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Blog Marketing How To Write & Format a White Paper [Tips & Templates]

How To Write & Format a White Paper [Tips & Templates]

Written by: Chau Nguyen Jun 28, 2023

Okay, so you’re working on a white paper. That’s great! The thing is, attention spans are goldfish-level short these days.

People are busy, and dense text can be hard to get through. Even if your white paper has valuable information, a lot of text might make it difficult for readers to absorb everything.

That’s why I’m here to help! In this article, I will help you craft an engaging white paper using Venngage’s white paper maker . Discover tips for keeping it interesting, using visuals (spoiler alert: they’re key!) and even snag some white paper templates to kickstart your project!

Let’s get started!

Click to jump ahead:

How to write a white paper

How to structure a white paper, how to create a white paper outline, tips for designing an engaging white paper, faqs about white paper writing.

Before making your white paper engaging, you first need to make it informative and credible, similar to following an article writing format . After all, it’s an important document to establish you as a thought leader in your industry.

Here are some guidelines to ensure the quality of your white paper:

Research your audience and topic well

Think about who will be reading your white paper. Are they actually experiencing the problem you’re trying to solve? Will your solution work for them? How much information will they need to be persuaded?

White papers are authoritative in nature, so people expect them to come with meaningful data from credible sources. Make sure you research your audience and your topic well to know how much data you need to make your case. Understanding how to write an article review can also help you critically evaluate sources and determine the credibility of the data you include.

If your data comes from primary research, you can include your methodology as well for transparency and credibility:

Once you’ve nailed your research and solution, time to deliver all that information the best way you can. The language you use here must be the same as your audience’s: think of all the words and phrases they use often and try to incorporate them into your white paper writing.

You should also consider how people will read your paper — on desktop, on tablet or on mobile.

Mobile accounts for about 50% of global website traffic , reaching nearly 60% in Q2 2022. 

Unless you have enough resources to create a responsive white paper ( like this one! ), you should make sure your document is legible on mobile. This means breaking up your paragraphs into smaller chunks of text and adding plenty of visuals so it’s easier on the eye:

I’ll touch on more tips to make your white paper engaging in the next section, so stay tuned!

Make sure people can scan your content

And to do that, you should break up your text with headings and subheadings. This helps keep your white paper organized and allows your reader to scan through the information easily.

You should also add a Table of Contents after the title page to help readers navigate your paper. Or in this case, the Table of Contents sits right on the first page:

Keep it succinct and to the point

There’s no standard length for this type of content, but a good rule of thumb is to write a white paper that’s around six pages. This should be enough space to do justice to your research and data, without overwhelming your readers.

Plus, it’s always good to be mindful of your audience’s time when creating any type of content.

As white papers ‌provide expertise or a solution to a problem, your audience should be willing to devote a good amount of time and attention to your content… but don’t push your luck!

No matter how interested a reader is in a topic, they’ll drop off eventually if you ramble instead of getting to the point. 

Most white papers follow a standard format that includes a:

Introduction

• Proposed solution

You may be wondering why there isn’t a problem statement section. After all, a white paper is supposed to dissect and provide solutions to a problem, yes?

Well, you can include the problem statement in the intro — intros explain what a white paper is about. This section is the perfect place to make a case for your white paper.

But of course, there’s no rigid format you should follow to a T. If it works better with your content, feel free to make your Problem Statement a separate section.

Now, let’s look at what you should write in each section with examples:

The title page is straightforward: it includes the title of your white paper and the name of the organization that produced it (or the author’s name).

This government white paper discusses the problem of illegal tobacco trade and proposes several approaches to address it: 

Just so you know, some of our templates are free to use and some require a small monthly fee.  Sign up  is always free, as is access to Venngage’s online drag-and-drop editor.

You can also include a sub-headline under the title to further explain what it’s about: 

The introduction should explain the purpose of the white paper and why the reader should care. It should be interesting (and informative) enough to hook the reader right away and keep them reading.

As mentioned, the introduction also contains your problem statement. In other words, it should provide an overview of the problem you’re trying to address. You don’t need to include too much information here, as that’s the role of the Background section.

Here’s an example:

The author introduces an overview of the problem — phishing scams — which is backed with visualized data that allows readers to grasp its impact at a glance:

Related :  How to Visualize Data In Your White Papers

Here’s where you provide background information about the problem you’re discussing. This section tends to be research- and data-heavy.

Let’s revisit our “Approaches to Battling the Illegal Tobacco Trade” white paper. Here’s what the Background section looks like:

The author provides a table that lists the countries where illegal tobacco trading is present, from the least problematic (less than 10% of the industry) to the most (40% and above).

The author also includes some background information on illicit tobacco products, all backed by data:

“Cigarettes account for over 90% by value of tobacco product sales. They are also the most illicitly traded form. Numerous bodies of research indicate that the illicit cigarette trades represents approximately 10%–12% of the total cigarette market — although this varies by country.”

And why illegal tobacco trade is problematic:

“Each year this translates to a loss of government revenues from US$40 to US$50 billion.”

Now, onto the proposed solution.

This could be a product, a service or a course of action. 

This government white paper addresses the sugar consumption crisis among children and proposes a policy to ban the sale of added-sugar products in schools:

Let’s look at another example. This technology white paper proposes a product as a solution: new technology that helps prevent falls in tilted chairs:

No matter what solution you propose, it should be well-supported with evidence. In the white paper above, the author presents elements that make their new technology the solution to fall prevention: 

Stuck for ideas on your tech white paper? Check out our awesome tech white paper templates to get your creative juices flowing.

The conclusion should summarize the main points of the paper and provide recommendations for next steps:

You can also add a call to action here, like “contact the author for more information”. Or if you’re writing a white paper to gather more leads, you can add some information about your business too: 

Note : white papers are academic in nature, so you should use reliable sources to back up your argument and include citations/references as needed.

