4 ways case studies help construction teams win more jobs

Even before the first meeting, homeowners like to know if your construction company can build the way they want to build. It’s not just about providing the right design – it’s about providing the right kind of service, too. To assess this, clients often explore social proof.

We’re talking construction marketing tools like testimonials, reviews and – perhaps most importantly – case studies.

What are case studies? Why should construction companies use them?

Case studies can be used in your marketing strategy to inspire future business. Using customer evidence and proof of your work allows you to show potential clients how you can provide the best building journey for their dream home.

“Case study” sounds clinical – but it’s actually the exact opposite. Think of these as mini feature stories. Now, you’re no longer just another construction company. With case studies, you have a way to showcase your highly impressed clients, stories and testimonials that exemplify what your team can do.

These brief but highly relevant overviews of your home building services are powerful. For many potential clients on the verge of committing, it’s the evidence they need to make the final decision. Case studies provide the push they need to sign on the dotted line.

They think,“If they were able to go above and beyond like that for this homeowner, imagine what they could do for me.”

What are some case study topic ideas for construction teams?

No two clients are the same. That means there’s limitless potential for case study topics. Here are five ideas to get your team started:

• A first-time homeowner who has never worked with a builder
• An extremely complex build (large square footage, building in extreme weather, etc.)
• The first time you’re tackling a new design
• A build that needed to be completed on an extremely tight deadline or budget – and you delivered!
• How construction technology like Buildertrend improves your client experience

How do case studies help you win more business?

Once your team is committed to construction case studies, the process for creating one is pretty simple. Interview a stand-out client, write up an engaging article with photos of their build then get it on your website. It’s easy as 1-2-3 – and the benefits it can reap are limitless.

Here are some of the ways construction case studies help teams like yours win more jobs.

1. Back up your claims

In today’s digital age, word-of-mouth advertising is an important marketing tool. But it’s not the only way to gain business. Customers rely on online reviews to discover home builders and remodelers who align with their design needs, their budgets or their timeline.

The experiences of previous clients can help them find what they’re looking for. A well-written case study can influence people to work with your construction company over another business. Customer experience and visual results of the final project are especially important in this industry. Case studies give your best jobs a chance to shine.

A case study in the construction industry is as close as clients can get to a site visit without physically being there. This helps encourage homeowners to take the next step, going from an interested party to a paying client. When a construction business publishes a case study, they’re providing their audience with social proof that shows that other people have worked with the brand and had a positive experience. 

2. Inspire clients with fresh ideas

With how large the construction industry is, there are so many opportunities for creativity and new ideas. Some clients may know exactly what they want and how they expect a project to look – but others may need some inspiration.

Case studies can be an effective way of inspiring customers to show them what’s possible – and what your business can help them achieve. For example, trade goods supplier Southern Sheeting has great success publishing case studies of how their customers use their products in innovative projects, including tiny homes, outdoor kitchen and dining areas. Case studies like this also shows the breadth of your business’ experience and what you’re able to deliver to clients. 

3. Create varied content

Content marketing is essential in any industry, but it can be hard knowing how to create content as a construction company. Case studies not only serve as content in themselves, but they can also be crafted in different ways to produce material for different platforms. You can add short-form videos of client interviews to case studies, turn the finished results into social media content and promote it all in email marketing campaigns.

From a single case study, construction businesses can produce marketing in a variety of forms to encourage conversions and gain new business. This is working smarter, not harder.

Case studies tend to follow a formula. If you have a strong testimonial, you can highlight the problems a client had and how your business helped them overcome it. Use your case study to tell a story that allows potential customers to see themselves in the position of the homeowners involved in the highlighted project. 

4. Provide credible evidence

Case studies are the perfect way to back up your expertise and experience with hard data and analysis. No client wants to spend money on services without understanding the value you provide – especially when that money is being spent on large-scale remodeling projects or new homes.

Case studies showcase the credible evidence and positive reviews about your business in an easily digestible way that gives the full picture, from the initial reason someone approached your business to how the project went and the end results. Be sure to include stats like how much money you saved on a client’s budget or how quick the build took.

Final thoughts about construction case studies

Case studies are an important part of content marketing. Just like blogs or website content, it can help construction businesses get closer to reaching their growth goals, improving reputation and encouraging conversions.

For more inspiration, take a look at our case studies.

The more tactics your company can implement to get noticed and build relationships with clients, the more successful your business will become. Add case studies to your construction marketing strategy today.