How to Write a White Paper

The term white paper began when governments both in the United Kingdom and the United States started using it to refer to papers that explained policies. Today white papers are used for more commercial reasons. This form of marketing communication will promote businesses products providing information about the benefits that will either solve a problem or introduce a new idea. If done correctly, white papers will produce sales leads and teach customers about the product presented.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Word processing software able to convert to PDF
• Grammar and spell checker software

Instructions

1. Choose the subject matter that will be covered in the white paper. Since it is a marketing tool the subject will either be service oriented, a product or an idea.

2. Choose the problem or need that will be covered in the paper. White papers are a combination of a persuasive essay with the information and entertainment value of a magazine article. It is the writer’s job to convey the information in such a manner that it doesn’t come off as a hard sell. By choosing a problem or need and presenting it upfront the reader's interest may be peaked, and it will be more informative and result in a more soft sell approach.

3. Know the type of customers that will be most interested in the white paper. As a writer it is important to know who the core consumers are that will need the product or information. This will allow communication to be focused to the needs of that group. Providing information that may not be necessary to readers of the white paper could result in it going in the trash rather than being acted upon by customers.

4. Write the white paper. Provide customers with useful information to solve the problem or need while not over emphasizing the business or product. This will result in readers that will find the paper useful enough to keep and possibly provide the sales that the writer desires.

5. Choose a title. Grab the attention of readers quickly or run the risk of them choosing another source for their information. A title that will peak the interest of readers will convey what can be expected to be learned from the paper concisely. A well-written title also contains actions words such as improving and generating. Adding numbers in a title is also a useful method to get readers attention such as “5 Steps To Generating Increased Sales.”

Tips & Warnings

• Check grammar and spelling before converting document to PDF.

• Check with the business that the white paper is for to ensure that it meets their criteria before publishing.