Web content editor

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Publishing Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These usually 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:

• 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)

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• administration skills
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Web content editors research, write and manage an organisation’s online content, including text, images, video and social media.

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.

Location : You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

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