What sets the most successful marketing teams apart from the pack? The secret isn’t as mysterious as you might think. Sometimes it has very little to do with the actual marketing and more to do with the systems in place behind the scenes.
Organizing a marketing team can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to ensuring productivity and output. A well-organized marketing team can make all the difference in achieving business goals and creating a positive impact on the bottom line.
In this article, we will explore some tips and best practices for organizing your marketing team for greater productivity and output.
1. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities
The first step in organizing your marketing team is to define clear roles and responsibilities. This will help eliminate confusion and ensure that everyone on the team knows what is expected of them. This can be done by creating job descriptions that outline the specific duties and responsibilities of each team member. This will also help with the delegation of tasks and ensuring that each team member is utilizing their strengths and skills effectively.
In addition to roles, you need standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline every single step in each process. So, for example, if it’s posting something to Instagram, you would have a document that outlines each task in the overall process and who is responsible for it:
- Brainstorm the post idea (James)
- Create the graphic (Tina)
- Write the caption (James)
- Research and add hashtags (Courtney)
- Load into Buffer (Courtney)
- Engage with the post as soon as it’s posted (James)
You can even break down each individual step into sub-steps. The purpose of these SOPs is to make it so that every process is consistent. There are no gaps. And if someone leaves the team, you simply plug the new person into the process and everything is ready to go.
2. Implement a Project Management System
A project management system is a crucial tool for organizing your marketing team. It helps to keep everyone on the same page and ensures that everyone is aware of what needs to be done and when. This can be achieved through the use of any number of project management tools, which provide an easy-to-use platform for tracking projects, deadlines, and communication.
3. Foster Teamwork and Collaboration
Collaboration is key to a successful marketing team. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration will help your team work together more efficiently and effectively. This can be done through regular team meetings, collaboration tools, and team-building activities. Regular team meetings provide a space for team members to discuss ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback.
It’s also smart to have places where your team can share information and engage with one another virtually (since so many marketing teams now operate remotely). Box Notes is a great example. Many marketing teams use this platform to keep all of their content safely stored in one place where it can be accessed by all team members, edited, revised, and shared.
4. Encourage Regular Communication
Regular communication is essential for a well-organized marketing team. It helps keep everyone on the same page and ensures that everyone is aware of what is going on. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, email updates, and regular check-ins.
Regular team meetings provide a space for team members to discuss ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback. Email updates keep everyone informed about what is going on and what needs to be done. Regular check-ins provide an opportunity for team members to discuss any concerns or issues they may have.
5. Implement a Reporting Structure
Implementing a reporting structure helps ensure that everyone on the team is accountable and that the team is working together effectively. You can do this by assigning a team leader or manager who is responsible for overseeing the team and ensuring that everyone is on track. The team leader or manager can also provide regular updates and feedback to ensure everyone knows what’s going on and what needs to be done.
6. Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines
Setting realistic goals and deadlines is key to organizing your marketing team. This helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and that the team is moving in the right direction. It is important to set achievable and measurable goals that are aligned with the overall business strategy. Deadlines help to keep the team focused and motivated and ensure that projects are completed on time.
7. Encourage Continuous Learning and Growth
Continuous learning and growth are important for any marketing team. Encouraging team members to continue learning and growing will help them stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. This can be achieved through regular training sessions, attending conferences and workshops, and providing access to resources such as books, articles, and videos.
Get Your Team in Order
Creativity can only take you so far. At some point, you need diplomatic execution. And at the heart of consistent execution is an orderly, organized team that uses systems and processes. If organization hasn’t been a priority up until now, it’s time to make it one of the top items on your to-do list.
