User:Ericka9597/sandbox

Content Designer

A content designer is also known as a web designer. A content designer’s job is to ensure that the content that is created can be understood by all. They must be able to identify user needs, gain knowledge on multiple subjects, write content, edit content and be able to work with other designers and developers in order to bring content to consumers . As a web designer one must be able to develop, create and maintain websites. They can work in many different industries and are usually independent contractors. A content designers' work is judged within 50 milliseconds. There were three studies done that tested this and found that all it takes is milliseconds to make a good first impression. A content designer needs to note that it is important to know that not everyone knows how to use a computer or navigate a website as well as they do. It is important to make their material as accessible as possible. A content designer is able to create websites that are easy to navigate around, are resourceful and have the information that the target audience is looking for. As a designer one must be able to take their clients wishes and make them a reality. A content designer is usually hired by a company or a client to help create the website that will promote their business.

Job Description

A content designer/web designer uses design and programming software to make websites on the internet. They decide what the website will look like, add links and whatever else is necessary to make the site the best it can be for those who wish to access it. A designer must be able to do the following tasks: talk with clients and discuss ideas to understand what they would like, create website content, be in charge of overseeing the image and copyrights of the company on the internet, decide on the design that will be used on the website such as the graphics, links and forms, make sure the text and graphics match and complement each other, develop custom programs to extend the websites functions, be in contact and discuss with writers, designers, system administrators and other IT staff to make sure the website is running and fulfilling its purpose, maintain and update the website and coordinate for others to help maintain the website as well . Working with others is a large piece of the puzzle when looking at getting into this field. If one is not a people person, this may not be the type of job field to get into.

Education Requirements

In order to become a content designer one must get an associates or bachelor’s degree. An associate degree will get an entry-level position whereas a bachelor degree will allow one to advance in their chosen career and provide students with a more refined set of skills. Additional education such as an understanding of the types of software and programming languages is a strong asset and is recommended. Most professionals in this area of work go to school for a computer science degree or something related to this program. Looking at the projected job growth between 2012 and 2022 it will increase by 20% for web developers and 7% for graphic designers. When in school for a bachelor’s degree program in web design or multimedia one can expect to learn about databases, webpage scripting, programming, digital imaging, multimedia design and web development. Certification is another option available to those looking to get into this field. Microsoft offers a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification. In order to obtain this, you must pass a specialist exam as well as have two to three years of relevant work experience. The World Organization of Webmasters also offers three different levels of certification related to web developers that includes an exam that looks at varying levels of proficiency in programming, web design, web security, database management, servers and networking. Humber College offers a web design, development and maintenance certification that is only a 22 week program for this field. For those in Canada interested in the program, OSAP does not cover the cost. The tuition cost for the twenty two weeks is $7,408.27 Canadian. For international students wishing to partake in the program the cost is increased slightly to $7,983.27.

Salary

The median annual salary from 2013 was $63,160 for web developers and $44,830 for graphic designers. In Canada, a web content specialist earns an average salary of $45,211 per year. The salary can be increased when one is a specialist in a specific area of content design. It can also increase depending on the amount of experience on has.

How to Create A Website

Taking a quick course in web design, as mentioned above in the Education Requirements section, is a great start if the website does not need to be up right away. A web editing software is something that content designers need in order to create their websites. Most software programs are fairly easy to use. Putting quality content on a website is an important aspect of web design as well. The content is the most important part of a website it is what helps bring in the audience. Knowing key words is an excellent way for your site to pop up in search engines. Web hosts are a something that one should take a look at if they wish to have their site supported.

Content/Web Design Facts

1. 90 percent of information that is transmitted to the brain is visual. Visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text is.

2. Posts that have visual content receive 94 percent more page visits and engagement than those without it.

3. Consumers are 60 percent more likely to click on a business whose images appear in search results.

4. Consumers consider clear, detailed images to carry more weight than product information or customer ratings. 67 percent believe this.

5. Websites that were made two years ago may be considered old

6. Specific website codes can help it to appeal to certain search engines

7. Good website designs can cost between $500 to $5,000 dollars.