Strategic Considerations for Your Second Content Marketing Hire
As a content marketing leader within a fast-growing, venture-backed startup, you’ve shouldered a broad range of responsibilities—ranging from strategic planning and SEO optimization to execution, promotion, editing, and managing freelance contributors. With your current workload, it’s understandable that expanding your team has become a priority.
Deciding on the right addition to your content marketing team is a critical step that can significantly impact your ongoing success. When considering your next hire, it’s important to evaluate what gaps exist in your current approach and how a new team member can complement or enhance your efforts.
Why Not Just Hire Another Writer?
You’ve expressed a preference for working with freelance writers to maintain flexibility and diversity in your content. This approach offers several advantages, including access to a broad array of voices and expertise without the overhead of full-time employment. However, if the goal is to build a more robust and strategic content marketing function, focusing solely on writers may limit your capacity to execute broader initiatives.
What Should Your Second Content Marketing Hire Be?
Here are some professional profiles to consider for your second hire, depending on your current needs and strategic objectives:
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Content Strategist or Content Manager
A dedicated strategist can help define content themes, align content efforts with overall business goals, and develop comprehensive editorial calendars. This role ensures your content remains consistent, targeted, and aligned with user intent, freeing you up to focus on high-level strategy and execution. -
SEO Specialist or Content SEO Expert
If organic search visibility is a priority, bringing in an SEO specialist can amplify your efforts. They can conduct advanced keyword research, optimize existing content, and develop SEO-driven content plans that increase your site’s organic traffic and improve ranking performance. -
Content Designer or UX Writer
Improving how content functions within your product or website can enhance user engagement. A content designer can craft intuitive, user-centric content that complements your UI/UX, ultimately leading to better conversion rates. -
Social Media or Content Promotion Specialist
A dedicated professional focusing on content distribution can maximize your reach through social media, influencer collaborations, and strategic partnerships. If your team handles creation but lacks specialized promotion expertise, this hire can drive more visibility and engagement. -
Content Operations Manager
For teams generating large volumes of content, streamlining workflows and ensuring quality control is vital. A content operations manager can oversee content pipelines, manage freelance relationships more effectively, and ensure timely delivery across channels.
Making the Right Choice
Your ideal second hire depends on your current team structure, immediate priorities, and long-term goals. For instance, if organic growth through search is a key focus, an SEO specialist may provide the most immediate value. Conversely, if branding and audience engagement are priorities, a social media or promotion specialist could be advantageous.
Final Thoughts
Building a balanced and effective content marketing team requires strategic planning. By carefully assessing your team’s current strengths and gaps, you can identify the role that will best support your growth. Whether it’s a strategic thinker, a specialist in SEO, or a promotion expert, investing in the right talent will help you scale your content initiatives and achieve your business objectives more efficiently.
Interested in other perspectives? Share your insights or experiences with expanding your content marketing team in the comments below.
