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What is a web writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.,
Gayle Rogers

A web writer, also known as a content writer, is a type of writer that produces content specifically for web consumption. Their chief purpose is to create quality content and bring value to business websites, online newspapers or magazines, blogs, and other platforms of publication on the web.

To create the type of content that their clients or audiences want, a content writer conducts research on the topic, uses SEO techniques to bump the article higher on search engines, and writes content that is interesting and easy to digest for their target audience. The different types of content that a web writer produces include articles, blog posts, marketing copies, and social media posts, just to name a few.

A high school diploma or GED may be enough to secure the position of a web writer, but a bachelor's degree in English, marketing, creative writing, or related field is a plus. Furthermore, an aspiring web writer needs to have impeccable writing skills, familiarity with web publications, and a strong command of the language they are writing using to write content.

What general advice would you give to a web writer?

Cathy Irwin Ph.D.Cathy Irwin Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor of English, University of La Verne

Because of the pandemic, entering the workforce has been hard for many. At the same time, many employers have moved online and are meeting with clients and customers through Zoom and other online platforms. As a result, employers now, more than ever, need employees who have excellent communication skills.

English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.

The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
ScoreWeb WriterUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $54,533

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.2

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.36%

Asian 5.03%

Black or African American 6.13%

Hispanic or Latino 7.86%

Unknown 5.64%

White 74.97%

Gender

female 55.98%

male 44.02%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Web writer career paths

Key steps to become a web writer

  1. Explore web writer education requirements

    Most common web writer degrees

    Bachelor's

    81.1 %

    Master's

    10.7 %

    Associate

    4.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific web writer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Web Content38.99%
    Writing Articles17.13%
    Biographies11.82%
    Web Copy10.38%
    Search Engine Optimization1.47%
  3. Complete relevant web writer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New web writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a web writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real web writer resumes.
  4. Research web writer duties and responsibilities

    • Update website daily, manage Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram accounts.
    • Create and edit content for business website and Facebook.
    • Pioneer writing sizing charts and technical information sidebars using HTML code.
    • Help social media efforts by creating corporate Facebook page and redesign and maintain a corporate blog.
  5. Prepare your web writer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your web writer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a web writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable web writer resume templates

    Build a professional web writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your web writer resume.
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    Web Writer Resume
  6. Apply for web writer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a web writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first web writer job

Zippi

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Average web writer salary

The average web writer salary in the United States is $54,533 per year or $26 per hour. Web writer salaries range between $40,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average web writer salary
$54,533 Yearly
$26.22 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do web writers rate their job?

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Web writer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I love hearing stories from other sources.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Cons

Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Set your own schedule work from home. Determine your own salary. Dictate your hours. Choose the jobs you want.

Cons

Could be paid more. Slow to get started very competitive.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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