20 Easy Ways to Write Better for Business: Bits of wisdom from a copywriter — now available instantly on Kindle!

Scott Flood

5 questions to determine whether you need white papers

woman wondering about white papers

White papers are a powerful tool for marketing, communications, and education, but you may have wondered whether white papers are right for your organization. If you can answer “yes” to any of these five questions, it’s likely white papers can help you … and the more “yes” answers you provide, the more likely white papers … Read more

Here’s why your team shouldn’t write white papers

write white papers together

Choosing your internal team to write white papers may seem like an obvious choice, given their familiarity with the information in those white papers, but there are many reasons to look elsewhere for help. Non-writers shouldn’t write white papers Your team members may be skilled writers, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be effective at articulating … Read more

Smart reasons why you should never use blatant promotion in white papers

promoting white papers in your newsletter

White papers are one of the most powerful tools available for marketing communications … but only when they are used correctly. One of the biggest mistakes companies make with white papers is making them too overtly promotional. White papers aren’t ads Companies that create white papers that are blatantly promotional typically mistake white papers for … Read more

Why marketing data and numbers often fail to convince

marketing data and numbers

When it comes to developing marketing and educational messages, many businesspeople and professionals find comfort in numbers. It’s easy to see why, given that numbers are definitive and absolute, without any wiggle room. Sixteen of something is sixteen. $4,863,387.17 is an exact amount of revenue. A specification of 0.0961 inches leaves no room for error. … Read more

How complex supply chains and white papers work together

case studies

Complex supply chains and white papers are a natural combination, because a single white paper can simultaneously share key messages and advantages with several audiences. As an example, let’s say your company makes replacement gaskets for auto and truck engines. Your direct customers are parts distributors who stock products from manufacturers and sell them to … Read more

3 reasons white paper subheads improve readership and navigation

white paper subheads and navigation

White paper subheads offer a powerful way to increase readership of your white papers and build understanding of the subject matter you wish to convey. White paper subheads support navigation One of the realities of today’s information overload is that people don’t want to spend extra time combing through information that isn’t important to them. … Read more

Direct mail in a digital age

direct mail love

If you’re looking for a better way to get the attention of customers and prospects in this technology-saturated environment, it’s worth taking a look at a channel that was developed in the early 20th century. Many of today’s marketers may dismiss direct mail as a quaint relic, but it remains surprisingly powerful even in an … Read more

5 fantastic ways to use white papers and videos together

white papers and videos

White papers and videos are powerful strategic partners, with each offering opportunities for supporting and strengthening the other. The opportunities for using them together are limited only by your imagination, but here are five particularly effective techniques for you to consider. 1. White papers and videos can build website traffic People who read your white … Read more

Use slow times for a marketing makeover

marketing makeover

Looking for a good way to use those inevitable slow times in your business? Consider tidying up your website and other marketing materials, then toss the obsolete trash. Rarely do I find websites that wouldn’t benefit from a bit of housecleaning. Some are the static sites that are just the same as when they were … Read more