Posts Tagged ‘white papers’
White paper writer tip #1: Stop selling
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?…
Read MoreWhite paper writer tip #2: Build an argument
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…
Read MoreWhite papers and… George Carlin?
George Carlin was the last person you’d expect to have anything to say about white papers. The trail-blazing American comic was better known for his profane and cutting social criticism. But I’ve discovered a strong link between one of the comic’s lifelong preoccupations and B2B content writing. Who was George Carlin? Any Baby Boomer likely…
Read MoreWhite papers and… the 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…
Read MoreWhite 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…
Read MoreWhite papers and… renovating a bathroom?!
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…
Read MoreWhite paper writer tip #3: Plan your work
Remember the old chestnut to “plan your work, and work your plan?” That certainly applies to white paper writers. Why? Just consider most other professions. Does a surgeon go into the operating room—without reviewing the patient’s chart? Does a golfer tee up his first drive in the U.S. Open—without playing a few rounds on the…
Read MoreHow to get hired to write a white paper
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…
Read MoreMarketers: To get more from your white papers, repurpose
So you’ve hired a B2B copywriter to create a white paper for your firm. How can you get more from your investment? Simple: Repurpose your white paper into multiple formats. Having essentially the same material available in different formats gives your company more “kicks at the can.” In other words, more chances to engage prospects.…
Read MoreThe best of That White Paper Guy
Looking for tips and tricks on white papers? Let’s review some of the free resources available from That White Paper Guy. An infographic, an FAQ about white papers, recommended books, close to 100 easy-to-search articles, our LinkedIn group, and even a crash course in writing B2B content — we’ve got plenty for you to explore. Download our white paper infographic…
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