You can follow these ten useful pointers when creating your white paper outline:

• Define your purpose : Clearly identify the objective of your white paper. Determine what problem you’re addressing or what information you’re providing to your audience.
• Research and gather information : Conduct thorough research on the topic to gather relevant data, statistics, case studies, or expert opinions. This will help you support your key points and strengthen your arguments.
• Develop an introduction : Begin your white paper with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and provides an overview of the topic. Clearly state the problem or opportunity you’re addressing and briefly outline your proposed solution.
• Organize main sections and subtopics : Identify the main sections that will structure your white paper. These sections should correspond to the key aspects or steps of your proposed solution. Break each section into subtopics that will be discussed in more detail.
• Provide supporting evidence : Within each section, present evidence, examples, and data to support your claims and validate your solution. Use clear and concise language to convey your points effectively.
• Include visuals and graphics : Visual elements such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or infographics can enhance the readability and understanding of your white paper. Incorporate relevant visuals where appropriate to illustrate complex concepts or data.
• Craft a conclusion : Summarize the main points discussed in the white paper and reiterate the proposed solution. Emphasize the benefits or value that readers can gain from implementing your recommendations.
• Add an executive summary : Write a concise executive summary at the beginning of your white paper, providing a brief overview of the entire document. This allows readers to quickly grasp the key points and decide if they want to read the full paper.
• Review and revise : After completing the initial draft, review and revise your white paper for clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness. Ensure that the information flows logically, the language is concise and engaging, and there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
• Format and finalize : Format your white paper to make it visually appealing and reader-friendly. Use appropriate headings, subheadings, fonts, and spacing. Consider adding a table of contents for easy navigation. Finally, proofread your document one last time before publishing or sharing it.

Let’s say you’re looking for a white paper on sugar consumption in children. Would you read this:

Needless to say, applying visuals and data visualizations to your white paper makes a big difference. And you don’t need to be a professional designer to do so. Let’s look at some tips for creating an engaging white paper design:

1. Use a white paper template

If you don’t have the design skills to organize your draft into a well-designed document full of visuals, using a template is the way to go.

Venngage offers dozens of  white paper templates  you can edit for your business.

To get started, simply  sign up for a free account , search for a white paper template and edit away.

To make it even easier for you, we’ve made a video walking you through editing a white paper template in Venngage. Check it out here:

2. Add data visualizations to your white papers

If you’ve got yourself some good data, don’t bury it under heaps of text. 

While everyone on your team is busy creating boring Word documents, you can be the creative genius that uses charts and pictograms to craft a visually engaging white paper.

The type of charts you use will depend on the type of data you’re visualizing. We have  a guide to picking what types of charts to use  that can help you there. 

You could use a line graph to show revenue  growth over time . Or you could use  pie charts  to show parts of a whole, like in this policy white paper example:

Pro tip: with our  online graph maker,  you can create better charts and graphs than the standard Excel charts. A plain old bar graph won’t do much to inspire anyone, but a creative chart that tells a story can. 

Pictograms  are also a creative and effective way to visualize statistical data. Take a look at the white paper example below. Pictograms act as visual aids to showcase key statistics and changes in the IT sector:

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. They say variety is the spice of life — and this saying applies to white papers, too! This business white paper design, for example, combines both bar graphs and pie charts:

For more tips on visualizing data for your white paper, check out our post:  How to Visualize Data In Your White Papers

3. Emphasize key points and takeaways with tables and text boxes

Visualizing information or data doesn’t mean just using graphs. When writing a white paper, you can also section off important pieces of information using tables and boxes.

In the white paper template below, the designers used a table to organize key points and takeaways from each main section:

Here’s another example of a white paper layout that uses a table to highlight some key statistics:

Breaking up lengths of text with boxes will help make your white paper easier to read, like in this example:

Which brings us to our next point…

4. Break up chunks of text with visuals

Visuals are perfect for illustrating ideas and emphasizing points.

Don’t be afraid to break up your text with visuals and create some breathing room in your white paper. You can even dedicate a whole page to pictures. Images give the eyes a rest and help reinforce information.

Take this white paper example — it dedicates a whole page to an evocative quote and photo:

Visual headers are also a great way to break up expanses of text while still having the visuals serve a purpose. You can create your own illustrations using icons — this can make for some fun and quirky headers, like in this workplace tech white paper:

5. Allow for plenty of white space on your pages

Speaking of giving your text some room to breathe, make sure you don’t crowd your pages with too much text or images.

Adding white space (or negative space) can help ensure your design isn’t too cluttered. 

Check out how this example uses plenty of white space on nearly every page. The result? An organized and modern white paper design:

6. Use a consistent design that reflects your white paper topic

When you’re designing a multi-page document like a white paper or a report, your pages should have a cohesive look and feel.

(Note: by using a consistent design for your white paper, you’ll achieve  unity  — one of the 13 basic  design principles .)

First, think of the themes reflected in your white paper. Is your white paper about social media engagement? Then using illustrations of birds (“tweeting”) or speech bubbles could work.

A white paper topic focused on establishing a sprint process could use race track visuals instead.

The hiring strategy white paper below uses greenery as the main design theme. Plants reflect the concept of growth associated with recruitment:

7. Incorporate your branding into your white paper design

To improve brand recognition, you need to have  consistent branding  across all marketing collateral. This not only helps your  marketing efforts  but also helps you maintain consistency in your internal and external comms.

Be sure to incorporate your  logo , brand color palettes and fonts into your white paper design.

For business users, Venngage’s  My Brand Kit  makes it easy to save your logos, brand color palettes and brand fonts for later. Then, you can easily apply them to your designs with one click. 

For example, you could change the colors of this white paper template… 

…to this: 

Try thinking of creative ways to incorporate your  branding . 

This white paper design, for instance, extends the use of its signature color beyond standard headers and icons. It actually applies a transparent color overlay to the images, adding a punch of color and reinforcing its brand palette in an unexpected way:

We have plenty more white paper design tips in our post on the top 20+ white paper examples you can use for your business. Or you could browse our business white paper templates selection to get started right away!

What is a white paper?

A white paper is a well-researched, in-depth report that discusses a problem and proposes a solution to that problem. Here’s an example:

Typically backed up with lots of data and persuasive, factual evidence, quality white papers address complex concepts or problems, making them essential for any content marketing strategy.

For more information on the origin of white papers (including why they’re called “white papers” in the first place!), read our post:  What is a White Paper? 15 White Paper Examples to Get Started .

What is the purpose of a white paper?

White papers often have original research to back them up, and take a strong stance on what needs to be done to solve a problem.

In other words, white papers advocate for the best solution to a particular problem, making them authoritative by nature. This makes sense given that they’re often used by the government, like in this example:

White papers are everywhere these days, and businesses use them for all sorts of things. But if you’re tackling a government white paper, these government white paper templates might be just what you need.

They’re still an authoritative source of information, but rather than just to inform or educate, white papers can also influence an audience’s decision-making process.

This marketing white paper , for example, aims to persuade businesses to market themselves effectively in order to attract talent:

Companies can also use white papers to show that their product or service can best solve their customers’ problems. Of course, they still need to back their claims with research and evidence.

A cyber security company could use this white paper to showcase their expertise and offerings in order to drum up more business.

Make sure your white paper is not only informative but also engaging!

Remember how the average human attention span has dropped to below that of a goldfish?

Even when a reader is interested in the topic of your white paper and plans to devote a good chunk of their time reading it, they may still bounce if your content is too dense (read: walls of text).

