case study and success story

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Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies of 2021

Two cases about Hertz claimed top spots in 2021's Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies

Two cases on the uses of debt and equity at Hertz claimed top spots in the CRDT’s (Case Research and Development Team) 2021 top 40 review of cases.

Hertz (A) took the top spot. The case details the financial structure of the rental car company through the end of 2019. Hertz (B), which ranked third in CRDT’s list, describes the company’s struggles during the early part of the COVID pandemic and its eventual need to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

The success of the Hertz cases was unprecedented for the top 40 list. Usually, cases take a number of years to gain popularity, but the Hertz cases claimed top spots in their first year of release. Hertz (A) also became the first ‘cooked’ case to top the annual review, as all of the other winners had been web-based ‘raw’ cases.

Besides introducing students to the complicated financing required to maintain an enormous fleet of cars, the Hertz cases also expanded the diversity of case protagonists. Kathyrn Marinello was the CEO of Hertz during this period and the CFO, Jamere Jackson is black.

Sandwiched between the two Hertz cases, Coffee 2016, a perennial best seller, finished second. “Glory, Glory, Man United!” a case about an English football team’s IPO made a surprise move to number four.  Cases on search fund boards, the future of malls,  Norway’s Sovereign Wealth fund, Prodigy Finance, the Mayo Clinic, and Cadbury rounded out the top ten.

Other year-end data for 2021 showed:

• Online “raw” case usage remained steady as compared to 2020 with over 35K users from 170 countries and all 50 U.S. states interacting with 196 cases.
• Fifty four percent of raw case users came from outside the U.S..
• The Yale School of Management (SOM) case study directory pages received over 160K page views from 177 countries with approximately a third originating in India followed by the U.S. and the Philippines.
• Twenty-six of the cases in the list are raw cases.
• A third of the cases feature a woman protagonist.
• Orders for Yale SOM case studies increased by almost 50% compared to 2020.
• The top 40 cases were supervised by 19 different Yale SOM faculty members, several supervising multiple cases.

CRDT compiled the Top 40 list by combining data from its case store, Google Analytics, and other measures of interest and adoption.

All of this year’s Top 40 cases are available for purchase from the Yale Management Media store .

And the Top 40 cases studies of 2021 are:

1.   Hertz Global Holdings (A): Uses of Debt and Equity

2.   Coffee 2016

3.   Hertz Global Holdings (B): Uses of Debt and Equity 2020

4.   Glory, Glory Man United!

5.   Search Fund Company Boards: How CEOs Can Build Boards to Help Them Thrive

6.   The Future of Malls: Was Decline Inevitable?

7.   Strategy for Norway's Pension Fund Global

8.   Prodigy Finance

9.   Design at Mayo

10. Cadbury

11. City Hospital Emergency Room

13. Volkswagen

14. Marina Bay Sands

15. Shake Shack IPO

16. Mastercard

17. Netflix

18. Ant Financial

19. AXA: Creating the New CR Metrics

20. IBM Corporate Service Corps

21. Business Leadership in South Africa's 1994 Reforms

22. Alternative Meat Industry

23. Children's Premier

24. Khalil Tawil and Umi (A)

25. Palm Oil 2016

26. Teach For All: Designing a Global Network

27. What's Next? Search Fund Entrepreneurs Reflect on Life After Exit

28. Searching for a Search Fund Structure: A Student Takes a Tour of Various Options

30. Project Sammaan

31. Commonfund ESG

32. Polaroid

33. Connecticut Green Bank 2018: After the Raid

34. FieldFresh Foods

35. The Alibaba Group

36. 360 State Street: Real Options

37. Herman Miller

38. AgBiome

39. Nathan Cummings Foundation

40. Toyota 2010

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What is and How to Write a Success Story (With Examples & Templates)

How to Write a Success Story in 13 Steps (+  Examples & Templates)

Ever wondered why some stories stick with you while others just … don’t? 

That’s the magic of a well-crafted success story. And it's more than just “ they came, they saw, they conquered. ” 

A good success story pulls you in, gives you a clear picture of where someone started, what they were up against, and how they turned it around. Think of it as a “ before-and-after ” transformation that feels real and relatable—something that actually makes you root for them.

