Last Updated on September 16, 2022
A white paper is a written piece of information with a purpose. While it doesn’t contain direct commercial interests, the purpose of a white paper is to present a particular point of view about a certain topic. While some are published in trade magazines, conference proceedings, and other literature, white papers have no commercial interest per se. Rather, they serve as a sales and marketing document that highlights a company’s expertise.
Writing a white paper is a serious investment of time and resources
While writing a white paper requires significant time and resources, the end result can be worth it. The right white paper can generate substantial leads for your business. In addition to generating leads, your white paper can also boost your credibility. But beware of the downsides. Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your white paper. First of all, don’t skimp on research. If your white paper is too technical, it might end up sounding like a slog to your readers. Second, it’s more likely to be ignored by the audience.
Secondly, it’s important to decide on the audience you’re writing for. Your audience isn’t just your colleagues. Your target audience may also be your peers or people unfamiliar with your subject. Identifying who your audience is will help you choose the right tone of voice and appropriate jargon. It will also narrow down the scope of your research. Third, your white paper should be logically sound, supported with relevant stats and examples.
Next, the white paper should start with a challenge or problem. This will help grab the audience’s attention. Then, provide details and statistics, citing sources whenever possible. Finally, present the solution or service that you’re presenting. The solution should tie back to the problem. The more specific the solution, the more credibility you’ll gain. A white paper with a solution provides your audience with a solution to a problem that they are grappling with.
It addresses a problem
The term “it addresses a problem in research” is used to describe a scientific inquiry. A problem is an issue that requires investigation and a clear statement of what needs to be improved or changed. This issue must have a practical or social impact and not be a broad research proposal. In addition, the research problem must be clearly defined to be easy to understand and explain to potential funders. This article will discuss the elements of a research problem.
It has a “ta-da” moment
In most professional settings, the big reveal is a great entertainment experience, but not in the world of research. The business world is different. Business executives don’t like to be surprised. Often, a big reveal will disappoint the boss. Likewise, the boss will not appreciate the final product if it’s not what he expected. It is best to avoid big reveal scenes, especially in the business world.
It builds trust with your audience
While social media and short blogs can be effective content marketing tools, white papers build authority and credibility with your audience. They are also an excellent way to establish your company as a thought leader and make a convincing business case. Here are some strategies to make use of white papers in research:
Using relevant statistics and facts. If possible, use the most recent data available. Statistics that are outdated or not based on the latest research will decrease the audience’s trust. Include a call to action in your white paper. Make sure to include a link to your website or your products. If your white paper is purely promotional, include the call to action. That way, your audience can decide whether to trust you or not.
Providing value to your audience. White papers build trust with your audience by demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in a given area. A quality white paper will help your company build a relationship with potential customers and drive sales. Research shows that more than 50% of respondents read white papers before making a purchase decision. This shows that consumers are prone to buying from vendors they can trust. That’s good news for businesses.
Using interactive content. Interactive content engages your audience and makes it more compelling to read. Use questions to make your white paper more interesting for your audience. For a more interactive white paper, incorporate multimedia elements like video or audio. If you’re writing for an audience on the go, try adding some interactive features. For instance, you can use scroll-based animations. This can make your white paper light and more engaging.
About The Author
Alison Sowle is the typical tv guru. With a social media evangelist background, she knows how to get her message out there. However, she's also an introvert at heart and loves nothing more than writing for hours on end. She's a passionate creator who takes great joy in learning about new cultures - especially when it comes to beer!