Do you currently work as a writer, or are looking to turn to a career in digital journalism? As opposed to traditional storytelling such as printed newspapers, digital journalism is a contemporary form of news distributed online, on websites, or through social media.

If you're a creative person and think you can excel in the online space, there are a range of careers to consider.

1. Web Content Manager

Woman Cheering on Laptop

Do you like being a team player? If you have great organizational skills, a web content manager may be a great role for you, as there is a lot to keep in check. An online magazine or platform is always in need of a skillful person to manage its content.

You'll be in charge of ensuring all content produced, edited, and published is done effectively, working on a content strategy that is in line with a target audience. As a content manager, you could be writing blog posts or updating existing content, promoting the content, keeping track of website traffic, or making sure all work by others has been completed by a deadline.

Ideally, you also want basic web design knowledge such as HTML or CSS, proficient written communication skills, the ability to use the latest content management systems such as Wix, a basic understanding of website analytics, and overall marketing principles.

2. Press Release Writer

Do you know what makes a great story? Instead of always being the one who writes stories, how about you pitch story ideas to journalists? A press release writer can write about important events, product releases, and communicate to employees or the public.

Although journalists plan their own stories, they don't always have the time to come up with fresh ideas. This is where a PR writer comes in. You need to be up-to-date with the latest trends, have adequate data and insights to back up your story angle, and be able to pitch to journalists in a timely manner.

If all goes well, your idea could be the next highest ranking on Google search results! The most important thing is to keep your audience in mind.

3. Web Editor

Do you enjoy editing or proofreading content on websites such as WordPress? This kind of editor specifically focuses on web pages by creating, planning, developing, and implementing copy onto web pages.

Edit and proofread, check and track content, work within a team of web designers, input SEO, and adhere to copyright standards. This is an important role to keep a website afloat, so consider your overall web-editing skills.

4. Sub-Editor

Are you good at working quickly under pressure? Sub-editing is different from website editing. Also known as copy editing, the sub-editor is in charge of overseeing style, tone, accuracy, layout, spelling, punctuation, and design for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

It's essential to ensure a piece of writing has the correct house style guide, especially if one's audience is specific to their country. Fact-checking a piece is key to it looking professional as it represents a company or business, so this is an important role. Have a look at how to use Google to fact-check information, as this can help in all digital careers, not just the creative fields.

5. Audio or Video Editor

Do you have a passion for putting together media? Working with producers or broadcast journalists, your role may include editing audio or video for all types of news stories. Technology review videos, events, or breaking news; you never know what story you might be editing next.

What to know more about how to edit videos? Check out the best video editing apps to help you make a viral video. Final Cut Pro is another great program to start familiarizing yourself with.

6. Assistant Editor

Do you want something different in your day-to-day work? An assistant editor has a lot of tasks that don't just include assisting with the editing process. Assistant editors help pitch story ideas and create concepts, research and interview, write, edit, and even proofread.

You may also be in charge of marketing strategies such as social media content, so if you're an all-rounder and enjoy a job with multiple tasks involved, this may be a good career for you.

7. Proofreader

Before publishing or sharing any piece of writing, you want it to be proofread. Compared to a sub-editor, a proofreader focuses on minor errors such as capitalization, punctuation, or basic document formatting.

In this line of work, you might be reading over a section for an online publication, scripts for radio, or even scripts for television programs. You'll be reading something fresh every day.

Your skills should include working on a deadline, paying attention to small details, understanding word-processing software, such as track changes, working independently, and understanding editorial styles like the Associated Press or Chicago Manual of Style.

If you're interested in expanding your skills with Word, check out these simple design rules for professional Microsoft Word documents.

8. Social Media Reporter

Are you social media savvy? A big part of journalism is social media in today's world of news, so this role is critical to any news company. A social media reporter will report content for blogs, social media such as Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, web pages, and more.

You could be recording the next live tech event. This kind of journalist also gathers data such as analytics on the most and least popular social media stories, which helps for future styles of reporting.

The reporter can also be in charge of engaging with the online audience, helping to boost credibility, offering answers to the public, and being able to share breaking news a lot quicker.

9. Freelance Journalist

Do you like a bit of a challenge? If you'd prefer finding your own stories and don't mind putting the extra work in, a freelance journalist may be the perfect role for you. Pitch to publications and hunt for contract work, individual pieces, or assignments for digital platforms, magazines, or companies in need of a writer who knows journalistic style. You could be writing a major feature story!

As a self-employed person, you'll be in charge of the work you want to pursue, the length of time you do the work, managing your finances, and essentially being your own boss. If you're a hustler and think you have what it takes to find clients, a freelancing career may suit your lifestyle.

Jump Into a Range of Journalism Careers

Whether it be editing under another journalist or choosing to work for yourself, a variety of exciting journalism careers are available to you and your writing skill set. However, if you're unsure about where to start, there's a collection of journalism resources for you to use.