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
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
You would work between 35 and 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime may be necessary to meet deadlines.
Environment
Your job would be office-based at a computer workstation. There could be some out-of-office work, for instance going out to research information, meet clients or interview people for features.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Financial and professional services Digital technologies
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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- search engine optimization
- marketing
- content editing
- journalism
- content creation
- umbraco
- readability
- web content accessibility guidelines
- text retrieval systems
- proofreading
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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 each section to find more information about getting into this career.
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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