A letter to the editor is a great way to amplify your message.
Writing a letter to your local newspaper’s editor is a great way to reach a broad audience and draw attention to an issue. Community leaders, elected officials, and their staff often read letters to the editor published in local newspapers. They are especially useful to localize national and statewide issues and influence your community. Writing a letter to the editor is a simple way to make your small business voice heard. There are several tips to keep in mind when composing a letter.
Keep your letter brief and remember to follow the submission requirements. If the requirements include your full name and telephone number, it is so they can verify you are the author.
The limit for most newspapers is 100-200 words. For this reason, you must make your point early in the letter and remember to make it again at the end. You want the audience to remember your main point. Always consider the audience. You are writing for average readers who might not understand business as well as you do.
Use plain and simple terms. Read previous letters to the editor and use them as a guide to craft your own. Reference a story from an article that ran in the paper during the last week. A reference to a legislator is a must. Their staff lookout for the member’s name in the news.
If you use statistics to support your argument, make sure they are accurate. Do not make statements that you cannot back up. You can read NFIB articles on the Engage App and use them to gather information. Never make personal attacks or insults.
Do not be discouraged if your letter is not printed. Newspapers receive more letters than they can print. Unpublished letters are still read by the editors and may help them determine future topics and influence the editorial board of the paper.
NFIB can help you write a letter or share information so you can draft your own. NFIB can also identify news outlets and editors in your area.
If you are interested in writing a letter to the editor about a small business issue you are concerned about, email Grassroots Manager, Margaret Parsons at [email protected].
