Summary: A white paper is a certain type of report that is distinctive in terms of purpose, audience, and organization. This resource will explain these issues and provide some other tips to enhance white paper content.
What does writing a white paper mean?
A white paper, also written as “whitepaper”, is
an informational document
usually issued by a company or not-for-profit organization to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service that it offers or plans to offer.
What is a white paper example?
A white paper is
an in-depth report or guide about a specific topic and the problems that surround it
. … The term “white papers” originated in England as government-issued documents. One famous example is the Churchill White Paper, commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1922.
How do you start a white paper?
- Have a topic people will want to read. …
- Be descriptive and professional. …
- Set up a great intro. …
- Emphasize the value you will create. …
- Organize your draft. …
- Write first, edit second. …
- Proofread. …
- Follow up with how you can help.
Are white papers still relevant?
Since they are well-researched and authoritative, whitepapers make great incentives for users to convert to potential customers or clients on your website. … So, yes,
whitepapers are still useful
and will absolutely be so in the future.
What should a white paper include?
White papers should
identify and address a particular problem
. The problem should be relevant and timely in your field. The document may focus on issues such as common dilemmas, new trends, changing techniques, industry comparison, etc.
What is the difference between a white paper and a green paper?
WHITE PAPERS are issued by the Government as statements of policy, and often set out proposals for legislative changes, which may be debated before a Bill is introduced. Some White Papers may invite comments.
GREEN PAPERS set out for discussion
, proposals which are still at a formative stage.
What is the difference between a brochure and a white paper?
Brochures are generally colorful, flashy, and filled with promises, using copywriting and advertising techniques. White papers, on the other hand, are
persuasive essays about a certain B2B product, service, technology, methodology, or new solution to an old problem
.
How do you format a white paper?
- Step 1: Craft an engaging headline. …
- Step 2: Formulate your introduction. …
- Step 3: Write each subsection based on outline and research. …
- Step 4: Determine any images you'll need. …
- Step 5: Review and edit (both for content and style)
How long is a typical white paper?
Today's typical white paper is
six to eight pages long
, a little shorter than in past years. Consider the format. The typical white paper looks more appealing than a technical manual yet not as slick as a brochure. White papers are typically distributed as a PDF on the web.
How long does a white paper have to be?
White papers are usually PDF downloads of
3,000 to 5,000 words
. A good white paper is based on established facts and logical arguments, like a well-researched article in an industry journal. A white paper generally takes 4 to 6 weeks of intense effort by a group of people.
Is white paper one or two words?
White paper is more widely used
and it has strong documentation to back it up. At the end of the day, white paper is the safer choice. You won't be wrong for choosing to use the space-separated version. When it comes down to it, whitepaper is an acceptable preference at best, while white paper is the standard.
Why do white papers fail?
They may have
had internal conflicts over objective
, scope or audience that arose after development of the white paper had begun. Or they may have chosen the wrong writer. Choosing the wrong writer is another common cause of white paper failure.
Who needs whitepapers?
Any B2B vendor selling anything relatively new, complex or expensive
could benefit from a white paper. Whether you're selling a product, a service, a technology, or a methodology, you still need one.
Where can I find white papers?
| Source Acceptable? Notes | Trade magazines Yes Best published in the last five years | Websites Sometimes Make sure they're credible | White papers from other organizations Yes The more recognized the source, the better |
|---|
What's the difference between white paper and article?
The difference between an article and a whitepaper mainly
boils down to length and level of detail
. An article is supposed to provide an overview of a topic and is usually a page or two. A whitepaper is longer and covers a topic in more detail. It gives an in-depth view, and can often include more research.