So make sure you think of your audience when you write your white paper and follow our design tips to keep them engaged.

And remember, you can create a professional, well-designed white paper using one of Venngage’s white paper templates. It’s free to get started!

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How to Write and Format a White Paper: The Definitive Guide

Table of Contents

What is a white paper, use and value, how to select a white paper topic:, white paper preparation, white paper format, final thoughts.

You’re ready to compile and share your company’s deep knowledge of your industry. A white paper seems like the perfect format. It’s a useful product that highlights your company’s expertise and a valuable marketing tool.

But how do you transform your knowledge into white paper content?

White papers are similar but distinct from business reports . In order to write a successful one, you need to understand the difference and include key elements. This article will help you decide if a white paper is right for you and how to prepare and produce one.

To write a white paper, thoroughly research a topic and propose a comprehensive solution in a well-structured, factual, and persuasive document.

A white paper should include: 1. Title (accurate but enticing) 2. Abstract (including the Problem Statement) 3. Background (may be detailed and technical or broad and high-level, depending on audience) 4. Solution (the ‘ta-da’ moment of the white paper) 5. Conclusion (the summary of findings) 6. References (using the correct industry format)

A white paper is an authoritative document intended to fully inform the reader about a particular topic. It combines expert knowledge and research into a document that argues for a specific solution or recommendation.

The white paper allows the reader to understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision.

White papers are data-centric, text-heavy business documents. Due to a large amount of data and research, white papers are deep reads and tend to have a formal tone.

Businesses write white papers both to record expertise and to market themselves to prospective customers.

White papers are generally written for an audience outside of the business. Therefore, they are a tool to attract readers to the company by offering top-quality industry knowledge.

However, a white paper is not a sales pitch. It sells the company by highlighting the internal expertise and valuable recommendations, not by bidding for business.

Sales Pitch: 8 Ways ABC Marketing will save money on your social media budget

White paper: Social Media Advertising: Matching marketing needs and platforms

Write an actual white paper with individual instructor guidance.

Our Report Writing Course includes written and live instructor feedback.

Choosing the right topic is essential to have your white paper read. There are three major factors:

1. Audience

As with any business writing, your audience is your first consideration. The white paper must be written with a target reader in mind. The audience may be long-time customers familiar with the industry or new prospective buyers who are entirely new to the field.

Reflect on the reader’s pain points or major questions. Within these topics, look for ones that have not been fully investigated or the available information is out-of-date.

2. Expertise

Your white paper should match and highlight your company’s expertise.

The entire document should provide a complete investigation, including external research and internal knowledge. The business’s own know-how informs the content that is included and how it is compiled.

3. Problem-based and solution-focused

White papers should identify and address a particular problem. The problem should be relevant and timely in your field. The document may focus on issues such as common dilemmas, new trends, changing techniques, and industry comparison.

The white paper must have a proposed solution or recommendation to answer the problem. This solution is based on thoroughly examining the problem and potential solutions.

The selected topic must be thoroughly researched. Information should be pulled from online references, industry resources, and internal documents. White papers are data-focused, so they should be supported by significant research.

There’s no hard and fast rule on citations, but you need to cite any information that is not public knowledge and that you didn’t know before beginning your research. However, understand that the reader’s confidence will likely increase with an increasing number of cited references.

Of course, all resources must come from authoritative sites. To write a valuable document, all research materials must be from credible, reliable sources.

Read other white papers

Are there white papers covering your topic or area already? Read them to determine the knowledge gaps and the opportunities to build on existing content. This review will also ensure that your white paper is novel instead of redundant.

Use a mind-map

It can be overwhelming to keep track of the many sources, ideas, and content involved in preparing a white paper. A helpful organizational tool is the mind map. A mind map lets the writer catalog and connect the many pieces into one visual overview.

We suggest using the free tool MindMeister to organize your content. It’s simple to use and free.

FreeMind is another alternative, but some organizations don't allow it to be used since it must be downloaded.

Don't forget visual elements

When designing a white paper, the written content is most important. However, taking the time to create an aesthetically pleasing design cannot be ignored. It should be remembered that the visuals used can greatly contribute to the overall impact of your white paper. Using visual elements such as images, animations, videos, charts, and graphs that reinforce and illustrate arguments can greatly increase clarity for the reader while making key points stand out.

White papers generally follow a standard document format. The content order may seem similar to other business reports, but there is one major difference:

A white paper places the conclusion at the end.

Many business communications, such as technical reports or proposals, include the main conclusion at the beginning of the document. This order responds to the reader's desires and preference for receiving the information.

In a white paper, the content and research inform the reader and increase their understanding of the problem throughout the document. The final section provides the ‘ta-da!’ moment when the reader receives the solution, which is supported by the evidence in the document.

The reader’s journey and preferences in a white paper and business report differ, and the major findings follow suit.

If you’re unsure of these distinctions or want to improve your business writing skills, consider enrolling in our online self-paced Technical Report Writing Course (see all of our courses here ).

And, no matter the journey, the document must be easy to understand and include informative headings for easy navigation.

Choose an accurate title

A good title is essential. It should clearly indicate what the reader will learn from the white paper and be enticing.

Bland title example: White paper on Law 123.4 Referencing Environmental Impact Assessments.

Enticing title example: The Rules are Changing: White Paper on the Environmental Impact Assessment Legislation Proposals in 2018

The phrase ‘white paper’ does not necessarily need to be in the title. Some audiences are seeking that authoritative indicator, while others may be scared off from valuable content because of the term. As always, think of what your audience would prefer.

The abstract offers a brief overview of the white paper’s main points. It allows the reader to ensure they have found a document relevant to their needs. After reading, the reader should be able to know if they are ‘in the right place.’

Problem statement

The problem statement specifies the issue the white paper will address. It needs to be defined and placed in a context to ensure the reader understands it.

This section provides the background information required for the audience to grasp the problem and, ultimately, the solution. The content may be detailed and technical or broad and high-level. The content depends on the reader and the problem.

The methods should be communicated if original research is completed for the white paper.

The ‘ta-da’ moment of the white paper.

The solution is now presented based on the preceding information. It is developed and argued for using the evidence gathered and the expertise of the author and their company.

This section summarizes the white paper’s major findings. Recommendations based on the solution are provided.

This section must include all sources used to develop the white paper. Citing sources adds validity to the document and gives the reader content for further research. Depending on your industry, follow MLA or APA citation formats. 

Write any complex document and get feedback on your actual business writing.

Writing a good white paper is not a simple task. However, investing time and skill can produce a valuable document that shares your company’s knowledge, contributing to overall education and progress in your industry. A good white paper also increases business opportunities.

