How to Structure a Marketing Agency Dream Team

Building a successful marketing agency team is no small feat. It needs strategic planning and careful coordination.

In today's fast-paced business world, these teams are crucial. They foster growth and propel businesses forward. I've been running my own successful marketing agency for years so I speak from experience.

But first, let's talk about the Marketing Agency department structures you have to choose from.

Structuring Marketing Agency Department

There are two main types of department structures based on company size and resources.

• Marketing Agency department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Marketing Agency department structure by function
  • Org Type: Employees are grouped by activities and objectives
  • Best For: Small to Medium Sized Business (SMB)

Let’s go in-depth to each one of them.

1. Marketing Agency Department Structure by Discipline

Discipline-based structure involves building teams centered around various marketing disciplines. For example, SEO, Content, Market Research, and Product Strategy could each form separate teams within a department.

Discipline	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Strategy	Market Research, Business Analysis, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Communication	Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing Strategist, Business Analyst
Creative	Graphic Design, Ideation, Art Direction, Attention to Detail, Time Management	Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Art Director
Content	Content Creation, SEO, Copywriting, Storytelling, Editing	Content Manager, Copywriter, SEO Specialist
Social Media	Community Management, Content Planning, Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Customer Service	Social Media Manager, Community Manager, Social Media Specialist
SEO/SEM	SEO, SEM, Keyword Research, Google Analytics, Data Analysis	SEO Specialist, SEM Specialist, SEO/SEM Analyst
Email Marketing	Email Marketing, Copywriting, CRM, Data Analysis, A/B Testing	Email Marketing Manager, CRM Specialist, Data Analyst
PR	Media Relations, Press Release Writing, Crisis Management, Networking, Event Planning	PR Manager, Media Relations Specialist, Event Coordinator
Data Analysis	Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Data Visualization, Reporting	Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Data Scientist

2. Marketing Agency Department Structure by Function

Another approach is structuring by function, where teams are formed based on the different functions they perform. For example, promotion, launches, and relationship management could all be separate teams.

Function	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Client Services	Relationship Building, Project Management, Strategic Thinking, Communication, Conflict Resolution	Account Director, Account Manager, Project Manager
Media Buying	Negotiation, Media Planning, Analytics, Budgeting, Attention to Detail	Media Buyer, Media Planner, Media Director
Brand Management	Brand Strategy, Market Research, Creative Thinking, Communication, Customer Understanding	Brand Manager, Associate Brand Manager, Brand Strategist
Product Marketing	Product Knowledge, Market Research, Competitive Analysis, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Storytelling	Product Marketing Manager, Product Marketing Specialist
Events	Event Planning, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Creativity, Crisis Management	Event Manager, Event Coordinator, Event Planner
Digital Advertising	Advertising, Data Analysis, Creativity, Digital Media, Attention to Detail	Digital Advertising Manager, Digital Advertising Coordinator, Digital Advertising Specialist

Marketing Agency Team Size versus Business Scale

To achieve successful marketing outcomes, you need to align the team size with your business's scale – a strategic approach that helps optimize resources and drive targeted growth.

Business Scale	Ideal Department Size	Explanation
Start-up	2-3	Minimal resources, focus on core strategies
Small-Medium Business	4-8	Growth stage requires diverse expertise
Large Enterprise	10+	Multiple campaigns, global outreach, varied audience

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Marketing Agency Department Structure

1. Marketing Specialties: Understand what your business needs in terms of marketing. This could be SEO, content marketing, social media, public relations, or a mix of these. Your agency structure should reflect these specializations.
2. Team Expertise: The skills and experience of your team members matter significantly. Decide on a structure that best leverages their strengths and promotes collaboration.
3. Business Objectives: Your agency's structure should align with your business goals. Whether it's to increase visibility, drive sales, or improve customer engagement, make sure your structure supports these objectives.
4. Clientele Requirements: Consider the needs and expectations of your clients. A structure that can deliver on these expectations while providing excellent customer service will prove beneficial.
5. Agency Size: The size of your agency matters. A smaller agency might benefit from a more agile, flat structure, while a larger agency might need a more hierarchical organization to manage different departments effectively.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Public Relations Team Structure
• Performance Marketing Team Structure
• Field Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Marketing Agency team structure. From the essence of the team and key roles, to structuring and optimizing; every aspect tailored to achieve success on your business blueprint.