But here’s the thing: writing a great success story isn’t about bragging rights or stuffing in all the details. It’s about connecting with your readers and making them feel like they’re right there, watching the journey unfold. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the key elements, show you how to write a customer success story that actually resonates (without overcomplicating it), and give you a few templates and success story examples so you can start writing right away. 

Before we dive in, let’s look at what actually makes a success story worth telling—and what’s better left on the editing floor. Spoiler alert: it’s all about being relatable, real, and results-driven.

What is a success story (and what isn’t)?

When it comes to SaaS, a success story isn’t just about skyrocketing revenue or landing that big-name client. It’s about showcasing a journey that others in the software world can relate to, learn from, and be inspired by. 

So, let’s break down what is a SaaS success story (and what isn’t).

Now that we know what makes a great story, let’s talk about why they’re so powerful. 

Why do success stories actually matter?

In the SaaS world, where competition is fierce and customers have endless options, a great success story does some serious heavy lifting. 

It’s not just about bragging rights; it’s about creating trust, inspiring action, and showing that your product delivers real value. 

Here’s why they’re a SaaS company’s secret weapon:

• They show, don’t tell → Everyone’s got “game-changing” features, but a success story shows the proof. Instead of just saying, “Our platform is powerful,” you get to say, “Here’s how Company X cut costs by 30% using our product.” Real-life results speak louder than buzzwords.
• They build credibility → Potential customers need social proof , not promises. As a part of success story marketing, they show real companies solving real problems with your product. It’s third-party validation—and for undecided prospects, that’s everything.
• They highlight the ROI → SaaS buyers want to see the return. A strong success story shares specific metrics like boosted productivity or reduced churn, showing prospects what’s in it for them.
• They make your product human → SaaS isn’t just software; it’s solutions for real people. Small business success stories share the frustrations and wins, making your product feel like a lifeline, not just a tool.
• They’re relatable and memorable → Stories stick. When readers see familiar struggles and transformations, they can imagine their own success with your product. A unique story sticks long after the stats fade.
• They simplify decision-making → Choosing SaaS can be tough, but a relatable success story helps. When prospects see another company succeed with your product, it’s easier to picture their own success—sometimes that’s all they need to take the leap.
• They’re a marketing & sales MVP → Success stories are versatile. Use them in emails, on your site, in sales decks, or on social media. They build trust and give prospects the little nudge to book a demo, start a trial, or make that final call.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? We’re going to break down the process step-by-step, so you can write a success story that’s clear, memorable, and a little fun to read.

CTA: Yet, writing a great success story takes time—let us take it off your plate! From interviews to a polished, ready-to-use story, we handle it all.

Let’s get started!

How to write a success story, actually? (Plus, a handy template)

Alright, so you know what makes a great SaaS success story—now, let’s talk about how to write a success story about a client. Because let’s be real: even with the best material, turning it into a compelling story can feel like a bit of a puzzle. 

Where do you start? How much detail is too much? What makes it engaging without sounding like a sales pitch?

Don’t worry! We’re going to break it down, step-by-step.

#1. Get clear on the story’s main goal

Before you start typing, it’s key to nail down the purpose of your story. 

Ask yourself first: What do I want this story to achieve? 

In SaaS, a success story could aim to:

• Attract new customers by showcasing relatable results
• Demonstrate a specific feature’s impact in action
• Highlight your SaaS’s reliability, support, or scalability

Once you’re clear on the goal, the rest of the story will fall into place more easily. 

If your main goal is to attract new customers, for example, you’ll want to focus on relatable problems and solutions that highlight the ROI. If it’s to showcase a particular feature, then zero in on how that feature uniquely helped solve a pain point.

How to do it: Write down a one-sentence summary of your story’s purpose—something like this customer success story template for your value statement: 

“ Show how [Customer Name] used [Feature/Product] to solve [Problem] and achieve [Result]. ” 

This will be your guiding light as you write!

#2. Pick a success worth sharing

Not every customer win is worth turning into a full-blown success story. You want to choose one that will make people sit up and say, “ Wow, I want those results, too! ” 

Look for a story that checks a few boxes:

• Relatable problem → Does this customer’s challenge sound like something others in your audience are facing?
• Clear impact → Were the results meaningful? Numbers that show a clear improvement (like reduced churn or increased productivity) are gold here.
• Transformation over time → A story that includes a journey—from initial struggle to successful results—will feel way more compelling than a quick fix.

