How to Structure an Inbound Marketing Dream Team

Inbound marketing is a powerful tool in today's fast-paced business world. It plays a pivotal role in fostering customer relationships and driving growth.

However, structuring an effective inbound marketing team can pose a challenge. It requires clear understanding, strategic planning, and careful organization. I've learned this firsthand while growing my own marketing agency, GrantSpark.

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

Structuring Inbound Marketing Department

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

• Inbound Marketing department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Inbound 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. Inbound 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	Copywriting, SEO, Storytelling, Research, Editing	Content Manager, Copywriter, Editor, SEO Specialist
Social Media	Community Management, Content Creation, Analytics, Customer Service, Strategy Planning	Social Media Manager, Community Manager, Social Media Analyst
SEO	Keyword Research, On-page SEO, Link Building, Content Optimization, Analytics	SEO Specialist, SEO Manager, Link Builder, SEO Analyst
Email	Copywriting, Automation, Data Analysis, A/B Testing, Personalization	Email Marketing Specialist, Email Marketing Manager, CRM Manager
Analytics	Data Analysis, Reporting, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Skills	Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Data Scientist
Design	Graphic Design, UX/UI Design, Branding, Visual Communication, Prototyping	Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director
Strategy	Strategic Planning, Market Research, Brand Development, Competitive Analysis, Budgeting	Marketing Strategist, Brand Manager, Marketing Director
Lead Generation	Prospecting, CRM, Sales Funnel Management, Relationship Building, Data Analysis	Lead Generation Specialist, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager

2. Inbound 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
Conversion Rate Optimization	Analytics, UX/UI Design, A/B Testing, Customer Journey Mapping, Sales Funnel Management	Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist, UX/UI Designer, E-commerce Manager
Project Management	Planning and Organizing, Time Management, Problem-solving, Team Management, Budgeting	Marketing Project Manager, Marketing Operations Manager
Customer Relationship	CRM, Communication, Customer Service, Data Analysis, Relationship Building	CRM Manager, Customer Success Manager, Account Manager
Product Marketing	Market Research, Product Development, Competitive Analysis, Product Launch, Branding	Product Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Product Manager
Public Relations	Media Relations, Content Creation, Brand Awareness, Crisis Management, Event Planning	Public Relations Manager, Communications Manager, Event Coordinator
Partnership Development	Networking, Relationship Building, Strategic Planning, Negotiation, Business Development	Partnership Manager, Business Development Manager, Affiliate Marketing Manager

Inbound 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 people	Minimal resources, focus on essential tasks.
Small-Medium Business	4-10 people	Increased needs, specialize in various inbound strategies.
Large Enterprise	10+ people	Scale and complexity requires a larger, diverse team.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On an Inbound Marketing Department Structure

1. Business Goals: Consider your company's specific goals and objectives. The structure of your inbound marketing team should be designed to support and achieve these targets.
2. Available Resources: Assess the resources at your disposal, such as budget, technology, and human resources. Your team structure should be capable of maximising these resources efficiently.
3. Skills and Expertise: Recognize the skills and expertise required for successful inbound marketing. Ensure you have team members capable of content creation, SEO, social media, and analytics.
4. Workflow Management: Think about how tasks will be assigned and managed. A well-structured team should have clear roles and responsibilities for every member, promoting productivity and efficiency.
5. Adaptability: In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to adapt is crucial. Your team structure should be flexible, allowing for quick changes in marketing strategies when necessary.

Explore other marketing departments:

• SaaS Marketing Team Structure
• Marketing Automation Team Structure
• Nonprofit Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of an Inbound 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.