Cincinnati Enquirer Press Release: How to Submit & Get Noticed

Getting your story featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer can be a game-changer for local businesses and organizations. As someone who's navigated the press release landscape, I've got the inside scoop on how to make your submission stand out.

The key is understanding the nuances of the submission process. It's not just about what you're saying, but how you're saying it. Crafting a press release that resonates with the Enquirer's editorial team requires a blend of newsworthiness and local flair.

I'll walk you through the steps to ensure your press release catches the eye of Cincinnati's premier news outlet. With my guidance, you'll be well on your way to seeing your news in print.

Understanding the Cincinnati Enquirer

As I delve deeper into the Cincinnati Enquirer, it's crucial to grasp its impact and readership. Founded in 1841, the Cincinnati Enquirer has a long-standing history of delivering news to the Greater Cincinnati area. Such legacy publications command respect and have a dedicated readership, often shaping public opinion and local discourse.

The focus of the Enquirer is primarily on local news, events, and issues that resonate with residents of Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. They are keen on stories that reflect the community's interests - whether it's a piece on local business innovations, community events, or human interest stories, the key is relevance.

The Enquirer's submission guidelines are quite straightforward, but they insist that your press release should answer the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, and why. This information helps their journalists to quickly determine the newsworthiness of your story. Bear in mind that the submission should not just be informative but engaging as well. It's about telling a story, not just relaying facts.

Moreover, the Cincinnati Enquirer is not just a print entity anymore. Its digital presence means your story, if picked up, has the potential to reach an even broader audience online. This includes not only long-time residents but also a younger, tech-savvy crowd that consumes news primarily through digital channels.

Optimizing your press release for SEO is another strategy I can't stress enough. This doesn't only increase the chances of it being found by the Enquirer's editorial team but also enhances its visibility online if it is published. Use relevant keywords that pertain to Cincinnati and the subject matter of your news. However, always prioritize readability and newsworthiness over keyword density.

It's evident that understanding the publication and its audience is fundamental. In the upcoming sections, I'll delve into specific techniques and best practices to fine-tune your press release for the Cincinnati Enquirer's consideration.

Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Press Release

When prepping content for the Cincinnati Enquirer or similar publications, the first step is crafting an attention-grabbing headline. It's not just about being catchy; your headline should be clear, concise, and informative. It serves as the gateway to your story, dictating whether readers will click through or pass by. Ensuring the headline includes relevant keywords can significantly impact its visibility and searchability online.

I follow a few key principles to ensure my press releases stand out:

• Start with a strong lead: The first paragraph should summarize the entire story, answering the crucial who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. I make sure the most critical information is front and center.
• Use compelling quotes: I add authenticity to the story by including quotes from key stakeholders or experts involved in the news. Quotes can provide a personal touch and give journalists material for a potential story angle.
• Incorporate multimedia: To enrich the content, I often include high-quality images or videos. Visuals can make a press release more engaging and shareable, particularly on digital platforms.

Nailing the structure is vital, but so is the nitty-gritty.

• Bullet points and short paragraphs: Keeping information digestible is essential.
• Fact-check and proofread: To maintain credibility, I ensure every detail is accurate and free of errors.

Here's an example of how I turn a drab announcement into something that piques interest:

Dull Headline: City Council Approves New Park

Revised Headline: New Urban Oasis Coming to Cincinnati: City Council Greenlights Innovative Park Project

The revised headline invites readers to envision the future park and suggests a transformative action by the city council. It also incorporates SEO-friendly keywords like "Cincinnati," "City Council," and "Park Project."

Remember, getting the submission right directly contributes to the chances of your press release making the cut. Therefore, the writing style should be professional, yet approachable. I always aim for clarity to ensure the message isn't lost in jargon or corporate speak.

With a strong focus on the local angle and community impact, press releases that resonate with the Cincinnati Enquirer's readership can form the basis of meaningful stories that inform and engage.

Step 1: Research the Enquirer's Editorial Guidelines

Before you begin drafting your press release for the Cincinnati Enquirer, it's vital that you're well-acquainted with the publication's submission guidelines. Understand their editorial standards as it's the first step in ensuring your content aligns with what their team expects and is looking for. I'll always start by heading over to their official website to look for a section dedicated to press submissions or media guidelines. Typically, you can find detailed information about the do's and don'ts, editorial contacts, and even technical requirements for the submission.

