Web Managers: Role & Responsibilities

by Kelsey Arrington on Apr 13, 2023

With digital technology being an integral part of any successful business, it’s no surprise that web managers play a critical role. After all, web managers are responsible for managing the functionality of websites of various sizes, and the content as well. They do everything from search engine optimization to overseeing content creators and assisting with the design, development, and maintenance of web applications. Simply put, their role is dynamic. In this article, we’ll review the role of a web manager and what responsibilities typically come along with this job title. 

In this post:

• Website Manager: Role and Responsibilities
• Essential Skills Web Managers Should Hone
• Soft Skills Employers Look for in Web Managers

Website Manager: Role & Responsibilities

Web managers are known for managing the functionality and content planning for websites. Sound simple right? Well, it’s anything but easy. This role is quite dynamic, involving the overseeing of design, development, and maintenance to ensure sites are user-friendly, up-to-date, and optimized for the most popular search engines.

One common responsibility of a website manager is to ensure the website (or blog) meets the needs of the business or non-profit organization that it is representing. 

Additionally, web managers are often responsible for the visual design of websites. This may involve working with a team of design professionals or being hands-on in the creation of a user-centric interface that is consistent with the company’s brand. 

Lastly, web managers may be tasked with the technical aspects of websites as well. This can involve working alongside developers or directly working on websites to ensure that it adheres to web standards, as well as, finding ways to optimize sites to improve search engine rankings and drive more traffic to the company. 

Essential Skills Web Managers Should Hone

There are many skills that web managers should possess in order to effectively manage websites and ensure their success. Some of these essential skills include:

1. Technical skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and content management systems (CMS) will come in handy while working alongside developers. 
2. Design skills: Web managers should have a good eye for design and be able to provide effective feedback to designers. Additionally, professionals in the role should also be able to ensure that a website is visually appealing and consistent with an organization’s branding.
3. Project management skills: Web managers must be good at managing projects from start to finish, including defining a project’s goals, creating timelines/setting deadlines, delegating tasks to team members and contractors, and ensuring that those assigned deadlines are met.
4. Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for web managers because they often work with a wide range of professionals including designers, developers, content creators, and business leaders at the organization they work for. So, it is imperative that they are able to clearly communicate goals, requirements, and timelines, as well as provide concise updates on the status of projects.
5. Analytical skills: Web managers should be able to analyze a variety of metrics in order to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
6. SEO knowledge: Web managers should be familiar with best practices for search engine optimization.

Soft Skills Employers Look for in Web Managers

In addition to technical and project management skills, employers often look for a wide range of soft skills when hiring web managers. Some of these critical skills include:

1. Collaboration: Web managers work with cross-functional teams, that may include designers, developers, content creators, and business stakeholders. They should be able to collaborate effectively with others, listen to varied perspectives, and work towards meeting the organization’s needs.
2. Adaptability: The web landscape is constantly evolving, so, web managers should be able to easily adapt to new technologies, trends, and best practices. They should be able to embrace change and respond to new challenges with creativity.
3. Leadership: Web managers should be able to provide leadership and direction to their team, setting clear goals and expectations, providing feedback and support, and holding team members accountable for their work.
4. Problem-solving: Web managers should be able to quickly and effectively identify problems and develop creative solutions to overcome them. They should think critically, know how to analyze data, and use that data to make informed decisions.
5. Time management: Web managers are often juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. They should be able to manage their time effectively and ensure that all assigned projects are completed on time and within budget.

Conclusion

Overall, the role of a website manager is crucial to the success of any business in the current digital age. A skilled web manager can work wonders for a company; ensuring the organization’s websites are user-friendly, up-to-date, and optimized for the search engines most folks use. Ultimately, a website manager can lead to increased website traffic, more leads, and business growth over time.