Fractional CMO Guide

Build a foundation and accelerate your growth with a fraction CMO.

Take marketing to the next level

Whether your organization is a startup, a mid-sized firm, or an established enterprise, a fractional CMO can be the catalyst for driving substantial user growth with an impressive ROI. So, if you're eager to take your business to the next level, consider the invaluable support of a fractional CMO to lead your marketing efforts and propel your growth journey.

Matt Clark

Fractional CMO

In the last 15+ years Matt held marketing leadership roles at ebay, Nike, and Uber. Developing expertise spanning marketing, growth, strategy, digital transformation, CX in multiple businesses (x4 so far) growing to $1B+ in digital revenues. Matt has also founded multiple start-ups as an entrepreneur. He is highly results focused and passionate about all things growth. He holds an Executive MBA from IE Business School with Dean's List honours, along with training at Harvard Business School and Yale SOM.

Fractional CMO Guide

Everything you ever wanted to know, but weren’t sure who to ask.

What is a Fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO, is a Chief Marketing Officer who collaborates with organizations on a part-time, interim, or project-based basis. They bring extensive expertise in marketing and growth strategies without the full-time commitment of a traditional CMO. Fractional CMOs are often highly skilled professionals with a track record of driving business growth through effective marketing strategies. They can offer flexibility to companies by allowing them to access experienced marketing leadership without the commitment of hiring a full-time CMO. They can be especially valuable for startups, small and medium-sized businesses, or organizations going through transitional periods where they need expert guidance but may not have the resources or need for a permanent CMO.

Fraction CMO vs Fractional CGO

While marketing and growth are interrelated, they are not the same. Marketing primarily focuses on creating awareness and driving sales. Whereas growth marketing encompasses ‘full funnel'‘ approach from awareness through to customer life time value. Given that a fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) typically works with start-ups – it is expected they operate through the full funnel. In this regard, a fractional CMO has a similar profile, responsibilities and scope to a CGO (Chief Growth Officer). In the end, it comes down to driving growth holistically through increasing customer retention and value, well after the point of acquisition.

What does a Fractional CMO do?

A Fractional CMO provides part-time or outsourced executive-level marketing leadership. They offer similar skills and abilities of a full time CMO, while offering flexibility and cost savings compared to a full-time CMO.. Activities typically revolve around driving company growth, guiding a company's marketing strategy, planning and execution, overseeing teams or agencies, and ensuring that marketing efforts are aligned with business goals.

Why hire a Fractional CMO?

Working with a fractional CMO offers several key advantages. These professionals provide a fresh perspective, tailored strategies, and deep industry knowledge. They can quickly assess your business, identify growth opportunities, and execute results-oriented marketing plans. The flexibility of fractional CMO engagements allows you to access high-level expertise without the overhead costs associated with a full-time CMO.

Who should hire a Fractional CMO?

Organizations of varying sizes and industries can benefit from the services of a fractional CMO. Startups looking to establish a strong market presence, mid-sized companies aiming to scale-up rapidly, or established enterprises seeking to revamp their marketing approach can all find value in fractional CMO expertise. In most cases, the organision isn’t ready to hire a full time CMO. Or it is missing a particular skillset in relation to marketing or growth required to advance the businesses marketing maturity. Hiring a CMO on a fractional basis can fill these organisational gaps within a more acceptable budget.

How does a fractional CMO work?

A Fractional CMO operates by integrating themselves into the company's existing structure as a flexible and strategic marketing leader. They typically start by conducting a thorough assessment of the company's current marketing initiatives and goals. This involves collaborating closely with the internal team. Once they have a clear understanding, they develop a customized marketing strategy tailored to the company's unique needs. This strategy often includes specific plans, campaigns, and tactics to achieve the desired objectives. The engagement with a Fractional CMO can be ongoing, serving as an ongoing strategic advisor, or it can be project-specific, focusing on a particular marketing challenge or initiative. Their ability to provide experienced, high-level marketing leadership on a part-time or temporary basis allows companies to benefit from their expertise without the commitment and cost of hiring a full-time CMO.

Is a fractional CMO focus on strategy or execution?

The fractional CMO is responsible for not only creating the strategy and roadmap, but also overseeing its execution. This may involve working with the existing marketing team or external agencies, setting clear goals, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and tracking results through data analysis and reporting. They are skilled in managing resources and budgets efficiently, making data-driven decisions, and optimizing campaigns for maximum return on investment. Regular communication with the company's leadership team is vital to ensure alignment with broader business objectives and to adapt to changing circumstances.

What does a fractional CMO cost?

The cost of hiring a Fractional CMO can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the specific services required, the level of experience and expertise of the CMO, the duration of the engagement, and the region or market in which the company operates.

To provide a general idea, Fractional CMOs may charge anywhere from $100 to $300 or more per hour. For longer-term or ongoing engagements, monthly or retainer fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Fractional CMO Return on Investment?

The bottom line for any business decision is the return on investment (ROI). Fractional CMOs are highly results-oriented, and their success is often measured by the growth they drive. Their deep understanding of marketing metrics, customer acquisition costs, and revenue generation enables them to provide a tangible ROI. As a business, you can expect increased sales, improved brand visibility, and a more efficient marketing budget when partnering with a fractional CMO.

Why us?

  1. Experts in growth: Google & Meta ads since 2004. $200M managed. CRM experts.

  2. Owners, not only marketers: We treat your business like our own.

  3. Supercharged results: Results driven. No fluff.

Matt Clark

Fractional CMO

In the last 15+ years Matt held marketing leadership roles at ebay, Nike, and Uber. Developing expertise spanning marketing, growth, strategy, digital transformation, CX in multiple businesses (x4 so far) growing to $1B+ in digital revenues. Matt has also founded multiple start-ups as an entrepreneur. He is highly results focused and passionate about all things growth. He holds an Executive MBA from IE Business School with Dean's List honours, along with training at Harvard Business School and Yale SOM.

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