How to Build Your First Internal Marketing Team (Without Losing Sleep)

Growing a successful business is like playing Tetris. Sure, you’ve got your product or service, but to keep fitting all the pieces together efficiently, it may be time to hire an internal marketing team to level up. But how do you go about finding and hiring that team, especially if you’re not a marketer?

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to start building an internal marketing team and how to go about it without fumbling, you’re in the right place. This post breaks down when and how to hire your team, why timing is everything, and how experts (like Amy Stein and yours truly) can simplify the hiring process for you.

Hiring an in-house marketing team isn't something you want to rush. Trust me, a rushed hire is like letting a cake bake halfway. Not enjoyable.

When Should You Start Hiring an Internal Marketing Team?

First things first, when’s the right time to start hunting for your dream marketing lineup? Timing is a big deal here, so if you’re asking yourself, “Is now the right time?” consider these signs:

Your marketing needs have outgrown freelancers or agencies. Outsourcing was great, but now coordination and communication gaps are slowing things down.
You’re scaling fast. If your business is growing and marketing plays a vital role in that growth, having a solid dedicated team is a must.
The cost of outsourcing is starting to match or exceed payroll. At this point, hiring internally may be the more cost-effective solution.
You need marketing expertise in-house. Whether it’s managing multiple campaigns or tapping into customer behavior, you need hands on deck that fully understand your brand 24/7.

Got one or more of these symptoms? Perfect. That’s your cue to start building your team.

Timing is Everything (And You Don't Have to Do it Alone)

Hiring an in-house marketing team isn’t something you want to rush. Trust me, a rushed hire is like letting a cake bake halfway. Not enjoyable. That’s where fractional marketing leaders (ahem, like me) come into play. Fractional marketing leaders help growing SMBs by laying the groundwork:

Assess your current needs. Do you need demand generation and a UX designer?
Create a hiring roadmap. We help figure out which roles to prioritize so you’re building a cohesive team.
Oversee the hiring process. From crafting the job listings to sitting in on interviews, we guide you every step of the way.

We’re basically part-time marketing directors with full-time expertise. While you focus on running your business, we’ll make sure you’re armed with the right marketing talent to achieve your goals.

A recruiting firm helps sift through the resumes and deliver qualified candidates directly to your (digital) doorstep.

How to Find and Hire the Best Talent (Like a Pro)

Now that you’ve decided to grow your marketing squad, here’s the huge question: how do you find the right people? The hiring process can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Luckily, there are ways to make it easier (and way less painful).

1. Work with a Recruiting Firm (Because "Wing It" Isn't a Strategy)

Sure, you could post a job ad and hope for the best, but why not put the professionals to work? A recruiting firm helps sift through the resumes and deliver qualified candidates directly to your (digital) doorstep.

Amy Stein, a recruiting guru and founder of Market Hero, offers this advice for SMBs building their first marketing team:

“Don’t settle for someone who ‘can do it all.’ Look for specialized talent that aligns with your unique business goals. A great recruiting partner knows where to find those hidden gems.”

Amy’s firm is all about connecting businesses with marketing talent that will also be a good culture fit. If you want a strong foundation for your marketing efforts, don’t skip this step.

2. Know the Roles You Need (And What They Actually Do)

It’s easy to get caught up in job titles without fully understanding the roles. Here’s a breakdown of key positions for an internal marketing team:

Head of Marketing/Director: The team quarterback. Oversees the strategy and keeps all campaigns aligned.
Marketing Manager: Hands-on with execution of the marketing strategy and day-to-day marketing initiatives.
Content Creator/Writer: This person produces engaging blogs, emails, and other content that speaks to your audience.
SEO Specialist: Optimizes your website and content to ensure your customers can find you online.
Social Media Manager: Owns your social presence, manages campaigns, and works with influencers.
Graphic Designer: Brings the brand to life with visuals that pop, both online and offline.

Start with one or two key hires and fill out your team as your business grows.

Your team should not only work well together but also feel like anextension of your brand.

Build a Strong Team with These Key Practices

1. Aim for Cultural Fit

Of course, skills are important, but cultural fit can make or break a team. Look for a collaborative spirit, eagerness to learn, and enthusiasm for your mission. Your team should not only work well together but also feel like an extension of your brand.

2. Onboard Like a Pro

A smooth onboarding process sets the tone for success. Equip new hires with everything they need to hit the ground running:

Provide a clear overview of your business goals and marketing strategy.
Ensure they know who their key collaborators are.
Build in regular check-ins to address questions and ensure alignment.

Where Do You Go From Here?

Hiring your first internal marketing team is a big step, but it’s one that can dramatically transform your business. The right team will not only amplify your brand but also give you the tools to deeply connect with your audience.

Still feeling overwhelmed? That’s okay. If you’re not sure how to start building your dream team (or even defining what that team should look like), reach out to Amy Stein at Market Hero or talk with a fractional marketing leader like me. Together, we’ll ensure you have a plan to scale smarter.

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