposals relates to campaign success. Previous research used textual analysis to identify the role of a project’s description in the success of the campaign. Sentiment is usually related to the self-confidence of the author, where authors with high confidence are more likely to create positive text (Wang et al., 2017 ). Research on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending shows that overly confident borrowers may not be able to repay their loans in time (Gao & Lin, 2015 ) indicating that the sentimental effect may not lead to positive outcomes.

Previous research identified two broad categories regarding textual analysis: readability and tone (Dority et al., 2021 ). Several proxies have been used for readability, including word count, language complexity, spelling and grammatical errors, and more. The relation between the length of the pitch and the funding success is not clear. Several studies found a positive relationship between the number of words in the pitch and funding success (Cumming et al., 2017 ; Zhou et al., 2018 ), meaning that a more detailed and longer description increases the success rate. However, other studies found a negative relationship (Horvát et al., 2018 ) or a U-shaped relationship (Nowak et al., 2018 ). To contribute to this debate, we also investigated the length of the title and the description of the projects.

The Flesch-Kincaid readability tests are designed to indicate how difficult a text in English is to understand and are commonly used to assess the readability level of text. These tests assess the difficulty of reading the given text based on several constants and the number of words, sentences, and syllables, as well as the grade a reader needs to be to be able to understand it. Block et al. ( 2018 ) used the Flesch Readability Index to measure the language complexity of campaign updates. They found that updates with simpler language significantly increased the number of investments made during the campaign. Simpson’s Diversity Index is a measure used to quantify the diversity or richness of species within a community, taking into account both the number of different species present and their relative abundance. To investigate the impact of readability on funding success, Nowak et al. ( 2018 ) used Simpson’s Diversity Index to measure the diversity of the languages used in the description of a loan. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) is a text analysis tool that quantifies the presence of psychologically meaningful categories in a language, providing insights into the psychological and emotional content of texts. Horvát et al. ( 2018 ) used the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count dictionary model. These studies found that higher counts of different words, punctuation, prepositions, and adjectives result in higher funding success.

Dority et al. ( 2021 ) examined the impact of the language used in the campaign description on campaign success, and specifically for Title II equity-based crowdfunding. They examined the campaign descriptions and focused on tone and two aspects of readability: information quantity — the amount of information available to the investor, and information quality — the ease of understanding of the passage of text. Overall, the results indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between information quantity, information quality, and tone and Title II equity crowdfunding campaign success.

To capture the tone of the crowdfunding campaign, previous research used sentiment analysis to identify how the sentiment of the project description may impact the success of crowdfunding campaigns. When humans approach text, they use inferences to determine the tone of the text, such as whether it is positive or negative. The inferences ultimately impact how the reader feels about a certain text and can have a significant impact on the decisions they make (Dority et al., 2021 ). The limited research on the impact of textual tone on funding success shows mixed patterns across different types of crowdfunding. For instance, Horvát et al. ( 2018 ) examined equity crowdfunding and found that negative emotions in the pitch are positively associated with funding probability. On the other hand, Wang et al. ( 2017 ) found that strong positive sentiment is associated with successful reward crowdfunding campaigns.

Uparna and Bingham ( 2022 ) studied over 30,000 entrepreneurial loan requests from one of the largest loan marketplaces to understand how the sentiment in text-only pitches to investors affects fundraising. They found that pitches with negative sentiment are funded faster than those with positive sentiment, and that pitches with negative sentiment result in lower interest rates for entrepreneurs and fewer defaults. Peng et al. ( 2022 ) analyzed donation data to investigate how individuals’ donation behavior is affected by previous donation amounts and the information provided by the fundraising platform. They found that positive sentiment in the messages left by donors does not affect subsequent donation amounts.

Several papers investigated rewards-based crowdfunding project success using sentiment analysis. Li et al. ( 2022 ) examined the success determinants of cultural and creative crowdfunding (CCCF) projects using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to calculate the sentiment and information entropy of reviews in crowdfunding projects. They found a positive influence of peer review valence in CCCF projects on crowdfunding success. Valence indicates the average sentiment valence of all reviews of a crowdfunding project. Wang et al. ( 2022a ) used sentiment analysis and paired sample t -tests to examine differences in crowdfunding campaigns before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020. Their findings suggest that sad emotions were significant in the description of campaigns following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Wang et al. ( 2022b ) investigated information distortion in investment decision-making within the crowdfunding market. They discovered that a more detailed project description with a positive sentiment, encourages investors to invest in the project. Based on the results of these studies and the assumption that crowdfunding investors may be particularly susceptible to sentiment in emerging and specialized industries, we expect that sentiments derived from textual analysis will also play a role in cybersecurity and IoT crowdfunding success. Crowdfunding success is defined and evaluated by three metrics in this research. Further details can be seen in the methodology section. We therefore formulated the following hypothesis:

Hypothesis 1 : A project description with a positive sentiment will be positively associated with the project’s success.

