Content managers develop a company's content strategy, create targeted and relevant content, and distribute marketing communications to target audiences via the internet. They are well-organized, skilled at cultivating a brand voice, and frequently know their way around a blog post.
You might be new to the role of a content manager and want to know the fundamentals. Or maybe you already know this is the job for you, but you want to make sure you're prepared to succeed. From what is a content manager and how to become one, everything you need to know about them is right here. Let's take a closer look.
What is a Content Manager?
A content manager is in charge of creating, distributing, and strategizing content to inform and delight audiences. This position typically requires knowledge of digital marketing software, tools, and methods, emphasizing content and SEO. The position also necessitates people and project management abilities.
What does a Content Manager do?
The Content manager’s responsibilities are to help businesses achieve their business goals by creating, updating, and maintaining the content on their websites. To be more specific, the following are content manager responsibilities:
∙ Planning for the Future
You will be responsible for developing strategic plans to support your company's short-term and long-term marketing goals.
∙ Creating, Editing, and Updating Content
Your primary responsibility is to write, proofread, edit, and update the content on your website. You will not publish it immediately because your writer or content creator submitted a draught. You must ensure that all posts are relevant to your site's niche and align with your company's business objectives.
∙ Optimization of Content
Before you publish any content, you should optimize it for search engines and your readers.
∙ Collaboration
Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website
You must also work with other teams to design and update your company’s website’s layout, style, and content.
∙ Controlling Content Distribution
As a content manager, you must oversee content distribution across all of your company's online channels. That is, you will manage the site and the content published on your company's social media platforms.
∙ Create an Editorial Calendar
You must create an editorial calendar for your team as the person in charge of content management. This is o ensure that all of your writers or content creators are on board and updated on new and ongoing projects.
∙ Keep Track of Website Traffic and Engagement
Because you'll be tracking website traffic and engagement, you'll need to be comfortable with analytics tools. You're expected to stay on top of your site's performance at all times.
How Do You Get a Job as a Content Manager?
A few standard qualifications are required to be a strong candidate for a content manager position. You must meet the educational and training requirements listed below, in addition to having professional experience in the field.
1. Enroll in a Content Marketing Certification Program
Regardless of your background or years of experience, if you're transitioning from another career to content management, you'll need to re-learn the ins and outs of content marketing to stay current. Improve your content manager skills by taking a course. I recommend that you begin with our certification course. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate confirming your understanding of content marketing (plus, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile).
2. Become Acquainted with SEO
Image is taken from Strikingly
Content marketing is synonymous with SEO at many companies, so you'll want to understand the concept before applying for a content manager position. If you don't understand SEO rules, you might write content that isn't properly targeted or that serves no purpose other than to fill up your company's blog. To find "green space" for your company's website, you'll need to know how to conduct keyword research and use the appropriate software. Green space keywords have low competition but a high potential for meeting the needs of your target audience.
3. Make Your Own Personal Website
Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website
Creating a personal website with content you uploaded and wrote yourself is the best way to start content management. This website could be for your personal brand, a business idea you've been working on, or just for fun. Whatever you create, you should become familiar with the process of creating a website from start to finish so that you will be able to easily manage the website of your future employer when the time comes.
During this process, you'll learn to upload content and media, manage that content once it's been uploaded, and structure your site effectively. It will also show you how to navigate a content management system. When applying for a content manager role, use what you've learned from this process to provide thoughtful answers to your interviewers.
4. Apply for a Position in Entry-level Marketing
It's time to look for a job. Unfortunately, content management is a mid-level position, which means that most content managers have a few years of marketing experience. If you're just starting out in marketing, you should start with an entry-level position and work your way up to content management. Not every marketing position is created equal. To ensure you're off to a good start, look for the following words in the job posting:
- SEO
- Blogging
- Writing
Avoid job postings that are too broad or appear to be about more traditional marketing methods like live event marketing or advertising. A content manager is almost entirely responsible for the digital side of marketing.
