Top 5 Webmaster Skills

I have been a webmaster for more than ten years now and I have learned a lot along the way. Many of the gems of knowledge I have found over the last 10 years have originated from research, accidental discoveries, mistakes, other webmasters, and luck. Today I would like to share 5 skills I feel are most important for a webmaster to develop in order to be successful and have successful web sites.

1. Proficiency in Programming and Databases

Any webmaster worth his salary should have decent programming and database skills. This allows the webmaster to manage and maintain his/her websites and to fix problems quickly when they arise. Some may argue that a webmaster doesn't need to know programming or databases in order to be successful and in some cases they are right. However, knowing how to program and maintain databases will save hundreds or thousands of dollars as you strive to create successful web sites. Hiring a programmer is costly and paying someone else to fix problems or add new features to your sites will add up to be a very large expense if not the biggest expense you will incur as a non-programming webmaster. Plus, a webmaster who knows how to program will be able to start up faster than one who does not because he/she will not have to save up money to pay a programmer to get things going in the beginning.

2. Know your niche(s)

It is very difficult for a webmaster to create a successful website in a field they know nothing of. He/she might get lucky but most of the time successful websites are ones that cater well to the needs of the niche and stay on top of current issues relating to the niche. Research should be conducted about the niche and some questions including some of the following should be answered:

• Who are the key players in the niche and how have they gotten where they are?
• What will it take to become a key player in the niche? Come up with a game plan and rough time frame for doing so.
• What advertisers are interested in the niche and how can you grab their attention? How can you make your web site(s) a prime target for their advertising?
• What is the best way to make money in the niche? Is it to provide information, a service, or a resource of some sort?
• What are some things that the niche is missing that you could offer on your site(s)?

3. Search Engine Optimization and Marketing

A successful webmaster not only builds great websites but knows how to spread the word about them. You should know what things to do as you build your web sites in order to make them search engine friendly. Stay current on search engine optimization (SEO) issues and avoid any so-called 'blackhat' techniques that can ruin your sites if discovered. Know how to reach your desired user base with advertising, linkbaiting, and by providing good regular content that will keep them coming back.

4. Stay on Top of the Game

A webmaster's education is never complete. In order to keep your skills sharp you should keep a finger on the pulse of the industry. Participate in webmaster forums and conferences in order to learn what is working for other webmasters and what isn't. Experiment with new ideas to see how they work and learn from any mistakes made along the way. Always stay a step ahead of your competitors by anticipating the 'next big thing' in your niche(s) and report any niche news before they do. Start new projects when you feel like you have a killer idea but don't desert your other sites. Diversify your income and sites to ensure that you have a solid operation. This skill is very important to develop because it's how you will be able to have long-term success.

5. Patience

Patience is a skill that many new webmasters don't have. They expect immediate results from their hard work and efforts but the reality is that it can take a long time to be as successful as they desire. When I say patience I don't mean waiting around, because we can all do that. Instead, push forward consistently doing what you know will eventually pay off. Don't give up when problems arise but instead find a way to overcome them. It would be a waste to throw your efforts down the drain when rough waters are encountered. There are some races that the rabbit will win but the turtle who pushes forward steadily and with determination will win the rest.

If you can fully develop these skills you will become a great webmaster and become very successful. The road can be long and hard but, as I now know from personal experience, it can be very rewarding.

This post was my entry in the Problogger.net group writing contest.