Horvát et al. ( 2018 ) analyzed United Kingdom equity crowdfunding data and focused primarily on the text associated with each campaign. They utilized the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count dictionary to investigate stylistic aspects of the language and identify elements of the language that are associated with success, regardless of the type or sector of a venture. Latent Dirichlet Allocation was used by Horvát et al. ( 2018 ) to model the topics within campaign descriptions, revealing that the description of an equity crowdfunding campaign can significantly affect fundraising success. The extent to which campaigns are spread across topics was measured using entropy. Low entropy represents certainty and high entropy represents uncertainty. Horvát et al. ( 2018 ) found that the novelty of a campaign, as measured by the topic entropy of the text description, is negatively correlated with success: campaigns that are easily categorized into a few coherent topics are significantly more successful than their counterparts with a diversity of topics. For example, a topic consisting of student, school, education, and university, is coherent. On the other hand, a topic consisting of film, bank, stove, and sport, is incoherent. This result holds even after controlling for writing quality and style, as well as a suite of variables previously identified by other studies to impact success. Adding to these results the challenges faced by many companies in crafting clear and compelling value propositions for IoT products and services (Molling & Zanela Klein, 2022 ), alongside the general lack of understanding among audiences regarding IoT projects and services (Kumar et al., 2019 ), we also expect that topics identified in textual analysis, which are not easily understood by the crowd, may negatively influence crowdfunding fundraising success in this industry. We therefore hypothesize that:

Hypothesis 2 : A project description that involves cybersecurity and IoT technological topics will be negatively associated with crowdfunding project success.

Context of the study

The cybersecurity industry is growing rapidly, with entrepreneurs constantly starting up new technological businesses around the world. Market analysts estimate that the global information security market, of which cybersecurity is a part, will grow at a 5-year CAGR of 8.5% to reach $281.7 billion by 2027 (Fortune Business Insights, 2023 ). The largest cybersecurity IPO so far was CrowdStrike, an AI-powered endpoint security platform that protects corporate networks at vulnerable areas of connection, like laptops and phones. CrowdStrike went public in June 2019 at a $6.7B valuation. The large number of startups established annually may overwhelm market intelligence professionals and investors who try to predict which technologies have the potential to be successful.

Cybersecurity projects have been used as a context for this study for several reasons. First, such projects have a high chance to fundamentally reshape and change the way traditional industries have been working. New technologies, business models, and approaches that challenge the status quo are likely to significantly change the industry landscape, and therefore have the potential to produce high investment returns.

However, at the same time, this type of project is also prone to being disrupted by other competing projects shortly, such as by novel technology that makes the project redundant (Jensen & Özkil, 2018 ; Zhu et al., 2021 ). In other words, a slow or inefficient implementation process of new research in market technologies can lead to a good project being undermined by other projects that have transitioned faster but are not necessarily better. First, a swift and successful transition of new research to market technologies is therefore necessary to prevent the project from being undermined. Second, cybersecurity technologies often require uncommon, specialized knowledge, which the crowd does not generally possess, therefore increasing the risk of lower or slower adoption. Third, the available qualified workforce to defend computer systems is not growing fast enough. According to some industry reports, there are more job openings than individuals qualified to fill them (Lewis & Crumpler, 2019 ), and there will soon be a shortage of cybersecurity professionals (Ventures, 2017 ). Finally, there is uncertainty regarding the underlying science of cybersecurity since much of the scientific research is funded by organizations or governmental agencies with high levels of confidentiality (Maughan et al., 2013 , 2015 ). This further exacerbates the uncertainty associated with cybersecurity and the information asymmetry faced by investors in general and crowdfunding backers in particular.

