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Content is king, but more specifically, video content is king! In this article, we’ll cover five steps to creating successful case study videos.
- Step 1: Choose the Right Customer
- Step 2: Craft a Compelling Story
- Step 3: Plan and Script Your Video
- Step 4: Select a Professional Video Production Company
- Step 5: Distribute and Complement with Written Case Studies
According to a report by Wyzowl, 87% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and it’s growing every year. Among the different types of videos, case study videos stand out as a powerful approach to showcase your company’s success and build trust with potential customers.
Case studies highlight real-world applications of your products or services, showing their value and effectiveness. Here are five essential steps to creating successful case study videos that can help you convert viewers into loyal customers.
Step 1: Choose the Right Customer
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the first and most crucial step is selecting the right customer to showcase. The ideal customer is a satisfied client who has experienced significant benefits from your product or service and is enthusiastic about sharing their story. Here are some things to consider:
- Relevance: Ensure the customer’s experience is relevant to your target audience. This means their industry, challenges, and the solutions they received should resonate with your potential clients.
- Success: The customer should have a clear and quantifiable success story. Look for improvements, such as increased sales, improved productivity, or cost savings, that the viewer can relate to.
Willingness: Look for customers who are excited and willing to share their experiences. Their charisma and passion for your product are just as important as the quantifiable metrics.
Your sales and customer support teams are great for finding potential stories. Once you’ve found a willing customer, it’s time to start pre-production.
Step 2: Craft a Compelling Story
A successful case study video tells a story that captures the viewer’s attention and keeps them engaged. To craft an engaging narrative, follow these steps:
- Identify the Problem: Outline the customer’s initial challenge or pain point. This sets the stage and helps viewers relate to the story.
- Present the Solution: Introduce your product or service as the solution to the problem. Explain how it was implemented and why it was chosen over other options.
- Showcase the Results: Highlight the positive outcomes and benefits the customer experienced after using your solution. Use concrete data and specific examples to add credibility.
- Include Testimonials: Incorporate quotes or on-camera interviews from the customer. Their genuine feedback and enthusiasm will add authenticity to the story.
Remember, the goal is to create an emotional connection with the viewer, so make sure the story is relatable and engaging.
Step 3: Plan and Script Your Video
Once you have your story, it’s time to plan and script your video. A well-thought-out script ensures you’ll cover all the essential points and maintain a logical flow. Here are some tips for scripting your case study video:
- Outline Key Points: Create a detailed outline that includes the problem, solution, and results. Make sure to include any specific data or quotes you want to highlight.
- Write a Script: Writing a full word-for-word script isn’t always necessary. Often key points are enough to develop interview questions that will lead the person from point to point in the story. Eithey way, the goal is to keep it conversational.
- Storyboard: Create a storyboard to visualize the video. This will help you plan the shots, and find any gaps that may have been overlooked
Planning and scripting your video in advance will save you time during production and ensure a smooth filming process. The more you can avoid “figuring it out in post” the better!
Step 4: Select a Professional Video Production Company
We are biased, but choosing a professional video production company is the fourth step in creating a successful case study video. Partnering with experts like Clearview Media (hey, that’s us!) can make a significant difference in the quality of the finished video. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Professional production companies have the experience and skills to create high-quality videos that align with your brand’s vision and goals.
- Efficiency: They can handle all aspects of production, from planning and scripting to filming and editing, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
- Quality: We use professional 4K camera packages, lighting, and audio equipment. We also have a ton of gear with silly names like “stingers,” “cookies,” and “C-47s.”
- Creativity: With over 20 years of experience, a production company like Clearview Media brings creative ideas that may not be initially apparent. Check out this example of a case study video we produced. We made a game-time decision to film in the archery shooting range and the footage worked out great in the final video.
By working with us, you can ensure your case study video looks great, effectively communicates your message and ultimately engages with your target audience.
Step 5: Distribute and Complement with Written Case Studies
Once your case study video is completed, the next step is distribution. It’s important to remember that the video shouldn’t live alone and will be more successful if it is released with a written case study. Here’s how:
- Multiple Channels: Share your video on various platforms, including your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and video hosting sites like YouTube and Vimeo. Create a strategy to reach your target audience where they are most active.
- SEO Optimization: Optimize your video for search engines by including relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags. This will increase the chances of your video being discovered by potential customers. This is also where the written case study comes in. You can target and phrases in the text that can help improve your chances in the search results.
- Integration: Embed the video within a detailed written case study on your website. This written component should expand on the video, providing additional context, data, and insights.
- Engage and Promote: Encourage your customer to share the video on their social media channels and post it on their website. If there is room in the budget, paid advertising can also help drive more exposure.
Combining video content with a written case study enhances your SEO efforts and provides a richer experience for your audience. For those who prefer reading over watching a video, you have them covered.
That’s a wrap!
Creating a successful case study video requires careful planning, a compelling story, high-quality production, and effective distribution. By following these five steps—choosing the right customer, crafting a compelling story, planning and scripting your video, selecting a professional video production company, and distributing and complementing with a written case study—you can create a powerful marketing tool that showcases your company’s success and builds trust with potential customers.
Remember, investing in a professional video production company like Clearview Media can elevate your case study video and ensure it delivers the desired impact. Start creating your case study videos today and watch as they help you convert viewers into loyal customers.