ILLUMINATION
The 3 Types of White Papers
How to Choose the Right One for Your Company
In The Ultimate Guide to White Papers, I gave you an overview of the king of content. I also showed you how to use them to educate people about your products or services, announce a new product or service, or persuade customers to buy a product or service.
There are three main types of white papers: problem-solution, numbered list, and product backgrounder. This article will discuss each type in detail and give tips on choosing the right one for your company.
Problem-Solving White Papers
If you’re in the business-to-business (B2B) world, then you know that selling your products or services to as many customers as possible is the name of the game. But what if there was a more effective way to approach B2B sales? Instead of trying to sell to as many people as possible, what if you focused on solving specific problems that your target B2B customers face?
This is where problem-solving white papers come in. These documents focus on a specific issue and offer a detailed solution. They also explain how your product or service can help to address the problem. By taking this targeted approach, you can more effectively engage with potential customers and show them the value of your offering.
In addition, problem-solving white papers are best for prospective B2B customers at the top of the sales funnel.
Product Background White Papers
This type of white paper provides an excellent way for your customers to get an in-depth look at your business’s specific product or service. They also provide an overview of the features and benefits of the product or service and how you can use it in different situations.
In addition, Product Background White Papers can help you understand the competition and how your product or service stacks up. Suppose you’re looking for a more comprehensive understanding of your product or service. In that case, a Product Background White Paper is a great resource.
Numbered List White Papers
A numbered list White Paper is a light and festive read that’s easy to digest. This white paper contains tips, questions, or points exploring a specific business issue. It’s the easiest one to create and great for quick content to publish online or in an e-newsletter. You can use this type to grab attention with a provocative take on some issue.
For example, you could do a “Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Vacation” or “5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Planner.” Numbered lists are also great for helpful tips or advice, like “3 Ways to Ace Your Next Job Interview” or “10 Tips for Getting Out of Debt.”
How to Choose the Right One for Your Company
Now that you know the three types of white papers, how do you choose the right one for your company? It depends on your goals and objectives.
- A product backgrounder will be the best choice if you want to educate potential customers about your products or services.
- A problem-solving white paper would be more effective if you’re trying to solve a specific problem your target customers face.
- A numbered list would be the way to go if you’re looking for a light and easy read that’s still informative.
No matter which type of white paper you choose, ensure it is well-written and engaging.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure what kind of white paper would be best for your company, the best place to start is by thinking about the problem you want to solve or the product you wish to promote. Once you have a clear idea of your goal, you can narrow your search for the perfect white paper.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing a white paper, but taking the time to define your goals clearly will help ensure that you select the type best suited for your needs.
Have you tried creating a white paper for your business? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below.
Aaron Meaders is a content marketer and white paper writer. Aaron’s experience in writing shines through in his collections of articles on leadership and mental health.
Aaron is certified through HubSpot Academy in Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and Search Engine Optimization. He studies Gordon “That White Paper Guy” Graham’s strategies of writing white papers and is in the process of completing various programs through the American Writers & Artists Institute.
Aaron lives and works out of his home in the “Richest Hill on Earth”, Butte Montana. He spends most of his free time with his son and fiancé. Aaron is a lifelong Science Fiction nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as history, government, and politics. He also roasts his own coffee and is a fountain pen connoisseur.
If you like what you’re reading, CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE! That way you can be notified whenever I post a new article!
Thanks for your support!