Sample and data

New cybersecurity and privacy-related technologies are essential to the security and cyber-resilience of systems and infrastructure. The World Economic Forum defines cyber-resilience as “the ability of systems and organizations to withstand cyber events, measured by the combination of mean time to failure and mean time to recovery” (World Economic Forum, 2012 ). The use of the term “cyber” encompasses the interdependent network of information technology and includes technological tools such as the internet, telecommunication networks, and computer systems (Gortney, 2016 ). Artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and their integration with the IoT enable many potential applications related to cybersecurity and consequently unique opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors.

In this work, we used a similar methodology to Song et al. ( 2019 ). We used data from webrobots.io to compile a dataset of projects from Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. We preprocessed the data and removed all duplicate entries of projects that appeared under multiple categories and projects that are not “finished,” such as projects that are active, cancelled, or suspended. We included only projects related to cybersecurity or IoT by requiring one or more of the following phrases in the description: “Cybersecurity,” “Cyberwarfare,” “Secure Coding,” “Cyber Threats,” “Cyber Privacy,” “Blockchain,” “Cryptocurrency,” “Artificial Intelligence Security,” “AI Cyber,” “Internet of Things,” “IoT,” “Web Security,” “Network Security,” “Information Security,” “Internet Security,” “Mobile Security,” “Firewall,” “Antivirus,” “Hacker,” “Smart Home,” and “Raspberry Pi.” We manually reviewed the dataset and removed any project that was unrelated to the topic. The final dataset consists of 657 projects, of which 539 are from Kickstarter and 118 are from IndieGoGo.

Model specification

We constructed a model for estimating project success with a common set of relevant control variables. We used the following model (Eq.  1 ) to test the hypotheses. The dependent variable is project success. Let independent variables be the vector of independent variables, which includes the sentiment index and a set of textual topic variables. Let the project level controls be the vector of the project characteristics variables. Let macro-level control be an economy-wide indicator. The vector of time-fixed effects stands for year dummies. Finally, let be the error term:

Dependent variable

Following previous studies, we used three different operationalizations for cybersecurity and IoT project success (Cumming et al., 2017 ). First, project success was measured by the ratio between the total amount of money raised and the project fundraising goal, denoted as a continuous variable ( funds ). Second, we constructed a binary variable indicating whether the project succeeded in raising the predetermined amount of money in full ( outcome ). The outcome variable is based on the Kickstarter “all or nothing” model that indicates if the project fully accomplished its financial goal, i.e., whether it was successful or failed (Cumming et al., 2017 ). Third, we used the number of backers of each project as a discrete variable ( backers ).

The correlation between the funds and the other operationalizations is very low and insignificant ( r  = 0.043 and r  =  − 0.001, respectively). The correlation between the outcome and backers variables is only moderate but significant ( r  = 0.337, p -value < 0.05). These findings support our decision to measure project success using three different metrics, as each metric describes different aspects that are not described by the other metrics.

Independent variables

Sentiment index.

Crowdfunding platforms enable entrepreneurs to provide textual information to potential backers to encourage backing for their venture. Therefore, it is important for entrepreneurs to identify and signal certain features of their projects, such as the technologies used and positive sentiment, to influence the investment decisions of backers.

The lexicon-based approach to sentiment analysis uses a predefined dictionary with sentiment labels assignments to words, such that each word is labeled as positive, negative, or neutral. The word sentiment scores are then combined to determine the overall sentiment orientation of the text. We used the lexicon-based approach to determine the sentiment index of the texts in the campaigns and calculate the orientation of a project from the semantic orientation of words or phrases (Ngoc & Yoo, 2014 ). Previous research that used the lexicon-based approach determined the sentiment by identifying adjectives from the text that correspond with the dictionary of words, and the total sentiment score reflected the polarity of the text (Dorfleitner et al., 2016 ; Horvát et al., 2018 ).

We used VADER, a Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner model, to measure the sentiment index of the description of each cybersecurity and IoT project. The sentiment score ranges from − 1 for the most negative sentiment to + 1 for the most positive sentiment (Hutto & Gilbert, 2014 ).

Technology textual topic variables

Crowdfunding and other campaigns by firms in sectors with pronounced information problems are more sensitive to soft information (Cumming et al., 2017 ). The understandability of the concept or offering of a product or service in these sectors is a rather complex feature to measure. Therefore, cybersecurity and IoT projects can be considered at higher risk than projects in more traditional industries, and as such, their application needs to be thoroughly clarified to entice potential backers.