How to do it: Go through your customer feedback, reviews, or case studies. Find a few top candidates that stand out, then choose the one with the most relatable problem and impressive results. 

And don’t be afraid to reach out to customers and ask if they’d be open to sharing their story—you might be surprised how many are excited to participate!

#3. Think about who’s reading this

Every great story connects with its audience. So, before you dive into the details, take a moment to think about who’s actually going to read this (let’s call it your brand persona ). 

Are you talking to:

• Potential customers who are weighing your product against competitors?
• Current users who might not realize the full potential of your features?
• Industry folks who are curious about real results in their space?

Understanding your audience will help you shape the tone, details, and focus of the story. For instance, if it’s aimed at potential customers, you’ll want to keep the language approachable, focus on relatable challenges, and showcase the clear ROI of using your SaaS. 

If you’re talking to current users, you might want to go deeper into specific features to show what’s possible beyond the basics.

How to do it: Picture your ideal reader and jot down a few key things they care about. Are they looking for ease of implementation? Quick wins? Long-term scalability? 

Keep those needs in mind as you write, and tailor the story to address them.

#4. Set the scene with some background

Before you jump into the challenge and solution, give readers a bit of context. A quick intro to the customer’s business helps readers understand who they are and why their success matters. 

In SaaS, this might include:

• Industry and company size → Are they a startup or an enterprise? In healthcare, e-commerce, or finance?
• The role of the person involved → Is your main point of contact a CTO, a head of marketing, or maybe a customer support lead? Knowing this adds credibility and makes the story feel more relatable.
• Their goals or priorities → What does this company care about? Maybe they wanted to boost efficiency, reduce churn, or scale customer onboarding.

How to do it: Keep it short and to the point. A couple of sentences is all you need to paint a quick picture. Think of it like setting up a movie scene—just enough context so readers know the characters and setting, but don’t overdo it with details. 

Something like:

“ BambooHR, a growing B2B SaaS provider in the HR space, needed a solution to streamline client onboarding as they scaled. Their head of customer success, Sara, was looking for a way to cut down onboarding time and improve client retention. ”

This gives readers an idea of who we’re talking about, what they do, and what their initial goals were.

#5. Introduce the problem (aka the challenge)

This is where you reel readers in by showing them the pain point—the frustrating, time-wasting, or costly problem your customer was facing before they found your SaaS solution. You want to make it feel real and relatable, so readers can say, “ Yep, that sounds like us! ”

In SaaS, this might mean challenges like:

• Customer churn → Users were dropping off after a month or two.
• Inefficient processes → Too many manual steps slowing down operations.
• Scaling woes → The software they’d been using couldn’t keep up as they grew.

How to do it:  Be specific about the pain point without getting bogged down in technical details. Think of it as showing the “before” picture. Was it costing them time? Frustrating the team? Hurting their growth? 

Here’s an example:

“ BambooHR’s customer success team was drowning in manual onboarding processes. Each new client required hours of setup and hand-holding, and despite their efforts, churn was on the rise. 

They needed a way to streamline the process, keep clients engaged, and reduce time-to-value—or risk falling behind in a competitive market. ”

This gives a clear view of the problem, why it was urgent, and sets up the stage perfectly for your SaaS to save the day!

#6. Show off the solution (your genius at work)

Here’s the fun part—where you get to showcase your SaaS solution in action! This is where readers learn how your product swooped in to tackle the problem head-on. 

Describe how your SaaS was implemented and what specific features or processes made the biggest difference.

For SaaS, that could look like:

• A key feature or tool → Maybe it was your automated onboarding flow, custom analytics dashboard, or integration that made the customer’s life way easier.
• A smooth implementation process → Highlight how easy it was to get up and running if that was a major selling point for them.
• Ongoing support or training → Did you provide hands-on support or training sessions that helped them hit the ground running?

How to do it: Paint a clear picture of how your SaaS solution was applied to their problem. Describe the specific features that solved their issues and made their process smoother or faster. 

