The World’s Borough now has a world-class website for trend-setting local news and social media connections: QNS.com.
Schneps Communications launched today the new online home of the Queens Courier and its sister publications, the Ridgewood Times, Times Newsweekly and BORO Magazine.
While continuing to offer the high-quality, up-to-the-minute news content that readers have come to expect, QNS.com is more than just a news website. It features elements designed to connect the 2.3 million people that call Queens home like never before, including pages dedicated to entire neighborhoods and free classified and event listings.
“QNS is all about informing and connecting as many people, neighborhood by neighborhood, as possible,” said Joshua Schneps, co-publisher of Schneps Communications. “We invite anyone living, working or interested in Queens to discover our award-winning content, communicate with their neighbors on their own community pages as well as post free classified and events. The best part is accessing the site on desktop, mobile or tablet as a great user experience. We look forward to your feedback and welcome it directly at jschneps@queenscourier.com.”
“Although we have been enormously successful with our 19 print products, we understand that we must be as powerful a presence on the Internet,” said Victoria Schneps, co-publisher of Schneps Communications. “A year and a half has been spent building what we think will be the state-of-the-art website for our devoted readers and new friends. Enjoy it and use it!”
QNS.com is offering registered users a variety of incentives and contests to help spread the word about the new website, including VIP membership and the unique opportunity to help a hard-working individual in Queens and their family win a dream vacation to Cancun.
Neighborhood pages bring Queens residents together
QNS.com offers registered users the ability to connect with people in their neighborhoods. QNS.com’s neighborhood section provides readers with local news, discussions that can help neighbors communicate with each other, local events, classifieds and more.
Users can post status updates or start discussions to act as neighborhood watchdogs, post pictures of things happening in their backyard and get questions answered by those that know it best: people that live and work in your neighborhood.
When you sign up on the website, you can choose the neighborhood you live, work or enjoy the most. This neighborhood will then appear in your navigation bar for direct access. Post your events and watch them go live immediately with the option to include images, maps to the destination and the ability to track RSVPs.
We will use user generated events to promote in our publications, social media and email newsletters. So get started today!
Local classifieds at your fingertips
QNS.com offers registered users the ability to post neighborhood-specific classifieds immediately with images and text for free; like Craigslist for your neighborhood. QNS.com’s classified section is a great source to find products and services, as well as a safe place to sell and promote your items or business.
Post local events to the online calendar
The interactive Event Calendar allows users to immediately post their upcoming events for free including options to add an image, description and map of the event, as well as an RSVP functionality. Once registered, go into your user profile to add or edit an event listing.
Need a vacation? Let QNS help you get to Cancun
QNS.com will give our registered users the chance to win one trip for two to Cancun, Mexico simply by telling us their stories.
To enter the contest, sign up as a QNS.com member. When signing up, each user must pick the Neighborhood they live, work or associate with. Then, on their Neighborhood page, post a status update titled “Why I deserve a trip to Cancun,” and tell us in 150 words or less why you should get this awesome vacation. Help your cause by including an image of yourself as well.
Users are to only create one profile and post only to the neighborhood they are associated with.
Registered users must be 25 years of age or older to win and be available to confirm their identity and story with our editors prior to claiming their prize. One winner will be selected at the staff’s discretion; no purchase is necessary.
The lucky winner will receive a vacation certificate for a five-day, four-night stay at a hotel in Cancun good for two adults ages 25 and over and up to two children under the age of 12. Air fare is not included. The winner must book their trip at least 90 days upon receiving their prize and has up to a year to schedule their trip. Other restrictions apply.
Become a VIP member of QNS.com
QNS.com is offering an opportunity for Queens residents to become VIP members of the site. We are seeking at least one person to act as the “mayor” of each neighborhood updating our Neighborhood pages with pictures and happenings in the area, letting other residents know about QNS and all the functionality and engagement they can participate in and help spread the word on social media.
VIPs will be the local point of contact informing our editor on stories, happenings and trends on social media.
As a perk, VIPs will get exclusive invites and free access to QNS VIP events and parties. Other benefits include special discounts to local businesses, a chance to grow your own local recognition by co-hosting neighborhood events, cross promotion on our social media accounts including “taking over” over Instagram account for a day and VIP swag such as a QNS T-shirt and gift cards.
Interested residents can email their name, neighborhood and phone number to jschneps@queenscourier.com.
Stay connected to the content you most enjoy: Social Media and Email Newsletters
Even when you’re not signed onto QNS.com you will always have access to the latest news via social media or through an array of email newsletters bringing your favorites stories right into your mailbox.
As each story appears on QNS, both Facebook.com/QNS and twitter.com/QNS will be updated simultaneously. Through those outlets users can share links or images with Facebook friends or retweet and favorite links.
QNS users will also have the opportunity to select from a targeted list of content options to receive updates and a specific email newsletters in each subject. Categories users can choose from include local news for your neighborhood, local events & happenings, business news and networking, real estate news, eating and drinking, kids & education, deals and discounts.
Business content to reach more customers
QNS.com offers businesses the unique opportunity to reach, interact and engage with millions of Queens residents like never before.
Working with our team, QNS will fashion a native advertising strategy that will be as interesting as the content surrounding it. In so doing, your message will resound more strongly and connect with potential customers more deeply. You’ll realize greater results, while strengthening your brand.
No other vehicle targets Queens as well, because the people behind QNS have been specializing in Queens for more than 30 years.
