Here are some guidelines and tips for creating compelling stories that manufacturers and end customers can relate to.
Case stories are highly relatable to end customers and manufacturers. They show that your solution works at similar companies and prove they are not risking their business by entering robotics. Uncertainty about how an automation solution will work is a major barrier for end customers considering robotics. Case stories help to break that barrier.
The objective for you should not be to craft a professional case study, as it is unnecessary.
We recommend that your goal is to create a trustworthy story with as little effort as possible. I hope the following tips can help you to reach that goal.
3–5 pictures of the solution
Preferably, the solution in production
Pictures from installations or workshops can also be used but do not create the same trust.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer with a big camera. A smartphone is great!
1 video (30–90 seconds) of the solution palletizing in real-time
It doesn’t have to be fancy
Smartphone video is more than good enough
The solution doesn’t need to do anything special. Mainly, potential customers just want to see it working.
If there’s something special about the installation (gripping multiple boxes, shim paper, custom movements), that can also be nice to show.
1 picture + a quote from an engineer/decision-maker about why this solution has been beneficial to their business
This is very important. The picture creates a lot of trust and the quote even more.
Potentially get two quotes:
Why did they decide to go into automation?
Are they satisfied with the solution (and why)?
The quote is usually also a good starting point for the article
That’s all you need to get started!
Inspiration for how you can put an effective angle on the story:
Find an angle that showcases how the solution solved a problem for the end customer.
Fx. labor shortage in this story: https://rocketfarm.no/case-stories/cobot-palletizer-solving-labor-struggles/
Efficiency and costs here: https://rocketfarm.no/case-stories/the-ur-cobots-makes-no-mistakes/
Futureproofing the end-of-line: https://rocketfarm.no/case-stories/how-pally-increased-palletizing-performance-with-30-at-nortura/
The stories don’t need to be long and windy. Short and precise is better. 300–500 words should generally be good for the story, but any length is good as long as it’s relevant.
Include a quote from the end customer and a quote from yourself (including a photo). (Your quote should support the story)
Align with the end-user during the sales process if you can take photos and videos and use their case in your marketing (it is well worth it, even if they want a discount).
Don’t be afraid to write end-customer quotes that support the story you want to tell. Just be sure to get their approval beforehand. Usually, they’ll agree.
If you have permission to use the content (the pictures and quotes), we will happily help you finalize your case story. We can help with a thorough review, finding the right angle to the story, or help with the actual writing. If this is something you think we can help you with, our only ask is that we also get to publish the story on our webpage and share it through our various socials.
Please reach out directly to martin@rocketfarm.no if you would like our help with a potential case story.