As you develop an informational document such as a white paper, it's helpful to strengthen your writing process with our Report Writing Course . 

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Writing a White Paper (Format, Tips, Examples & Templates)

Get white paper examples by leading companies. Learn how to write & format a white paper for business and marketing. Create, write & design white papers A-Z.

8 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What is the best white paper format?

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Problem Statement
• Solution Overview
• Benefits and Advantages
• Case Studies or Examples
• Technical Details or Methodology
• Recommendations
• References or Sources

What makes an effective business white paper?

An effective business white paper format is concise, well-researched, and addresses a specific audience's pain points. It offers actionable solutions, incorporates compelling visuals, and establishes the author's authority on the subject.

Key considerations when creating a business white paper

Audience Understanding : Know your target audience's needs and preferences.

Clear Objective: Define the purpose of the white paper.

Visual Appeal: Incorporate relevant charts, graphs, and images.

Credibility : Cite reliable sources and provide evidence.

Engaging Narrative: Craft a compelling story in content and design that guides the reader.

How to write a white paper (step-by-step guide)

Writing a white paper is no small feat. It requires research, understanding, and a knack for presenting information engagingly.

But with the right approach, your white paper can position your brand as an industry leader, driving leads and fostering trust. Remember, it's all about offering value and meeting the needs of your audience.

Step 1: Grasp the white paper's core

Recognize that a white paper is more than just a long article. It's a detailed report on a specific topic, designed to educate and address issues.

Understand its origins from government documents and its evolution into a tool for thought leadership.

Step 2: Define your target audience

Identify who you're writing for: industry professionals, novices, or another group.

Tailor your language, tone, and content depth to their needs and interests.

Step 3: Prioritize value over promotion

Keep the content educational and avoid overtly promotional language.

Aim to establish trust and position your brand as a reliable information source.

Step 4: Embrace the drafting process

Don't aim for perfection in the first go.

Write multiple drafts, take breaks, and seek feedback for refinement.

Step 5: Build your content around a narrative (not facts)

Use storytelling techniques to maintain reader interest.

Introduce problems, provide solutions, and share success stories for context.

Step 6: Dodge common mistakes

Avoid a salesy tone; keep it educational.

Base your content on thorough research.

Invest in good design for readability and engagement.

Ground your content in real-world examples and actionable insights.

Step 7: pay attention to format and design

Use design elements to highlight key information when formatting your white paper.

Stay updated with design trends, but ensure they align with your topic and audience.

Step 8: conclude and review

Summarize the main points and insights.

Review the entire content for coherence, clarity, and value.

16 impactful white paper examples for business and marketing

Discover exemplary business white paper formats from industry leaders to refine your approach. Draw inspiration from best practices and elevate your corporate documentation standards, and learn est practicess based on our in-depth analysis of each example.

Microsoft white paper

The white paper from MSA discusses the future of operational development, emphasizing changes in the operational landscape. It targets professionals in the operational and business development sectors.

Good Points:

Forward-Looking: The document does an excellent job of forecasting future trends and aligning them with current industry practices, making it highly valuable for strategic planning.

Cohesive Structure: The white paper is organized logically, allowing for easy navigation and comprehension of the content.

Inclusion of Data: The use of data, charts, and figures strengthens the arguments and offers readers empirical evidence to support the presented information.

Engaging Imagery: The inclusion of relevant images and diagrams aids in visualizing the concepts discussed. The visuals are not only explanatory but also break the monotony of continuous text, making the reading experience more engaging.

Bad Points:

Generalized Statements: At times, the document can be a bit broad in its statements, lacking specific details that might be beneficial to the reader.

Heavy Text: The document leans heavily on text, with fewer visual elements like charts or infographics, which might make it denser for some readers.

Lack of Actionable Insights: While the paper provides a broad overview of the future landscape, it could benefit from more actionable recommendations for businesses to apply immediately.

Lack of Summaries: While the content is well-structured, there's a missing element of concise summaries or key takeaways at the end of major sections. Providing these could aid readers in recapping the essential points discussed.

Missing Call to Action: The document provides valuable information but lacks a clear call to action, guiding the reader on the next steps or how to further engage with the topic or the organization.

Google Cloud white paper

Google Cloud's white paper emphasizes its commitment to privacy in Generative AI. Targeted at enterprise customers, it belongs to the cloud computing and artificial intelligence industry.

Detailed Explanations: The document provides thorough explanations of how user data is treated, ensuring transparency.

Relevance to Current Trends: Addressing privacy in AI is timely and crucial, making this paper highly relevant to current industry concerns.

Repetitiveness: Some points, especially around data ownership and privacy, are reiterated multiple times, which might make the content feel redundant.

Lack of Practical Examples: While the commitments are clear, real-world examples or case studies would help readers understand the practical implications better.

Visual Enhancements: While the design is clear, it could benefit from more engaging visuals or infographics to highlight key points or statistics, adding an extra layer of engagement.

Interactive Elements: Given the digital nature of the topic and the platform (Google Cloud), the integration of interactive elements or links to online demos, tutorials, or related resources could further enrich the reader's experience.

Amazon AWS white paper

This document from AWS provides a framework for designing and operating machine learning workloads using best practices. It's intended for solution architects and ML practitioners in the tech industry.

Depth and Breadth: AWS dives deep into each of the five pillars of the Well-Architected Framework. It provides thorough explanations, ensuring that readers understand each concept.

Use of Case Studies: Real-world examples and case studies are included, which offer readers practical insights and relatable scenarios.

Relevance: The document clearly understands its target audience. By providing specific AWS service recommendations for different ML scenarios, it offers actionable insights.

Technical Jargon: While it's aimed at professionals, the language can sometimes be overly technical, which might make it less accessible to newcomers.

Length: The document is quite lengthy. While it covers a lot, it might be overwhelming for some readers, especially those looking for quick solutions.

Assumed Prior Knowledge: The document sometimes assumes the reader has prior knowledge of AWS services, which might not always be the case.

Engaging Design Elements: While the document is informative, it could benefit from more design elements, such as infographics or pull quotes, to break up the monotony and highlight key points.

Apple white paper

This document by Apple introduces ProRes RAW, a new video codec, detailing its features and benefits. It's crafted for video professionals, filmmakers, and content creators in the multimedia sector.

Technical Mastery: Apple showcases its technical prowess, diving deep into the intricacies of the codec, which will be appreciated by professionals in the field.

Benefits Highlighted: The document effectively underscores the advantages of using ProRes RAW, making it clear why it stands out from other codecs.

Practical Use Cases: Apple includes scenarios and cases where ProRes RAW can be best utilized, providing context and clarity to readers.