Technological innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, quantum computing, blockchain, and other software and hardware applications ensure that contemporary cybersecurity will remain in flux (Wilner, 2018 ). IoT is an enabler for the intelligence affixed to several essential features of the modern world, such as homes, hospitals, buildings, transports, and cities. There are many benefits provided by IoT, but it comes with challenges, such as poor management, energy efficiency, identity management, security, and privacy (Yaqoob et al., 2017 ). Security and privacy are some of the critical issues related to the wide application and adaptation of IoT (Burhan et al., 2018 ).

In the case of cybersecurity and IoT project campaigns, we expected that certain words included in the project description may influence the decision of potential backers. We therefore mined the descriptions of projects for frequent words related to their technological attributes. We extracted and tokenized the projects description from Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. We preprocessed the texts by converting them to lowercase and removing stop-words and punctuation. To reduce the noise, we then removed words that appeared less than 25 times according to the term’s frequency distribution. The process revealed ten textual variables. Since the frequency of each word is relatively low, we created binary technology topic variables by combining keywords of the same subject that represent the technology or the topic of the project. The final ten binary textual variables are: “Software,” “Hardware,” “DIY” (Do It Yourself), “Raspberry Pi,” “IoT,” “Blockchain,” “Cybersecurity,” “Cryptocurrency,” “Arduino,” and “Smart Home.”

Control variables

We included six control variables in the model. First, we controlled for project duration as measured by the number of days between the launch date and the project deadline ( Project Duration ). Second, we controlled for the project title length as measured by the number of characters ( Title Length ). Third, we controlled for the project description length, as measured by the number of characters ( Description Length ). Fourth, a binary variable that takes the value of 1 if the project is from the United States ( USA ) and 0 otherwise, as the project’s country of origin may affect the backers’ decision. Fifth, since the project success may be affected by the platform, we added a binary variable that takes the value of 0 if the project was on the IndieGoGo website and the value of 1 if the project was on the Kickstarter website ( Platform ). Sixth, we included the NASDAQ seven-day return prior to project launch day, measured as a continuous variable ( Nasdaq Return ), as investment decisions are influenced by macroeconomic conditions in general (Drori et al., 2024 ), and cybersecurity and IoT venture decisions are impacted in particular by technology sector conditions (Campello & Graham, 2013 ; Chen et al., 2007 ).

Estimation approach

As the dependent variable, i.e., the success of the project was measured in three different ways, we used different methods to correspond to the scales and unique features of the variables. We used an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression Footnote 1 for the funds continuous variable, a logistic regression for the outcome binary variable, and a count data model for the backers discrete variable. A count data model counts the number of backers for the project. We opted to implement a negative binomial regression model, rather than a Poisson model, because the latter assumes equality between the conditional mean and conditional variance (Cameron & Trivedi, 2013 ), which does not characterize the distribution of the backers variable (mean = 327; variance = 560,228). The post-estimation likelihood-ratio test chi-square of the dispersion parameter alpha in the negative binomial model ( α  = 2.326) significantly indicates that it is greater than zero (chi-squared = 410,000, p  < 0.001). This result strongly suggests that the dependent variable is over-dispersed, thus confirming the choice of a negative binomial model (Xu & Drori, 2023 ). In addition, we used a Poisson regression model and found a high chi-square statistic, indicating that the Poisson model is inappropriate in this case ( \({\chi }^{2}\) = 762,886, p  < 0.001).

Table 1 presents the descriptive statistics of different project categories. Most of the projects are categorized as hardware projects (56%), and most originate in the USA (50%). Projects belonging to the smart home category, projects belonging to the cybersecurity category, and projects that originate in the USA, attracted the highest average number of backers (517, 447, and 402, respectively). Projects in the Smart Home category, projects in the IoT category, and projects originating in the USA raised the most funds in their campaigns (US$101,550, US$58,958, and US$55,376, respectively). The most successful categories in terms of percentages of projects successfully raising their predetermined goals are Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Hardware, with 72%, 71%, and 68% success rates, respectively. On the other hand, Software, Cryptocurrency, and Blockchain projects have been the least successful in raising their predetermined goals, with only 22%, 28%, and 30% success rates, respectively.

