The Case for Case Studies

Standing the test of time is a naturally human trait. Ever since Keats conceptualized the ongoing quest for a semblance of immortality in Ozymandius we have ever been working toward the same goal in a different form. With technology, the field has changed from monumental sandstone structures to evergreen website content that generates traffic no matter the year. While it certainly is a longer process to produce articles that can stand such a desire, there is content that automatically lends itself to such a design. Case studies are the reflexive go-to when faced with the desire to immortalize work that will stand the test of internet aging by still appearing relevant in 6 months' time.

The Creation

In and of itself, the case study is a very simple creature. To make one, simply describe a problem, offer solutions, test these out and then present the results and your conclusion. It’s very much like a watered down scientific method, but Instead of requiring years of study in a concentration or access to lab, case studies are much easier to accomplish. Simply invest the time to gather the strategies you’ll need to analyze the data beforehand and the article writes itself.

The Authority

Case studies may sound like simple how-to articles, but they are inherently more complex. You have to actually pay attention and spend some time connecting the dots. The main difference between the two styles is that with a strong case study, you show your work to the audience so they can verify for themselves you went above and beyond simple mental musings. This crucial component establishes your site as an authority because, unlike other sites, you have data and evidence to back up your conclusions.

The Audience

Aside from the benefit of data, these studies are designed specifically to cater to your audience members and their problems. From the beginning, they will immediately be able to see a direct correlation between their difficulties and the conclusions reached. If well done, the study itself will offer invaluable information they can use in their own situation and further bolster your reputation as an authority.

The Specifics

Evergreen articles often fall into the trap of acting as a catch-all. Sure the title might be specific, but the content is highly generalized, meaning it can easily cover as much ground as possible without ever actually addressing a specific situation. Case studies, on the other hand, naturally focus on one specific problem and use specific pieces of information to come up with specific resolutions. If your site covers a broad topic, post studies exhibiting your experience with specific aspects of said topic. This builds a skeletal structure to give form to an otherwise amorphous idea.

The Process

Describing the actions you took to address a certain problem may seem like overkill or a waste of time. After all, you know how to do it and giving an overview would take much less time. This mindset actually works to undermine the vast majority of readers that will frequent your site. Arguably, there are many simply looking for either a good story or a sound conclusion, but a vast majority are seeking the means to achieve a successful result. If you are a true authority on the subject, your case study will communicate to them the process used to get to the desired answer, offering them a way to replicate it in their own situations.

Evergreen content is challenging to write but not impossible, and case studies are an aspect that go above and beyond the mass produced articles so readily available. By displaying your know-how through detailed steps and analysis, you immediately set yourself apart from those claiming such expertise without somehow proving they have it. Though more time consuming, studies are easy enough to create, providing you with spectacular content that will have visitors frequenting your site often.