A webmaster, also called a web architect, web developer, site author or website administrator, is a person responsible for maintaining a website. Webmasters must also be well-versed in Web transaction software, payment-processing software, and security software. An alternative definition of webmaster is a businessperson who uses online media to sell products and/or services. This broader definition of webmaster covers not just the technical aspects of overseeing Web site construction and maintenance but also management of content, advertising, marketing and order fulfilment for the website.

What do Webmasters do?

Webmasters may be generalists with HTML expertise who manage most or all aspects of Web operations. Depending on the nature of the websites they manage, webmasters typically know scripting languages such as Javascript, PHP and Perl. They may also be required to know how to configure web servers such as Apache and serve as the server administrator. The duties of the webmaster may include ensuring that the web servers, hardware and software are operating accurately, designing the website, generating and revising web pages, replying to user comments, and examining traffic through the site.

Responsibilities of a Webmaster

Core responsibilities of the webmaster may include the regulation and management of access rights of different users of a website, the appearance and setting up website navigation. Content placement can be part of a webmaster’s responsibilities, while content creation may not be.

Where do Webmasters work?

Professional webmasters are found in many web design companies with the goal of creating websites that meet client specifications. Satisfying client needs and wants is the main objective of all web design teams. A web design may include a project manager, staff designer, senior designer, art director, and/or creative director. Some of these titles and responsibilities are interchangeable and dependent upon project specifications. Each person is responsible for different roles within any given web-based or print design project. A web design team has to be aware of client demands and project budget outcomes. Many clients want professional web or print design at inexpensive rates. It’s up to the team to determine the project life cycle, independent roles and how the team will function to meet project objectives.

The independent roles of a Webmaster/Web designer and Webmaster positions

Staff designers or sometimes called a junior designer, work on magazine design, draw maps, support production, and do general studio tasks. A minimum of two years experience is needed and a BA in graphic design. Programs include Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Staff designers report to Senior designers, how are more responsible to identify concepts in Adobe Illustrator and images in Photoshop. However, this position is not considered a management position.

A senior designer may have around five to seven years experience and have knowledge in company design programs and platforms.

The Art Director is in charge of both staff designers and senior designers in the web design team. “In small firms, and art director may work hands-on with projects and be the person solely responsible for creative output. In a large firm or in-house creative department, an art director may have designers report to them and work in tandem with a copywriter.” (DeSetto, J., 2009, p. 56) Art directors are responsible for the overall quality of media, graphics, or web design of business to business project. The art director communicates with web design team about client expectations and budget. The person in this position holds excellent interpersonal and communication skills, presentation skills, and they are a professional leader with five to seven years of on the job experience. The art director and creative director go hand and hand with responsibilities and tasks. Dependant upon the firm they are both important and report to the project manager.

Lastly, freelance specialist can bring new projects to the table or do specialized work in any given area of expertise. Most specialist have specific skills in Adobe, flash, or Photoshop. These skills are used in web design projects that need an extra focus that is unique to the clients needs or wants.

Team functions of Webmasters

The main reason why small groups of Webmasters function so well is down to typical meetings with a common purpose and sense of belonging. Web design teams have one purpose and that is to meet client expectations. Web design teams are successful because of the small group dynamics and meeting small sizable goals to compete the overall objective. A web design team has clear goals and objectives that are well defined. Meeting client deadlines and creating quality work, motivates web design teams to do their best work using their knowledge and skill set to complete print and web-based design. Moreover, communication in this team setting is by far the most important aspect to complete projects. A web design team has to be aware of client demands and project outcomes. Thus, team leadership, duties, tasks, roles, and communication must be developed within a web design company.