White papers are informational documents used by businesses to pass information about a topic or share ideas to an intended audience. They serve different purposes, like pitching sales or introducing new concepts. White papers can also be used to generate leads for a product or service.
If you run a business, writing a white paper might come in handy someday. Customers will often need to have information about your product or service. Writing white papers may not be simple, but with the right tips, it can be possible. So read on.
Writing white papers: 10 Things I wish I’d known earlier
People tend to make mistakes when writing white papers due to ignorance. But such mistakes can always be fixed. Below are ten things I have learned that you should remember before writing a white paper.
- Pick your topic
You have to decide on a topic before writing a white paper. While picking a topic, consider these questions:
- Do consumers need to know more about a crucial aspect of your industry that they may not be familiar with?
- What topics are you qualified to write about that would interest your peers in the sector?
- Are there any remarkable accomplishments your team can highlight that others could copy?
Whatever topic you select, ensure you have enough knowledge about it.
- Consider your audience
Always keep your target audience in mind when writing a white paper and even when choosing a topic. Your target audience is the people you will market your white paper to. Before writing your white paper, ask yourself these questions:
- Who is your white paper intended for?
- What issues can you assist them with?
- What useful information can you offer?
- How are you expecting them to respond?
- Conduct adequate research
To get factual information for your white paper, you must conduct research. Some reliable sources for research include journals, reports, interviews, and other white papers. This makes your product or service more credible.
Always remember to fact-check afterward. Fact-checking will ensure the credibility of your work. It is possible that you might have gotten inaccurate information from a source.
- Create an outline
To know how to structure a white paper, you need to understand the importance of an outline. An outline serves as a guide to follow when you begin writing the content of your white paper. A basic structure of a white paper should include:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Subheadings
- Footnotes/Sources
- Conclusion
Having a good white paper structure guarantees a smooth and fast writing process.
- Select a good title and introduction
Selecting any title for your white paper is not enough—you need to choose an interesting one. Make sure your title is eye-catching and grabs the audience’s attention. Your introduction should also be inviting and concise and may be referenced in the white paper conclusion.
- Make use of subheadings
Subheadings indicate important white paper sections, making your work look neat and organized. They introduce your white paper topics and will help your audience highlight specific areas. It also helps with the retention of information and for subsequent research.
- Avoid marketing language
White papers are written to persuade readers with their content. However, marketing language should not be heavily relied upon while writing one. Instead, balance engaging the reader’s emotions with logical and objective information.
- Consider design
One great way to enhance your white paper is by employing engaging design elements. Images, charts, graphs, and colors can be used to support the content of your white paper. This makes it easier for your audience to read and understand.
- Proofread and edit
Proofreading and editing are important in any kind of writing. After writing a white paper, it is important to look for errors and typos that can ruin your work. You can hire a professional to help you spot and correct mistakes or errors which may be present.
- Know the difference between white papers and other formats
Fundamentally, knowing how an academic white paper differs from other kinds of writing is important. For example, the differences when comparing white paper vs. research paper. Also, formats like ebooks may have some similarities but differ in length and structure.
Conclusion
White papers are a great way to pass vital information and communicate with an audience. Despite how effective they are to businesses, many people find it difficult to write a good white paper. After reading this article, however, writing an impressive white paper should be the least of your worries.
