“It’s all in the storytelling”
Winning a Shorty Impact Award isn’t just about the innovation, creativity or strategy behind your project—it’s about how you tell your story. And writing a winning narrative is an art unto itself.
Below are key insights we’ve gathered over the years to help you craft a standout case study that captivates the judges.
It’s Not a Sales Pitch
A case study isn’t about selling your business or promoting your services. It's about the journey - and the details of the project you're submitting. While it's helpful to provide some context about your company, it’s easy to default into selling. Keep the focus on the project itself - and most importantly, show the impact - from as many angles as possible beyond statistical data.
Tell an Engaging Story
This is your moment to shine—make it count! Start with a strong hook, clearly define the opportunity you set out to address, and walk the reader through the strategic steps you took and the creative that you felt drove hearts, minds, attention and action. Don’t shy away from sharing the challenges and solutions you found along the way.
Focus on Results
Results speak louder than anything else! Be specific about the creative and strategic efforts that made the difference, and back your claims with data as well as sentiment. Testimonials are a powerful way to validate your success and showcase real-world impact.
Use Visuals that Support your Story
Visuals are as important as results. Judges need to see what you’ve accomplished. Include creative assets like images, screenshots, and other media that visually tell the story of your project - and make these really clear and easy to review.
Make It Human
Steer clear of bot-written submissions or standard corporate reporting —let your human, conversational voice shine through. Steer clear of corporate jargon and opaque buzzwords/phrases like “synergy”, “align”, “leverage” and “surprise and delight”. Speaking in plain English and approaching your submission as a piece of dynamic copywriting is what will really stand out to the judges.
Here are two examples of well-crafted case studies and how they comply with the suggested tips:
This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular issues in women. The case study delves into the reasons behind targeting the common misconceptions surrounding the importance of recognizing heart attack symptoms in women. With strong storytelling, clearly defined results and a clear strategy, this campaign is well-positioned for impact. ✅
This campaign aimed to amplify the voices of the Black community, allowing them to share their personal experiences with Black hair in the workplace. LinkedIn served as the primary platform for these stories, using a dedicated hashtag to unify the conversation. With a well-executed storytelling approach, identifiable results and a clear strategy, this campaign was set for success ✅
All in all, writing a compelling case study is about capturing the judges' attention from the start. Following these tips will help you elevate your story and set yourself on the path toward recognition at any award program.
Ready to stand out? Start drafting your award-winning case study today and show the world the impact of your work! Submit your entry before the FINAL Shorty Impact Awards deadline on September 12th, 2024.
