What is a Content Developer?
A Content Developer is responsible for developing a company’s content strategy, as well as creating its deliverables. “Content “ is a broad term that can refer to blog posts, static web copy, podcasts and video content. Their responsibilities also include the technical aspect of content creation, such as basic HTML formatting and Search Engine Optimization.
The role of Content Developer is a white-collar, entry-level position. They typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Mass Communications, English or a related field. Given the role of the Internet in today’s marketing strategies, Content Developers are employed in virtually every industry. They can either work as a direct employee of a company, or they can work at a Digital Marketing agency.
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Content Developer Duties and Responsibilities
Develop Strategic Content Goals
Create Content and Manage Content Distribution
Collaborate With Other Departments on Content Creation
Analyze Key Performance Indicators to Determine Content Effectiveness
Quality Assurance
Content Developer Skills
A Content Developer uses a mix of creative and technical skills to perform their job. They must be a creative thinker to conceptualize content, and then have the organizational mind to create a pragmatic plan of action. During our analysis of Content Developer job descriptions, we compiled the following list of skills you’ll need to succeed as a Content Developer.
Core Skills: The following skills were listed as requirements by virtually every company in the market for a Content Developer.
- Ability to work both independently and with a team
- Digital communication skills
- Written and verbal skills
- Strategic thinking skills
- Analytical skills
- Good eye for detail
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Proficiency with content management software
- Basic knowledge of HTML
Advanced Skills The following skills are not required to be a Content Developer, but possessing them will make you a desirable candidate.
- Advanced knowledge of HTML
- Advanced knowledge of Search Engine Optimization
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
Tools of the Trade Content Developers use a handful of digital tools to perform their duties.
- Project management software, such as Asana
- Content management software, such as WordPress
- Graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop
- Slideshow software, such as Microsoft Powerpoint
- Animation Software, such as Flash
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Content Developer Q & A
What are some of the core duties performed by a Content Developer?
First, you need to learn about the company for which you’ll be writing. What products and/or services do they sell? Who is their target audience (or audiences)? What are the company’s goals for the content you’ll be developing? Sometimes, the client can’t articulate what goals they have or the goals are not realistic. So, a content developer needs to work with the client to develop an effective strategy; analyze how effective the strategy is; and then adjust as needed. There are a number of disciplines connected to content development, including organic search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, video marketing, link building and more. Not all Content Developers offer all of these services, but those who can offer the spectrum are typically more in demand. At an agency, sometimes different people specialize in different aspects of the content developing umbrella, while freelancers often partner with other professionals to be strong in all relevant areas.
What challenges does a Content Developer face?
There are significant numbers of people offering content services, so it can be a challenge to break into the industry unless you obtain an internship or entry level job at a marketing agency. Then, some clients – as mentioned above – can have unrealistic expectations about what website content can do for their company, often wanting very fast results (higher rankings in the search engines, increased targeted traffic to the site and so forth). Because so many companies are competing for consumer attention through content development, there is plenty of online noise to break through to get your content noticed.
What skills do Content Developer use most?
Content development is a hybrid of journalism and marketing, so it’s important that a content developer becomes skilled in both areas. Being good at writing but not marketing can mean your great content never gets noticed; being good at marketing but not at writing means you will fall short in presenting a client’s story well. People skills are also important because you’ll work with clients to develop strategies and content; researching skills are crucial to find quality information; discernment is necessary with so much inaccurate information available; and self-discipline and motivation are important, as well, since you need to stay on task and on time.
What should someone consider before becoming a Content Developer?
If you enjoy writing, that’s great, because that’s at the core of content development. But many people discover that, yes, they enjoy writing – but only on topics that interest them. With content development, you need to brainstorm what types of content would appeal to a client’s customers and prospects, and that may include topics not typically considered glamorous.
What do you find to be the most rewarding about being a Content Developer?
I am a lifelong learner with a passion for research and writing, and I love it when a piece of content works well for a client.
Content Developer Salary
Content Developer Resources
Do you want to know more about the career path of Content Developer? If so, use our following list of resources to get started.
On the Web
Copyblogger.comCopyblogger is one of the best, and oldest, resources on everything related to digital copywriting.
Moz.comMoz is the leading blog for all things Search Engine Optimization.
SocialMediaToday.comSocial Media Today is an excellent resource for staying abreast of social media content trends.
On Twitter
Gary Vaynerchuk ( @GaryVee )Video is quickly becoming the next big trend in social media content, and Gary has established himself as a thought leader in this space.
Content Marketing Institute ( @CMIContent )This organization is an industry thought leader in creating and using content to drive business goals.
Darren Rowse ( @Problogger )Founder of Problogger.net Darren has been a pioneer in establishing blog content as a legitimate marketing tool.
Books
Content RulesWritten by Ann Handley, this book covers how to use virtually every type of content as a marketing tool.
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About PeopleWritten by Susan Weinschenk, this book is an excellent resource on content’s role in the overall customer experience.
Content Strategy for the WebWritten by Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach, this book is all about creating and managing web content.
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