How to Structure an Advertising Agency Dream Team

Effective advertising is no small feat. It demands a team that's structured right.

The dynamics of today's business world underline the importance of these teams. A well-organized advertising agency can be a game-changer. I've been running my own successful marketing agency for years so I speak from experience.

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

Structuring Advertising Agency Department

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

• Advertising Agency department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Advertising 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. Advertising 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, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Creativity, Problem Solving	Chief Strategy Officer, Strategy Director, Strategic Planner
Creative	Creativity, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Storytelling, Attention to Detail	Creative Director, Art Director, Copywriter, Graphic Designer
Media	Media Planning, Negotiation, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Relationship Building	Media Director, Media Planner, Media Buyer
Account Management	Communication, Client Relationship Management, Project Management, Negotiation, Strategy	Account Director, Account Manager, Account Executive
Data & Analytics	Data Analysis, Market Research, Statistical Modelling, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking	Data Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Analytics Manager
Digital	SEO, SEM, Social Media, Content Strategy, Digital Marketing	Digital Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager
Production	Project Management, Budgeting, Quality Control, Time Management, Attention to Detail	Production Manager, Video Producer, Production Coordinator
PR & Communications	Public Relations, Media Relations, Writing, Crisis Management, Strategic Planning	PR Director, Communications Manager, PR Coordinator

2. Advertising 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	Communication, Relationship Building, Problem Solving, Project Management, Strategic Thinking	Client Services Director, Client Services Manager, Client Services Associate
Finance	Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Attention to Detail	Chief Financial Officer, Finance Manager, Finance Analyst
Human Resources	Recruitment, Employee Relations, Training & Development, Strategic Planning, Communication	HR Director, HR Manager, HR Assistant
Business Development	Lead Generation, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, Negotiation, Communication	Business Development Director, Business Development Manager, Business Development Executive
Operations	Project Management, Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, Time Management, Communication	Chief Operating Officer, Operations Manager, Operations Assistant
Legal	Legal Research, Communication, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Negotiation	Legal Counsel, Legal Assistant, Contract Specialist

Advertising 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	1-3	Minimal staff due to budget constraints and small-scale operations.
Small-Medium Business	4-10	Increased operations demand a larger team for effective marketing.
Large Enterprise	11+	Large marketing campaigns require extensive team for efficient execution.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On an Advertising Agency Department Structure

1. Business Objectives: Align your department structure with your business goals. Understand what you want to achieve and build your team accordingly.
2. Client Needs: Consider the demands and expectations of your clients. Your agency should be able to provide services that meet their specific needs.
3. Industry Trends: Stay updated with the latest trends in advertising. Your structure should allow for flexibility to adapt to industry changes.
4. Budget Constraints: Make sure your department structure does not overstretch your budget. It's important to balance team size and skills with financial resources.
5. Talent Management: Ensure that your structure allows for talent development. Your team members should have opportunities for growth and improvement.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Integrated Marketing Team Structure
• SEO Agency Team Structure
• Advertising Team Structure

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