How to Become a Content Developer: The Ultimate Career Guide
Despite the rise of AI in content marketing, the majority of content still needs the human touch. There's plenty of work to go around, especially as demand for quality content keeps rising. If you're thinking of a career in content, explore the possibilities of becoming a content developer.
What is a content developer?
A content developer is a professional who creates new content for websites, apps, products, and other digital platforms. Content developers use a variety of tools and strategies to create high-quality, engaging content that meets the needs of an audience.
As the demand for digital content continues to grow, so does the need for talented and skilled content developers.
What is the difference between content writer and content developer?
A content developer creates, manages, and executes a plan for the overall development of content for a website or company. This includes working with various teams to keep all content on brand, optimize existing content, and develop new ideas and strategies.
A content writer, on the other hand, is responsible for writing the actual content. There's less strategy and more hands-on work involved. While a writer may have some input on strategy and development, their main focus is crafting engaging and compelling copy.
Types of content developers
Content developers dabble in multiple disciplines, including but not only:
Web design
Content writing
App design
Video content
Audio content (like podcasts)
Social media
Search engine optimization
Email marketing
Some content developers will specialize in one of these areas. Others may take a broader approach when creating content.
A day in the life of a content developer
Every day looks a little different. I plan my day the night before (or the week before, when possible). I start with the hardest or least favorite task so I can knock it out early. This is usually a project involving turning a webinar, presentation, or audio recording into a blog post or ebook (I get tons of requests for this).
From there, I may write an SEO blog post. I'll research on Google to see who else is talking about the same topic and what questions people are asking about it. I'll compare the top-ranking results to see how I can add more value to my content.
I might create an email newsletter or social media copy to go with the blog post. This gives the client a low-lift way to promote it. Depending on their needs, I may source stock images or charts to bring the content to life.
Some days, I'll write web page copy for a client's site. I get a lot of requests for what I call City Pages, which helps businesses to rank higher in local search. These pages involve writing about a business's products or services and also include a city name, landmarks, and points of interest throughout the copy.
Clients may ask me to turn their outline into a blog post or ebook. They've already done some of the heavy lifting and need me to bring their ideas to life.
Perks of being a content developer
Content developers play an important role in the success of online businesses. They are responsible for creating and managing digital content that helps businesses achieve their goals. I get a thrill from seeing my content published and knowing it's helping others.
There's a lot of variety in this type of work, which keeps it fun and interesting. You also have the opportunity to work with lots of different people and organizations. Many of my clients are in other countries, which gives my own brand a global presence.
Content development skills you'll need to succeed
You don't need a college degree to develop content. But certain skills can help you succeed:
Great communication
Creativity
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Multitasking
Good written and verbal skills
Ability to work independently
Knowledge of different types of content
A background in sales and marketing
Knowledge of search engine optimization
These are some of the most common skills needed on a content developer resume.
Content developer career path
A content developer career path can take many forms. You might start as a freelance content creator, then grow into your own agency.
Or you might work part-time or full-time for an organization developing a certain type of content, then move into a managerial role.
What is the salary for a content developer?
Content developer salaries can vary by location. On average, expect to make about $60K-$70K per year.
Where do content developers work?
Content developers can work from anywhere (like me). Or, you may work in a normal office environment, depending on your employment status and company.
How do content developers rate their jobs?
Most content developers love their jobs! It's fun work and can be rewarding.
Entry-level jobs for becoming a content developer
Content developer can be an entry level position. Or, if you have some technical skills, you might get a higher grade content developer job.
You can search for entry-level content developer jobs just like any other job. Try creative agencies, publishing houses, or any company with its own marketing department.
Or, go freelance!
Do I need a Bachelor's degree to be a content developer?
No, you do not need a Bachelor's degree to be a content developer. It can be helpful, but it's not required.
How to become a freelance content developer
As with any type of freelance work, becoming a freelance content developer starts with figuring out what services to offer and then finding clients who need you.
Create a portfolio of the different types of content you want to create. Then start pitching clients, applying to job boards, or using platforms like Fiverr to find work.
Content developer resources
Successful content developers never stop learning. Read articles and blogs, create content for yourself, take classes, and polish your researching skills.
Some of my favorite resources include:
Content Marketing Institute for blogs and articles
MarketingProfs for online courses
Fiverr for finding work as a content developer
Answer the Public for learning what questions people are asking
Ubersuggest for keyword research
Toptal to find work as a freelance developer
You can also check out the Fleurish Freelance blog, which covers all things freelancing.
Content developer Q & A
Got questions about responsibilities, content goals, career advice, or basic knowledge about being a content developer? Check the FAQ for quick insights.
What industry or companies need content developers?
Journalism, marketing, and PR agencies all need content developers. But just about any business that creates online content needs services that a content developer offers.
What makes effective content?
Effective content is designed to reach a target audience and produce a desired effect. This might be to grow brand awareness, drive sales, increase search rankings, provide education, or similar goal.
What are some possible job titles for a content developer?
Content developers can have different job titles, including but not just:
Web developers
Writer/editor
Social media content creator
Graphics artist
Customer experience designer
Search engine optimization SEO expert
Becoming a freelance content developer: Final Thoughts
Is content development the right career for you? Use the tips above to get started and find out.
And if you're going freelance, sign up for my online course, How to Market Yourself as a Freelancer and get your first client!