What Does a Content Manager Do?
Find out what a content manager does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a content manager.
Content managers are responsible for creating and managing the content that appears on a website, app or other digital platform. They work with writers, designers and other members of their team to ensure that all of this content is consistent, accurate and engaging.
Content managers may also be responsible for overseeing the development of new content or features in order to ensure that they meet certain standards or goals. This might include working with developers to create new templates or tools that make it easier to produce content in the future.
Content Manager Job Duties
A content manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Coordinating with other departments such as marketing, public relations and human resources to ensure that content aligns with brand strategy
- Reviewing the performance of content to determine whether it is meeting its objectives
- Reviewing and editing content for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other errors
- Managing the creation and delivery of content across various channels, such as social media, websites, blog posts, and email campaigns
- Managing the development of new content, including writing or selecting text, designing graphics, and creating videos
- Researching topics to create new content or updating existing content to ensure it is relevant and meets industry standards
- Monitoring website statistics to identify areas that need improvement
- Working closely with writers, designers, and other content creators to develop effective content
- Creating editorial calendars to schedule content creation and distribution activities
Content Manager Salary & Outlook
Content managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.
- Median Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)
The employment of content managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
Demand for content managers will increase as more companies hire them to manage their digital content and ensure that it is mobile-friendly. Content managers also will be needed to organize and curate the large amounts of information available online.
Content Manager Job Requirements
A content manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Content managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English or another related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in content strategy or another related field.
Training & Experience: Content managers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the company’s specific content management system and how to use it to update and maintain the website. Training may also include learning the company’s style guide and how to use it to ensure the website’s content is consistent.
Certifications & Licenses: It is common for content managers to obtain certifications to improve their qualifications and increase their earning potential.
Content Manager Skills
Content managers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Editing: Content managers often edit their own work and the work of others. They may also review and edit content before it’s published. This requires attention to detail and the ability to make changes to improve the quality of the content.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Content managers often use SEO to optimize their content for search engines. This involves using keywords and other elements that help search engines understand the content and display it when someone searches for those keywords. This is important because it can help increase the number of people who find and read your content.
Marketing: Content managers often work with marketing teams to create and distribute content. This means they need to understand the goals of the marketing team and how the content they create can help the marketing team achieve their goals. For example, if a marketing team wants to increase sales, the content manager may create content that encourages potential customers to make a purchase.
Research: Content managers research topics and subjects for their work. They need to be able to find information and data to support their content. This includes researching topics and subjects to create new content. You may also need to research to find sources for images and videos.
Project management: Content managers often oversee the creation of large amounts of content, so project management skills can be beneficial. You might use project management skills to plan and organize the creation of a website, blog or social media account. You might also use project management skills to plan and organize a marketing campaign that requires the creation of a large amount of content.
Content Manager Work Environment
Content managers work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishing houses. They typically work full time and may have to work overtime to meet deadlines. Some content managers work from home. Content managers may be under a lot of pressure to produce high-quality work that meets the needs and expectations of their employer or client. They may also be under pressure to meet deadlines and stay within budget.
Content Manager Trends
Here are three trends influencing how content managers work. Content managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
Content Marketing Will Become Even More Important
Content marketing is becoming increasingly important as businesses realize that it is a cost-effective way to reach their target audience. This trend will continue to grow in the coming years, as more and more businesses adopt content marketing strategies.
As content marketing becomes more popular, content managers will need to be able to create high-quality content that meets the needs of their customers. They will also need to be able to manage and track the success of their content campaigns.
The Rise of AI and Automation
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is having a major impact on the workforce, and content managers are among the most affected professionals. As AI and automation become more widespread, content managers will need to learn how to work with these technologies in order to stay competitive.
In order to succeed in the future economy, content managers will need to be able to work with AI and automation tools to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently. They will also need to be able to manage and organize large amounts of data.
More Focus on User Experience
User experience (UX) has become an increasingly important focus for businesses in recent years. This is because users are now more likely to judge a product based on its user interface than its features or functionality.
As a result, content managers need to be aware of the importance of UX and make sure that their content supports a positive user experience. This includes things like writing clear and concise copy, designing pages that are easy to navigate, and creating products that are easy to use.
How to Become a Content Manager
A content manager career can be a great way to combine your love of writing with your interest in digital marketing. As a content manager, you’ll be responsible for creating and managing the content on your company’s website, blog, and social media channels. This could include writing blog posts, creating infographics, and developing video content.
To become a successful content manager, it’s important that you have strong writing skills and an understanding of SEO best practices. You should also be familiar with popular content management systems like WordPress and Drupal.
Advancement Prospects
Content managers typically start out as content creators or content curators. As they gain experience, they may be promoted to content manager, senior content manager, or director of content. Those with strong writing and editing skills may move into positions as copywriters, editors, or publishers. Those with strong project management skills may move into project management or product management positions. And those with strong marketing skills may move into marketing, brand management, or business development positions.
Content Manager Job Description Example
As the Content Manager at [CompanyX], you will be responsible for developing and managing content across all channels, including website, blog, social media, email, and print. You will collaborate with the marketing, sales, and product teams to create content that is aligned with our brand voice and supports our business goals. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a team of writers, editors, and designers, and be able to juggle multiple projects at once. He or she will be a strategic thinker with excellent writing, editing, and project management skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all content-related inquiries, requests, and issues
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of industry trends and best practices to inform and improve content strategy
- Write, edit, and proofread a variety of content types including but not limited to website copy, blog posts, articles, white papers, eBooks, case studies, email marketing campaigns, and social media updates
- Collaborate with other members of the marketing team to develop high-quality, original content that aligns with the company’s overall brand voice and messaging
- Create and manage editorial calendar to ensure timely publication of all content across all channels
- Monitor analytics to identify opportunities for improvement and optimize content accordingly
- Stay up-to-date on search engine optimization (SEO) best practices to ensure all content is optimized for maximum visibility and engagement
- Manage relationships with external content contributors, including but not limited to freelance writers, designers, and photographers
- Coordinate content production from start to finish, ensuring all deadlines are met and all content meets or exceeds quality standards
- Regularly audit existing content to identify areas in need of update or improvement
- Serve as the subject matter expert on all things related to company’s content
- Perform any other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related discipline
- 5+ years professional writing and editing experience with solid portfolio of work
- Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills
- Ability to work independently and with a team to meet deadlines
- Excellent organizational skill and multitasking ability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related discipline
- 7+ years professional writing and editing experience
- Experience working with content management systems, WordPress, etc.
- Proofreading experience and familiarity with standard style guides
- A keen eye for detail and appreciation of great design
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