The Case Study Framework

One question sequence for turning a client result into podcast, blog, and video content.

By James Schramko

A case study works when it follows the arc the audience is already living: a problem they recognise, a turning point, and a result they want. Run this sequence in order. Each question sets up the next, so by the end you have a complete story rather than a list of disconnected answers.

Use the full sequence for a long-form podcast episode or written case study. Pull three or four questions from the middle for a short testimonial.

The starting point

What was the situation before we started working together?

What was frustrating about it?

What was that costing you, in time, money, or energy?

The turning point

What had you already tried? Why did that not solve it?

What made you decide something had to change?

Why did you choose to work with me specifically?

The work

What did we actually do? What was the first move?

What was the process like to go through?

What was harder than you expected? What was easier?

The result

What changed? Give the numbers if you have them.

What changed that does not show up in numbers?

When did you first realise it was working?

The new reality

What is the business like now?

What can you do now that you could not do before?

What are you focused on next?

The handover

Who is this for? Who is it not for?

What would you tell someone still in the situation you were in?

Is there anything I did not ask that you want to add?