Here’s an example of a success story part:

“ BambooHR used [Your Product]’s automated onboarding features to streamline their setup process from start to finish:

• With customizable training modules, Sara’s team could easily tailor onboarding content to fit each client’s needs. 
• Real-time progress tracking let them see exactly where clients were in the process, allowing them to step in with support at just the right time.

Our support team partnered with BambooHR to ensure smooth integration—no interruptions, no missed steps—so they could roll out these tools quickly and effectively. Altogether, these features made onboarding straightforward, flexible, and easy to manage, right from day one. ”

This shows readers exactly how your solution worked without overwhelming them with technical jargon—just a straightforward explanation of how it helped.

#7. Highlight those impressive results

Now it’s time to show the payoff. This is where you highlight the tangible, measurable benefits your SaaS delivered. 

Numbers are your best friend here—they make the results concrete and easy for readers to grasp. Think about metrics that matter in SaaS, like:

• Reduced churn → Did customers stick around longer?
• Improved efficiency → Did onboarding time drop or manual tasks decrease?
• Revenue growth → Did their MRR or ARR increase thanks to your solution?
• Customer satisfaction scores → Was there a noticeable boost in user happiness?

How to do it: Get specific and focus on the “wow” factor. What was the most impressive change your product helped create? Use numbers if you have them, but if not, descriptive terms work too. Here’s an example:

“ Since implementing [Your Product], BambooHR cut onboarding time by 70%, reduced churn by 30%, and saw customer satisfaction scores rise by 40%. 

What used to take hours of manual setup now happens automatically, letting Sara’s team focus on building relationships instead of babysitting processes. 

The bottom line? 

Faster onboarding, happier customers, and more time to scale! ”

These results bring your story to life and show potential customers the impact they could expect for their own business.

CTA: We know success stories can feel like a lot to tackle, but with us, you just introduce your client, and we’ll handle every step from there. No hassle, all results.

Get my story done!

#8. Sprinkle in quotes or testimonials

Nothing adds authenticity like hearing it straight from the customer. Ask for a good testimonial from your client doesn’t just confirm the results—it gives the story a human touch and makes your product’s impact feel real. 

Think of it as the emotional high-five that makes readers trust and connect with your SaaS solution even more.

For SaaS, quotes that work well might include:

• A short, impactful soundbite about how much easier life is now (like how much time or effort they’ve saved).
• Specific praise for a feature that really made a difference for them.
• A comment on the support experience if you provided hands-on help or onboarding.

How to do it: Reach out to the customer for a quick interview or an email exchange. Ask them how your product has impacted their day-to-day work, what they love most about it, and any specific improvements they’ve noticed. 

Then, pick one or two quotes that capture the story well. Here’s an example:

“ Since we started using [Your Product], onboarding new clients has become almost effortless. We’re saving hours of work every week, and our customers are getting up to speed faster than ever. 

It’s like we suddenly have an extra pair of hands on the team! ”— Sara, Head of Customer Success, BambooHR

This quote highlights the value they’re getting, the difference it made to their process, and adds a nice personal touch.

#9. Add data as TL;DR

Make your success story stand out with an “end results” section packed with key data points. It’s a quick, impactful way for readers to see if your tool’s a perfect fit. Adding metrics doesn’t just boost credibility—it shows you’re delivering real results.

For SaaS success stories, think about including:

• Percentage improvements → Churn rate reduced by 20%, efficiency boosted by 50%, etc.
• Time savings → Hours saved per task or project, or percentage reduction in time-to-completion.
• Revenue impact → Increase in MRR, ARR, or sales conversions.
• Customer retention or satisfaction metrics → Growth in retention rate, CSAT scores, or NPS scores.

How to do it: Pull out the top 2-3 metrics that best showcase the transformation. You want data that’s simple and directly tied to the pain points you covered earlier. 

Format it for easy readability—bullet points or a short list within the text can work wonders. Here’s an example:

“ With [Your Product], BambooHR saw major improvements in just 6 months:

• 30% decrease in customer churn by delivering more personalized, efficient onboarding through tailored training modules.
• 70% faster onboarding process thanks to automated workflows and real-time progress tracking that streamlined every step.
• 40% increase in customer satisfaction scores by giving clients a smooth, customized experience from day one. ”

These numbers give readers a quick, digestible look at the impact your product made and create that “wow” factor.