Correlation matrix and regression results

Table 2 presents the correlation matrix and descriptive statistics for all the researched variables. As the model includes both continuous and binary variables, the correlation matrix reports three different correlation methods. The correlation between two continuous variables was calculated using Pearson’s correlation. The correlation between a continuous variable and a binary variable was calculated using point-biserial correlation, which is mathematically equivalent to a Pearson correlation (Sheskin, 2003 ). The correlation between two binary variables was evaluated using the Phi coefficient (Cohen, 2013 ). All measurements are on a scale between − 1 for a negative correlation and + 1 for a positive correlation.

Table 3 presents the results for three regression models to predict project success, a model for each operationalization for project success. Model 1 is an OLS regression to predict the success of a project, as measured by the funds variable. Model 2 implements logistic regression to predict the project’s success using the outcome variable. Model 3 uses count data regression (negative binomial) for the backers variable to predict the success of projects.

The sentiment index coefficients are positive and significant ( p -value < 0.05) across the three models ( β  = 1.281, β  = 2.752, β  = 0.437, respectively). The consistent results clearly show that a positive sentiment in the description of a project is associated with its success. Therefore, the empirical results of the three models support Hypothesis 1.

To test Hypothesis 2, we included ten technology textual topic binary variables in the model. We hypothesized that the inclusion of textual topics related to the technology of a project would affect its success. Except for the Hardware variable, all nine other textual variables were found to be significant in at least one of the models. The results therefore indicate that including the Hardware variable in the text does not affect the success of projects. Six of the nine significant topic variables, namely Software, DIY, IoT, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Arduino, were found to have a negative effect on project success in at least one of the three models.

The Software and IoT variables have shown significant and negative effects across the three models, suggesting that including these variables in the descriptions of projects would decrease the likelihood of success, regardless of the operationalization method.

The Smart Home variable is the only textual binary variable that has shown a positive and significant coefficient across all three models. This consistent result suggests that Smart Home projects are appealing to potential backers on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo.

Given that nine of the textual binary variables, i.e., all but the Hardware variable, were found to have significant coefficients in at least one of the three models, we can conclude that Hypothesis 2 is well supported by the results. The consistent findings indicate that the textual topic description provided by entrepreneurs regarding the technology category is an important factor in project success.

The results further show that some of the control variables also consistently affect all three models. Project duration is negatively and significantly associated with project success, suggesting that, in line with previous findings from Cumming et al. ( 2017 ), Mollick ( 2014 ), and Song et al. ( 2019 ), a longer project duration has a negative effect on the likelihood of achieving success. Similarly, across all three models, the platform on which the project was featured has a significant negative coefficient, indicating that being featured on the Kickstarter platform is related to lower success as compared to being featured on IndieGoGo. In addition, the title length was found to have a significant positive effect across all three models, which means a longer project title leads to higher success rates. The description length and NASDAQ variables were found to have an insignificant effect on the success, regardless of the dependent variable operationalization. Lastly, we found that projects originating in the USA have significantly higher chances of success in terms of the funds raised (Model 1) and the number of backers (Model 3).

Robustness checks

To reinforce the results, we removed outliers by winsorizing the samples in the first and last percentiles and ran the models again. We also estimated Model 3 by using an OLS regression after adding one to the number of backers and then log-transformed it (instead of using a count data model). The results were consistent in both cases.

This study examines whether the sentiment and textual characteristics of projects play a role in crowdfunding success for cybersecurity and IoT projects. Ventures have more knowledge about their products, processes, and orientations in comparison to potential backers (Courtney et al., 2017 ). Backers will therefore consider textual topic features as part of their investment decision process, which ultimately affects the project’s success.

The results of this study show that positive sentiment in textual aspects of a campaign is positively associated with project success. These results support Hypothesis 1, according to which the success of cybersecurity and IoT projects is affected by the sentiment of their descriptions. The findings, according to which positive sentiment promotes investment and negative sentiment discourages investment, are in line with those of Wang et al. ( 2022b ).

Another objective of this study was to investigate whether specific technological topics used by cybersecurity and IoT projects are associated with an increased or decreased likelihood of campaign success. The results show that nine out of ten textual technological topic variables are significantly associated with project success. Topics that are less understood by the audience, such as IoT and Arduino, which is a platform for creating interactive electronic objects that is commonly used for prototyping, are associated with a decreased likelihood of campaign success. These results are in line with previous research that found that the crowd is less familiar with and has less understanding of the meaning and opportunities associated with IoT projects (Molling & Zanela Klein, 2022 ).

