What is the Best Way To Structure A Growing Internet Marketing Firm?

[NiftyMarketing]

I have been asking a lot of personal friends (who own SEO companies) this question and have found that it seems to be on all of their minds. From BlueGlass to a small start up consulting firm, it seems that everyone is doing things different and constantly shaking it up.  I am wondering what SEOMozers are doing/have done for their company structure?

[tylerfraser]

I really like account groups. Account managers that make money are sales people and can't answer questions or make estimates. They always take notes and have to get back to you. The goal is to make money and this maybe a more profitable way to operate. But on the other hand happier customers is more business. I like this idea:

Account contact and a group of tech/ specialists. Any of these people can be contacted.

Your question: account manager should usually be the primary point of contact.

[NiftyMarketing]

Thanks Tyler. I have been mulling over the whole..... top level techi's with sub account managers, or knowledgeable account managers with techi' s under there control.

If you could lay out the task that you think an Account Manager should have complete control over what would you say they are?

[tylerfraser]

The best way is to have second in commands and account managers. This will allow the manager to focus on growing the business. Give each employee a high level of autonomy and allow them to make reasonable decisions that will benefit the company and the customer.

Each of these second in commands and account managers can have teams. One person that is skilled in a specific area. Another approach is to have account managers that report to separate teams of technical people. This can be annoying to the customer because the account manager is not technically savvy.

The most important thing is that the customers are satisfied.