A content strategist is responsible for planning, developing, and managing content across different digital platforms such as websites, social media, and blogs. Their main goal is to ensure that the content meets the needs of the target audience, aligns with brand goals, and achieves business objectives. This role involves research, data analysis, content planning, and collaboration with writers, designers, and marketers. Content strategists often create editorial calendars, set tone and style guidelines, and measure the effectiveness of content campaigns. Strong skills in communication, project management, and digital marketing are important for this career.
Content strategists in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £50,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £65,000.
The demand for digital content roles, including strategists, has grown by over 25 percent in the UK over the last five years.
Content strategists are commonly employed by media agencies, large businesses, tech firms, public sector organisations, and charities.
Develops and organises content specifically for social media platforms, ensuring posts align with brand goals and engage the target audience.
Focuses on creating and optimising website content to improve search engine rankings and attract more visitors through organic search.
Plans, scripts, and coordinates the production of video content to be published on websites or social channels, ensuring content is engaging and on-brand.
Develop strong written and verbal communication skills through GCSEs and A-levels, ideally in English Language, Media Studies, or Communications.
Strong communication skills are essential for content strategists. Taking subjects like English Language, Media Studies, or Communications at school will give you a solid foundation in writing, analysing different types of content, and understanding audiences. Consider participating in school newspapers, blogs, or creative writing clubs to further enhance your skills.
Familiarise yourself with digital content tools, such as content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and basic graphic design software.
Content strategists often use a range of digital tools to plan, schedule, and publish content. Try free online tutorials for platforms like WordPress, Canva, or basic design tools. Social media familiarity is also key, as many strategies involve multiple online channels. Gaining these skills early will help you stand out when applying for courses or entry-level roles.
Study a related subject at university, such as Marketing, Journalism, Media, or English, or apply for a digital marketing apprenticeship.
Many content strategists hold degrees in Marketing, Journalism, Media, or English, which provide essential knowledge about audiences, content creation, and strategy. Alternatively, digital marketing apprenticeships offer a hands-on route, combining practical experience with learning. Apprenticeships can be found through job sites or the Gov.uk apprenticeships portal.
Gain experience through internships, student media, or volunteering with organisations to build your portfolio.
Practical experience is highly valued. Look for opportunities at local newspapers, radio stations, marketing agencies, or charities. Volunteering to help with content creation or strategy gives you real-world skills and examples for your CV. Document your projects to showcase your abilities when applying for jobs.
Seek entry-level jobs such as Content Assistant, Junior Copywriter, or Social Media Coordinator to build experience.
Starting in junior roles helps you understand the day-to-day tasks and gain insight into different content channels. Look for jobs in marketing agencies, publishing houses, or in-house marketing teams. Use your portfolio to demonstrate your skills, and be proactive in learning from more experienced colleagues.
Learn about analytics, audience research, and long-term planning to move into a strategist role.
Content strategists need to analyse data, set goals, and plan campaigns. Online courses in Google Analytics, SEO, and digital marketing strategy can help you develop these skills. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry events to stay updated. Over time, you can progress to Content Strategist or Senior Content Strategist positions.
Oversees online marketing strategies, including content, SEO, and social media campaigns for brands or organisations.
Creates engaging written content for websites, adverts, and marketing materials, often working closely with content strategists.
Manages and develops content specifically for social media platforms, aiming to engage audiences and grow online presence.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Content Strategist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Content Strategist primarily plans and oversees the creation of digital content, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals and audience needs. Similarly, a Web content editor manages online content, editing and structuring material to optimise user engagement and consistency across platforms, making it closely related in terms of workload and expertise.
You can get into this job through:
Web content editor roles are open to graduates of most subjects as long as you have an excellent standard of written English and good IT skills.
You might have an advantage if you study:
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course to get some of the skills you'll need as a web content editor.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
These usually take up to 2 years to complete.
If you're aiming to become a web content manager, you could apply to do a Digital Product Owner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship which takes 2 years.
You'll usually need:
You might be able to train on the job in a digital editorial assistant role. You could move on to become a web content editor, then web content manager as you get more experience.
You'll usually need experience in:
When applying for jobs, you might find it useful to have examples of your work, like online articles or blogs. This could be from an internship or voluntary work, such as writing content for a charity website.
Employers might also want you to have an understanding of their target audience and experience in the subject that the website covers.
You can get more advice on working with online content from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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