How to Structure a Social Media Marketing Dream Team

Structuring a social media marketing team is vital in the business world today. This team plays a pivotal role in shaping how businesses interact with their audience.

Mastering this process can transform your company's online presence. It helps ensure the right messages reach the right people at the right time. I speak from experience from running my own marketing agency, GrantSpark.

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

Structuring Social Media Marketing Department

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

• Social Media Marketing department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Social Media 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. Social Media 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, Creativity, SEO Knowledge, Multimedia Production, Editing	Content Strategist, Content Creator, Copywriter
Strategy	Market Research, Trend Analysis, Decision Making, Brand Awareness, Budgeting	Social Media Manager, Social Media Strategist
Analytics	Data Analysis, Reporting, Social Listening, Critical Thinking, Google Analytics	Data Analyst, Social Media Analyst
Community Management	Customer Service, Communication, Empathy, Crisis Management, Moderation	Community Manager, Social Media Specialist
Advertising	PPC Knowledge, Ad Design, A/B Testing, ROI Calculation, Advertising Analytics	Social Media Ad Specialist, PPC Analyst
Influencer Outreach	Networking, Persuasion, Negotiation, Influencer Assessment, Campaign Management	Influencer Marketing Manager, Influencer Relations Specialist
Design	Graphic Design, Branding, User Interface, Creativity, Adobe Suite	Graphic Designer, Social Media Designer
PR	Public Relations, Communication, Crisis Management, Brand Management, Media Knowledge	PR Coordinator, Social Media PR Manager

2. Social Media 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
Engagement	Listening, Responsiveness, Empathy, Time Management, Problem Solving	Engagement Manager, Social Media Engagement Specialist
Brand Management	Brand Awareness, Consistency, Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Customer Service	Brand Manager, Social Media Brand Specialist
Planning & Scheduling	Organizational Skills, Time Management, Strategic Planning, Attention to Detail, Creativity	Social Media Planner, Scheduling Coordinator
Campaign Management	Project Management, Creativity, Analytical Skills, Strategic Planning, Communication	Campaign Manager, Social Media Project Coordinator
Customer Support	Problem Solving, Empathy, Communication, Patience, Product Knowledge	Social Media Support Specialist, Customer Service Representative

Social Media 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	1-2	Limited resources, narrow audience, and lesser complexity.
Small-Medium Business	3-5	Expanded audience, requires varied skills, moderate resource allocation.
Large Enterprise	6+	Wide audience, high complexity, necessitates large diversified team.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Social Media Marketing Department Structure

1. Team Expertise: It is essential to have a team composed of individuals with diverse skills. Consider their knowledge in areas like content creation, social media platforms, analytics, SEO, and graphic design. Their combined expertise will contribute to a comprehensive and effective strategy.
2. Business Goals: Your social media strategy should align with your overall business goals. If your aim is brand awareness, customer engagement, or lead generation, your team structure should reflect this by having experts in these areas.
3. Resource Availability: Consider the resources available to you, such as budget and manpower. This can significantly influence the size of your team, the tools you can afford, and the channels you can manage effectively.
4. Target Audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial. This knowledge will help in creating content, choosing platforms, and determining the best times to post. A team member specialized in audience analysis could be an asset.
5. Industry Trends: Stay updated on social media trends in your industry. Quick adaptability to new platforms, features, and content formats can give your brand a competitive edge. A team member who is proficient in trend analysis can be beneficial.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Content Marketing Team Structure
• Field Marketing Team Structure
• Performance Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Social Media 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.