How much could I expect to earn?
The work
Skills required
Opportunities

Web content managers are responsible for the information that appears on an organisation's website. In larger organisations, they may oversee an editorial team who research and produce material - images and text - for publication on a website.

One of the key requirements for content managers is to understand the site's target audience. This allows them to write and present material in such a way as to appeal to that group and maximise the website's potential.

Web content managers work closely with web editors, developers, web designers and other professionals to coordinate the site content and make sure it reflects the needs of the organisation it represents. It may be an external site on the world wide web or an internal company's intranet.

The type of content can vary widely but some examples include:

• Company newsletters.
• Interactive multimedia.
• Product advertising and retail catalogues.
• Local, national and international news reports.
• College and university course details.
• Online public information and government services.

Web content managers' duties include:

• Taking a lead role in maintenance and development of the site.
• Meeting with editing, marketing and design teams to coordinate site content, style and appearance.
• Supporting, managing and developing the editorial team.
• Using web content management systems to analyse site statistics (page visits, time spent on site, links followed).
• Evaluating results and compiling reports for senior managers, clients and partnership organisations.
• Setting permissions for site users.
• Promoting and disseminating information about the website to target customers and partners.
• Carrying out quality assurance checks on web content.
• Reporting technical problems to IT support staff.
• Planning and implementing strategic policies.
• Dealing with legal issues, such as copyright and data protection.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Web content managers' salaries fall between £25,000 and £50,000, depending on the seniority of the position.

Web content managers work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Their work is office based at a computer workstation. There may be some out-of-office work, for example, meetings with clients or partners and giving presentations.

As a content manager, you need:

• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• An understanding of legal issues, such as copyright, privacy and accessibility.
• Sound financial management, project management, negotiating and presentation skills.
• The ability to foster relationships with clients and partners.
• Good teamworking skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• An understanding of online authoring issues, such as brevity, house style, content structure and organisation.
• An excellent grasp of English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• The ability to write for a target audience.
• Creative skills to find engaging ways of presenting information and to generate new ideas.
• The ability to pay attention to detail, for example when proofing.

Prospects are excellent for experienced web content managers because every organization of note these days requires website content to be properly and professionally managed.  Employers range from small businesses with one person dealing with all aspects of the job to large organisations with a team of web content editors. Web content managers with web design skills are in a very strong position, as many jobs combine writing with design roles. Career progression routes depend upon the organisation's size and structure.