Assumed Knowledge: The white paper assumes a certain level of technical expertise from the reader. While this is okay for its target audience, it might alienate novices.

Limited Comparisons: Although the document does a great job explaining ProRes RAW, it could benefit from direct comparisons with other existing codecs.

Dense Terminology: There's a heavy use of technical jargon without sufficient explanations, which could be challenging for those not deeply versed in video codecs.

Lack of Interactive Elements: Given the brand and the nature of the topic, incorporating interactive elements like QR codes leading to video demonstrations or tutorials could have added significant value.

Missing Call to Action: While the document provides a plethora of information, it doesn't guide the reader on the next steps, whether that's purchasing a product, joining a workshop, or any other related action.

IBM white paper

Market Connections' white paper focuses on enhancing data utility and management. It caters to business leaders, data analysts, and professionals in the data-driven decision-making realm.

Engaging Visual Design: The document uses a vibrant color palette, dynamic shapes, and appealing graphics, which make the content pop. This design approach draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.

Relevance to Current Trends: In today's data-centric world, the paper's focus on supercharging data is timely and resonates with the needs of modern businesses.

Concrete Recommendations: The document provides specific strategies and tools for improving data utility, making it actionable for readers.

Case Studies & Testimonials: The inclusion of real-world examples and testimonials lends credibility and offers a practical perspective on the discussed topics.

Lack of Technical Depth: While the paper is informative, it doesn't delve deep into the technical aspects of data management, which might leave some tech-savvy readers wanting more.

Generic Advice: Some sections offer generalized advice that can be found in many other resources, making them less unique.

Potential Bias: The paper occasionally comes across as promotional for Market Connections' services, which might detract from its objectivity.

Oracle White Paper

This document from Oracle delves into the integration of Oracle Content and Experience with Oracle WebCenter Portal. Targeted at IT professionals, it belongs to the tech and software industry.

Clear Structure: The paper is well-organized with distinct sections, making it easy for readers to navigate and find specific information.

Visual Aids: The use of diagrams and flowcharts helps in understanding complex processes and integrations.

Technical Depth: The paper provides in-depth technical details, ensuring that IT professionals can grasp the intricacies of the integration.

Jargon-Heavy: While it's intended for IT professionals, the heavy use of jargon might alienate readers who are not deeply familiar with Oracle's suite of products.

Lack of Real-World Examples: The paper could benefit from real-world use cases to illustrate the benefits of the integration.

Aesthetic Appeal: The design is quite basic, and a more modern and engaging layout might make the content more appealing to a wider audience.

SAP white paper

SAP's white paper delves into digital manufacturing within regulated environments, emphasizing quality and compliance. It's designed for manufacturing professionals, quality assurance teams, and regulatory compliance officers.

Industry-Specific Insights: SAP offers valuable insights tailored to regulated manufacturing environments, ensuring the content is highly relevant to its target audience.

Holistic View: The document covers a wide range of topics, from digital transformation to compliance challenges, offering a comprehensive overview.

Expertise on Display: SAP's deep industry knowledge is evident, lending credibility to the information and recommendations provided.

Complexity: The document, at times, delves into intricate details which, while valuable, might make it challenging for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Promotional Tone: There's a noticeable push towards SAP's solutions, which, while understandable, might come off as less objective to some readers.

Lack of Practical Examples: While the paper is rich in information, it could benefit from more real-world examples or case studies to illustrate the discussed concepts.

Lack of Visual Summaries: While the document is rich in content, it misses out on visual summaries (like infographics) that can quickly convey complex information. Given the technical nature of the topic, such visuals would be beneficial for comprehension.

Pfizer white paper

This white paper by Pfizer delves into the significance of community engagement in diversifying clinical trials, particularly focusing on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine trial.

It aims to address the healthcare disparities highlighted by the pandemic and the urgent need for diverse representation in clinical trials.

The target audience includes healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Comprehensive Structure: The document is well-structured with clear headings, subheadings, and a table of contents, making it easy for readers to navigate and understand the content.

Relevant Data and Citations: The white paper provides relevant statistics, data, and references to support its claims, enhancing its credibility.

Clear Objective: The paper's goal is evident from the beginning, ensuring that readers understand its purpose and the importance of the topic.

Lengthy Content: Some sections are quite detailed, which might be overwhelming for readers looking for quick insights.

Lack of Visuals: The document could benefit from more graphs, charts, or infographics to break the monotony and present data in a more engaging manner.

Repetitive Emphasis: While the importance of diversity in clinical trials is a crucial topic, the paper occasionally reiterates the same points, which could be condensed for brevity.

AT&T white paper

This white paper delves into the importance of mobility in the modern collaboration era. It's intended for business leaders, IT professionals, and teams looking to enhance collaborative efforts in the digital age.

Well-Structured: The document is organized in a logical manner, with clear sections and subheadings, facilitating easy navigation.

Actionable Advice: It provides concrete strategies and recommendations on enhancing mobility for collaboration, ensuring readers can take immediate action.

Potential Overemphasis: While mobility is essential, the document occasionally seems to overstate its importance, which might come across as a bit unbalanced.

Lack of Diverse Case Studies: While there are some examples, the paper could benefit from a broader range of case studies across different industries.

Assumed Context: The paper sometimes assumes readers are fully aware of the current collaboration landscape, which might not be true for everyone.

Tesla white paper

Dell Technologies' ESG report showcases their commitment to driving human progress through sustainable technology, emphasizing their efforts in advancing sustainability, cultivating inclusion, transforming lives, and upholding trust.

Highly Specialized Content: The paper zeroes in on a niche topic within the energy sector, providing deep insights that are valuable to a specific audience.

Clear Explanations: Complex concepts related to net billing tariffs are broken down and explained in a comprehensible manner.

Data-Driven Arguments: The use of charts, figures, and empirical data adds weight to the points being made and supports the document's claims.

Narrow Focus: While the specialized content is a strength, it also means the paper might be too narrow for a general audience or those looking for a broader overview of the energy sector.

Stylized Language: At times, the document uses language that's a bit too stylized or technical, which might make it less accessible to some readers.

Potential Bias: The paper seems to advocate for specific tariff structures, which might come off as less objective to some reader mmunities.

CitiBank white paper

This white paper delves into the transformation and disruption in financial market infrastructures, focusing on the evolution of securities services. Intended for financial professionals and industry leaders, it belongs to the banking and financial services sector.

Comprehensive Coverage: The document provides a holistic view of the securities services landscape, touching upon various aspects like settlement transformation, digital assets, and the role of Central Securities Depositories (CSDs).

Data-Driven Insights: The paper is backed by quantitative data, with surveys involving 483 individuals globally, offering credibility to its findings.