When I pore over the submission guidelines, I make it a point to note down any specifics about the preferred format, word count, and the types of topics they cater to. This not only helps in tailoring my content to fit their needs but also increases the chances of my press release getting picked up by the editors. Several key points I'm on the lookout for include:

• Submission format (e.g. PDF, Word document, embedded in email)
• Word count or length restrictions
• The Enquirer's preferred style and tone
• Contact information for follow-up
• Deadlines for submission

In some cases, if the Enquirer has themes or special sections for each day of the week, my press release would need to resonate with those to stand a better chance of being featured. Timing can be just as crucial as content, so I check if they have an editorial calendar or any upcoming events that my press release could relate to.

Having this fundamental knowledge about the Cincinnati Enquirer's preferences allows me to craft a press release that isn't just informative but also formatted for optimal engagement. This ground-level research paves the way for a press release that's not only more likely to be accepted but also one that can potentially connect with a larger audience, maximizing the impact of the news I'm sharing.

Step 2: Identify the Newsworthy Angle

Crafting a press release that stands out starts with pinpointing what makes your news compelling to the Cincinnati Enquirer and its readers. Here's how I zero in on that vital newsworthy angle.

First, I hone in on the unique aspects of my announcement. This could be an upcoming event, a notable milestone, a significant achievement, or even an innovative product launch. The goal is to answer the "so what?" question that defines the intrinsic value of the news. I always ask myself why the readers of the Enquirer would find my story interesting, and how it impacts them or the community.

Next, I focus on timeliness. The news cycle moves fast and the Enquirer is no exception. My press release needs to be not only current but also forward-thinking. It's essential to highlight any elements of my news that tie back to ongoing trends, recent events, or upcoming holidays and observances that are relevant to the Cincinnati area.

Here’s what I concentrate on:

• Uniqueness: Is my story different from anything else they might receive?
• Relevance: Does it relate to the Cincinnati area in a specific way?
• Timely Hook: Can it be tied to recent news or an upcoming event?

By answering these questions, I can better tailor my story to fit what the publication looks for in its content.

Then there's the concept of emotional connection. Stories that evoke emotions tend to resonate more with readers. I delve into the human interest aspect of my news. A focus on real people, struggles, triumphs, or innovative community contributions can elevate the press release from mere information to a story that captivates and engages.

Including credible statistics or data can bolster the authority of my press release. Here’s a simple representation:

MetricValueEvent AttendanceProjected 10,000+Fundraising Goal$50,000Previous Impact5,000 Beneficiaries

Armed with a newsworthy angle, the next step involves crafting a compelling headline and lead that capture this essence, ensuring the Cincinnati Enquirer takes notice.

Step 3: Incorporate Local Flair into your Press Release

After nailing down a compelling headline and lead, it's critical to weave in elements that resonate with the local Cincinnati community. The Cincinnati Enquirer's readership has a keen interest in local happenings, so I make sure my press release feels close to home.

Localizing your story is crucial, and here are some strategies I employ:

• Mention specific Cincinnati landmarks or events that relate to my news.
• Highlight how my announcement impacts the local community or economy.
• Showcase endorsements from well-known Cincinnati figures if available.

Curating content that mirrors the interests of the Enquirer's audience can drastically increase the chance of getting my press release published. I gather relevant local statistics that might strengthen my narrative. For instance, if I'm announcing a new tech start-up, I'll include data on Cincinnati's growing tech scene.

Let's say my press release is about a charity event:

• I’ll mention the expected local turnout.
• I’ll relate it to Cincinnati's culture of philanthropy.
• I'd probably quote a local personality on why such events matter in our city.

Incorporating direct quotes from community members gives a human element to the release while boosting its local relevance. Authentic quotes can forge a stronger emotional connection with readers, and sometimes, that’s what gets a press release from inbox to print.

I always remember the vital role local SEO plays in digital exposure. Targeting keywords that Cincinnati Enquirer's readers might be searching for helps enhance online visibility. I strategically place terms like "Cincinnati," "Queen City," and other local identifiers throughout the press release without compromising its natural flow.

Step 4: Writing an Engaging Headline and Opening Paragraph

Creating a press release that catches the eye starts with the headline. It's often the first thing readers, including journalists at the Cincinnati Enquirer, will see. This is why I can't stress enough the importance of crafting a compelling and clear headline. Here are some tips to make sure your headline stands out:

• Use Action Verbs to convey energy and importance.
• Incorporate Keywords relevant to the Cincinnati community for better SEO.
• Keep it Concise. Aim for 10 words or less to ensure it's easily digestible.

