Web editor

content editor online editor content producer digital editor web producer digital producer
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Computing and ICT
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Career outlook for web editor

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£22,000

Experienced

£40,000


Currently employed in Scotland

5,800

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would write and publish pages for a website. You’d present the content in the best way for the website’s target audience.

You would:

  • Research, write and present text
  • Publish text and images using a content management system
  • Keep site content up to date
  • Check and reply to online message boards and deal with email enquiries
  • Edit and proofread text written by colleagues or freelancers
  • Create and use editorial guidelines, such as a house style
  • Plan and develop content with other departments or clients
  • Create and look after social media profiles
  • Use search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to make sure web pages are easy to find
  • Report on how many people are visiting the website

You might train new staff on how to produce and edit content. And you’d be expected to keep up to date with changes in web technology and good practice.

You might work alone or in a team with web developers, designers, and marketing and communications staff.

An excellent standard of English grammar, punctuation and spelling would be essential. You’d also need to know about online writing issues, such as content structure and website accessibility.

Understanding legal issues such as copyright and privacy would also be important.

Working conditions

Hours

You would work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Environment

Your job would be office-based at a computer workstation. There could be some out-of-office work, for instance going out to research information, meet clients or interview people for features.

UK employment status

Full-time

70%

Part-time

10%

Self employed

20%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Creative
  • Innovative
  • Observation
  • Researching
  • Attention to detail
  • Managing resources
  • Time management

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are no set entry routes into this job, though many web editors enter with degree (SCQF level 9/10) qualifications in:

  • Communications
  • Journalism
  • or Multimedia

To enter Higher National certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) courses requires National 4/5 qualifications and at least two Highers (SCQF level 6).  

Entry to degree courses (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and at least three Highers. 

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses and employers)
  • Media (required by most courses and employers)
  • Maths
  • Social studies such as business management, modern studies or social sciences
  • Creative subjects such as art and design
  • Technologies subjects such as computing 

You will also need

Some courses and employers will ask for a portfolio of your work.

Good writing skills including grammar, punctuation and spelling are essential. 

Some roles may need experience in marketing or e-commerce, or the use of graphics software programs.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experiences that show an understanding of software and digital media, and of research, writing, editing and creative skills such as Skills for Work Creative & Digital (SCQF level 4).

Work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in Creative & Digital Media (SCQF level 7).

Previous experience of writing.