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

Tips

Smart advice about white papers and copyrights

white papers and copyrights

There are many misunderstandings about white papers and copyrights. When organizations develop white papers, they may want to include information they’ve seen in another publication or online. However, doing so may involve breaking the law. About copyright law Which law? Copyright law. Unless they obtained specific permission from the creators of the publication or website, … Read more

Should white papers quote experts for powerful insight?

white papers quote experts like this scientist

White papers quote experts for many reasons and doing so is often a good idea. There are a number of advantages to quoting experts in your white papers, including these: White papers quote experts internal and external You may have subject matter experts (SMEs) within your organization and quoting them within your white paper is … Read more

4 main types of white papers you can use to connect more powerfully with important audiences

blocks representing types of white papers

There are several types of white papers companies may use as part of their marketing communications efforts. While the potential types of white papers are limited only by the creativity of those who develop them, most will fall into one of the following four categories. 1. Types of white papers for background information Some white … 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

Proofreading white papers: 9 practical tips

proofreading white papers

Proofreading white papers doesn’t sound like fun, but it is critically important for companies that use white papers to educate and inform their prospects, customers, or other stakeholders. When errors, typos, and similar problems appear in white papers, they undermine the image of authority and expertise the organization producing the white paper hopes to create. … Read more

Features and benefits: what’s the big difference and why?

features and benefits

Features and benefits are the cause of some confusion when writing white papers. While many people believe the two words describe the same things, there’s actually a significant difference between the two. It’s important for marketers and salespeople to understand that difference, because one of the two is much more powerful than the other. Features … Read more

It’s never okay to use plagiarism in white papers

what happens when you plagiarism in white papers

Plagiarism in white papers is a topic that raises questions now and again. When people are developing white papers for their companies, they often find great source material in white papers from other companies, from competitors’ blog posts, and a quick Google search. What plagiarism in white papers involves It’s okay to use the materials … Read more