Top Tips on Content Creation - Q&A with Jeff Bullas

Getting Social in Sydney with... a world-class Social Media Blogger

The awe-inspiring, iconic Sydney Opera House - clicked from the ferry to Manly

Two world-famous icons in one shot: Sydney Harbour Bridge + Opera House

(L-R) Jeff Bullas, Me and Dee at Rossini Cafe, Circular Quay, Sydney, June 2012

One of the fortunate highlights of our recent trip to Sydney was our coffee catch-up with Jeff Bullas.

For those who don't know, Jeff Bullas is a Top 10 social media blogger, Top 50 AdAge blogger, international conference speaker, Forbes Top 50 Power Influencer, and a Twitter phenomenon!

Jeff Bullas used to be a teacher. His passion for technology and writing led him to blogging. Now, he's a digital marketing expert and a personal brand famed across Australia, NZ and worldwide.

Here are some excerpts from our meeting:

Q: What is your take on Social Media? How has it changed the world of work?

JB: Social Media is this big new wave, a new phenomenon that gives businesses and individuals alike unprecedented leverage. It's almost like magic and it's still being discovered. Then he quoted Arthur C. Clarke:

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

Q: You are prolific on social media. How do you go about creating quality content? 
(For easy recall, I've coined an acronym to capture Jeff's response)

JB: Content is best when it is PUREST :

P assion - Great content is a result of genuine passion.
U biquitous - Be everywhere! Use automation to distribute content across many platforms.
R elentless - Be relentless. (This has Jeff Bullas written all over it. He should trademark it!)
E vergreen - Good content is evergreen i.e. it lasts over time. Need to update stats though.
S imple - Don't use big words. No long windy statements. Keep it simple. Explain concepts.
T rue - You have to offer the real deal. Readers are quick to spot a fake, or lack of substance.


Right then, in mid-conversation, Jeff dropped a gem that impressed me deeply. It gave us an insight into the real person behind the blogger and social media expert. A glimpse of greatness:

"I didn't set out to create a tribe or to build a personal brand... or to create trust or influence. I genuinely wanted to make a difference. I just wanted to help people." - Jeff Bullas


Q: Any Tips or Words of Wisdom for bloggers, content creators, digital marketers?

JB:

1. Humility. Help others. 
2. Add value through your blog.
3. Keep it human. Respond to every comment.
4. Craft your content - that's the secret to be found online. Use keywords. Avoid jargon.
5. Wake up early. Discipline yourself. No substitute for hard work. No short cut to success.
6. Read a lot. Read books. It's the best way to learn new stuff. 

Jeff's always reading eBooks on his iPad. While recommending Stephen King's book, On Writing, he shared a memorable anecdote: Someone once asked Stephen King how he writes so much. Pat came the reply... "One word at a time." (King has authored 50 books in 40 years!)

Your business blog is your content marketing hub

UPDATE: (Aug 9, 2012):

Jeff's New eBook is out now! Blogging the Smart Way: How to Create and Market a Killer Blog with Social Media. Read all about it on his blog here. Get your eCopy available on Amazon digital.


From Jeff's several blogposts, here are just 3 great examples You can easily see the amount of content (and learning value) each carries. I must say - gratefully - I've learnt a lot from Jeff's blog.

<> Winning with the Fantastic Four of Digital Marketing (Blog + Slide Presentation)

<> 20 Ways to Increase Your Facebook Likes and Engagement

His blog also features some amazing Guest Blogs:

<> How Search and Online Reputation Management impacts your Brand - Anindita Debnath

In Dee's words: "It was indeed a pleasure meeting a man with "relentless" passion that speaks for itself through his engaging blogs and expertise in all things Social Media / Online Marketing. Jeff Bullas is one man who can teach you how to be "HEARD" in a chaotic and constantly evolving digital ecosystem."

[Many Thanks, Jeff for your time, advice and down-to-earth, friendly nature. Wish you Good Luck for the future... and for your new book. Best Wishes and Kind Regards, A&D]