Our findings also show that projects that explicitly mention Smart Home technologies, and cybersecurity projects that provide relatively more information through their title, are more likely to be successful than those that do not. In contrast, software and IoT-related projects are more likely to fail compared to those with other technologies, no matter how success is defined. These findings are in line with previous work by Belleflamme et al. ( 2014 ), who found that companies that offer products are more successful in achieving their funding goals than those that offer services.

These results may suggest that backers are not yet familiar with technologies that are typically used in specific innovative communities, such as Arduino, which is commonly used for prototyping in the hardware development communities, or technologies that are relatively new and still not fully understood by the public. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are two such technologies that are often used interchangeably because cryptocurrency typically employs the blockchain technology. Other factors may have also influenced the decision to not back these projects, such as negative publicity and regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency in recent years. Overall, these findings imply a lack of confidence by backers in projects involving new technologies.

The significantly positive control variables were found to be in line with Koning and Model ( 2013 ), where the number of backers had a strong and positive effect on project success, i.e., a larger number of backers represents a strong signal of project quality and high potential for success. People are more willing to trust a decision made by a large group of other investors in the context of the stock market (Kremer & Nautz, 2013 ), as well as when making online purchases (Ye & Fang, 2013 ). The results of this study also indicate that the more unfamiliar the public is with a certain technological term, less money each backer will be willing to invest, and therefore, the more backers are needed for the campaign to be successful. The finding that investors are likely to invest when they understand the project is in line with Härkönen ( 2014 ), who emphasized the importance of the public’s ability to easily understand the product or service offered by the campaign.

Theoretical and practical implications

Research on entrepreneurial finance emphasizes the challenges related to information asymmetries between investors and start-up companies (Agrawal et al., 2014 ; Ahlers et al., 2015 ). These challenges are further exacerbated in crowdfunding, as online platforms arguably offer fewer opportunities for interactions between entrepreneurs and investors (Efrat & Gilboa, 2020 ). A variety of studies have shown that in order to mitigate the risks associated with information asymmetries, investors put greater emphasis on both the type and the style of information, allowing potential investors to better evaluate projects, which ultimately leads to a higher likelihood of funding success (Dorfleitner et al., 2016 ; Horvát et al., 2018 ).

From a theoretical point of view, the results of the various models presented in this study show the importance of textual description in crowdfunding campaigns of projects in specialized industries, such as cybersecurity and IoT, and the importance of sentiment in the campaign’s description to the success of a campaign. Although previous research examined the role of sentiment analysis in general crowdfunding campaigns and not in an industry-specific context, this study shows that sentiment is equally important in specialized projects that require investors to have specific knowledge to understand them. This study also demonstrates that previous findings on what drives crowdfunding success in general are also true for very specialized industries, such as cybertechnology and IoT.

From a practical standpoint, the results presented in this study provide further insights for both investors and entrepreneurs interested in investing in specialized projects through crowdfunding platforms. Campaigns need to pay particular attention to the tone of the text used to describe the projects, which should be positive to signal optimism and confidence to potential investors. For example, “Project X” is a cyber violence and governmental surveillance project that eventually failed, possibly partially due to its negative sentiment of − 0.62. Conversely, “Momo,” a successful project, was described as a smart home robot equipped with artificial intelligence that was designed as a super hub with standalone security features. The “Momo” project successfully achieved its funding goal, likely in part because of its positive sentiment of 0.9.

Longer project duration negatively and consistently affects the likelihood of success for a campaign. It may therefore be suggested not to use the full duration available on the platform. In our analysis, we found that IndieGoGo projects had a higher success rate than Kickstarter projects, perhaps due to self-selection bias, where projects with better prospects prefer to raise funds through this platform rather than Kickstarter.

Conclusions

This research investigated the sentiment and description characteristics topics effect on crowdfunding success in specific industries, the IoT and cybersecurity, for the first time. We found that the sentiment of the project description affects the success of crowdfunding campaigns for projects involving cybersecurity and IoT. According to these findings, entrepreneurs are encouraged to pay attention to the text they use to describe their projects, which should be positive, to signal optimism and confidence to potential investors.

In addition, this work demonstrated how the technology textual topics of campaigns that investors are less familiar negatively associated with crowdfunding project success. The findings of this work are expected to provide useful insights for entrepreneurs in the area of cybersecurity and IoT and help them achieve better results and higher success rates in their crowdfunding campaigns.