#10. Finish with a strong, memorable conclusion

A strong conclusion leaves your readers with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. You want them to think, “ If [Customer] could achieve this with [Your Product], we could too! ” 

Your conclusion should sum up the journey and reinforce the impact your SaaS made—then hint at what’s next.

For SaaS, a good conclusion might:

• Summarize the transformation → Recap the before-and-after in a few words. Remind readers of where the customer started and the incredible results they achieved.
• Highlight future potential → Mention any plans the customer has to expand their use of your product, signaling that they’re committed to it for the long haul.
• Invite readers to imagine their own success → Encourage them to picture what kind of transformation they could experience with your SaaS.

How to do it: Think of it as the final “aha” moment of the story. Keep it short and powerful. Here’s an example:

“ With [Your Product] in their toolkit, BambooHR has transformed client onboarding from a time-consuming headache to a streamlined process that drives satisfaction and loyalty. 

They’re now expanding to use more of our features across their teams, confident that [Your Product] can keep pace as they grow. Imagine what your team could accomplish with a solution designed to deliver these kinds of results. ”

This ties up the story, reinforces the value, and leaves readers envisioning the possibilities for their own business.

#11. Polish it up for clarity and flow

Now that you’ve got all the pieces in place, it’s time to give your short success story a final polish. The goal is to make sure it reads smoothly, keeps readers engaged, and clearly communicates the journey from problem to solution to results. 

In SaaS, clarity is key—you want the story to be as easy to follow as your product is to use!

Here’s how to do it:

Read it out loud

Reading out loud is a great trick for spotting clunky sentences, awkward phrasing, or parts that don’t flow well. 

If you stumble over something, chances are your readers will too. Simplify any complex language, remove jargon, and make sure the tone is conversational and friendly.

Trim the fat

SaaS folks are busy, so get to the point. Cut out any unnecessary words or repetitive phrases. 

If you’ve already made a point about the customer’s challenges, you don’t need to restate it three times. Aim for crisp, clear language that’s easy to digest.

Make it visual

Break up long pieces of content into paragraphs, use subheadings, and add bullet points where they make sense. 

This makes the story easier to skim and ensures the key takeaways stand out.

Check for consistency

Make sure your voice and style stay consistent from start to finish. If you started with a conversational tone, keep it that way. 

Also, double-check for any product names, features, or numbers to make sure they’re accurate.

End with impact

Revisit that conclusion and make sure it packs a punch. Does it reinforce the transformation, leave readers feeling inspired, and make them want to learn more about your product? 

If not, tweak it until it does!

Pro tip: If you’re feeling stuck, get a fresh pair of eyes on it. A colleague or friend can often catch things you might miss after staring at it for a while.

#12. Throw in some visuals to bring it to life

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in a SaaS success story, the right visuals can make your story way more engaging and memorable. Visuals help break up the text, highlight key points, and show readers real data or screenshots that make the story feel tangible. 

Plus, they make your long or short success story look polished and professional!

For SaaS, think about including visuals like:

• Charts or graphs → Show off those impressive results! If your product helped the customer reduce churn, and increase retention or productivity—a simple chart or graph can make those numbers pop.
• Screenshots of key features → If a specific feature made a huge difference, include a screenshot. Just make sure it’s clean, easy to read, and highlights the relevant part (like that automated onboarding dashboard or analytics tool).
• Customer logo or headshot → Adding the customer’s logo or a photo of your main contact (if they’re comfortable with it) adds credibility and gives readers a real person to connect with.
• Before and after comparisons → Visuals that show the “before” and “after” make the transformation feel real. It could be a comparison of old vs. new process flows or a timeline showing how quickly they achieved results.

How to do it: Aim to include 2-3 visuals that directly support the story, not just for decoration. Place them near the relevant sections for easy flow. 

For example, add a graph right after you mention the 30% churn reduction, or drop a screenshot when you’re talking about a specific feature they used.

#13. End with a CTA

After a reader has gone through your awesome client success story, they’re already feeling inspired and thinking about how your solution could help them. 

