For years, Intesa has been helping our clients cut through the clutter, showcase their leadership, and rise above the noise through the placement of opinion editorials (op-eds) in leading media outlets. For those looking to influence public discourse, publishing a first-person op-ed in a well-respected publication can offer a goldmine of benefits. Below are a few examples how we strategized and placed major thought pieces in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Times of San Diego, and the Sacramento Business Journal to help drive the conversation.

Qualities of a strong op-ed

Op-eds not only boost the author’s credibility as a go-to subject matter expert, they also help spark change by influencing public opinion and policy. They also tend to get noticed and reach a wider audience and build your reputation. These targeted 700-800 word submissions provide a platform where you can offer:

• Unique Perspectives: Unlike standard articles or news reports, op-eds offer a personal viewpoint, which helps your message stand out and resonate more deeply with readers.
• Engagement and Dialogue: Op-eds invite discussion and debate, encouraging readers to engage with your ideas. This interaction not only amplifies your voice but also builds a community around your thought leadership.
• Authority and Trust: Publications vet op-eds rigorously, which means getting published itself is a testament to the value of your contribution through third-party validation, adding an extra layer of authority to your voice.

Influencing public discourse

Take Tony Young, interim president and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership, who made the case for his organization’s initiatives that create skills for in demand jobs by offering programs that provide options for them to work toward earning multiple certifications that can be combined or “stacked” over time.  Or President and CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission Donnie Dee, who emphasized the importance of taking a regional, community-focused approach to ending homelessness (subscription required.)

“Homelessness is not a government problem to fix, it’s a community issue to address.”

– Donnie Dee

Exclusive and tied to the news cycle

Some readers may not realize that op-eds are exclusive content for the publication and are most appealing when tied to the news cycle. For example, we pitched the idea of bringing together three higher education leaders in North San Diego County – Dr. Ellen Neufeldt of California State University San Marcos, Dr. Sunny Cook of MiraCosta College and Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey of Palomar College – and helped them co-author a piece during Women’s History Month about the importance of diversity in leadership.

Similarly, when Capitol Public Radio leaders wanted to ensure the public heard their perspective on the future of their organization, they wrote an op-ed that was placed in the Sacramento Business Journal  to counter previously published articles offering a differing opinion. 

And for Father’s Day, Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, wrote about the resilience of homeless dads, a population that is increasingly needing support and resources as they navigate rising costs of living, housing and healthcare.

Your Fresh Take

Importantly, op-eds aren’t just another drop in the content ocean “bucket.” Rather, they’re your chance to offer a fresh take on hot topics, start conversations, and build a following while leveraging the influence of respected publications. In a world of information overload, op-eds are targeted, streamlined, and vetted for solid content.

Are you ready to make your voice heard? Let’s chat about how Intesa can help amplify your impact and thought leadership by harnessing the power of op-eds for you.