Web editor
Write and publish pages on a website. Present the content in the best way for the audience.
Also known as: web producer, online editor, digital producer, digital editor, content producer, content editor
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£423
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,833
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£22,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
5,800
people are currently employed
High growth
400 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life — web editor
What it's 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.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- innovative
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
English and Communication
Graphic Communication
Media
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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.
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.
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.
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