What is a Web Producer?:
A Web producer creates the HTML and CSS for a website. They convert the designs from the designer into HTML and CSS and then put the content from the Web writer or graphic artist into the design. They are often in charge of the CMS for the company.
The following questions detail some of the common aspects of working as a Web producer for a company (not freelancing). The more of the questions that you can honestly answer "yes" to the more suited Web producer is to you as a profession. Remember, however, that Web production is only one way to work on Web pages. There are also jobs as Web designers, Web developers, Web writers and graphic artists, and Web freelancers. You may be better suited to one of these professions.
Are you interested in the Web?:
Most Web producers love the Web. They browse it a lot and love reading other Web pages. While it's possible to do the work without enjoying the medium, if you don't like Web pages, eventually writing for them will start to annoy you. If you aren't interested in the Web, then looking for a job as a Web producer isn't a good idea.
Do you know HTML and CSS?:
While it's possible to do Web production without knowing HTML and CSS, most companies won't hire you unless you know them. You will probably also be expected to use a text HTML editor or an editor like Dreamweaver that incorporates both text and WYSIWYG editing.
If you don't like writing HTML or CSS, then you should not become a Web producer.
Are you willing to spend a long time fighting with browsers?:
The job of the Web producer is to convert the designs of the designer into Web pages. Most designers will not be satisfied if your production only works in one browser. In fact, a large part of the time, most Web producers are simply fighting with the HTML or CSS to get their pages to look correct in several browsers. If you aren't willing to spend a lot of time looking through HTML and CSS, then Web production isn't for you.
Do you like keeping to standards and following rules?:
The best Web producers keep their websites as standard-compliant as they can. This means that you need to stay current in the different specifications and you need to be vigilant about validating your pages and keeping them correct.
Can you work well with other people?:
Many Web producers are a part of a team of people working on the website. If you don't like working with other people or want to do everything yourself, you should consider freelancing or working at a very small company. Otherwise, you'll almost certainly have to work with designers to create the look of the page, Web writers to write the content, and Web developers for the programming. You might have to fill some of these roles yourself, but most companies split these jobs to some extent.
