A Fractional CMO provides C-Level marketing leadership a partial time engagement. Giving your business strategic oversight, alignment with business goals, and measurable results without the cost of a full-time hire.

Cost-Effective: Hiring a fractional CMO is more cost-effective than hiring a full-time CMO.

Flexibility: They can be engaged for specific projects or longer-term needs, often lasting from 3 months to over a year.

Expertise: They bring a wealth of experience across various industries, helping businesses navigate growth, optimize marketing strategies, and fill leadership gaps.

There are various compensation models available, ranging from a monthly retainer to equity. 

*Hourly rate: $200 - $300

*Average daily rate: $1000 to $1500 
*Equity: 0.5% to 3% based on stage of funding ‍

Although the terms tend to be used interchangeably, there are BIG differences in seniority, the depth and duration of engagement, scope of responsibilities, and the time/cost commitment. ‍

A Fractional CMO partners with other C-Level executives, owns the problems, solutions, and outcomes. They are Proactive and Interdependent.

Consultants are typically hired contractually for a specific Scope and outcomes.

Growing small-to-mid-size businesses with $2M–$50M in revenue

Founders or CEOs wearing too many hats

Startups

Private equity-backed portfolio companies

These businesses often have marketing talent or spend, but need senior C-Level leadership to turn chaos into growth.

You have no strategy.

Your team is capable, but lacks experience or vision.

You’re stuck in the weeds without a clear roadmap to scale.

Your lead quality is inconsistent, or conversion rates are flat.

You need someone to take accountability for marketing performance.

These are signs your business has outgrown founder-led or ad hoc marketing. A Fractional CMO fills the leadership void and builds a system that delivers consistent results.