Website content is evolving at lightning speed. Hence, the role of a web content manager has become more important than ever. I have worked in this industry for years, so let me share it with you.
If you want to take this role, this article will be what you need. I will show you how to become a website content manager in detail. So, let’s check it out!
Overview
Web content managers are web experts. If you want to follow this career path, first explore what this job is about.
Who is a Web Content Manager?
Web content managers build and manage content online for businesses. Their role involves marketing, web design, technical writing, and graphic design.
They try to offer the best online experiences for their customers. To do that, they handle everything on the websites, including traffic and digital content.
Education Requirements
To become a web content manager, you need a bachelor’s degree in related fields. But, your educational requirements depend on the specific tasks.
For example, you need marketing or English degrees if you work with content. Meanwhile, the marketing degree will be more important if you are in charge of the advertising part.
Aside from the bachelor’s degree, you should consider certifications in some areas, such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or digital marketing.
What Does A Web Content Manager Do?
You have many tasks to work on every day, such as:
- Create digital content: Content is essential for any website. As a web content manager, you must ensure the content on your company’s website is high quality.
- Use CMS: CMS (Content Manage Software) platforms help you gather, create, and share content. Thus, you should be skilled at using them.
- Improve user interfaces: Every business aims to optimize its customer experiences. And you can help by improving the website’s user interface.
- Plan content strategies: You have to develop a long-term strategy to build a website. This task includes many things, such as recruiting designers or building the brand image.
- Work with other web designers and marketers: You have a team to lead. You work together to create high-quality content for the website.
- Build and maintain the brand image: The website is one of the first things customers know about a business. They may want to stay with you longer if they have a good impression. So, you must build a definite brand image through the content on the website.
- Check content: A professional website shouldn’t have any spelling or grammar mistakes. The information must be accurate, too. Hence, you need to check and edit the content before uploading it.
- Write reports: You collect data on the digital activities of the website. Then, based on it, you can gauge the website’s effectiveness.
How To Become A Web Content Manager
It’s not easy to become a web content manager. You need to study first, then work hard to gain experience. Moreover, you must work in entry-level positions before reaching the manager role.
1. Obtain a marketing-related degree
Firstly, you need a degree in marketing. It will give you a strong foundation. Then, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills for the job.
You can explore marketing concepts deeply when studying to get a degree. You can also learn how to analyze customer behaviors and conduct market research. Then, they help you employ marketing strategies to reach your target audience.
Employers often prefer candidates with degrees in marketing, communication, or English. However, as long as you can showcase your skills, they can accept degrees in any field.
Ultimately, your education is just one part of your journey. It’s important for sure, but don’t forget other steps!
2. Earn certifications
You can also earn some certifications in specific areas. They prove that you are proficient in that field.
There are many options to consider. For example, you can learn content marketing. The course covers the entire content marketing process. By the end of the program, you can manage web content effectively.
3. Learn the SEO concept
Learning SEO is crucial for anyone to become a web content manager. It ensures that your content can rank high in search engine results. Then, it will access a wider audience.
Effective SEO involves thorough keyword research. It’s about identifying the phrases and terms that your target audience searches for.
Then, based on the keywords, you will plan your content strategy. Users can find it easier if your content aligns with the listed keywords.
If you are new to marketing, this idea can be simple for you. You just need to insert the keywords into your content.
However, it’s more important to place them naturally. Otherwise, overloading a blog post with keywords will harm your rankings.
It will be challenging at first; therefore, you should practice working with SEO tools. And use your writing skills to develop engaging content for your website.
4. Have a personal website
Reading books is not enough for developing your SEO skills. So why don’t you put your knowledge into practice? Having your own website is an excellent idea.
The website is your content playground. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Then, feel free to experiment with content types.
You can also promote your website on social media platforms. This way, you can learn how to distribute your content to reach your target audience.
Your website can serve as a living portfolio. When you apply for a marketing job, include it in your portfolio. The employers will then learn about your abilities.
5. Apply for entry-level jobs
You can’t just jump straight to the manager position. Instead, it would be better to work in entry-level positions first.
These jobs help you gain experience in executing marketing strategies. You can also practice creating website content and managing campaigns.
