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White paper writer tip #1: Stop selling

Sleazy salesperson with three silly claims

You must avoid the #1 problem with this format: Too much selling The solution is simple: Stop writing sales pitches and calling them white papers. Sponsors, recognize the danger of inserting a sales pitch into a white paper. Stop pressuring your writers to include them. Stop shooting yourself in the foot! What’s the problem with selling?…

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White paper writer tip #2: Build an argument

head of Aristotle on ancient Greek coin

Every white paper writer must learn how to build a coherent argument. Without one, your white papers won’t convince anyone of anything. But a white paper that presents a strong argument can be right on the money. It can generate great results for years running. The question is, what makes a good argument? And how do…

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White papers and… the polar vortex?!

photo of Niagara Falls frozen by polar vortex

If you live in the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest or Canada, in 2018-19 you probably experienced a tough winter. Snow fell like crazy and the temperatures plummeted. Cars didn’t start, flights and trains were cancelled, meetings were postponed. Even mail wasn’t delivered in some places. Niagara Falls froze over, as shown above. That’s rare. And…

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White paper writer tip #4: Think visually

To create an effective white paper today, text alone doesn’t cut it. Every white paper writer must be able to imagine powerful graphics to help tell their client’s story.  Why? Because white papers are getting brighter, bolder, and more colorful. Great pictures and graphics are a must-have. For best results, you must learn how to dream up images that communicate your key points at a…

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White papers and… renovating a bathroom?!

Bathroom renovation mess

Have you ever renovated a bathroom? I’m not talking about a new shower curtain.  I’m talking about a rip-and-replace.  That means tearing out everything down to the studs, hacking out the old plumbing, ripping up the old wiring; redoing the ceiling, walls, and floor; replacing the vanity, tub, toilet…  And I’m in the middle of…

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8 reasons to hire a white paper writer who knows your industry

Some say the best white paper writers are generalists who can write about any topic under the sun. They’ll say they can sift through what’s important and what’s not and explain things in a reader-friendly way. That White Paper Guy (Gordon Graham) is a generalist who has written on dozens of topics. But someone with…

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How to get hired to write a white paper

businessman holding money and a clock

Are you looking for work as a white paper writer? Think about this from your client’s point of view.  Why should they hire you? Your answer can help you create your ideal customer avatar or persona… and land more business. In fact, most white paper clients have to consider three basic trade-offs: Time or money Writing experience or domain knowledge Full-service or text-only Knowing where…

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When NOT to use a white paper

I believe white papers are the most powerful form of content any B2B company can produce. But there are times when using a white paper may not be the best choice to reach an audience.  Whether you’re a white paper copywriter or a B2B marketer, remember that a white paper may not work well in any of these situations:…

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