How to Structure a SaaS Marketing Dream Team

Navigating the SaaS landscape can feel like sailing in uncharted waters. A well-structured marketing team serves as the compass, steering the business towards success.

Each role within this team is crucial. They collectively build bridges, connecting your product to the world. I speak from experience from running my own marketing agency, GrantSpark.

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

Structuring SaaS Marketing Department

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

• SaaS Marketing department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• SaaS Marketing 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. SaaS Marketing 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
Content	Writing, SEO, Storytelling, Research, Content Analysis	Content Marketing Manager, Content Strategist, SEO Specialist, Copywriter
Social Media	Social Media Strategy, Analytics, Trend Identification, Creativity, Copywriting	Social Media Manager, Social Media Specialist, Community Manager
Email	Email Marketing, Copywriting, Analytics, CRM, Segmentation	Email Marketing Manager, CRM Specialist, Marketing Automation Specialist
Data Analysis	Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Reporting, Marketing Analytics	Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Marketing Data Scientist
Product Marketing	Product Knowledge, Market Research, Competitive Analysis, Cross-functional Collaboration, Positioning	Product Marketing Manager, Market Research Analyst, Product Marketing Specialist
SEO	Keyword Research, SEO Tools, Link Building, Content Optimization, Technical SEO	SEO Manager, SEO Analyst, SEO Specialist
Performance Marketing	PPC, SEO, Social Media Advertising, Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization	Performance Marketing Manager, PPC Specialist, Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist
PR & Communications	Public Relations, Media Relations, Press Release Writing, Crisis Management, Corporate Communication	PR Manager, Communications Specialist, PR Coordinator

2. SaaS Marketing 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
Customer Success	Customer Relationship, Analytical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving, Product Knowledge	Customer Success Manager, Customer Success Specialist, Customer Success Associate
Brand Management	Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Market Research, Cross-functional Collaboration, Communication	Brand Manager, Brand Strategist, Brand Specialist
Partnership Marketing	Partnership Development, Relationship Management, Negotiation, Strategic Planning, Communication	Partnership Marketing Manager, Partnership Coordinator, Relationship Manager
Event Planning	Event Management, Organizational Skills, Networking, Attention to Detail, Time Management	Event Marketing Manager, Event Planner, Event Coordinator
Lead Generation	Prospecting, Lead Qualification, CRM, Analytics, Sales and Marketing Alignment	Lead Generation Specialist, Business Development Representative, Demand Generation Manager
Growth Marketing	SEO, A/B Testing, User Acquisition, Data Analysis, Funnel Optimization	Growth Marketing Manager, Growth Hacker, User Acquisition Specialist

SaaS Marketing 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	1-3	Minimal resources, focus on key marketing strategies.
Small-Medium Business	4-10	More resources, diverse strategies, still maintain lean operation.
Large Enterprise	10+	Complex marketing needs, large customer base, multiple marketing channels.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a SaaS Marketing Department Structure

1. Business Goals: Understand your company's objectives and align your marketing strategy accordingly. This will guide the team structure and help in setting the right priorities.
2. Target Audience: Identify who your potential customers are. This knowledge will influence the type of expertise needed in your team, and the marketing channels you focus on.
3. Budget: Determine how much you can spend on marketing. This can affect the size of your team, the tools you use, and the scope of your marketing campaigns.
4. Team Expertise: Evaluate the skills and knowledge of your current team. You may need to hire new members or provide additional training to meet your marketing goals.
5. Product Complexity: Consider the intricacy of your SaaS product. If your product is complex, you might require a more specialized marketing team.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Marketing Automation Team Structure
• Nonprofit Marketing Team Structure
• Email Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a SaaS Marketing 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.