Webmaster Definition | The Interactive Glossary

To take an analogy from traditional business, being a webmaster is similar to being a general manager at a traditional business. Webmasters aren't typically assigned specific tasks. Instead, they are ultimately responsible for all phases of website design, development, maintenance, and performance.

Also See: Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need to know to become a webmaster?

Webmasters must be knowledgeable about a wide range of topics including:

• Programming languages: Webmasters need to be well-versed in HTML and CSS, and possess basic competence in JavaScript and common server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby on Rails, and Java.
• Server configuration: If the website goes down the webmaster will be responsible for getting it back up and running.
• Website software: Most websites are built using a content management system or some other type of website software. The webmaster will need to be intimately familiar with the software powering the websites they manage.
• Web design best practices: Web designers typically report to the webmaster who will need to be knowledgeable about design concepts in order to be involved in the design process.
• Web content goals: Content creators such as photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and writers all report to the webmaster who will need to be familiar with the website's content goals to properly manage these creatives.
• Internet marketing strategies: Depending on the size of the organization the webmaster may be wholly responsible for internet marketing efforts, or may coordinate efforts with a marketing specialist. In either case, the webmaster needs to be familiar with Internet marketing methods and search engine optimization (SEO) best practices.
• Revenue models: Webmasters running websites that are designed to generate revenue will need to understand the revenue model that the website is built on, and continually work to improve the performance of the website.
• Strong organizational skills: Webmasters are responsible for coordinating the work of designers, developers, marketers, and content creators. The webmaster is ultimately responsible for ensuring that their efforts are coordinated, and that the website remains thoughtfully organized as new content is added.

How does someone become a webmaster?

Webmasters have to be knowledgeable about a huge range of topics. As a result, webmasters can come from a variety of backgrounds. If you're interested in becoming a webmaster, the first step is to pick an area where you want to gain expertise. Maybe you're most interested in internet marketing, or maybe you've always wanted to learn how to code. Pick an area where you have a strong interest and dive in. It would also be a good idea to launch a personal project website where you'll have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics experientially.

Don't rush things. Becoming a webmaster isn't an overnight process and is usually built on a combination of training and a wealth of experience.

What are the job prospects like for webmasters?

According to Learning Path, demand for webmasters is expected to grow at a rate of 20% through 2022. That's a pretty exceptional growth rate and demonstrates that, for the motivated, there will be many opportunities.