Complex Jargon: The document uses industry-specific terms that might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the financial sector.

Lengthy: While comprehensive, its extensive coverage might be overwhelming for someone looking for quick insights.

Lack of Visual Aids: More charts, graphs, or infographics could have made the data more digestible and engaging.

General Electric white paper

GE's white paper discusses the evolving landscape of global power markets. Intended for energy industry decision-makers. The document provides a holistic view of the energy market, touching on various aspects from production to consumption

Comprehensive Overview: The document provides an in-depth exploration of power markets, encompassing historical data, current trends, and future projections. This thorough approach offers readers a holistic perspective on the subject.

Effective Data Visualization: The use of charts, graphs, and tables is commendable. They present intricate data in a digestible format, allowing readers to quickly grasp key trends and insights.

Segmented Content Approach: The content is divided into distinct sections, each addressing specific facets of power markets. This segmentation aids in navigation and allows readers to delve into areas of specific interest.

Dense Text: Some sections are text-heavy, which might be overwhelming for some readers. Breaking up the content with more visuals or bullet points could improve readability.

Design Uniformity: While the document is rich in content, there's room for improvement in terms of design consistency, particularly in the color schemes and visual elements used.

Static Design: Given the technical and extensive nature of the topic, integrating interactive elements or links to supplementary multimedia resources could enhance the reader's engagement and understanding.

Clarification of Technical Aspects: The document occasionally uses industry-specific terms and concepts. Including a glossary or providing side notes with explanations would ensure accessibility for readers not deeply familiar with power markets.

ExxonMobil white paper

A comprehensive exploration of ExxonMobil's commitment to the energy transition, focusing on innovative solutions for lower-emission marine fuels. Targeted at stakeholders in the marine industry and those invested in sustainable energy solutions.

Relevant Data: The white paper provides specific data points, such as projected energy consumption and emission reduction targets, which lend credibility to the content.

Engaging Visuals: While I couldn't directly view the visuals, the structure suggests the inclusion of charts or images, which can help break up the text and provide visual context.

Lengthy Content: Some sections could benefit from concise writing to ensure the reader remains engaged throughout.

Call to Action: While the document provides valuable information, it could benefit from a clearer call to action, guiding readers on the next steps or how to get involved.

World Economic Forum (WEF) white paper

The World Economic Forum's white paper delves into the emerging concept of the industrial metaverse. It's crafted for industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers keen on understanding the future intersection of industry and virtual realms.

Cutting-Edge Topic: The WEF addresses a novel and emerging trend, making the paper a valuable resource for those looking to stay ahead in the tech and industrial sectors.

Expert Contributions: The document includes insights from industry experts and thought leaders, lending credibility and depth to the content.

Global Perspective: As expected from the WEF, the paper provides a global view, considering the implications and developments of the industrial metaverse across different regions and cultures.

Infographics and Visual Aids: The use of charts, graphs, and other visual aids complements the text and provides a break from long passages. This not only makes the content more engaging but also aids in quicker comprehension of complex data.

Conceptual Density: The topic, being new, is also complex. The paper sometimes delves into highly conceptual discussions which might be challenging for some readers.

Potential Overhype: While the industrial metaverse is undoubtedly exciting, the paper occasionally might come across as too optimistic, without sufficiently addressing potential pitfalls or challenges.

Lack of Practical Guidance: The document is rich in forecasting and analysis but could benefit from more actionable insights or steps for businesses to start their metaverse journey.

Lack of Interactive Elements : For a topic like the metaverse, which is inherently interactive and dynamic, the inclusion of QR codes or links to interactive demos, videos, or web pages might have enhanced the reader's experience.

Siemens white paper

Siemens explores the transformation towards smart manufacturing, emphasizing the integration of digital and physical realms. Aimed at manufacturers, it belongs to the industrial automation and digitalization sector.

Holistic Approach: The paper offers a comprehensive view of the smart manufacturing journey, from challenges to outcomes, ensuring readers get a full picture.

Use of Models: The introduction of concepts like the Digital OODA Loop provides readers with actionable frameworks to apply in their operations.

Human-Centric Focus: Beyond just machinery and processes, the paper emphasizes the importance of human-centric outcomes, highlighting the balance between technology and worker well-being.

Assumed Familiarity: The paper dives deep into specific Siemens solutions without always providing sufficient background, which might be challenging for those unfamiliar with Siemens' offerings.

Limited External Perspectives: The paper heavily focuses on Siemens' solutions. Incorporating third-party testimonials or case studies might have added more credibility and a broader perspective.

Verizon white paper

This white paper emphasizes the importance of network resilience in the face of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Targeted at C-level executives, it belongs to the telecommunications and cybersecurity industry .

Verizon thought-leadership white paper

Practical Recommendations: The document offers actionable steps for C-level leaders to enhance network resilience, making it a hands-on guide.

Relevance to Current Threat Landscape: By focusing on DDoS attacks, which are prevalent today, the paper addresses a pressing concern for many businesses.

Promotional Content: The inclusion of Verizon's own solution (DDoS Shield) might come off as promotional, potentially detracting from the paper's objective tone.

Lack of Case Studies: Real-world examples or case studies could have added more weight to the paper's arguments and made it more relatable.

How to design a white paper for engagement

White papers are essential tools for businesses, especially in the B2B sector, to establish authority, inform potential customers, and influence their decisions.

But beyond the content, the design of a white paper plays a pivotal role in capturing the reader's attention and ensuring the message is effectively conveyed.

Best practices for white paper design

Readability is Key: Ensure that the text is easy to read. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to break up the content. The choice of font and its size also plays a crucial role in readability.

White Space: Don't clutter the design. Proper use of white space can make the content more breathable and aesthetically pleasing.

Mobile Optimization: With many users accessing content on mobile devices, ensure that your white paper design is responsive and looks good on all screen sizes.

Interactive white paper design

Engage with Multimedia: Modern digital platforms allow for the integration of videos, GIFs, and animations in white papers. These multimedia elements can make the content more dynamic and engaging.

Clickable Elements: Incorporate hyperlinks, clickable infographics, and call-to-action buttons. This not only provides additional resources to the reader but also encourages them to explore related content or take desired actions.

Feedback Loops: Allow readers to leave comments, ask questions, or even participate in polls within the white paper. This interactivity can provide valuable insights into what your audience thinks and feels about the content.

Here is what a static white paper looks like compared with an interactive white paper:

Designing White Papers for Storytelling

Narrative Flow: Just like a compelling story, a white paper should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction that outlines the problem or challenge, delve into the details in the main content, and conclude with a solution or call to action.

