Getting Started
So you have to write a white paper…
Got a white paper project on your hands? But you’re not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick-start guide that explains all the basics, and points to some handy resources to help you avoid the most common pitfalls. Why go back to basics now? We’ve covered some advanced topics recently, so we wanted to change…
Read More12 steps to great white paper project management
A white paper project is a complex undertaking, with many moving parts. Here are 12 steps to an effective white paper project. We created each of these steps after going through a painful experience with a white paper that went off the rails A few were never even completed, despite my best efforts. So consider…
Read More8 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…
Read MoreWhite papers and… the polar vortex?!
If you live in the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest or Canada, 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 some notable…
Read MoreWhat’s a good topic for a white paper?
I get that question a lot. One good answer is, “anything that’s hot right now.” And that hot topic should refer to something that’s relatively new, relatively complex, and relatively expensive. This rule explains why I recently heard from four eight 13 16 24 prospects launching new cryptocurrencies—something like Bitcoin. What makes cryptocurrencies so hot? …
Read MoreRepurposing: Your secret marketing weapon
I’ve worked on white papers, and I have a secret: Less than 1% of those white papers was ever repurposed. Only a tiny handful of my clients, large and small, ever thought about repurposing. And usually only when I mentioned it. A secret weapon for marketing That means repurposing can be a secret weapon for any B2B…
Read More10 tips on writing from Alexander Green
Last fall I had the pleasure of attending the AWAI 2016 Bootcamp in southern Florida. What a fantastic event! What’s not to like about a meet-up of 450 writers in an ocean-side town that has October temperatures reaching almost 90 degrees? The opening keynote speaker Alexander Green provided many inspiring tips on writing. If you’ve never heard of him,…
Read MoreHow writing a white paper is like attending a dinner party
Imagine you’re invited to a dinner party with your boss. Think of your current white paper client as “your boss.” You arrive late, make a quick apology and take your seat. The others are already engaged in a deep discussion that sounds interesting and important. You think, “I need to say something impressive soon. After all,…
Read MoreHow to handle the 4 types of comments on white papers
Dealing with comments can be challenging. This excellent article from copywriting legend Bob Bly describes how to recognize and handle the different types of comments from clients. Comments on draft white papers fall into one of four categories. This is my view after 37 years as a professional copywriter. During that time, I’ve written white papers and many other…
Read MoreThe #1 mistake B2B copywriters make
What’s the #1 mistake B2B copywriters make? How can they avoid this mistake or fix it? We asked eight accomplished copywriters these questions. Here’s what they told us. Mistake #1: Not learning the craft “A common mistake? Hanging out their shingles too soon,” says Gordon Graham, also known as That White Paper Guy. “Lots of beginners…
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