Kari R
Online Marketing Manager: Search, Social Media, Content, & Communications
What are some of the top traits a content manager should have?
I know that "content manager" means different things for different companies; but what sort of fundamental skills, knowledge, and experience should a content manager have?
Good Answers (5)
Newt B
Author at Get Content. Get Customers
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A business should think of a content manager just as a magazine or newspaper thinks of an editor. As my old boss, Pat McGovern of technology publishing pioneer, IDG, always said, “Our job is to make our readers successful.” The same mission should apply to every business in the 21st century with a single change--replace ’readers’ with ’customers.’
Therefore, a content manager must have all of the sensibilities of a great editor. An editor must have a deep understanding of his audience and be able to shape information into articles that resonate with that audience. A content manager must be able to do essentially the same thing. He must first understand the toughest problems his customers face and the kinds of solutions they are seeking. He must then translate all of the internal body of knowledge from his company into content that becomes must reading for their target customers.
I believe that without the mindset of an editor all the other technical skills and background are relatively meaningless.
Links:
Razvan S
Copywriter
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You got nice answers from previous posters. I'll have to add just a few things, from the position of one who has held such a job:
- maniacal attention to detail
- strong political skills to drive content production and publishing deadlines
- expertise in the use of document management and web content management software
- ability to specify and implement document workflow solutions and processes
- strong editorial skills
- working knowledge of the industry and technological context the company is operating within
Christina G
i make it rain.
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Knowledge Management: Content in knowledge and data management concepts.Excellent categorization analysis.
Content Expertise: Proven expertise in subject matter, produces content that is thought provoking, invites thoughts or change in attitude, invites collaboration with readership, and of course, excellent writing style and skill.
James R
Senior Marketing Manager at a 'Europe 500' key economic growth company
Best Answers in: Advertising (1), Search Marketing (1)
A strong personality which translates into an interesting and distinct "voice".
This means that you end up with memorable content that people want to read.
Most people can learn CMS skills; look for the skills you can't teach easily if you want your content read and remembered.
See http://www.firebox.com for a great example of site content with "personality".
• attention to detail
• ability to set and adhere to deadlines
• intimate knowledge of company style
• obsessive organization skills
• excellent people skills
• ability to multi-task
More Answers (5)
Josh C
General Manager at Web Industries; Itinerant Writer; and Decent Little League Coach
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Kari,
A content manager should have good knowledge of all aspects of their company, so that they can make sure that the pieces fit together. They should also, of course, have excellent writing and editing skills, and good relationships around the company.
Josh.
Neha M
Manager - HR at Sahara One
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He should know how to present his knowledge in a content thats self explanatory to all. Overall an exposure that can enable him to showcase the same content with better modifications. What ironically works at times is innovation not actually the content :)
Kayte C
Coach for Change; Chief Solutions Ofcr. Best Principled Solutions LLC
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Greetings Kari,
Authenticity. Passion. Consistency. Integrity. A mastered skill of the language, whatever the industry is.
Best of luck!
Warmest regards,
Kayte
Edward H
Freelance
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A rose is a rose is a rose! 'Content Managers' the world over shouldn't need Gertrude Stein to remind them that what are dealing with is 'content'. It's all content. The first thing 'Content Managers' should do is find out what it means and then learn how to speak and write English (if that's their native or adopted tongue). I'm not having a go at you, Kari, merely the receiived bullshit that passes for wisdom in the world of 'content'. Not content with content, they have to content themselves with contentious content.
What do you need? Read Razvan Stoica (below), she knows what she's talking about. She's missed a couple of things out though, it ought to be interesting, relevant and not too long.
Mandy B
Marywood University Student, Part-Time SEO Specialist at Solid Cactus Inc
I've always been a fan of a "Renaissance Person" approach to writing. Learn about a broad spectrum of concepts or subjects. This allows for you to better create content that is engaging for the reader.
Also, I think it's very important to master your language (spelling, grammar, and craftsmanship.) There's nothing worse than a good piece of work being marred by spelling errors and careless grammatical mistakes.
Good research skills are also incredibly important. Before writing anything, you have to have a clear grasp on what you're writing about, whether it's the brand, the product, or even the general subject area. Honing research skills can also improve your attention to detail - another valuable trait.
Most of all, you have to enjoy what you're writing. When you're bored or if your writing is forced, the reader will know. Try to let the words flow from you naturally and engage yourself in what you're writing, but remember, even the literary greats had bad days. Give yourself time to write things well!
