Connect with a Fractional CMO for your startup.

You need marketing leadership, just not all the time. Enter: a fractional CMO. Expert guidance and management skills, at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.

Part-time support, full-time commitment.

You’ll know if you need marketing leadership: your team is struggling to deliver, you’re out of your depth, and you lack clarity into what’s going on with your marketing program. The trouble is, hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer might be out of your budget. Enter: the fractional CMO.

A Fractional CMO will function as your leading marketer and the voice of your program, but they’re part-time. But don’t let that fool you: they’re committed to your company all the same!

If you need marketing leadership, but you can’t afford a $180K/year salaried hire, it might be time to explore how a fractional CMO can support your growth.

How does a Fractional CMO help?

A fractional CMO is a strategic and cost-effective investment for startups, offering access to expert marketing leadership without the hefty price tag of a full-time hire.

Ultimately, that’s why startups hire me to be their fractional CMO. They get a significant amount of value in a short amount of time, without investing in a high-ticket C-suite executive.

What startup founders may not consider is all the other ways a fractional CMO can help:

  • Providing tailored marketing strategies: Crafting plans that address your unique needs and position you for success in a crowded market.

  • Faster execution and adaptability: Hitting the ground running and adapting quickly to your startup's culture and evolving landscape.

  • Cost-effective expertise: Accessing senior-level marketing talent at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to allocate resources to other crucial areas.

  • Broader network and industry knowledge: Leveraging their extensive connections and insights to optimize marketing strategies and maximize ROI.

  • Brand building and customer acquisition: Building a distinct brand identity and implementing effective strategies to attract and retain customers.

Overall, a fractional CMO is an invaluable partner for startups, accelerating growth by providing strategic direction, execution expertise, and access to a wealth of experience.

If you’re looking for a marketing leader that’ll be a true partner in your growth, I’d love to be in your corner.

Let’s book a time to talk more about what you’re looking for, and if I can help.

HOW IT WORKS

As easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Book an intro call.

Every engagement starts with an simple 30-minute exploratory call. We’ll spend most of that time asking you all kinds of questions about you and your business.

If we can help, we’ll discuss options and hone in what your fractional CMO engagement with our founder, Kinsey Wolf, might look like.

And if she’s not a fit, we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

2. Build your marketing foundations.

As your fractional CMO, Kinsey’s first step will be to evaluate your marketing program. She’ll look at your current performance, your team, your product, and your customers.

Then, she’ll move into building your marketing foundations to position your company for sustainable, scalable growth.

3. Ongoing leadership.

After you’re set up for success, Kinsey will shift into a more management-focused role. This will include regular executive meetings, KPI reporting, team management, and even resource allocation.

This engagement is 100% customized to your goals, needs, budget, and bandwidth; it looks different for everyone.

Perks of working with us.

 

Accountable

No “black box” monthly retainers.

You’ll never pay for agency overhead, nor for work you don’t receive. We’re accountable to our results.

Flexible

What you need, no more and no less.

We deliver strategies that help you grow, and we’re able to scale with you as your needs evolve.

Results-Driven

We’re super results-focused.

We specialize in serving startups and more established firms navigating digital change. You run lean, and we respect that.

Reliable

We’re committed to your success.

We’re an extension of your team, and only win when you do. (Maybe that’s why most of our clients stick around for years!)

FAQs

What is a Fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO, also known as a part-time chief marketing officer, is an experienced marketing executive who works with a business on a part-time basis, typically for a portion of the cost of a full-time CMO.

Here's a breakdown of what a fractional CMO can offer:

  • Developing and implementing marketing strategies: This includes defining target markets, messaging, branding, and marketing campaign plans.

  • Overseeing marketing execution: Managing teams, budgets, and marketing channels like social media, email marketing, content marketing, and paid advertising.

  • Providing data-driven insights: Analyzing performance metrics and making informed decisions to optimize campaigns and achieve goals.

  • Building relationships and partnerships: Collaborating with other departments, agencies, and partners to achieve marketing objectives.

  • Mentoring and coaching internal marketing teams: Sharing expertise and helping develop the skills of internal marketing staff.

Why would a startup hire a Fractional CMO?

There are a wide range of reasons why a startup might hire a fractional CMO. Here are just a few:

  • Cost-effective access to expert talent: Startups can access senior-level marketing expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.

  • Scalability: The engagement can be adjusted based on the changing needs of the startup, allowing for flexibility and cost control.

  • Faster time to market: Fractional CMOs can quickly assess the situation and implement strategies, getting campaigns up and running faster.

  • Strategic guidance and experience: Startups benefit from the fractional CMO's extensive knowledge of the marketing landscape and proven track record of success.

  • Focused attention: Startups receive dedicated time and resources from the fractional CMO, ensuring their marketing efforts are prioritized.

When should a startup hire a Fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO can help startups seeking to develop and execute effective marketing strategies, accelerate growth, and achieve their business goals. You’ll know it’s time when you have clear leadership needs, and you know what success will look like.

As you’re selecting the right fractional CMO partner for you, consider:

  • Cultural fit: Ensure the fractional CMO's personality and working style align with the startup's culture.

  • Experience and expertise: Choose a fractional CMO with experience relevant to your industry and target audience.

  • Communication and transparency: Are you able to establish clear communication channels and maintain open dialogue with the fractional CMO? That’s a must.

How is a Fractional CMO different from a marketing consultant?

They can be similar; that said, a Fractional CMO is more firmly part of your team than a marketing consultant, and they have the title and responsibility to reflect that. A fractional CMO is a trusted member of your leadership team, and they likely are more senior than the average marketing consultant.

A marketing consultant is typically involved for a shorter period of time, and with a more limited scope. They’re probably supporting your team, rather than leading it. A traditional marketing consultant probably won’t attend internal C-suite meetings, while a Fractional CMO probably would.

Grow, your way.

Partner with a fractional CMO to support your growth.