Content Strategist vs. Content Manager: What Are the Differences?

If you’re passionate about writing and have experience managing digital content, you may be wondering if a career in content strategy or content management is right for you. Both of these roles are important in developing and executing a content strategy for a website or company, but they have different focuses. In this article, we compare and contrast content strategists and content managers, and we provide information on what you can expect from each role.

What is a Content Strategist?

Content Strategists are responsible for planning, developing and managing content across an organization. They work with editorial teams to ensure that content is consistent with the organization’s overall voice and messaging. Content Strategists also develop systems and processes for managing and storing content. They may also work with marketing and sales teams to develop content that supports business objectives. In some cases, Content Strategists may also be responsible for creating or curating content.

What is a Content Manager?

Content Managers are responsible for the development and curation of content for their company or organization. This can include writing, editing, and publishing blog posts, articles, social media content, e-books, and other forms of digital or print content. Content Managers often work with a team of content creators, including writers, designers, and videographers, to produce high-quality content that aligns with the company’s branding and marketing goals. They also develop and oversee content strategies, ensuring that all content is consistent with the company’s overall message and goals.

Content Strategist vs. Content Manager

Here are the main differences between a content strategist and a content manager.

Job Duties

The job duties of a content strategist and a content manager can differ, as each role focuses on different parts of the content creation process. A content strategist develops the overall strategy for an organization’s brand by looking at its goals and target audience. They then develop guidelines that help other employees create effective content for that audience.

Content managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization’s existing content. They may edit or revise existing content to ensure it’s clear and easy to understand, or they may choose to delete outdated content to make room for new information. Additionally, content managers may be responsible for creating low-level content, such as blog posts or emails, to communicate with customers on an individual level.

Job Requirements

Content strategists and content managers both need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. However, content strategists may have an advantage if they hold a degree in English, journalism, marketing or another related field. Additionally, content strategists may benefit from having a master’s degree in business administration, communication or another relevant area. Many content strategists also pursue certifications through professional organizations like the Content Marketing Institute (CMI) or the American Marketing Association (AMA).

While content managers do not necessarily need a specific degree, many of them have a background in marketing, communications or another related field. Additionally, many content managers have a master’s degree in business administration, communication or another relevant area. Many content managers also pursue certifications through professional organizations like the CMI or the AMA.

Work Environment

Content strategists and content managers typically work in different environments. A content strategist may work for a company that provides services to other businesses, such as an advertising agency or marketing firm. They also may work for companies that provide products or services to consumers, like retail stores or entertainment companies.

Content managers usually work for companies that produce media, such as television shows, movies or music. They may also work for companies that sell products directly to consumers, such as e-commerce websites or online retailers.

Skills

Both content strategists and content managers use writing, editing and proofreading skills in their jobs. They also both need to be able to understand the needs of their audience and develop content that appeals to them. However, there are some key differences in the skills each position uses.

A content strategist typically needs research skills to help them understand their audience’s needs and develop a content strategy that meets those needs. They also need project management skills to plan and oversee the creation and distribution of content. A content manager does not necessarily need to have as strong of a focus on research and strategy, as they typically implement the content strategy developed by the content strategist. However, they do need to have strong organizational skills to manage the content calendar and ensure all deadlines are met. They also may benefit from having some basic design skills to format content for different channels.

Salary

Content strategists and content managers both work in the field of content marketing. Content strategists earn an average salary of $74,692 per year, while content managers earn an average salary of $78,314 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.