Webmaster

 Webmaster
site administrator, webmaster
Responsible for a website, the webmaster adds content (texts, images, sounds, etc.), resolves technical problems and plays an interface role between the different stakeholders (graphic designers, editors, etc.). Depending on the type and size of the company, the profession differs greatly. Some webmasters take care of an entire site, from design to maintenance; others specialize in technical or editorial aspects.

Professional life
A market without limits
The many businesses with a website do not necessarily need to call on web professionals. In addition, there are many “DIY” sites and “showcase” portals updated more or less regularly. However, the webmaster quickly becomes essential for a company that turns to the Internet. The Web opens up significant economic prospects. In fact, thousands of companies (mainly SMEs) do not yet have a site...
Recommended experience
Communication agencies, web agencies and access providers recruit candidates who have initial experience (1 to 5 years) or who have already completed numerous internships (long-term).
Gaining ground
Because the webmaster may be required to tackle the entire range of Internet professions, his possibilities for development are numerous. A webmaster who has editorial skills will be able to progress to a position of editor-in-chief, while a webmaster who has been able to develop his technical skills will more naturally move towards a position of project manager or technical director.
Beginner's salary
From 2000 euros gross per month. Source: Apec, 2013.
Working conditions
Availability
The webmaster spends almost the entire day in front of his screen. In general, the hours are regular but, for certain sites which must be constantly updated, it must demonstrate high availability. Webmasters sometimes carry out their activity remotely, most often under the status of self-employed.
Several projects at the same time
Sites with a large audience can be managed by several administrators: each webmaster then only takes charge of part of the site. At an IT and Internet service provider or in a web agency, he works on several projects at the same time. It can also be associated with one-off missions. Thus, its work ends immediately after setting up a site.
Versatility
The webmaster is above all an experienced team leader, but the job sometimes differs greatly depending on the type and size of the company. The webmaster can thus carry out the missions of the HTML integrator, the multimedia content designer, the communications manager, the editorialist, the web community facilitator, etc. The commercial and marketing aspects may also fall under his responsibility. .
SKILLS
Computer scientist, but not only
The webmaster is an IT specialist with strong graphic design and writing skills, and who knows the culture and strategy of his company perfectly. He has a good level of English and technical skills. He masters Web programming languages (XML, Java, Flash, HTML, etc.) and regularly stays informed about developments in Internet tools. Creative, rigorous, autonomous, he also knows how to be versatile.
The taste of contact
The webmaster knows how to lead a team and communicate. First internally, since it centralizes information from different departments. But also externally, since it constantly inquires about the reactions of Internet users who visit the site to adjust it as best as possible.
Available and efficient
To meet deadlines and respond as closely as possible to current events, its hours are extended, sometimes staggered. In the event of an unforeseen event, he must be available and efficient... very quickly!
Nature of the work
Before going online
The activity of the webmaster depends on the company for which he works. He can intervene from the design of the website: he then supplies it with content (publication of articles, creation of product sheets, etc.) and checks its compatibility with the main browsers. It reports technical problems encountered and tracks display bugs. When all issues are resolved, the site can go live.
Power a site
To attract visitors, the webmaster adds content (texts, sounds, images, videos, etc.) and makes daily updates. It can also improve SEO (positioning of the site in search engine results). In the event of a serious problem, he can contact the developers, or restore the site from the backups he makes regularly. It also ensures technological monitoring of competing sites.
An interface role
As responsible for the website and/