Web editors research, produce and proof material (images and text) that appears on a website. They may create material for a site on the world wide web or for an organisation's internal site or 'intranet'.

The types of site a web editor may work on include:

• local, national and international news sites
• search directories
• interactive media sites
• online retail sites
• product advertising sites
• college and university intranets
• online public information and government services.

The key duties of a web editors include:

• researching writing and presenting text in such a way as to appeal to the site's target audience
• uploading material on to the website, often using a content management system
• ensuring content is kept up-to-date
• monitoring and posting replies to online message boards and dealing with email enquiries
• carrying out scheduled updates of existing content
• sub-editing, editing and proofing materials produced by colleagues or external writers
• working with managers to develop new content, editorial policies, innovations and best practice
• attending content planning and commissioning meetings with internal departments or clients 
• keeping up-to-date with web-related developments, for example, accessibility issues
• training new staff in content authoring and editorial policies
• looking for partnerships and links in order to maximise the website's potential.

Depending on the size and function of the site, web editors may work alone or work closely with web developers, web designers and marketing or public relations executives. Today's websites often contain a mixture of text, images, music and video and so many web editors are skilled in producing multimedia content.

Hours and Environment

Web content editors work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Editorial work is office based at a computer workstation. There may be some out-of-office work, for instance going out to research information or interview people for features.

Skills and Interests

As a content editor, you need:

• excellent research and writing skills
• the ability to pick out key points from complex information and present them in a clear and concise manner
• an excellent grasp of English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• the ability to write for a target audience
• creative skills to find engaging ways of presenting information and to generate new ideas
• the ability to pay attention to detail, for example when proofing
• good organisational skills and ability to prioritise multiple tasks
• an understanding of legal issues, such as copyright, privacy and accessibility
• good teamworking skills and ability to meet deadlines
• an understanding of online authoring issues, such as brevity, house style, content structure and organisation.

Entry

There is no one entry route for this type of work. Some content editors have a background in journalism, marketing or IT; others move into the role after gaining experience in the sector covered by the website.

Previous experience of writing content in some capacity (not necessarily online) is usually essential. Building up a portfolio of published work is a useful way to demonstrate this.

You can gain writing experience in several ways:

• through your existing workplace - producing marketing materials or bulletins for the company intranet
• voluntary work - creating articles, leaflets and information sheets for a community group, a charity or local free newspaper
• doing a training course at college or university.

Some college or university courses may offer a greater insight into the web content editing role. These include:

• journalism
• publishing
• communications
• PR and marketing
• media and multimedia.

These courses are widely available at colleges and universities from introductory level through to postgraduate. Check with them for details.

If you want to work on a website geared towards a particular profession, for example healthcare, education or engineering, you may need experience and a qualification in that field, usually a minimum of BTEC HND or degree.

Specific IT expertise is not necessarily required for an editing role, although skills in web design, desktop publishing and photo imaging would broaden your options, as many jobs combine writing with a design role. An understanding of web content management systems and how they work is useful but training in specific packages is usually given once employed.

For information about technical aspects of the role, see the profiles for Website Designer and Web Developer. For information about web accessibility and other web standards, see the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in Further Information.

Training

Most organisations offer in-house training to new entrants, covering:

• house style
• content management systems
• policies and procedures.

There may be opportunities to develop your editing skills by attending short training courses, which cover specific aspects of the job; a number of private training providers and professional bodies of these courses.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) offers a range of courses, covering the editing role and also writing for the web. The Society of Proofreaders (SfEP) also offers training for copy-editing, proofreading and web editing. For more details, see their websites in Further Information.

Several universities offer postgraduate training courses in online journalism and electronic publishing, which cover areas such as:

• online research methods
• content management
• regulations
• layout and design.

Opportunities

Prospects are excellent for experienced content editors, as more organisations seek an online presence. In addition, there are local and national government initiatives to make all public services accessible online. Job adverts for web editors regularly appear in the local and national press, as well as online.

Employers range from small businesses with one person dealing with all aspects of the job to large organisations with a team of content editors. Editors with web design skills are in a very strong position, as many jobs combine writing with design roles.

Career progression routes depend upon the organisation's size and structure. Options include:

• editorial team management
• website coordination
• technical development 
• wider information planning and policy roles.

With further training, there may be the option to move into related areas, such as website development, training, marketing or public relations. There is also scope for freelance work.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for new entrants are between £18,000 and £22,500 a year.
With experience, this can rise to between £23,000 and £30,000 a year.

Further information

1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB Riverbank House
1 Putney Bridge Approach
Fulham
London
SW6 3JD
Tel: 020 7736 3278 Headland House
308-312 Gray's Inn Road
London
WC1X 8DP
Tel: 020 7278 7916