From the Hart: N2D announces novel publication

N2D Media Group is pleased to announce that Cathleen Hagan, writing as C. S. Gordon, has published her first literary fiction novel in ebook format through Smashwords: The Hart & Horn.

When the paths of a slacker, a modern-day troubadour and a 40-something divorcee converge, each wonders if the other might lead to their happily ever after. But they aren’t in a fairytale; they’re in the real world of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula facing loss, difficult relationships and the realization that happy endings are a lot like unicorns.

The Hart & Horn is available for purchase for only $2.99 in formats suitable for a variety of ebook readers, including Kindle, Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, as well as .pdf.

Hello?

It would be an understatement to say that there's been a lot of emphasis on connecting with customers and clients via social media. But has it been at the expense of the obvious?

The latest analysis from SMB DigitalScape indicates six out of 10 SMB websites in the U.S. are missing either a local or toll-free telephone number on the home page to contact the business. (Home page is defined as the first page of the website. Some websites have phone numbers on later pages.)

Other empirical data from SMB DigitalScape include:

   --74.7 percent of SMB websites lack an email link on their home page for consumers to contact the business.
    --65.7 percent of SMB websites lack a form-fill option to enable consumers to request information.
    --93.3 percent of SMB websites are not mobile compatible and will not render successfully on mobile devices or smartphones.

I visit a lot of websites, and there's nothing more frustrating than having to hunt around for one of the most basic pieces of information: a phone number. True or not, it always makes me feel like the company or organization doesn't want to talk to me, or doesn't have the resources available to take a phone call. Not exactly the impression you want to give your customers/clients.

p.s. Another peeve? Websites that don't decode acronyms on their site, like SMB (small-to-medium business).

Hall of Shame/Hall of Fame

"In the 21 years that I have been involved in the xxxxxx industry, I have bared witness to a number of times when suppliers attempted, with varying levels of success..."

This appeared in an e-newsletter under "A Few Thoughts from the President & CEO."  I had a few thoughts, too. First, the proper verb is "bear," not "bare." Second, the correct tense is "borne" (the past participle). Third, why not just use "observed"? Better yet: "... numerous times I have seen suppliers attempt, with varying levels of success..."


And, finally: who the heck let this go out with the CEO's name on it?

Who's doing it right? Today I induct Patricia Janeway from the Detroit Zoo into our informal Hall of Fame. If you want to see press releases done right, get on her mailing list. They are always short, clear, informative, simply formatted and often interesting. That's the way N2D Media Group believes in writing them, too.

The Apocryphal Apostrophe

"The Holiday’s will be here before you know it... "

"(Venue) To Host An Array of Artist’s... "

"... back to it’s roots, back to the 50’s and 60’s, and playing the game as it was originally played… "

What do all these sentences have in common? Besides some questionable capitalization, they share misplaced apostrophes. In the first two, both apostrophes should be deleted, as "Holidays" and "Artists" are plural, not possessive. In the the third sentence, "it's" should be "its" because it's not a contraction, and no apostrophes are needed for "50s and 60s" because again, they are plural, not possessive.

These examples came from press releases and an e-newsletter we received, but we see this mistake everywhere: websites, signage, advertising, etc. Is it so common you shouldn't worry about it in your communications? Only if common is good enough. If you'd rather show that you care about setting a standard of excellence and a commitment to detail, but don't have the time or staff to worry about apostrophes, consider letting a professional like N2D Media Group handle your communications.

Confused about apostrophes? Here's a great guide from one of our favorite sites, The Oatmeal.

Proof that professional writing pays

The message may come from across the pond, but holds true around the world: it pays to hire a professional when it comes to content for your website-- or anything you want written well.

Spelling mistakes online 'cost millions'

By Craig Grannell on July 15, 2011 (for .net magazine)

Copywriting experts warn that sloppy copy can impact on your websites

According to a report on BBC news, online entrepreneur Charles Duncombe claims poor spelling is costing the UK millions of pounds in lost business. He says an analysis of website statistics shows a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half. The report adds that similar concerns have been voiced by the Confederation of British Industry, who warned that employers were "having to invest in remedial literacy lessons for their staff."

"If a company can't even be bothered to check the text on their website, will they bother sending my order out quickly, or answering the phone if I have problems?"

Read the complete article here.