How to Structure a Content Dream Team

Content teams are the backbone of today's evolving business world. They craft messages that resonate, building bridges between businesses and their audience.

Understanding the structure of such teams is crucial. It's a blend of art, science, and management, working in unison to deliver impactful content. We've learned this firsthand while growing our own marketing agency, GrantSpark.

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

Structuring Content Department

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

• Content department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Content 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. Content 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	Content planning, SEO knowledge, Market research, Analytical thinking, Creativity	Content Strategist, SEO Strategist
Writing	Writing and editing, Storytelling, Grammar proficiency, Research, SEO writing	Content Writer, Copywriter, Editor
Design	Graphic design, UX/UI design, Creativity, Attention to detail, Software proficiency	Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director
Social Media	Social media management, Content creation, Trend awareness, Creativity, Communication	Social Media Manager, Social Media Coordinator
Video	Video editing, Storyboarding, Creativity, Camera operation, Post-production	Video Editor, Videographer
SEO	Keyword research, SEO tools, Analytics, On-page and Off-page SEO, Technical SEO	SEO Specialist, SEO Analyst
Analytics	Data analysis, SEO knowledge, Excel proficiency, Critical thinking, Reporting	Data Analyst, SEO Analyst

2. Content 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
Management	Leadership, Project management, Budgeting, Communication, Decision-making	Content Manager, Director of Content, Content Project Manager
Editing	Proofreading, Copy editing, Content review, Attention to detail, SEO knowledge	Editor, Associate Editor, Proofreader
Research	Market research, Data analysis, Trend awareness, Detail-oriented, Critical thinking	Content Researcher, Market Research Analyst
Curation	Content selection, Trend spotting, Creativity, Knowledge of audience, SEO knowledge	Content Curator, Social Media Curator
Localization	Translation, Cultural understanding, Attention to detail, Language proficiency, SEO knowledge	Content Localizer, Translation Specialist
Outreach	Networking, Communication, Relationship building, SEO knowledge, Social media proficiency	Outreach Coordinator, PR Specialist, Link Building Specialist

Content 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 content needs, limited resources.
Small-Medium Business	4-7	Expanded content needs, manageable team size.
Large Enterprise	8+	Extensive content needs, sufficient resources.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Content Department Structure

1. Business Goals: Understand your organization's objectives. The structure of your content team should align with these goals, whether they revolve around brand awareness, lead generation, or customer engagement.
2. Resources and Budget: Determine what resources you have available. This includes financial budget, manpower, and time. Your team structure should make the most efficient use of these resources.
3. Content Strategy: Define your content strategy. This should guide the roles and responsibilities within your team. Whether your focus is on blogging, social media, video production, or a mix, your team should have the necessary skills.
4. Team Skills: Identify the skills within your team. A successful content team should have a variety of skills, including writing, editing, design, SEO, and analytics. Your team structure should ensure these skills are effectively utilized.
5. Work Process: Establish a clear work process. This involves steps from content creation, review, approval, to publishing. Your team structure should support a smooth and efficient process.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Lifecycle Marketing Team Structure
• Branding Team Structure
• Digital Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Content 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.