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Interview with José Fernandes

José Fernandes is the author of Digital Marketing with Drupal; we got the chance to sit down with him and find out more about his experience of writing with Packt.

Q: What are your specialist tech areas?
José : Digital Marketing and Drupal

Q: How did you become an author for Packt? Tell us about your journey. What was your motivation for writing this book?
José : My Drupal and Digital Marketing journeys began practically simultaneously more than 15 years ago. In 2006, I launched an internet startup built on Drupal. To make that startup a success online, I needed to master Digital Marketing, which was more commonly known as Web Marketing at the time. After many years of involvement in developing and marketing over a hundred primarily digital brands, I felt it was time to share my experience with others. That’s when I decided to approach Packt and see if they, too, felt the need for a book like this. I’m sure you already know what their response was.

Q: What kind of research did you do, and how long did you spend researching before beginning the book?
José : I’ve been doing most of the techniques presented in the book for more than a decade, so I can say my research began many, many years ago.

Q: Did you face any challenges during the writing process? How did you overcome them?
José : The writing started just a few months before the COVID pandemic. The time when I was writing the book coincided with a period when my agency Bloomidea was busier than usual, due to the fact that firms began or increased their investment in online channels as a result of the lockdowns. My spare time had evaporated as I tried to manage a marketing agency while also writing a book. That was an extremely stressful period. I could only accomplish both because I am fortunate to work with such an autonomous and productive team, as well as have a very supportive girlfriend and family!

Q: What’s your take on the technologies discussed in the book? Where do you see these technologies heading in the future?
José : For over two decades, Drupal has been assisting us, evolving and never stopping. The next version’s goal is to improve Drupal’s out-of-the-box user experience and to continue to be the repository for all your content needs, regardless of the front-end technology you use. Just like Drupal, Digital Marketing never rests. I believe that the use of Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI Marketing, will be where we witness the most innovation in the field of Digital Marketing.

Q: Why should readers choose this book over others already on the market? How would you differentiate your book from its competition?
José : One of the main reasons I thought this book was needed was that there are already many books about solely Digital Marketing and many books about developing and building with Drupal, but none that combine the two. The book is aimed at two distinct audiences that are always required for any successful digital business: marketers and site builders.

Q: What are the key takeaways you want readers to come away with from the book?
José : On the Digital Marketing side, I want them to understand that the key to building a successful brand is to focus on the customer and how to best serve hem in a creative and distinctive way. Drupal, on the other hand, enables you to create incredible digital experiences that will delight your customers and make your life as a marketer a lot easier.

Q. What advice would you give to readers learning tech? Do you have any top tips?
José : Normally, I learn a new technology in two steps. First, I read a book on it to get a bird’s eye view and rapidly grasp what the essential elements are that I need to learn more about. Then, with the help of new books, videos, and other learning tools, I begin experimenting with the technology on my own, one step at a time. I know it’s a little frustrating at first, but I’ll be much more knowledgeable on that subject in no time.

Q. Do you have a blog that readers can follow?
José : My company’s blog is where my colleagues and I like to share information on the technology we work with and other various digital marketing topics. Here’s a link to it: bloomidea

Q. Can you share any blogs, websites and forums to help readers gain a holistic view of the tech they are learning?
José :  I enjoy watching the recordings that the Drupal Association makes available from Drupal events throughout the world, particularly the Drupal Con sessions. The videos can be found at:DrupalAssociation. Drupal Answers , Drupal Documentation , and Planet Drupal are all excellent resources.

Q. How would you describe your author journey with Packt? Would you recommend Packt to aspiring authors?
José : Pack’s team was always encouraging and professional. They always made sure I didn’t miss any deadlines , I had a great time working with them. Packt is without a doubt one I would recommend to aspiring authors.

Q. Do you belong to any tech community groups ?
José :  Yes, I’ve been a part of the Drupal Community for over 15 years, writing modules, providing assistance, and participating in other community-related activities.

Q. What is that one writing tip that you found most crucial and would like to share with aspiring authors?
José :  Write your outline first, and then work on one chapter at a time.

Digital Marketing with Drupal – available on Amazon.com