How to Structure an SEO Agency Dream Team

SEO Agency teams are pivotal players in the fast-paced business world. They navigate the complex realm of online presence, ensuring visibility and reach.

Their structure is a blueprint of efficiency. Each role, each individual, is a cog in a well-oiled machine. My partners and I have been running our own marketing agency for years so I can tell you what actually works.

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

Structuring SEO Agency Department

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

• SEO Agency department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• SEO 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. SEO 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
Content	Content Creation, Keyword Research, Copywriting, User Experience, Storytelling	Content Specialist, Copywriter, Content Manager
Technical SEO	Website Audit, Coding, On-Page SEO, Schema Markup, Site Speed Optimization	Technical SEO Specialist, SEO Analyst
Link Building	Outreach, Relationship Building, Content Promotion, Backlink Analysis, Guest Posting	Link Building Specialist, Outreach Coordinator
Analytics	Data Analysis, Reporting, Web Analytics Tools, Conversion Rate Optimization, A/B Testing	SEO Data Analyst, Analytics Manager
Local SEO	Local Keyword Research, Google My Business Management, Local Citations, Reviews and Ratings Management	Local SEO Specialist, Local SEO Manager
Strategy	SEO Strategy Development, Project Management, SEO Tools Proficiency, Competitive Analysis	SEO Strategist, SEO Project Manager

2. SEO 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
Research	Market Research, Competitive Analysis, Trend Identification, User Behavior Understanding	SEO Research Analyst, Market Research Specialist
On-Page Optimization	Keyword Optimization, Meta Tags, URL Structure, Internal Linking, Mobile Optimization	On-Page SEO Specialist, SEO Executive
Off-Page Optimization	Social Bookmarking, Blog Marketing, Forum Marketing, Article Submission, Directory Submission	Off-Page SEO Specialist, SEO Link Builder
Social Media	Social Media Management, Content Promotion, Brand Awareness, Engagement, Social Media Analytics	Social Media Specialist, Social Media Manager
SEM	PPC, AdWords Management, Keyword Analysis, Campaign Management, A/B Testing	SEM Specialist, PPC Analyst
Client Relations	Communication, Client Management, Reporting, Project Management, Relationship Building	Account Manager, Client Success Manager

SEO 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 resources, lean operations require fewer staff.
Small-Medium Business	4-10	Increased scope and complexity require more specialists.
Large Enterprise	10+	Multiple projects and high volume demand large teams.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On an SEO Agency Department Structure

1. Business Goals: Consider what the business is trying to achieve with SEO. This might include improving brand visibility, increasing website traffic, or generating more leads.
2. Team Expertise: Evaluate the skills and knowledge that your team members already possess. This can guide the structuring of your agency, ensuring roles align with individual strengths.
3. Client Needs: Understand the specific requirements of your clients. You may need different departments for different industries, or to offer specialized services like local SEO or e-commerce SEO.
4. Resources Available: Take into account the resources you have at your disposal. This includes both budget and manpower. The structure should be sustainable and able to deliver results without overstretching resources.
5. Industry Trends: Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and adapt your structure accordingly. This ensures your agency remains competitive and can offer clients the most current and effective strategies.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Advertising Team Structure
• Marketing Operations Team Structure
• Inbound Marketing Team Structure

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