What does a content manager do?

In today’s digital landscape, where content rules supreme, the role of a content manager is paramount. Whether it’s crafting compelling blog posts, managing social media channels, or optimising website content, content managers play a crucial role in ensuring a brand’s message is not only heard but resonates with its audience.

In this post, we’ll look in detail at what exactly a content manager does, where they work, the key skills required, and how you can become one such as by studying a degree in Media Studies at Universidad Europea.

Content manager definition

A content manager is essentially the gatekeeper of a brand’s digital presence. They are responsible for planning, creating, and managing content across various platforms to engage the target audience and drive business objectives. This includes content strategy development, content creation, editing, publishing, and performance analysis.

Typical content manager tasks

Content managers wear many hats, juggling multiple tasks to keep the content machine running smoothly. Some of the typical tasks include:

• Content Strategy Development: Creating a roadmap for content creation that aligns with the brand's goals and target audience.
• Content Creation: Writing, editing, and curating content for websites, blogs, social media, email campaigns, and more.
• Content Optimisation: Ensuring content is optimized for search engines (SEO), user experience (UX), and conversions.
• Content Publishing: Managing content calendars and publishing schedules across various platforms.
• Performance Analysis: Tracking and analysing content performance using metrics such as website traffic, engagement, and conversion rates.
• Content Promotion: Leveraging social media, email marketing, and other channels to promote content and reach a wider audience.
• Team Collaboration: Working closely with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure content is aligned with overall marketing strategies.

Where do content managers work?

Content managers can be found in various industries and organisations, including:

• Digital Marketing Agencies: Managing content for multiple clients across different industries.
• In-house Marketing Teams: Working directly for a company to handle all aspects of content creation and management.
• E-commerce Companies: Optimising product descriptions, creating engaging blog content, and managing social media channels.
• Media Companies: Overseeing content production for news websites, magazines, or multimedia platforms.
• Tech Companies: Creating technical documentation, blog posts, and other content to support product marketing efforts.

Key skills for content managers

To excel in this role, content managers need a diverse set of skills, including:

• Strong Writing and Editing Skills: Crafting compelling and error-free content across various formats and platforms.
• SEO Knowledge: Understanding of search engine optimisation techniques to improve content visibility and ranking.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret data and metrics to measure content performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Creativity: Generating fresh ideas and storytelling techniques to engage the audience.
• Project Management: Organising and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Communication: Collaborating effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders.

What should you study to be a content manager?

While there isn’t a specific degree required to become a content manager, pursuing studies in marketing, communications, journalism, or English can provide a solid foundation. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships, freelance work, or personal projects can be invaluable.  At Universidad Europea, as well as the degree in Media Studies, you can also choose from a wide range of programmes within our communication and marketing degrees such as the degree in Advertising, or the degree in Marketing. On every programme, you will have opportunities to take part in work placements and internships – something that allows you to work on the skills neeeded to be a content manager and build your network of contacts.

In conclusion, a content manager plays a vital role in shaping a brand’s online presence and connecting with its audience through compelling and strategic content. By mastering the key skills and gaining relevant experience, you can embark on a fulfilling career in content management, making a tangible impact in the digital world.