5 Reasons to Create a White Paper

Your content marketing strategy likely already contains pieces like social media posts, blog posts, email funnels, and the like. You might even go an extra step by creating eBooks or infographics. However, one of the most underrated pieces of content you can create for your business is a white paper. While it might take a little more effort than some other content creation, white paper writing can be a vital addition to your overall marketing strategy.

If you’re looking for a white paper definition, it’s essentially an authoritative report that gives information on an issue that’s important to your audience. Want to know more about why you should create a white paper? We’ve got you covered.

1. They’re Incredible Tools for Lead Generation

First and foremost, white papers can be awesome tools when you’re trying to generate new leads. By covering a topic that is important to your target audience and incorporating relevant keywords, you can give yourself a better chance to show up on users’ search pages and, in turn, increase your SEO performance. On top of that, according to a 2017 survey from DemandGen, more than 75% of buyers were willing to share personal information to access a white paper, which leads us into our next point!

2. They Can Help You Build Your Mailing List

Many companies choose to include a lead generation form before allowing access to their white paper. Often, this form can be as simple as gathering a person’s name and email address. As noted in the survey linked in the last point, more buyers were willing to give their information to obtain a white paper rather than an eBook. This method is one of the quickest ways to capture the attention of your audience both in the moment and in the future.

3. They Can Prove Your Business as a Thought Leader

Chances are that your company is not the only one offering your specific product or service. If you really want to stand out, producing unique long-form content is a great way to prove that you have a new and fresh approach to your field. Even if you’re using information that others might already have, you can put the data together in an innovative way, helping you to prove that your company is an authority in your industry.

4. They Can Help You Spread Original Research

Doing your own research is definitely not necessary when it comes to writing a white paper. However, if you have done your own research, a white paper is an incredible way to spread that information. Raw data often doesn’t lend itself well to a blog post or social media update since it’s usually not concise or flashy. However, putting it in a white paper lets you get the word out, prove you’re going the extra mile, and give your findings the attention they deserve.

5. They Set You Apart from the Competition

It’s no secret that not every company is creating white papers. Your dedication to doing so is one of the most effective ways to stand out, particularly if your field is heavily saturated. According to AlterraGroup, only about two-thirds of B2B marketers reported creating white papers and eBooks. There’s a huge portion of businesses who are missing this opportunity, and you can capture the audiences they’re missing out on.

If you want to maximize brand exposure, set yourself apart from your competitors, and prove yourself as an industry thought leader, this content method could be just the answer. If you’re intimidated by the process of writing your own white paper, you might consider hiring white paper writers instead. WriterArmy employs a talented and passionate team of writers who can help you spread the word about your business in a thoughtful and effective way. Contact us today to get a free quote!