Limitation and future research

Future works can potentially analyze other platforms and projects in other languages. Considering that this study focused on two of the main crowdfunding platforms that operate in English, testing the hypotheses on platforms that operate in other languages could generalize the findings. Further exploration of the role of sentiments in the crowdfunding industry using, for example, sentiment analysis on comments made by potential backers. Despite the concerns expressed by scholars regarding the suitability of the crowdfunding industry for specialized projects, this work shows that it is possible for such projects to succeed on these platforms. However, we also argue that further investigation of the crowdfunding industry is necessary to unpack the differences between sectors and industries. General findings regarding what drives success in crowdfunding projects are not necessarily relevant for projects in all sectors, and especially when discussing technological projects that require investors to have specialized knowledge to understand them.

Additionally, future research can investigate the seemingly natural behavior of potential crowd investors who do not sufficiently understand a technological project, but are driven by gut feelings about its potential, and are therefore likely to invest less money than they would otherwise, thus resulting in a need for more backers to reach the funding target.

Data availability

Data will be made available upon reasonable request.

We implemented the OLS regression because only 9 observations out of 657 have zero values. Since the variable was not zero-inflated, no special treatment is required.

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Yosipof, A., Drori, N., Elroy, O. et al. Textual sentiment analysis and description characteristics in crowdfunding success: The case of cybersecurity and IoT industries. Electron Markets 34 , 30 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-024-00712-4

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Pet Marketing: Examples of Successful Campaigns

By Morgan Strawn     May 1, 2024    

T he lawyer and dog owner, George Graham Vest, who is said to have coined the "man's best friend" epithet for canines, took an opportunity, in addressing congress as a U.S. senator, to expound upon the theme, remarking that "the one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. ... When all other friends desert, he remains." Felines are no slouches either; famed editor Tay Hohoff is said to have once highlighted the advantages of owning one when she observed that "there are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat."

It's fitting, then, in light of such truisms, that pet parents across the U.S. devote May to celebrating their pawed compatriots with National Pet Month. With pets on our mind, there is no better time to highlight ANA case studies and other pet care content that showcase excellence in innovative approaches to the marketing of pet brands. Explore summaries of pet brand marketing campaigns below, with the full case studies and event recaps accessible through the embedded links.

This NGO Integrated Real-Life Shelter Animals into a Video Game to Encourage Adoptions

La Societé Protectrice des Animaux (La SPA) spread the word about the need to adopt animals from overcrowded shelters in France through an integration with the popular video game Stray .

How Meow Mix Leveraged Influencers to Bring a Classic Cat Food Brand into Cultural Relevance

The '90s heartthrob and former *NSYNC member JC Chasez partnered with Meow Mix to record a "purr-fect" remix of the brand's iconic jingle. Launched during America's Got Talent, Meow Mix's TV commercial featured the Tabby 5, a cat boy band fronted by Chasez.

Integrating Digital In-Stadium OOH Marketing with Live Action on the Field to Promote Pet Food

Pet food brand Ultima capitalized on in-stadium LED screens to engage soccer fans with a 3D video of a dog chasing after the match's ball.

Dogtopia Enables Localized Digital Advertising for Franchisees

Dogtopia enabled franchisees to deploy, fund and measure their own lead-generation campaigns within a common branding and messaging approach.

Dechra Revolutionizes Veterinary Product Marketing with Great Creative

Dechra's Pharmaceuticals created a campaign that targeted veterinarians and dog owners to help them understand Cushing's syndrome — an often-undiagnosed, lifelong illness in dogs — and how to treat it using Dechra's Vetoryl.

As we celebrate National Pet Month 2024, we're reminded of the special bond between a pet and its owner. Through innovative marketing strategies, pet brands can use May as an opportunity to meet the needs of existing and potential pet parents. Whether it's promoting adoption, enhancing mealtime with premium dog food and treats, or playing with cat and dog toys, the pet industry should continue to explore creative approaches for enriching the lives of our creaturely companions.

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the ANA or imply endorsement from the ANA.

Morgan Strawn is a director of editorial and content development at ANA.

Prime energy, sports drinks contain PFAS and excessive caffeine, class action suits say

YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI founded Prime Hydration in 2022, and while their products have become increasingly popular and profitable, the company continues to face class action suits over the ingredients in their energy and sports drinks.