Moreover, in a company, you can work with different teams. This collaboration teaches you how to align your content with a broader marketing objective.
6. Assist with content management roles
Once you’ve secured an entry-level position, level up! You can dig deeper into the content management duties.
For example, you can assist the content manager. This role helps you learn more about how a web content manager executes and manages content strategies.
Even if there isn’t such a role in your company, you can volunteer to join content-related projects. It shows your enthusiasm to learn.
As you participate in those projects, you can practice working with user experience, engagement, and search engines. These skills are essential for effective content management.
7. Hone your skills
Your journey is an ongoing skill improvement. Here are the skills you need to become a good web content manager:
UI design
UI design helps you create engaging digital experiences. Hence, you can enhance user interaction on your website.
Software proficiency
You need to work with many software tools for content management. They will help streamline your workflow and produce high-quality content.
For example, when running a marketing campaign, you need to monitor their performance. In this case, consider using Google Analytics to access the statistics. Then, you know which area to improve.
Web design basics
You will work with other designers in your team to develop an attractive website. Thus, it can help if you know the basics of web design.
Writing
Strong writing skills are essential for creating persuasive copy on the website. They should capture the audience’s attention and convey the brand’s message.
You need writing skills to prepare reports, too. Your boss needs to know about the marketing strategies of your team.
SEO
As I have mentioned, SEO principles can optimize your web content for search engines. If you use them correctly, you can improve your company’s online visibility.
Data analysis
Marketing tools help you get the marketing statistics of your campaign. However, they are not enough, and that’s where you need data analysis skills.
Once you get the data, you will work on it to extract insights from content performance metrics. After that, you adjust your campaigns to achieve a better result.
Communication
You work with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. But fear not! You can ensure smooth project execution with your communication skills.
Leadership
You lead the marketing team of writers, marketers, and designers. They need you to guide and inspire them.
To practice this skill, you can join clubs while still at university. Then, volunteer to be the leader. Or, when you have any project, try the leadership role.
Creativity
Creative thinking helps your content stand out. Plus, with this skill, you can find new ideas to promote your company.
8. Apply for a content manager role
Once you’ve reached this point, you are ready to apply for a content manager role. You can choose to work for another company or promote yourself to the leadership position at your current company.
If you go for the first option, prepare an appealing resume and cover letter. They should focus on your skills, experience, and achievements. Also, make sure they align with the web content manager position.
Marketing is about all how effectively your content can work. So, it would be best to use metrics whenever talking about your experience.
Remember that you have a personal website? Add it to your portfolio. Then, the employers will be impressed with your experience and enthusiasm for the role.
Salary And Outlook
As of 2023, a web content manager in the US may make about $99,882 per year, which is around $48.03 per hour.
Plus, the field of promotion, advertising, and marketing managers is expected to grow by 10% from 2020 to 2030. There are up to 31,100 job openings every year during that period.
Moreover, as technology keeps changing in content marketing, this job will stay important in the coming years. It can be a great fit for you if you love facing new challenges.
Is Content Management a Good Career?
The answer is Yes. You can have many benefits when working as a web content manager. For example:
- Growth: You can grow in your career by taking on more duties. Ultimately, you will move into higher-level roles like content director or marketing manager.
- Competitive salaries: This job is well-paid because of its importance to the business. Along with the good pay, you can get attractive bonuses.
- Networking: This career often gives you access to industry events. These chances help you stay updated with the latest trends with other experts in the field.
- Dynamic environment: The content marketing field is dynamic, making you feel excited for the challenges ahead.
Is It Hard To Become a Web Content Manager?
I have mentioned the word “challenges” many times so far, and here they are:
- Multitasking: You can lead different projects at the same time. Hence, the numerous tasks may stress you out.
- Work-life balance: You are the manager, so expect to work long hours. Sometimes, you have to spend your weekends managing urgent tasks.
- Learning path: This position requires knowledge, skills, and experience. So it takes time for you to reach that far.
Conclusion
It’s not easy to become a web content manager, right? I know, but it’s a rewarding job! Your expertise and experience can help you stand out.
Success comes from continuous learning. Moreover, this industry is developing. Thus, you have to follow the latest trends to lead the way.
So take this chance to shape the digital world. If you need further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!