Webmaster vs. Administrator — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Webmaster oversees and maintains websites; Administrator manages and oversees systems, networks, or institutions. Both roles manage specific domains of responsibility.
Difference Between Webmaster and Administrator
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Webmaster primarily denotes a person responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Their expertise lies in ensuring that a website runs smoothly, updates are implemented, and any issues are promptly addressed. Administrator, however, encompasses a broader range of responsibilities. This term can pertain to individuals managing computer networks, systems, or even entire institutions.
In a corporate environment, a Webmaster ensures that the company's online presence is consistent, functional, and user-friendly. They might handle everything from site design to troubleshooting website issues. An Administrator in the same corporate setting could be responsible for managing user accounts, securing network systems, or even overseeing administrative duties not related to technology.
While the domain of a Webmaster is largely limited to websites, an Administrator's domain can span from IT systems to organizational processes or institutional management. For example, a school might have an Administrator overseeing academic programs, while their Webmaster ensures the school's website stays updated.
Considering digital platforms, both roles are pivotal. A Webmaster ensures that the online platform is always accessible, functional, and up-to-date. An Administrator, especially in the context of IT, ensures that systems supporting these platforms, or the users accessing them, face no issues.
Comparison Chart
Primary Domain
Websites
Systems, networks, or institutions
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Responsibilities
Design, development, troubleshooting of websites
Managing user accounts, system security, administrative duties
Scope
Limited to website management
Can span IT to organizational or institutional management
Skill Set
Web design, coding, SEO
IT management, organizational skills, sometimes unrelated to technology
Usage Context
Corporations, personal websites, online platforms
Corporations, schools, IT departments, any institution requiring management
Compare with Definitions
Webmaster
An individual in charge of maintaining and updating websites.
The Webmaster fixed the broken links promptly.
Administrator
A person responsible for managing a system or network.
The Administrator reset the passwords for enhanced security.
Webmaster
A person responsible for designing a website.
The Webmaster updated the homepage to improve user experience.
Administrator
An individual overseeing organizational or institutional operations.
The school Administrator introduced new academic programs.
Webmaster
Someone who ensures website functionality.
Users praised the Webmaster for the site's speed and reliability.
Administrator
A person managing resources and functionalities.
The server Administrator upgraded the system for better performance.
Webmaster
A person who implements website updates.
Following company rebranding, the Webmaster changed the site's color scheme.
Administrator
An individual handling administrative tasks or duties.
The event Administrator coordinated the entire conference seamlessly.
Webmaster
One who troubleshoots website issues.
When the site crashed, the Webmaster restored it within minutes.
Administrator
A person responsible for carrying out the administration of a business or organization
Hospital administrators
Webmaster
A webmaster is a person responsible for maintaining one or more websites. The title may refer to web architects, web developers, site authors, website administrators, website owners, website coordinators, or website publishers.
Administrator
A person who dispenses or administers something
Administrators of justice
Webmaster
A person who designs, develops, markets, or maintains a website.
Administrator
One who administers, especially one who works as a manager in a business, government agency, or school.
Webmaster
A person responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining a website or websites.
Administrator
(Law) One appointed to administer an estate.
Administrator
One who administers affairs; one who directs, manages, executes, or dispenses, whether in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs; a manager
Administrator
(legal) A person who manages or settles the estate of an intestate, or of a testator when there is no competent executor; one to whom the right of administration has been committed by competent authority
Administrator
(computing) One who is responsible for software installation, management, information and maintenance of a computer or network
Administrator
One who administers affairs; one who directs, manages, executes, or dispenses, whether in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs; a manager.
Administrator
A man who manages or settles the estate of an intestate, or of a testator when there is no competent executor; one to whom the right of administration has been committed by competent authority.
Administrator
Someone who administers a business
Administrator
The party appointed by a probate court to distribute the estate of someone who dies without a will or without naming an executor
Administrator
Someone who manages a government agency or department
Administrator
Someone in charge of user accounts and access rights.
The Administrator granted the new employee access to necessary files.
Common Curiosities
Is every Webmaster skilled in coding?
Most have coding knowledge, but their expertise can vary based on their specific role and responsibilities.
How does an Administrator's role differ from a Webmaster?
An Administrator manages systems, networks, or institutions, while a Webmaster focuses on websites.
Can an Administrator's duties be non-technical?
Yes, Administrators can oversee organizational or institutional operations, not just IT.
Does a Webmaster handle website security?
They play a part, but comprehensive security might involve IT Administrators as well.
Can one person be both a Webmaster and an Administrator?
Yes, especially in smaller organizations, one person might handle both roles.
What might an IT Administrator manage besides networks?
User accounts, software installations, system backups, and more.
Is a Webmaster's role only technical?
Primarily, but they may also handle aspects like content updates or user experience.
Would a school have a Webmaster?
Likely, to manage its website. However, a school would also have Administrators overseeing academic and operational aspects.
Does an Administrator always have managerial duties?
Often, but the specifics depend on the context, whether it's IT, organizational, or institutional.
What does a Webmaster primarily handle?
A Webmaster primarily oversees the design, development, and maintenance of websites.
Is every Administrator tech-savvy?
Many are, especially IT Administrators, but those in non-technical roles might not be.
Who would handle a website hack?
Both the Webmaster (for website-specific issues) and IT Administrators (for network or system breaches) would be involved.
Do all organizations need a Webmaster?
Not all, but any organization with an online presence would benefit from having one.
Can an Administrator work outside of a corporate setting?
Absolutely, Administrators can be found in schools, non-profits, government agencies, and more.
Is the term Webmaster modern?
While still used, newer titles like "Web Developer" or "Site Manager" have become more prevalent.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
