White Paper Writing
10 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 haven’t heard of him…
Read MoreThe best of That White Paper Guy in 2016 (for marketers)
2016 was a busy and productive year for all of us at That White Paper Guy. We wrote white papers on everything from self-driving cars to post-surgical infections, getting close to a company total of 250 projects. And we continued to shared lots of tips on how to create successful white papers of your own. This website:…
Read MoreThe best of That White Paper Guy in 2016 (for writers)
2016 was a busy and productive year for all of us at That White Paper Guy. We wrote white papers on everything from self-driving cars to post-surgical infections, getting close to a company total of 250. And we continued to shared lots of tips on how to create successful white papers of your own. This website: bigger…
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…
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 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 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 a good argument? And how…
Read MoreWhite paper writer tip #1: Stop selling
Every white paper writer must avoid the #1 problem with white papers: Too much selling. The solution is simple: Stop writing sales pitches and calling them white papers. White paper sponsors must 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…
Read MoreHow white paper writers can use high-priced sources
To be an effective white paper writer, you must find good sources to back up your argument. But what if you locate what seems like a great source, but you can’t afford to access it? What if you find a market study with a price tag of $4,995? Or a promising article you can’t download without subscribing to an…
Read More