With years of experience across a range of organizations, we’ve witnessed a wide variety of team structures, from large to small marketing teams. As teams grew in size, efficiency often decreased: processes became slower, and decision‑making took longer. We’re seeing the same trend in digital marketing, where increasingly complex processes and larger teams can lead to delays. We think that’s a missed opportunity.

Making an impact is one of the reasons we started our own company. We want to deliver quick results for our clients, and one of the biggest drivers of this is team size. While many studies have been conducted on the ideal team structure, we believe a team of up to nine people is best suited for solving problems quickly and efficiently.(research)We also believe that decisions can’t be made in isolation, and that collaboration is essential for fostering creativity and innovation. That’s why we work with teams of at least four people. Small teams have countless benefits, and we’re happy to highlight them. A great example is Shopify, which eliminated large meetings and introduced a cost for every meeting, a powerful way to ensure that every meeting has a clear purpose.

The Benefits of a Small Team in Digital Marketing

Better Communication and Collaboration

Small teams make communication more effective and foster closer collaboration between team members. With fewer people, it’s easier to share ideas, give feedback, and solve problems. Shorter communication lines enable team members to respond and make decisions more quickly. We also notice that team members are more inclined to bring ideas to the table when working in smaller groups, which increases individual input. This improves overall team cohesion and allows projects to move forward more efficiently. 

Improved Engagement and Accountability

In smaller teams, team members tend to be more engaged and feel a stronger sense of responsibility for the team’s results. Everyone has a clearly defined role and set of responsibilities, which increases motivation and encourages active contribution to achieving successful outcomes. It’s also much easier to recognize and acknowledge individual efforts, further boosting motivation and overall team performance.

Flexibility and Agility

Small teams tend to be more flexible and agile than larger teams. They can respond quickly to changes, seize new opportunities, and adapt to evolving circumstances. With fewer team members, it’s easier to reach consensus and make decisions. This allows the team to pivot and take action swiftly, a critical advantage in today’s fast‑changing business environment.

More Creativity and Innovation

Small teams foster an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish. Team members have more opportunities to share ideas and brainstorm openly. Everyone has a voice and can contribute to generating new ideas. In addition, with less hierarchy and more open communication, team members feel freer to propose fresh approaches and innovative solutions.

Improved Productivity in a Marketing Team in een marketing team

With fewer team members, small teams can work more efficiently and boost productivity. Fewer meetings are required, decision‑making is faster, and less time is spent sharing information and updates. Team members can focus on their specific tasks and objectives, reducing overlap and confusion and allowing for smoother, more productive collaboration.

We can conclude that working with teams of 4 to 9 people offers many benefits, but it’s not always easy to implement. Is it possible for a large corporation to adopt small teams? Absolutely, but it’s vital to approach this thoughtfully and make the right decisions. Small groups are highly effective for tackling specific challenges and focusing on a defined task. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the right steps when setting up smaller teams. 

The Steps for Effective Collaboration

Set Clear Goals and Expectations Within a Marketing Team binnen een marketing team

Define clear objectives and expectations for the team. Make sure every team member understands what is expected of them and what the shared goals are. This keeps the team focused and ensures that everyone is working towards the same direction.

Ensure Complementary Skills and Expertise

Select team members with complementary skills and expertise. This brings a diversity of perspectives and makes it easier to solve complex challenges. Ensure that every team member can make a unique contribution, with minimal overlap in roles and responsibilities.

Encourage Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing, and Feedback

Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team. Organize regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, or informal meetings where team members can exchange ideas and learn from one another. This fosters a culture of learning and drives innovation. At the same time, provide regular feedback and recognize achievements, this helps maintain motivation and supports personal growth.

Apply Flexibility When Needed - It’s Achievable Even in a Marketing Team team

Be flexible and adjust the team when needed. If project requirements or team dynamics change, adapt the team’s composition or roles to best match these needs. It’s okay to optimize within a team, after all, achieving the right results is what truly matters.

There are countless reasons to work with small teams, and the benefits apply to every type of organization. Small teams drive efficiency and effectiveness, delivering better results at lower costs. This is one of the biggest advantages of working with Draft Digital. Our colleagues are responsible for both the strategy and execution of digital marketing channels, allowing us to maintain efficiency and guarantee quality. We ensure this by working with highly experienced and well‑trained professionals. 

Want to learn more about small teams or our approach to digital marketing? Contact us via this (link).