Learn about writing a White Paper
What is a White Paper? Here’s the long story on Wikipedia and Stelzner.
And here’s mine (the commercial type if you’re wondering):
What is a White Paper?
- A Pervasive Document to: (i) Describe Problem, and (ii) Propose How to Solve Problem
- Is Objective and Educational in nature
- Purpose is to (i) Establish Thought Leadership, and (ii) Generate Sales Leads
- Ultimately to Help People Make Decisions!
Characteristics of a typical White Paper
- Four (4) Types: (i) Technical – target engineers, (ii) Business Benefits – target decision makers, (iii) Hybrid – technical + business benefits, typically for lead generation, and (iv) Government – target government decision makers.
- Usually seen as a in-between of Magazine and Academic Paper
Tips for writing a White Paper
- Address Problem, Challenges, Needs
- 5 to 12 pages
- Education a top priority
- Avoid direct selling
- Say Benefits, not Features
- Avoid humor