Prime Hyrdation LLC was sued April 8 in the Southern District of New York over "misleading and deceptive practices" regarding the company's 12-ounce energy drinks containing between 215-225 milligrams of caffeine as opposed to the advertised 200 milligrams, according to the class action suit.

Lara Vera, a Poughkeepsie, New York resident, filed the suit in federal court on behalf of herself and others who bought Prime products across the U.S., the complaint says. Vera purchased Prime's Blue Raspberry products several times in August 2022 for about $3 to $4 each, but she would have never bought the drinks if she had known the actual caffeine content, according to the suit.

Vera's suit is seeking $5 million from the company owned by Paul and KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, court records show.

Court records do not say whether Prime Hydration retained legal counsel for Vera's suit.

How much caffeine is in Prime energy drinks?

Prime's advertised 200 milligrams of caffeine is equivalent to "half a dozen Coke cans or nearly two (12-ounce) Red Bulls," Vera's class action suit says.

A 12-ounce can of Red Bull energy drink contains 114 milligrams of caffeine, and a cup of coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine, according to the suit.

The suit continues to say that "there is no proven safe dose of caffeine for children." Side effects of kids consuming caffeine could include rapid or irregular heartbeats, headaches, seizures, shaking, upset stomach and adverse emotional effects on mental health, according to the complaint.

Sen. Charles Schumer , D-N.Y., called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate Prime energy drinks in 2023 because of dangerously high caffeine levels. Schumer alleged in a letter to the FDA that vague marketing targeting young people influenced parents to buy a “cauldron of caffeine" for their kids.

Schumer's call to action to the FDA is referenced in Vera's suit.

USA TODAY contacted Prime Hydration's attorneys Tuesday afternoon but did not receive an immediate response.

What are the Prime Hydration lawsuits?

Vera's legal battle is beginning, but Prime is still dealing with another class action suit from 2023 alleging a flavor of the company's sports drinks contains PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

Independent third-party testing determined the presence of PFAS chemicals in Prime Hydration grape flavor, according to a class action suit filed Aug. 2, 2023, in the Northern District of California by the Milberg law firm on behalf of Elizabeth Castillo and others similarly affected.

"Lead plaintiff Elizabeth Castillo, a resident of California, purchased Prime Hydration on multiple occasions but says she would not have bought it at all if the product had been accurately marketed and labeled as containing PFAS," the Milberg law firm said in an August 2023 news release . "These chemicals were not reasonably detectible to consumers like herself."

Castillo's suit is seeking a $5 million judgment, court records show.

As of April 18, the judge in the case has heard Prime's argument to dismiss the suit due to Castillo not alleging "a cognizable injury" and her not alleging "facts showing a concrete (and) imminent threat of future harm," according to the drink company's motion.

Paul addressed Castillo's claims Wednesday in a 3-minute TikTok video.

"First off, anyone can sue anyone at any time that does not make the lawsuit true," Paul said in the TikTok video. "And in this case, it is not… one person conducted a random study and has provided zero evidence to substantiate any of their claims."

What are forever chemicals?

PFAS are called forever chemicals because they "bioaccumulate, or accrue in the body over time," the Milberg law said in its news release.

"These man-made chemicals are well-studied and have been found to have adverse effects on the human body and environment," the New York City-headquartered law firm said.

Many PFAS are found in people's and animal's blood and can be detected at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said. Forever chemicals can be found in water, air, fish and soil at locations across the nation and the globe, according to the EPA.

"There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products," the EPA said. "This makes it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks."

Who made Prime energy drinks?

Before founding Prime Hydration LLC, Logan Paul, 29, and KSI, 30, were YouTubers who turned their millions of subscribers into supporters of their boxing, wrestling, music, social media content and other endeavors.

Going into the drinks business proved to be profitable for both YouTubers as "Prime Hydration generated more than $250 million in retail sales in its first year, including $45 million in a single month," according to the Milberg law firm.

Paul and KSI continue to keep Prime products in the spotlight whether it is paying for an ad during Super Bowl 57 , having livestreamer IShowSpeed dress up in a Prime sports drink bottle during Wrestlemania 40 or signing athletes including Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Judge, Israel Adesanya, Tyreek Hill, Kyle Larson, Alisha Lehmann and others to sponsorship deals.