Whitepapers are a tool that can be used to great effect by companies hoping to influence prospective customers and partners. whitepapers can be used to promote products and services, draw attention to new views, or recommend solutions to problems in business.
Unfortunately, whitepapers often fail to reach their full potential, simply because they are not written well. With that in mind, here are seven rules to produce excellent whitepapers.
1. Choose a topic that is interesting to your readers.
Ask yourself, who am I trying to reach with this? After answering that, decide on an issue that is relevant to them. Maybe you will provide a solution to a common problem that they face. Give your readers useful information that shows them how you can help.
2. Don’t write a sales pitch.
While you are probably promoting your service or product in your whitepaper, do not make it an advertisement for your business. Your aim should be to create an image of expertise in your field and value to your readers. They may buy from you later, or they might not. You should focus on filling your whitepaper with valuable information.
3. Choose a great title and intro.
The title is the first thing people will see of your whitepaper, and if it isn’t interesting, they won’t click on it. The introduction is the first thing people will read, and you need to ensnare so they keep reading.
4. Plan it out.
Write an outline with the goals and points of your paper in mind. Then proceed to write it following the outline. This will ensure a coherent message is delivered to the reader.
5. Write professionally, but also conversationally.
Your paper should show the knowledge you have in your field, while also being easy to read. You want to write in a helpful and friendly tone while keeping in mind that you are not on Twitter.
6. Proofread and edit it.
Read through your draft (or better yet, get someone else to) and make sure that there are no misspellings or grammatical errors. Make sure you are choosing the best words, and there are no awkward phrases or sentences.
7. Promote it.
Once you are finished writing, you need to get your paper in front of everyone who would be interested in it. Post links to the whitepaper on your blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, and LinkedIn groups. Send out a newsletter and a press release. Don’t let your work go to waste.
You can use whitepapers to great effect to increase your company’s credibility. Follow these instructions to make sure your whitepapers reach their full potential and generate interest in your services or products.
If you are in need of whitepaper writing, publishing, or marketing services, we can help. Contact OnlineWhitepapers.com today to get you well on your way to having an excellent and engaging whitepaper.
