The Pain and Payoff of a Fintech Case Study

Creating a fintech case study can feel like a never-ending trip to the DMV. It requires navigating a maze of regulations and endless rounds of approval before the content gets its moment in the spotlight. Why bother with all the hassle?

While a fintech case study isn’t as straightforward to create as other types of content, these powerhouse stories offer unparalleled value for brands. They can highlight real-world successes and build trust and authority. Plus, implementing a strategic approach to workflow and compliance can turn these daunting tasks into your brand’s secret sauce.

Here’s why fintech marketers should put case studies at the core of their content strategy and tips to streamline the process.

The value of fintech case studies

Case studies are often overlooked in fintech, an industry where products are so complex that customers and potential buyers struggle to understand what exactly they do.

But that’s exactly why a well-crafted fintech case study can be so powerful. It’s more than a marketing asset—it’s a storytelling tool that can make a major impact on potential investors, customers, and your bottom line.

It sets you apart from the competition

Unlike generic marketing materials, a fintech case study illustrates how your products and services address specific pain points in deep ways. This helps differentiate your brand, which is especially important in an increasingly crowded market. According to McKinsey & Company, the number of fintech unicorns grew sevenfold between 2019 and 2023. Case studies show how your solution stands out, proving your unique value proposition.

It builds your brand’s authority and credibility

A fintech case study gives you the chance to show examples of how your products and services solve complex problems. Hard evidence of your brand’s value builds trust and authority, traits that are essential when you’re working in sensitive areas like the financial sector.

It helps your SEO efforts

Establishing credibility isn’t only important for customers, though. It’s also key for search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines favor authoritative content in finance-related queries. A fintech case study can help establish you as a credible source and increase the likelihood of ranking high on search engine results pages (SERPs).

How to craft a compelling fintech case study

Crafting a compelling fintech case study is both an art and a science. To resonate with your audience, your content needs to blend storytelling with solid data, making your success stories both engaging and credible.

Here are some storytelling best practices to keep in mind as you create a case study for your brand.

Focus on real results

When it comes to a fintech case study, think of measurable results as the proof in the pudding—without it, you’re just serving up a fancy-looking dish with no flavor.

Ditch vague claims and fluffy language and focus on the hard facts. Did your fintech solution enhance efficiency by 30 percent? Cut transaction times in half? Help customers boost their credit score by an average of 45 points?

For example, Stripe, a payment services provider, outlined four measurable results it has delivered for its customers, including a 10 percent boost in one client’s payment acceptance rate and helping another expand into 12 new countries. It also used case studies to explain the role Stripe played in each of these successes.

Concrete data shows that your solution isn’t just a flash in the pan. It’s the real deal, delivering solid, impressive results.

Incorporate characters

As important as results are, you shouldn’t only let the numbers do the talking in a fintech case study. Infusing the case study with actual people who have faced real challenges and found success with your solution transforms abstract data into engaging narratives people can actually relate to.

To see this in action, take a look at some fintech case study examples from the mobile payment processing company Square. Many of them profile their actual customers, their challenges, and how Square has provided measurable benefits to their businesses.

People relate to people, not just numbers. Bringing in characters to your fintech case study helps potential clients see themselves in the story.

Tell a captivating story

Focusing only on the problem-solution-outcome format is, well, a little boring. But stories with a protagonist, a challenge, and a catharsis? That’s where the gold is. So don’t forget to tell a story with your next case study and keep these points in mind:

• Say how the customer tried and failed to solve the problem before using your product.
• Use story structures that play up the obstacles, the conflict, and the resolution.
• Add context with years, locations, and the operating environment.

When you craft your case study like a gripping story, you turn hard data and customer insights into drama and let your brand become the hero of the tale.

Use the right medium

Think of the medium you use to present a fintech case study as the delivery vehicle for your story. Whether it’s a sleek sports car or a dependable minivan, the format you choose directly impacts how well your audience engages with it.

If your target audience is busy and has a short attention span, a dynamic video case study with customer testimonials and demonstrations might be your best bet. A written case study that explores complex issues and solutions in a magazine-style format could resonate with readers who need nuance and depth to help guide their decisions. If you’re aiming to share quick insights, an eye-catching infographic can display key data points and outcomes in an easily digestible format.

Keep in mind that you can repurpose content from your fintech case study into different formats to reach new audiences.

Tips on creating fintech case studies

While many B2C brands can breeze through content creation, fintech brands face strict regulations and approvals that would make even a seasoned bureaucrat break a sweat. It makes fintech content marketing a meticulous act of balancing compliance and creativity.

A strategic approach streamlines the process and turns approval hurdles into manageable checkpoints. Here are some ways to get your fintech case study out the door a little more easily:

• Map out your workflow. Create standardized workflows for case studies. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines for each stage of the creation and review process to minimize bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams. Looping in your legal and compliance teams early in the process gives them a chance to flag any potential issues before you’ve invested too much time in your fintech case study. It gives you the opportunity to adjust your approach to one that can meet regulatory requirements.
• Work with a fintech content marketing writer. A writer who understands the nuances of the fintech industry can ensure your case studies are not only compelling but also compliant. Look for a content writer who has experience working with fintech brands like yours.
• Pad your deadlines. Give yourself plenty of wiggle room in your project timeline to account for any unexpected delays, like extended compliance reviews or surprise revision requests from your legal team. Adding a buffer to your timeline reduces last-minute scrambles and lets your fintech case study get the attention it needs without cutting corners.

In the competitive fintech space, a compelling case study can be your brand’s shining moment. Focus on storytelling with relatable characters, as well as a workflow strategy that minimizes stress and gives ample time for approvals. A fintech case study can be a big lift, but it gives your brand’s real-world successes the spotlight they deserve.

Ask the Content Strategist: FAQs about fintech case studies

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when creating a fintech case study?

Avoid vague language and unsupported claims. Ensure your data is accurate and verify that all claims are backed by solid evidence to maintain credibility.

How can fintech brands measure the effectiveness of their case studies?

Track metrics such as engagement rates, lead generation, and conversion rates. Use these metrics to assess how well the case study influences potential customers and investors.

What are some cost-effective methods for repurposing case study content?

Convert written case studies into infographics, videos, or blog posts. Repurpose key insights into social media posts or email newsletters to maximize reach and engagement.

If you’re looking for contributors adept at creating fintech case studies and content assets, connect with Contently to learn more about our talent solutions.