Now’s the perfect time to nudge them toward the next step with a well-placed CTA! A good CTA guides them from reading to action, whether that’s signing up for a free trial, booking a demo, or reaching out for more info.

For SaaS, an effective CTA might include:

• “ See how [Your Product] can help your team too! ” with a link to a demo or free trial.
• “ Book a personalized demo to learn more ” if you want to invite them to experience your product firsthand.
• “ Download the full case study ” if you’ve got a more in-depth version available, keeping them engaged with more details.

How to do it: Place your CTA right at the end of the story, as the natural next step. Use direct language that’s friendly and inviting.

Avoid being too pushy; you’ve already shown them the value, so now it’s just about making it easy for them to take action. Here’s an example:

“ Ready to see results like BambooHR’s? Book a free demo of [Your Product] today, and find out how we can help you reach your goals faster. ”

This gives readers a simple, actionable next step—a CTA that feels like an invitation rather than a hard sell.

Before you hit “publish,” use these template and checklist to make sure your story hits all the right notes. A little final check never hurts!

CTA: Skip the headaches! We’ll do the interviews, write the story, and deliver everything from the video to the final text. Just leave it to us.

Help me tell my story

The “plug-and-play” success story template

Here’s a handy, ready-to-use customer success story template to make writing way easier! Just follow each section, fill in the blanks, and you’ll have a story that’s relatable, real, and shows off exactly how your product delivers results.

1. Customer background

Give a quick overview of the customer to set the stage.

[Customer’s Company Name], a [industry/field] company based in [location], specializes in [brief description of their business]. They came to us because they wanted to [mention main goal or priority].

2. The challenge

Describe the key problem they were facing before finding your solution.

Before using [Your Product], [Customer’s Company Name] struggled with [describe the pain point, e.g., high churn, complex onboarding, scalability issues]. This was causing [describe impact, e.g., wasted time, decreased revenue, customer frustration].

3. The search for a solution

Mention any relevant details about their search for a solution.

[Customer’s Company Name] tried various solutions, but nothing quite addressed their specific needs—until they discovered [Your Product].

4. The solution

Introduce your product as the solution and highlight the key feature(s) that made a difference.

With [Your Product], [Customer’s Company Name] was able to [describe how your product helped solve the problem, e.g., automate processes, improve user engagement, streamline onboarding]. [Specific feature or service] allowed them to [specific benefit or outcome].

5. The “Aha!” moment

Describe when the customer realized your product was the right fit.

When [specific event or benefit happened, e.g., onboarding time decreased by 50%], the team at [Customer’s Company Name] knew they’d found the right solution. The process went from [previously tedious task] to [new, improved experience].

6. The results (with metrics)

Share concrete results using data and metrics.

Since implementing [Your Product], [Customer’s Company Name] has seen impressive results:

• [X]% reduction in [specific issue, e.g., churn]
• [Y]% increase in [specific benefit, e.g., user engagement]
• Saved [time/money] that used to go toward [old process]

7. Customer testimonial

Include a direct quote from the customer for authenticity.

“Using [Your Product] has completely transformed our approach to [specific area, e.g., customer success]. We’re now able to [main benefit, e.g., onboard clients 70% faster], and our team couldn’t be happier.”—[Customer Name, Position, Customer’s Company Name]

8. Conclusion & future plans

Wrap up with the broader impact and any future plans.

Thanks to [Your Product], [Customer’s Company Name] is now able to [mention overall impact, e.g., focus on growth instead of troubleshooting]. They’re excited to continue expanding their use of [Your Product] as they [mention any future goals, e.g., scale up or introduce new features].

Invite readers to take the next step.

Ready to see how [Your Product] can help your team achieve results like these? [CTA: Book a demo, start a free trial, etc.]

Now that you’ve got the success story template down, let’s make sure your story hits all the right notes with a quick, no-fuss checklist!

