Originally published September 14, 2015 , updated on September 17, 2024

Published Date: The date when the blog went live on GL website.Updated Date: The latest date when the GL Content team updated this blog.

Contrary to popular belief, white papers are not losing their punch. In fact, they are still one of the most valuable tools available to anyone wishing to market their business. White papers give your business proposal the extra “clout” needed to push it over the edge. Filled to the brim with facts, figures, case studies, reports, and analyses, a white paper is an invaluable marketing instrument.

White papers are thought of as some of the oldest marketing workhorses out there. “Old”, in this case, most certainly does not mean “outdated”. Perhaps the best aspect of a white paper is the fact that its major purpose is to educate rather than sell. In an age where skeptical millennials are in charge of many (if not most) important business decisions, hard selling is no longer the best option. Consumers are looking for more than a mere sales pitch; they want to learn, absorb information, or understand a particular message.

White papers should always have a firm foothold in ground-breaking ideas and thought-provoking innovations. The issues addressed should be clear, concise, and relevant to their time. All research should be substantive, in-depth, and lead to a conclusion that makes sense to the target market. In every section of content, the white paper should drive your point home, using as many relevant resources as possible.