Web content editor
Web content editors research, write and manage an organisation's online content, including text, images, video and social media.
Also known as: Content designer, digital editor, online content producer
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours35 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As a web content editor you could:
- find out and test what users and clients need from the website
- research, write, edit and proofread content, following style and accessibility guidelines
- commission content from outside agencies
- use a content management system (CMS)
- develop strategies to improve your site and increase its audience
- analyse feedback and data to plan work, create reports and fix problems
In a larger organisation, you might work closely with web professionals, like a user researcher and user experience (UX) designer to create new web pages, content and online tools.
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a web content editor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
Web content editor roles are open to graduates of most subjects as long as you have an excellent standard of written English and good IT skills.
You might have an advantage if you study:
- digital media
- English
- journalism
- marketing
- digital communications
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course to get some of the skills you'll need as a web content editor.
Courses include:
- English
- creative digital media
- digital marketing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These usually take up to 2 years to complete.
If you're aiming to become a web content manager, you could apply to do a Digital Product Owner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship which takes 2 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You might be able to train on the job in a digital editorial assistant role. You could move on to become a web content editor, then web content manager as you get more experience.
You'll usually need experience in:
- writing to brand and style guidelines, including use of plain English
- content management systems (CMS)
- search engine optimisation (SEO)
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a lead content designer or web content manager
- work on a freelance basis or set up your own business
- do extra training to move into website development or service design
- specialise in areas like web accessibility standards, copyright or information management
Career tips
When applying for jobs, you might find it useful to have examples of your work, like online articles or blogs. This could be from an internship or voluntary work, such as writing content for a charity website.
Employers might also want you to have an understanding of their target audience and experience in the subject that the website covers.
Guides for this industry
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