The 7 People You Need on Your Content Team

A strong team is the key to entrepreneurial success.

In my experience, most small businesses fail at content marketing because the entrepreneur tries to do it all alone. But the truth is that most entrepreneurs lack the time, skills and resources needed to run an effective campaign.

You simply can’t do it alone.

Content comes in many shapes and sizes. A strong campaign includes obvious tasks like creating blog posts, updating social media and crafting compelling emails. But it also infiltrates other parts of the company.

You’ll need alignment across your landing pages, video scripts, business cards, sales materials, infographics and web pages. And that level of intricacy requires the help of an entire team.

This article outlines the seven key roles that should be found on every content team. If you want to take your content campaigns to the next level, do your best to fill every position (if you’re strapped for cash and resources, find people that can fill the responsibilities for more than one role).

Content Strategist

A content strategist sees things from a long-term, strategic point of view. They’re looking down at your efforts from 10,000 feet. This is the kind of person that lives with their head in the clouds, but knows how to translate those dreams into a reality for your team.

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The key responsibilities of a Content Strategist include:

• Setting goals for the overall content initiative

• Creating long-term, big-picture plans for content marketing

• Identifying personas to target during development

Complementary Additional Roles: Often a jack-of-all-trades, but should stick to strategy.

Managing Editor

The managing editor takes a completely opposite approach from the strategist. They’re grounded in the here-and-now. You’ll find them working closely with the content team to make sure that everything stays on track and gets accomplished.

Look for a Managing Editor that can handle the following responsibilities:

• Coordinating work between content creators

• Serving as a quality control agent for all content

• Managing and developing the team’s editorial calendar

Complementary Additional Roles: Writer

Writer

These are the wordsmiths. They know how to take the high-level concepts from the strategy and transform them into the tactical demands from an editor. You’ll find them leading the content development team, as they reach out to others with big ideas and suggestions.

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Good writers should have the following skillset:

• Ability to research any topic and create an authority piece

• Can include data, statistics, and research into every post

• A knowledge of how to write and format content for the web

Complementary Additional Roles: Managing Editor

Graphic Designer

Much of the online world is visually focused. If you’re ignoring the visual element in your content, it won’t get very far. A talented graphic designer will ensure that you’re producing beautiful content that keeps people engaged and sharing.

Look for a Graphic Designer that fits this description:

• Can communicate the brand identity in a visual way

• Fluent in major design programs like Photoshop and Illustrator

• Has a portfolio of work that’s similar to your needs

Complementary Additional Roles: Photographer/Videographer

Photographer/Videographer

It’s time to get rid of all the stock photos in your marketing. Keeping a photographer and/or videographer on staff is a great way to add a personal touch to your content. These creatives are great at capturing candid moments from the team that will greatly strengthen your efforts.

Find a Photographer/Videographer that can accomplish the following:

• Capture the perfect photograph or video for your piece of content

• Make everyone feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera

• Understanding of basic principles of production, including lighting and sound design

Complementary Additional Roles: Graphic Designer

Data Analyst

This team member loves numbers. While everyone else is out flexing their creative muscles, your data analyst will sift through all the data you acquire. Having great ideas is wonderful, but having a strong data analyst to help guide you is even better.

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A successful Data Analyst should handle these responsibilities:

• Ability to understand a high quantity of complex data

• Knows how to glean helpful insight from collected data sets

• Can communicate findings to the team in a simple, effective manner

Complementary Additional Roles: Coder

Coder

Having a coder handy will reduce headaches associated with programming errors. But they’re also a great option for taking your content to the next level. Proficient coders can help you add a custom, interactive element to your campaigns by building awesome things.

Coders should be able to handle the following responsibilities:

• Knowledge of major programming languages

• Has a portfolio of work and/or experience with content marketing campaigns

• Ability to craft functional, efficient code in a timely manner

Complementary Additional Roles: Data Analyst

Surrounding yourself with a strong team is the perfect way to take your content marketing initiatives to the next level. What do you think your team could accomplish by enlisting the help of each of these team members?