What Does a Content Specialist Do?

Content specialists are responsible for creating and managing the content that appears on a website, in an app, or in some other digital format. They work closely with web designers and developers to ensure that their content is properly organized and formatted so that it’s easy to find and read.

Content specialists may also be tasked with writing new content themselves. This might include blog posts, FAQ pages, product descriptions, etc.

Content Specialist Job Duties

A content specialist typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Researching topics related to their content area and updating information as needed
• Communicating with other staff members to ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget
• Reviewing content for accuracy, using style guides to ensure consistency in formatting and punctuation
• Developing relationships with editors, writers, and other team members to ensure that projects are completed smoothly
• Reviewing content for plagiarism and ensuring that it is original
• Writing articles, blog posts, social media posts, and other content for websites or other publications
• Editing material to ensure that content is free of spelling and grammatical errors
• Conducting research to provide supporting evidence for points made in articles or other content
• Evaluating the effectiveness of content strategies and identifying opportunities for improvement

Content Specialist Salary & Outlook

Content specialists’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of content they are creating. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions.

• Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $100,000 ($48.08/hour)

The employment of content specialists is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Demand for content specialists depends on the demand for information and knowledge workers in general. As businesses increasingly rely on data and analytics, demand for these workers will increase. However, automation may limit the need for content specialists in some industries.

Related: 17 Content Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Content Specialist Job Requirements

A content specialist typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Content specialists are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as English, journalism, communications or another closely related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in content development or a related field.

Training & Experience: Content specialists typically receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of their role. Training may include shadowing current content specialists or learning from a supervisor. Training may also include learning the company’s content management system and any software or databases used.

Content specialists who work in technical or scientific fields may receive additional training to learn the specific terminology and processes of their role.

Certifications & Licenses: While content specialists do not need certifications to get hired, they can earn one or more to show their expertise in the content writing, editing and management field.

Content Specialist Skills

Content specialists need the following skills in order to be successful:

Technical skills: Content specialists may need to use various computer programs to create and edit content. Technical skills can include knowledge of software programs, how to use a computer and how to navigate the internet. This can include knowing how to use programs like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as how to use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop.

Communication skills: As a content specialist, you may be required to communicate with clients, other team members and other stakeholders. Effective communication is an essential skill for this role, as it can help you convey ideas and information clearly and concisely. You may also use communication skills to collaborate with others on a project, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively in a group setting.

Research skills: Research skills are the ability to find and interpret information. Content specialists need to be able to research topics and find the most relevant information for their audience. This can include finding sources, evaluating the credibility of those sources and finding the most relevant information.

Marketing skills: Content specialists often work with marketing teams to develop a strategy for promoting a product or service. They may also work with marketing teams to develop a content calendar and suggest topics for future content. Marketing skills can help content specialists develop strategies for creating engaging content.

Business skills: Content specialists may also be responsible for selling their company’s products or services. This requires business skills like negotiation, persuasion and customer service. For example, if a client requests a change to the content, a content specialist may need to be able to explain why the change is not necessary and how it could affect the company’s bottom line.

Content Specialist Work Environment

Content specialists work in a variety of settings, including corporate offices, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishing houses. They may also work from home, either as freelancers or as employees of a company that allows telecommuting. Content specialists typically work regular business hours, although they may occasionally have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines. They may also travel to attend conferences or to meet with clients.

Content Specialist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how content specialists work. Content specialists 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 More Important

As content marketing becomes more important, content specialists will be in high demand.

Content is the backbone of any successful content marketing campaign, and businesses that are not producing quality content will find it difficult to attract and retain customers. Content specialists can help businesses create effective content campaigns by developing strategies, writing content, and managing social media channels.

The Rise of AI and Automation

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is having a major impact on the workforce, and content specialists are among the most affected professions.

As AI and automation become more widespread, content specialists will need to learn how to work with these technologies in order to stay competitive. This may include learning how to use AI tools to automate tasks or develop new ways to utilize automation in their work. In addition, content specialists will need to be able to adapt to changes in customer demands and expectations.

More Focus on User Experience

User experience (UX) has become an increasingly important focus for businesses in recent years. This is because users now expect websites and apps to be easy to use and visually appealing.

Content specialists can play a key role in ensuring that user experience is top-notch by creating content that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing. They can also help to test products before they are released to make sure that they are user-friendly.

How to Become a Content Specialist

A content specialist career can be a great way to use your writing skills and knowledge of subject matter. As a content specialist, you’ll create and manage written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing campaigns, web pages, and newsletters.

To become a successful content specialist, it’s important to have strong writing and editing skills, as well as an understanding of the subject matter you’re writing about. You should also be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Advancement Prospects

Content specialists can advance their careers by becoming content managers or content directors. In these roles, they will be responsible for overseeing the development and production of all the content for their organization. They will work with a team of content creators to ensure that all the content meets the organization’s standards and is aligned with its overall strategy.

Content specialists can also advance their careers by becoming subject matter experts in their field. In this role, they will be responsible for developing and delivering training on their area of expertise. They will also be called upon to provide expert advice and guidance to content creators on how to develop accurate and effective content.

Finally, content specialists can also advance their careers by becoming content strategists. In this role, they will be responsible for developing and implementing the content strategy for their organization. They will work with all the different content teams to ensure that the content is aligned with the organization’s overall strategy and goals.

Content Specialist Job Description Example

As a content specialist at [CompanyX], you will be responsible for creating, editing, and managing a variety of written content across multiple channels. This includes website content, blog posts, articles, social media posts, email newsletters, and more. You will collaborate closely with other members of the marketing team, as well as with subject matter experts within the company, to produce high-quality, accurate, and engaging content. An understanding of SEO and how to optimize content for search engines is essential. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer with excellent editing and research skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and proofread a variety of content including but not limited to: website copy, blog posts, articles, whitepapers, eBooks, infographics, email campaigns, and social media updates
• Understand the client’s business, products, and services, as well as their target audience in order to produce relevant and engaging content
• Conduct keyword research and utilize SEO best practices to ensure that all content is optimized for search engines
• Develop an understanding of the client’s competitors and their content strategies in order to produce unique and original content
• Work with the design team to ensure that all content is visually appealing and easy to consume
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet all deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• collaborate with other members of the marketing team to develop and execute content marketing plans
• Keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments in order to produce timely and relevant content
• Monitor analytics to gauge the effectiveness of published content and make necessary changes/adjustments
• Brainstorm new and innovative ideas for content that will resonate with the target audience
• Repurpose existing content into different formats (e.g. turning a blog post into an infographic)
• Share content across social media platforms and track engagement metrics

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related field
• 2-4 years professional writing experience with a 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

• Social media or content marketing experience
• Proofreading experience and familiarity with standard style guides
• Experience working with content management systems, WordPress, etc.
• A keen eye for detail and appreciation of great design
• Creativity and innovative thinking
• Flexibility and adaptability