Visual Elements: Use graphics, charts, and images to break the monotony of text and illustrate complex ideas. These visual elements not only make the content more engaging but also help in explaining intricate concepts in a digestible manner.

Consistent Branding: While the white paper should be informative, it's also an opportunity to subtly reinforce your brand. Use consistent colors, fonts, and logos that align with your brand identity.

Here's an example of storytelling white paper design:

Business white paper interactive storytelling templates

With traditional PowerPoint slides, your content may blend into the crowd. Storydoc's interactive white paper templates elevate your content, making it dynamic and memorable.

Unlike static slides, Storydoc's animated, annotated, and narrated templates engage readers, making them twice as captivating as standard reports.

Moreover, they're cost-effective and let you quickly produce your white paper.

I am a Marketing Specialist at Storydoc, I research, analyze and write on our core topics of business presentations, sales, and fundraising. I love talking to clients about their successes and failures so I can get a rounded understanding of their world.

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A 2024 Guide to White Papers (with Templates and Examples)

White papers are an essential tool for establishing thought leadership, educating audiences, and generating leads. They offer a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their expertise and establish themselves as industry leaders. Plus, they’re not too difficult to create, especially with the right tools.

In this article, we’re going to look at what exactly white papers are and why they matter. We’re also going to give you white paper examples to inspire your next project, and what types of data visuals and designs you can include in your white paper to provide the most value.

If you want a hassle-free way to create these visuals, sign up for a free Piktochart account and use our platform to create professional-looking white papers in minutes.

Table of Contents

What is a white paper, types of white papers, elements of an effective white paper, compelling title and cover page, table of contents and executive summary, logical flow and organization, skimmable format, thought leadership and expertise, design and branding, call-to-action, white paper best practices and tips, inspiring white paper examples, conclusion and next steps, frequently asked questions.

A white paper presents information, research, or findings on a specific topic comprehensively and authoritatively. It presents research findings, incorporates expert opinions, and offers evidence-based recommendations. White papers are written in a clear, authoritative, and unbiased tone to establish the writer’s knowledge as respectable.

White papers are often used as marketing tools by businesses to show off their expertise and inform the target audience about a specific issue or solutions to a problem.

Because they provide valuable insight and solutions to problems that might be encountered by prospective customers, white papers are also a highly effective way of generating leads.

White papers are known for their in-depth analysis and research-based approach. They provide readers with a thorough understanding of the subject, supported by credible sources of information.

White papers can fit into four main categories, each with its own focus and purpose.

• Backgrounder/Product – Provides an in-depth look at a specific product/service.  Highlights key features, benefits, and successful use cases.
• Numbered List/How-to – Written in a step-by-step format and contains instructions for readers for solving a problem or achieving an objective.
• Problem/Solution – The most common type of white paper, they identify a specific issue or challenge faced by the target audience and present a solution offered by the company, often to promote a product or service.
• Survey Findings/Market Research – Presents data and information from surveys or market research carried out by the organization used to showcase industry trends and consumer preferences, or to promote a product or service.

The elements you should include in a well-drafted white paper are:

Your white paper’s title and cover design form readers’ vital first impression. Craft a compelling title that clearly conveys the value readers will get. Use meaningful keywords to help it get found.

An eye-catching cover image can also help hook readers and set your white paper apart. But keep it professional – avoid cheesy stock photos.

A table of contents makes it easy for readers to navigate through the document and allows them to jump quickly to sections of interest.

Follow this with a concise executive summary. An executive summary presents a short overview of key points covered by the white paper. Call out the key problem, main takeaways, and a teaser of the solution. This sets expectations and motivates readers to dive in.

A well-crafted white paper follows a logical flow and is organized in a way that makes it easy for the reader to follow. By flow, we mean it should have a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion. The main body should be divided into sections with catchy headings to keep the reader engaged. Then, these sections should “flow” into one another with transition words and sentences.

Having a logical flow not only improves readability but also adds credibility to your white paper. It shows that you have put thought and effort into creating the document, which reflects positively on your brand.

Not all readers will have the time or patience to read through your entire white paper. Use a skimmable format to make it easier to navigate and digest, no matter who your reader is.

Make an effort to include:

• Short paragraphs, centered around one idea at a time
• Bullet points, to emphasize lists that might get lost in paragraphs
• Headings and subheadings, to break up and organize your content
• Call outs and quotations, to highlight key points
• White space, to give your readers’ eyes a rest
• Visuals, to convey information quickly and make it easy to understand

White papers aren’t just about promoting your products or services – they should be well-researched and provide valuable insights and information. This is where thought leadership comes in. By showcasing your expertise, you establish credibility and trust with your readers.

For example, if you’re a software company specializing in data analytics, you can create a white paper discussing the latest trends and best practices in the industry. By referencing your data, you demonstrate that you have unique and valuable knowledge from the field.

It’s important to design and brand your white paper to draw attention and build credibility. Maintain consistency with the company image by following brand guidelines on color, font, and images. A professional and polished appearance will build trust with your audience and give your paper an authoritative feel.

In view of the growing popularity of digital formats, it is important to create interactive white papers that allow readers to engage with them through features like clickable links, videos, and animations. As a result, the reading experience is enhanced and sharing on social media platforms is made easier.

Ending your white paper with a clear call to action (CTA) is key. After reading, what are the next steps your reader should take? Prompt them to schedule a consultation, sign up for a newsletter, buy a product, or check out a resource. Whatever your paper hints at, this is the moment to bring it to the surface to make it easy for your reader to try.

White papers may also be gated, meaning that readers have to provide contact information before they can access the content. Businesses can use this to generate leads and build their email list.

Let’s take a look at some good practices and tips to create an efficient white paper.

You need to know the target audience and their pain points if you’re going to make it through your white papers.

What’s the challenge they’re facing? What’s the information they need to solve this problem? Use these insights to shape your white paper’s focus, structure, and language. The more relevant it is to readers’ needs, the more impact it will have.

A common mistake marketers make is to use white papers as a thinly veiled sales pitch. Instead, focus on educating the reader and providing them with valuable information. In this way, you build trust and demonstrate your credibility in your space.

Remember: you’re the authority, and you want to prove that, but your readers can’t always match that. Write clearly and simply without too much jargon or technical terminology to make your white paper accessible.

Don’t just post your white paper and pray. Actively promote it across multiple channels, such as:

• your websites
• email marketing
• social media platforms
• advertisements

The more touchpoints you create, the more likely it is that potential customers will read your white paper.

White papers are a valuable source of content because they are great for repurposing . You can, for example, turn key points from your white paper into blog posts, infographics, or even video content. This enables you to reach a variety of people and maximize the impact of your white paper.

