Web content manager

Types of web content managers

The web content manager is key to developing a successful online content strategy. A website content manager wears many hats, including overseeing and managing a website's content, collaborating with different teams, and ensuring that the content is optimized for engagement. But not all web content managers are the same. Many types of web content managers exist; however, the distinguishing factor that sets them apart is the niche or industry they manage content for.

Apart from that, the website content manager's responsibilities may differ depending on the organization. The following list summarizes some of the most common types of web content managers:

• Digital content manager: They produce content for websites, social media, and marketing materials. Their primary responsibility is to oversee all efforts in this digital space.
• E-commerce content manager: This type of content manager works for online retailers. They manage product descriptions, promotional content, and all other content relevant to an e-commerce platform.
• Brand content manager: These content managers usually work with larger organizations, ensuring that all content produced aligns with the company's brand voice and messaging.
• SEO content manager: Working with search engine algorithms, SEO managers produce and organize content to ensure a site ranks high in search results. This includes keyword research, link building, and content optimization.
• Corporate content manager: These managers oversee the production of content related to corporate communications, including press releases, newsletters, and internal documents.
• Social media content manager: They are responsible for creating and managing a brand's content across social media platforms.
• Technical content manager: These managers usually work for companies in the technology industry. They produce and manage content related to products, user manuals, and technical documentation.
• Editorial content manager: Editorial content managers work with various content creators, including bloggers, influencers, and thought leaders, to produce engaging and relevant content for the company's website.

Function and feature

• In-place Editing and Preview:

  A web content management system allows authorized users to add and edit content directly on a website, like a blog or online store. It does this through a simple user interface with text boxes, buttons, and menus that lets users write articles, product descriptions, and more without technical skills. A web content management system also provides an instant preview feature so users can see how the new or updated content will appear on the site before publishing it.

• Content Organization and Categories:

  A web content management system organizes content into categories and assigns tags. This allows website visitors to find articles, products, and other items more easily throughout the site. The system should automatically place all content in its respective category based on these classifications, making navigation straightforward.

• Access Control and User Roles:

  A web content management system provides access control alongside different user roles. It allows administrators to assign different permissions based on user roles like Administrator, Editor, Author, and Contributor. This ensures only authorized users edit or publish content, maintaining website security. The system lets the users of a website log in with their accounts to perform tasks allowed by their assigned role.

• Version History and Backup:

  A web content management system maintains a version history and makes backups. It records and stores changes made to content over time, allowing users to review past versions if needed easily. Backups automatically copy the website's content and data for safekeeping. If anything goes wrong or an error occurs, the backups allow for restoring the site.

• Responsive Design and Accessibility:

  A web content management system creates a responsive design and focuses on accessibility. This allows websites to function properly and look good on all devices, whether a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Responsive design ensures content is easy to read and navigate, regardless of screen size. The system also incorporates accessibility.

Usage scenarios of web content managers

Due to their capability to manage web content at scale, WCMs are used in many industries. Some usage scenarios of web content managers include;

• Publishing industry: Web content managers are critical in the digital-first strategy for news agencies, newspapers, and magazines. WCM systems allow editors to publish articles, videos, and multimedia material on the website quickly and efficiently while maintaining quality control procedures. Journalists may produce and publish news stories promptly using WCMs, enabling real-time updates and breaking news coverage.
• Corporate sector: Companies use WCMs to manage their intranet, internet, and extranet content. WCM enables businesses to create and update marketing collateral, product descriptions, blogs, and case studies. In addition, it helps companies maintain brand consistency across multiple digital platforms.
• E-commerce sector: WCMs are used in various industries by combining with a content management system. WCM provides product information, reviews from customers, and multimedia to improve the buyer's journey and SEO-friendly capabilities that raise the visibility of the website in search engines.
• Education sector: Educational institutions use web content managers to create and maintain informative websites for prospective students, current students, faculty members, and alumni. WCMs provide tools for managing courses, events, news updates, blogs, and other materials related to learning resources. In addition, institutions can collaborate with students, instructors, and administrators to provide content for academic websites.
• Healthcare organizations: WCM is used to deliver patient education, health promotions, and clinical information. WCMs allow healthcare professionals to rapidly update guidelines, research papers, and preventive care recommendations so that patients and caregivers have access to accurate and timely information.
• Government agencies: WCM is used to manage public-facing websites with services, policies, regulations, and other information. WCMs ensure that citizens have access to pertinent information while allowing government agencies to maintain transparency and accountability.

How to choose web content managers

When looking to buy a web content management system (WCMS), organizations should carefully evaluate their needs and the solution's features.

• Define Organizational Needs

  Content strategy, content volume, user base, multisite management, and distribution channels are all determined by organizations. Assess current capabilities and limitations to identify needs and potential benefits of WCMS. Consider the future possibilities of web content managers to grow with the organization.

• Involve All Stakeholders

  Involve contributors, editors, marketers, developers, and IT staff from the beginning. Their feedback will help identify important characteristics and guarantee a web content manager that meets the needs of everyone. Different viewpoints promote a holistic for web content management success.

• Evaluate Features

  Look for features of WCMS related to content creation, editing, publishing, and contribution processes, collaborative tools, workflow automation, approval processes, and version control. Ensure the scalabilities of web content managers so that they can handle peaks or growth without affecting performance.

• User-Oriented Design

  A simple interface enables users to understand and use web content management systems effectively. Prioritize experiences of typical users and offer clear instructions, logical paths, and responsive layouts.

• Integration and Compatibility

  Ensure that web content management systems integrate well with current or planned technology stack. Connect with tools and platforms often used in content workflows, such as CRMs, digital asset management systems, and email marketing solutions.

• Customization and Flexibility

  WCMS enables tailored solutions to fit requirements, workflows, and branding. Customization gives control over management and content presentation on websites.

• Measuring and Analyzing Web Content Management

  Set goals for successful web content management systems and look for analytical tools to measure the impact of content.

• Consider Support and Community

  Evaluate vendor support and community resources. Needs may range from basic troubleshooting to advanced technical issues. Active community WCMS users encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

Q & A

Q: What does a web content manager do?

A: They oversee the content strategy, ensuring high-quality material is created and maintained for the website. They manage the content team and the publication process and optimize content for search engines and user experience.

Q: What skills are needed for web content management?

A: Some must-have skills include excellent writing and editing, SEO knowledge, content management systems expertise, project management, and team leadership.

Q: How does one become a web content manager?

A: Typically, through a combination of education, experience, and skills development. Most web content managers hold a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Then, gaining experience in content creation and digital marketing is essential. Finally, developing skills in SEO strategies, CMS platforms, and project management can help.

Q: What is the difference between a content manager and a webmaster?

A: While both roles may work together closely, they have different responsibilities. Content managers focus on creating and managing website content, while webmasters handle the technical aspects of website maintenance.