Remember, the headline should encapsulate the essence of your news without overselling it.

As for the opening paragraph, this is your moment to hook the reader. Whether it's a journalist or a member of the local Cincinnati audience, the opening needs to answer the who, what, when, where, and why as succinctly as possible. Here's how to craft an opening paragraph that engages:

• Start with the Most Crucial Information. Don't bury the lead—state the main point right away.
• Incorporate the Local Angle to continue appealing to the Cincinnati Enquirer readership.
• Use a Human Interest Hook if applicable. Tugging at emotions can be a powerful way to draw readers in.

Tight, powerful, and engaging, the combination of a dynamic headline plus a captivating opening paragraph can significantly increase the chances of your press release being noticed and published by outlets such as the Cincinnati Enquirer. With the community hook already in place from the previous steps, these elements will compound the local resonance and SEO efforts. It's all about giving the press something they can't ignore – a story that feels both inevitable and immediate in its relevance to Cincinnati.

Step 5: Formatting and Structuring your Press Release

Crafting a press release that stands out isn't just about the content—it's equally crucial how the information is presented. Proper formatting ensures that your press release is easy to read and professional, increasing its chances of catching a journalist's eye.

Utilize an Inverted Pyramid Model

Start by organizing your press release in the inverted pyramid style. This means placing the most newsworthy information at the top. As I move down the release, the information should become less urgent.

• Important at the Top: The essential facts and figures come first.
• Supporting Information: This includes quotes, additional details, and statistics.
• Background Information: Toward the bottom, include company information and context that's not critical but still relevant.

Maintain a Professional Tone

When writing, I keep my tone professional and straightforward. This isn't the place for exaggerated language or sales pitches. The goal is to inform, not to sell.

Bullet Points and Subheadings

To add clarity, bullet points and subheadings are effective. They break down complex information into digestible bites, and they make it easy for journalists to scan through key points.

Boilerplate Information

At the end of the press release, include a boilerplate—a short "About Us" section. It contains:

• A brief description of my company
• The company's mission
• Contact information

Remember, a clear and easy-to-navigate structure will garner more attention and prevent my message from being overlooked.

Contact Details

Finally, don't forget to clearly display contact details at the top or bottom of the press release. These should include:

• Contact person's name
• Title
• Phone number
• Email address

Journalists may need to reach out for further information. Make it easy for them to find who they need to contact. Without clear contact details, even a well-written press release could be disregarded.

Step 6: Submitting your Press Release to the Cincinnati Enquirer

After perfecting your press release and you're ready to submit it to the Cincinnati Enquirer, there are specific steps you’ll want to follow to increase the likelihood of it getting noticed. Understand that the Enquirer receives numerous press releases daily, so standing out is paramount.

First off, check the Enquirer’s submission guidelines meticulously. Newspapers often have particular preferences for press release submissions. The Cincinnati Enquirer might require certain formats or methods of delivery, and failure to adhere to these preferences can result in your release being overlooked.

Next, consider the timing of your submission. Optimal timing can be a decisive factor in the publication of your press release. Aim for sending it in early in the week, as this increases the chances of it being reviewed and published in a timely manner. Avoid weekends and holidays when the staff might be reduced and less likely to process incoming releases.

Another critical step is identifying the right contact person. Research and find a contact within the relevant department or beat that aligns with your press release's subject. A targeted approach ensures your release reaches someone with interest and authority in your story, heightening your chances of coverage.

Personalizing your submission can also be quite effective. While it may not always be feasible, adding a personal touch can distinguish your press release from the pile. A brief but tailored email that highlights why your story would interest the Enquirer's readership can catch an editor's eye.

Finally, follow up if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time, usually a week. A polite follow-up email can prompt a busy editor to take a second look at your submission. While being persistent can be helpful, it’s crucial to stay courteous and professional to maintain a good relationship with the publication.

Conclusion

Successfully submitting a press release to the Cincinnati Enquirer can significantly boost your visibility. I've laid out the essential steps to make your submission process as smooth as possible. Remember, it's all about grabbing the attention of the right people at the right time and fostering relationships that benefit your future endeavors. If you've done your homework and presented a compelling narrative, you're well on your way to seeing your story in print. Stay persistent, be patient, and your press release is likely to make waves in the Cincinnati news landscape.