Looking for inspiration for your next white paper? These examples from various industries showcase the diverse possibilities of the format.

Source: Infigo

1. “The State of Marketing Automation” by Ascend2

This paper highlights research on the current state of marketing automation and its implications for businesses. You’ll notice Ascend2 utilizes stacked bar charts to visualize the data they include, making it more accessible. Stacked bar charts are available with Piktochart’s functions.

2. “The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Advertising” by Mayple

This is an in-depth analysis of the trends, strategies, and best practices for businesses advertising on social media, made into an article. They know what they’re doing by posting this white paper as an article, using pre-written content to boost engagement on their blog. Piktochart has tons of templates that can help you do this for any format.

3. “The Future of Work” by ILR CAHRS

The future of work and how technology will shape it in the years to come is explored in this Cornell white paper. While it may not be the most dynamic of our examples, they use branding that carries through at the top and bottom of every page to keep things consistent.

4. “The Power of Personalisation” by Infigo

This white paper looks at how web-to-print software can help your printing business grow through personalization. It illustrates this point perfectly with stunning visuals and dynamic colors throughout that keep you engaged while reading, hence why they are our example above. Piktochart can help you create something just as visually beautiful that will keep your audience looking.

5. “The State of Cybersecurity 2023” by Sophos

This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of cybersecurity, its challenges, and emerging threats. Based on a survey of 3,000 IT professionals in 14 countries, it’s a report with lots of hype around it, but Sophos utilizes the paywall method to keep this valuable information to only those who give them more valuable information.

6. “The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing” by AWeber

A step-by-step guide on creating effective email marketing campaigns is presented in this white paper. It’s a lengthy document, so AWeber breaks it up using headers and a table of contents so you can navigate to the info you need quickly.

7. “The State of Virtual Events 2023” by Kaltura

The results of a survey that asked over 500 marketing professionals about event planning in the face of worldwide uncertainty can be found in this paper. This is another whitepaper that uses a pay/information wall, which positions their white paper as a method for gettting capital.

8. “Your Ultimate Guide to eCommerce SEO” by Pimberly

This white paper provides an in-depth analysis of search engine optimization (SEO) and its importance of online businesses. Pimberly does a great job of gauging interest up front, not only by asking for an email, but also by providing a summary and an expected read time, 15 minutes.

9. “Challenging the Modern Myths of Remote Working” by IBM

This white paper explores the rise of remote work and its potential benefits for businesses. IBM uses plenty of white space and visuals to keep their paper interesting, formatting you can recreate easily with Piktochart’s dynamic templates.

10. “The Power of Video Marketing” by Craig Charters

The benefits of video marketing for businesses, including the impact on customer engagement and brand awareness, are dealt with in this white paper. While video is hard to capture in a physical document, Charters uses links and tons of photos to get physical examples in his work, making it accessible and fun as well as informative.

White papers are a vital tool for businesses who seek to establish themselves as though leaders and draw up leads. Through research and a clear tone of voice, they provide useful information and solutions to audiences. If you take the advice given above, you’ll be well on your way to producing a persuasive and visually stunning white paper.

If you’d like some extra help, Piktochart provides any white paper template you might need to start your business, including the following:

• Simple white paper
• Government white paper
• Social media white paper
• One page white paper

Here’s an example of what your white paper could look like with our help:

Source: Piktochart

Our easy-to-use platform makes it simple for non-designers to create professional-looking white papers in minutes. And if you need additional assistance or guidance, our team is always available to help.

A white paper shouldn’t be hard to make or read. Sign up with Piktochart today and start making next-level content that pushes your business further than ever before!

How to Write a Whitepaper?

Writing a white paper can be tough, but it can be an effective lead generation tool by providing valuable in-demand content to your target audience. We have a few steps to follow to help you start:

• Choose a Topic: Select an appropriate and efficient topic based on your business/industry experience.
• Research: Conduct extensive research on the selected topic so that you have solid data, statistics, and insights for your white paper.
• Outline: Create an outline that includes key points you want to cover in each section of the white paper.
• Introduction: There’s a reason you’re writing this white paper and why your audience is reading it, so start with an attractive introduction that clearly sets out the purpose.
• Body: Present your findings, data, and analysis in a logical order with supporting evidence and examples.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and come up with recommendations/solutions based on the information you provided.
• Design: Use graphics like graphs, charts, and illustrations to make your white paper more interactive and easier to read.
• Proofread: Prior to publication, make sure all grammatical and spelling errors have been rectified.

What is a White Paper Template?

A white paper template is a pre-planned document which can be used as a starting point to draw up a paper. It’s composed of sections like:

• introduction
• problem statement
• research and analysis
• recommendations

The time needed to complete the white paper can be reduced by using templates, with a view to ensuring that its structure is consistent. It is also a good way to ensure that you don’t miss anything of importance in each section.

What is the Difference Between a White Paper and a Report?

While both white papers and reports present information, there are some important differences.

Reports are often more factual and objective than white papers, while white papers usually use a more persuasive tone to convince readers of a specific point or solution. Compared to reports, white papers tend to be more detailed and complex.

They can also be used at different times. Reports are generally drawn up after a project is completed, while white papers are often used at the beginning of projects or for proposing solutions.

What are White Papers Examples?

White papers can cover a wide range of topics and industries. While we have some specific examples listed above, here is what they would generally look like in some of the most prominent industries:

• Technology – A white paper that discusses the benefits fo using cloud computing for businesses.
• Healthcare – A white paper that examines the impact of telemedicine on patient care.
• Finance – A white paper that analyzes the use of blockchain technology in financial transactions.

Why is it Called a White Paper?

The term “white paper” originated in the United Kingdom’s government as a way to present policy proposals. They were called white papers because they were typically printed on white paper and presented factual information without any bias or opinion, making them pure or “white”.

Who Writes White Papers?

White papers are usually written by experts in a specific field, such as industry professionals or academics. They have the knowledge and expertise to provide valuable insights and analysis on complex topics.

Within a company, white papers can be written by various departments, such as marketing, research and development, or product teams. It is important to have a strong understanding of the topic and access to relevant data when writing a white paper, so think about who in your company would be best qualified to talk about the task at hand authoritatively when deciding who will write your white paper.

How Long Should a Whitepaper be?

Typically, white papers range from 6 to 20 pages. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the amount of research and data presented. For simpler topics, or those that they plan to repurpose as a social media post, some companies prefer to use a one page white paper .

What are Good White Paper Topics?

White papers are usually focused on a specific industry or problem that your business addresses. Some examples of topics for white papers could be:

• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Behavior
• Sustainable Solutions for Environmental Conservation

It is essential to choose a topic that aligns with your business and can provide valuable insights to your target audience.

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