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White Paper Topic Definition Checklist

A White Paper is about guiding your audience toward a solution to a problem

© Ugur Akinci

Use this checklist to ensure your white paper topic is clear, relevant, and impactful before you start writing.

Step 1: Define Your Core Idea

🔲 What problem or challenge will your white paper address? (Example: Cybersecurity threats for small businesses)

🔲 Why is this issue important right now? (Example: The rise in remote work has increased cyber risks.)

🔲 Is this a common problem faced by your target audience? (Example: 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within six months.)

Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience

🔲 Who will benefit most from reading this white paper? (Example: Small business owners, IT managers, policymakers?)

🔲 What level of expertise do they have? (Example: Do they need technical details or high-level insights?)

🔲 What key questions or pain points do they have? (Example: How can I protect my company from cyber threats without hiring a full IT team?)

Step 3: Establish Your Unique Angle

🔲 What makes your white paper different from existing content? (Example: It provides a step-by-step framework for implementing affordable cybersecurity measures.)

🔲 Can you support your claims with research, case studies, or expert insights? (Example: Data from cybersecurity reports and success stories from small businesses.)

🔲 Will your white paper offer a new solution, trend analysis, or best practices? (Example: A detailed breakdown of AI-driven security solutions for small businesses.)

Step 4: Define Your Goals

🔲 What is the main takeaway or solution your white paper will present? (Example: Small businesses can implement low-cost security strategies to protect against cyber threats.)

🔲 What action do you want readers to take after reading it? (Example: Download a cybersecurity checklist, book a consultation, or invest in a security solution.)

🔲 How will you measure success? (Example: Number of downloads, leads generated, industry recognition?)

Step 5: Craft a Working Title

🔲 Is your title clear, specific, and compelling? (Example: “The Small Business Guide to Cybersecurity: Affordable Strategies to Protect Your Data”)

Excerpt from How to Write a White Paper