What is an Op-ed? What’s the Benefit for Your Business?

There are many ways to reach success. If you aim to establish your business as a market leader or build a strong personal brand, writing an op-ed is one of the strategies you can try. So, what exactly is an op-ed? Let’s dive into the details in this article — from the definition, why it matters, to how to craft a compelling one. Check it out!

What is an Op-ed?

An op-ed is an opinion piece published in mass media. It is usually written by prominent figures or experts in a particular field to share their perspectives on an issue. The aim is to influence readers' opinions or even impact government policies. The term "op-ed" stands for "opposite the editorial page," referring to the section where these articles appear in print media. In Indonesia, op-eds are often referred to as “editorials” or “opinion pieces.”

Why is an Op-ed Important?

Though it may seem like a simple opinion article, op-eds are highly competitive. Not just any opinion can make it into prestigious publications, such as Kompas, Tempo, or Jawa Pos. Various professionals from business owners, politicians, and academics to other strategic figures compete for this column. But why? Here are some of the reasons:

1. Clarifying Brand Positioning

An op-ed allows businesses or organizations to clearly communicate their strengths, especially in competitive industries.

2. Building a Reputation as an Expert

Writing an op-ed requires data or relevant experience to support the argument, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase expertise.

3. Gaining Wider Exposure

Publishing an op-ed in a reputable media outlet increases visibility to a larger and more diverse audience.

4. Adding a Personal Touch

Since op-eds are written by individuals, they often have a more personal tone compared to public relations press releases. This personal touch can make the message more persuasive, especially when storytelling is used effectively.

How to Write an Engaging Op-ed?

Want to write an impactful op-ed? Here are some essential tips:

1. Understand the Format and Characteristics of a Good Op-ed

Before you start writing, study some published op-eds in major media outlets. This will help you structure your story and avoid unnecessary trial and error.

2. Leverage Momentum

Mass media prioritizes timely news. Writing an op-ed on a trending topic will attract more readers and increase the chances of publication.

3. State Your Key Point Early

Since the human attention span is only about eight seconds, it’s crucial to get to the point quickly. Make sure to present your main argument at the beginning.

4. Explain Why Your Op-ed Matters

In today’s social media-driven world, everything competes for attention. Provide context, background, and data to explain why your opinion is important.

5. Offer Specific Recommendations

Unlike news articles that aim to be balanced, op-eds are meant to take a stand and offer solutions. Providing actionable recommendations can encourage follow-ups, whether in the form of responses, hearings, or policy changes.

6. Use the “Show, Don’t Tell” Principle

While including data is essential, overwhelming the audience with numbers can backfire. Instead, apply storytelling techniques by using analogies or metaphors to illustrate your points.

Ready to Publish Your Own Op-ed?

If you want to position yourself as an expert and enhance your business branding, writing an op-ed is a great option. Worried about getting it published? With Seedbacklink, you can publish your opinion articles in major media outlets. The best part? You can even choose the platform yourself! Simply make a deposit on Seedbacklink, and within 1-3 days, your article will be live. Pretty convenient, right?