Does Your Company Have a Content Manager?

Does your company have a content manager? Content Management Systems (CMS) websites have become the most popular websites on the Internet today. As a result, your organization now needs a new skillset to manage your website. Ladies and Gentlemen – Introducing – “The Content Manager.”

“But we are a small business – we can’t afford a Content Manager!”

Don’t panic. Most small (and large) businesses already have a Content Manager within their team. If your company has had a website for any length of time, then someone has probably taken on the role of updating your website. The Content Manager is responsible for updating your website’s content. With modern CMS platforms, updating a website now feels a lot like using a publishing or MS Word-like tool — making it easy to manage.

“OK – tell me again – What Exactly is a Content Management System?”

A Content Management System is a web-based program (or series of programs) that allows you to update website content through an admin tool accessed via a browser — no extra software required. Content can include text, images, online shops, events, photo galleries, menus, modules, and templates — depending on the Content Manager’s expertise. The CMS has already started replacing the traditional webmaster’s role in content updates.

“Awesome – we no longer need a webmaster!”

Yes — the need for a webmaster to manage web content is fading. While webmasters still provide support for your CMS or help you learn the system, the job of updating content belongs to your Content Manager. Companies have always created their own content — something that many forget.

“Content should always originate with the Website Owner!”

Over the years, I developed nearly 100 websites and managed content for 20 sites annually. Working with so many clients helped me develop methods to collect and organize content, and to support clients in building the right material. It also showed me the best way forward.

When we focus only on design, it’s easy to assume that content will appear by launch time. But in truth, the website owner always has the best content knowledge. My job is to collaborate with that expert — the client. No webmaster can match the insight and accuracy of someone who knows their industry inside and out.

When design companies and clients work together, they always produce the best results. And a solid design creates a clean framework for content that’s easy to maintain.

“So, CMS Systems Make Absolute Sense!”

Since clients know what information they need to share, CMS platforms make perfect sense. Clients understand what their prospects want and what matters to visitors. If the site is designed well, content updates become easy and routine.

CMS tools let you update content quickly — from anywhere in the world (yes, even from Australia). That kind of flexibility is hard to beat.

“So, what kind of person makes a good Content Manager?”

Any team member who feels comfortable using programs like Word, Excel, Publisher, or Outlook can become a Content Manager. This person is usually involved in company communications — like HR, PR, marketing, or internal messaging.

Strong communication skills and teamwork matter here. If you’re a solo business owner, you’ll just add this to your already wide skillset. For many early DIY site builders, CMS platforms paired with a fresh website feel like a dream come true.

“And the company reduces its cost of managing the website?!”

Absolutely. When someone in-house manages website content (instead of a webmaster), the company cuts monthly costs significantly.

When BeareWare handled content updates, most clients paid around $125/month. Today, most update their own websites and pay $30–$50/month for hosting and tech support. For small businesses, that savings is a big deal — and the result is a great-looking, up-to-date site well within budget.

Embrace the Content Manager Role

The learning curve for becoming a Content Manager varies from client to client, but the model works — and it’s here to stay. CMS websites also show just how important great design is. Since the design doesn’t change while you update content, it must always look sharp.

Like everything else in tech, managing a CMS site calls for a willingness to learn. That’s something we strongly encourage at BeareWare — because the more you understand your website, the better your investment will perform.

So don’t wait — start identifying who will be your Company’s future Content Manager today.

Cheers Mate,

Peter Beare – Webmaster

Peter Beare is CEO of BeareWare, a Website Design & Development Company located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Since building his first website for a local sports club in 1998 Peter has been a webmaster. Over the last 10 years Peter’s duties with BeareWare have included website planning, design and development, website marketing and sales, as well as database application programming & project management. But when all is said and done, Peter is still a webmaster and this is “Interview with a Webmaster“.