5. Assume Content Manager Responsibilities as Part of Your Role
You'll want to take on the content manager responsibilities in your entry-level position without actually being one. Could you, for example, volunteer to create a content calendar for your team (without stepping on anyone's toes)? What about volunteering to upload the new content for the week to the CMS? As you prepare to apply for a content manager position, you must continue to broaden your technical and practical content management skill set.
6. Apply for the Position of the Content Manager
Once you've gained enough experience, it's time to advance into content management, either as the content team manager or by taking on more strategic roles within a marketing team. Remember to use all of your previous experience to demonstrate how well you can communicate with an audience and how well you've distributed content in the past. Lead with the outcomes of your actions, which you can quantify. You can use data points like content reach, organic traffic, and other engagement metrics to demonstrate your effectiveness as a content manager.
Introducing Strikingly
Image is taken from Strikingly
Strikingly, for example, allows you to create your own website for free and without writing a single line of code. These platforms provide you with a website template that you can customize and transform into a one-of-a-kind online space. A website builder is an excellent solution for small businesses and startups looking to build their own sites, as well as individuals interested in learning about website design and development. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to winning personal website design to help you develop your brand and get on the path to a successful content manager career:
1. Make Your Homepage Welcoming and Inviting
When it comes to developing a personal brand, optics are fundamental. You should concentrate on creating an engaging online space that displays relevant information to your target audience. Essentially, you begin with the correct template. Strikingly, a leading internet business has enabled more than 3 million users from all over the world to share their ideas and talents through modern and creative personal website templates and a robust website editor. Armed with the right website-building software, you can start working on a unique website design that effectively reflects your brand. Strikingly also provides the tools you need to create a compelling homepage for your personal website that will pique visitors’ interest. We ensure that you have the best possible experience with our builder, so check us out here!
2. Begin with Powerful Anecdotes
Although we do not recommend writing an autobiography on your website, it is interesting for potential employers and customers to learn more about your personality and interests through your website.
You want them to know who you are as soon as they visit your website and that you are the best person for the content manager job they need. You can provide a list of your previous experiences, talents, and accomplishments. Consider creating a compelling elevator pitch that will entice visitors to continue reading. You can also include personal stories or anecdotes that are interesting enough for viewers to become invested in. Just make sure that your story isn't going to be controversial but rather something that your readers are interested in learning more about so that they stay on the website for a more extended period.
3. Don't Be Afraid to Share Your Work
As previously stated, your website is similar to online portfolios, which house a selection of your best work. This makes it simple for employers and recruiters to assess your content manager skills and determine whether you are a good fit for the job. When you create a free website on Strikingly, you can also include a gallery section where you can showcase a few projects that you are particularly proud of. You may also provide a list of companies you have previously worked for. Don't include too much background info! You do not need to include every piece of work or project that you have completed. Instead of a list of everything you've ever done in your content manager career, think of your personal website pages as a curated gallery of your best work. It serves as more than just a CV; a personal website like this is a snapshot of you and your future goals.
4. Take Pride in Your Online Presence
Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website
Your personal website is most likely not the only online property you own. If you have social media profiles or have been published on other websites, make sure to include them on your website. Tell customers where else they can find you online. On your social media pages, maintain a professional demeanor. You don't want prospective employers to find something on the internet that could jeopardize your chances of landing your dream job. However, proceed with caution! Strangers will be able to read your Tweets or Facebook posts once you link your social media accounts to your personal websites. It's a small price to pay to have your socials within reach of your viewers, but you should be wary of it.
Begin Honing Your Content Management Skills Right Now
A content manager puts a company's content strategy into action across the Internet. They ensure that only high-quality digital content is placed on the website. A content manager's job entails both editorial and programming duties. In general, this involves content planning and creation, and website updates.
If you want to become a content manager, you must first learn about content marketing and SEO. Refining your skillset ensures that you stay current as the industry evolves. This is essential for a content manager. You won't be able to effectively connect to your audience if you don't understand how the industry is changing — and connecting to your audience will make you an excellent content manager.