The “Did I crush it?” checklist

This checklist is your last step to make sure your client success story is polished, powerful, and ready to wow readers. Go through each point and give yourself a little pat on the back as you check things off:

• Clear goal set → Did you start with a clear purpose for the story? (Attract new customers, showcase a feature, etc.)
• Picked a standout success → Is this story about a win that’s relatable, impressive, and worth sharing?
• Audience in mind → Have you kept your ideal reader in mind, using language and examples they’ll relate to?
• Background set the scene → Did you introduce the customer and their industry so readers understand who they are?
• Challenge detailed clearly → Is the problem laid out in a way that’s specific, relatable, and paints a “before” picture?
• Solution highlighted (and your product’s genius) → Did you explain how your SaaS solved their problem, showing specific features and processes?
• Results with numbers → Have you backed up the story with clear, concrete metrics that demonstrate real impact?
• Quotes or testimonials → Did you sprinkle in at least one direct quote to add a personal, authentic touch?
• Data-backed claims → Are the key points supported by data? (Extra points for before-and-after comparisons!)
• Strong conclusion → Did you end on a memorable note that wraps up the transformation and hints at future potential?
• Clear flow and readability → Did you polish it for easy readability, breaking up sections with headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs?
• Engaging visuals → Did you add 2-3 visuals that support the story, like charts, screenshots, or the customer’s logo?
• CTA that’s inviting, not pushy → Have you wrapped it up with a friendly, direct CTA that makes it easy for readers to take the next step?

Once you’ve checked off everything, you’ve officially created killer SaaS success stories! Now you’re ready to share it with the world, no matter if that’s in emails, on your website, in sales decks, or on social media. Let’s choose the right medium.

CTA: Our done-for-you service takes care of everything—interviews, video, quotes, and a write-up ready for your website, sales decks, or social media. Sound good?

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What are some different ways to format a success story?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to business success stories! Depending on your audience and goals, you might want to try different formats to keep things fresh, engaging, and easy to digest. 

Here are some popular ways to format SaaS success stories, along with tips on when to use each:

The last question is “when”. Spoiler: you can start sooner than you think! We’ll cover the best times to start collecting stories so you’re ready to share them when it matters most.

When’s the right time to start creating success stories?

The short answer? Yesterday. 

Success stories are one of those “always valuable” assets for SaaS companies. The sooner you start working on this part of your content marketing strategy , the sooner you’ll have real-world proof that your product works—and trust me, that’s like gold when it comes to converting new customers. 

But here’s a practical breakdown of when to dive into creating them:

As soon as you’ve got results worth sharing

Even if you’re a new SaaS company, as soon as you have at least one customer who’s seen clear results with your product, you’ve got a story worth telling. 

It doesn’t have to be a massive Fortune 500 client or mind-blowing metrics (though those are great too!). If your product helped solve a real problem and the customer’s happy, that’s a story.

When you’re entering a growth phase

Business success stories are incredibly useful for attracting new users when you’re scaling. They create social proof and give your marketing and sales teams some much-needed ammo. 

If you’re planning a big product push, expanding into new markets, or doubling down on marketing, a library of success stories can boost trust and credibility.

To showcase new features or use cases

Every time you release a feature or see customers finding new, creative ways to use your SaaS, it’s a great opportunity to capture that story. 

Marketing success stories can highlight the benefits of new functionality in action, giving your audience a practical example of why they should explore (or upgrade to) your latest offerings.

When you’re up against stiff competition

If you’re in a crowded SaaS space, success stories can set you apart. When prospects see your real-world impact, they’re more likely to choose your product over others. 

So if you’re hearing “we’re evaluating other solutions,” then it’s time to pump out those success stories.

When customers are renewing and expanding

Often, your most loyal users are the best candidates for success stories. If a customer is expanding their usage, renewing for another year, or upgrading to a higher plan, reach out to capture their story. 

Not only does it strengthen the relationship, but it also shows future customers what long-term success looks like with your SaaS.

In short, there’s really no “wrong” time to start collecting success stories. The sooner you start, the more proof you’ll have of your SaaS’s value. Plus, each new story builds your brand’s credibility, giving prospects real reasons to believe that your product can help them too. 

So go ahead—start sharing those wins, and watch as they turn curious leads into loyal customers!

And psss…if you want an ally who’ll support you every step of the way, SaaSpirin is here to help you make it happen! Our DFY success story will turn your client wins into powerful marketing assets—all without the hassle.