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Fractional CMO Services 🔐

Unlock the full potential of your B2B tech venture with our
fractional CMO service. We combine decades of expertise with the heart and science of marketing to provide strategic leadership designed for startups, recently funded businesses, and mid-size companies.

What is a Fractional CMO?

The fractional CMO is a part-time or contract-based marketing executive who offers strategic guidance and leadership to companies. An interim CMO can also step in during transitional periods to provide necessary marketing leadership. They are typically hired by small to mid-sized businesses that need strategic marketing leadership but do not have a budget or need for a full-time CMO.

Fractional CMOs support marketing initiatives such as rebranding, product launches, and marketing campaigns. They craft strategies, manage teams, analyze data, and align marketing efforts with business objectives. The primary responsibility of a Fractional CMO is to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives.

Fractional CMO Services: Leverage Our Expertise for Your Success

Fractional CMO, CRO and Marketing Execution

Extend your executive team with our Fractional CMO, CRO services, and robust Marketing Execution. We provide seasoned marketing leadership to steer your strategy, execution, and optimization, aligning with your business goals for accelerated growth. Our fractional model offers the expertise and insights of experienced marketing executives, ensuring you benefit from top- level strategic guidance and execution prowess without the full-time executive cost.

Account Based Marketing

Elevate your targeted marketing efforts with our Account Based Marketing (ABM) strategy services, part of Our fractional CMO program. We specialize in crafting personalized campaigns that speak directly to high-value accounts, enhancing engagement and conversion rates. Our approach integrates seamlessly with your sales team to ensure a unified strategy, aligning marketing resources to target key accounts effectively. This service enables you to forge deeper relationships with potential clients, ensuring precision in your marketing efforts and maximizing ROI

Digital Ad Strategy and Implementation

Maximize your digital footprint with our comprehensive Ad Strategy and Implementation services. From meticulous market analysis to strategic ad placement and continuous optimization, we ensure your campaigns resonate with your target audience and achieve desired outcomes. Leveraging multi-channel platforms, including PPC, display ads, and social media, our approach is designed to increase visibility, engagement, and conversions, effectively driving your digital growth strategy.

Marketing Operations

Streamline your marketing engine for peak performance with our Marketing Operations service. By harmonizing your marketing processes, technologies, and data analytics, we ensure your campaigns run smoothly and efficiently, driving growth and improving ROI. Our approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also delivers actionable insights, enabling you to make informed decisions quickly and scale your marketing efforts effectively.

Marketing Automation and AI

Empower your marketing with our cutting-edge Automation and AI solutions. Our services harness the power of artificial intelligence and automation to personalize customer experiences at scale, optimize campaign performance, and predict future trends. By integrating AI-driven insights and automating repetitive tasks, we help you focus on strategic initiatives, fostering innovation and driving significant improvements in marketing effectiveness and customer engagement.

Get the support you need to grow with confidence.

It all starts with a conversation. Book a time to discuss your business needs.

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Benefits of Working With a Fractional CMO

Cost Savings

Engaging a fractional CMO Offers significant cost savings compared to hiring a full-time CMO with high fixed costs. Fractional CMOs work part-time or on a project basis, enabling companies to pay solely for the services and hours required.

Flexibility

Fractional CMOs offer flexibility over full-time CMOs. They can be hired for specific projects or periods, enabling firms to tailor marketing leadership to current needs. This adaptability is beneficial for companies with fluctuating marketing demands or going through transitions like product launches or rebranding.

Objectivity and Fresh Perspectives

Fractional CMOs provide a fresh perspective that is invaluable for uncovering new opportunities and addressing hidden weaknesses. With extensive experience across diverse client portfolios, they offer impartial guidance to assist companies in innovating and enhancing their marketing strategies.

Immediate Impact

With their experience and specialized skills, fractional CMOs quickly assess a company’s marketing needs and implement Strategies without the long onboarding of a new full-time hire—this ability to start strong guarantees fast results and immediate marketing improvements.

Reduced Risk

Engaging a fractional CMO offers a lower-risk alternative to a full-time hire. It allows companies to evaluate the cultural fit and effectiveness of the fractional CMO without a long-term commitment. This approach grants access to top-notch marketing expertise without the obligations of a permanent hire.

Access to a Broader Network

Fractional CMOs are known for their extensive networks of contacts and resources, which can be utilized to benefit the hiring company. This access can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent vetting external resources and talent.

Absence of Internal Politics

Fractional CMOs focus on delivering results rather than getting caught up in office politics. Their transient and project-centered roles prioritize results over corporate advancement, fostering a more harmonious and productive work atmosphere.

Accountability

Fractional CMOs are typically hired for specific projects with clearly outlined objectives and benchmarks. This project-oriented dedication heightens their responsibility to deliver measurable marketing results and advance key metrics, ensuring the company’s marketing efforts achieve the desired impact.

Our Flexible Framework

Our process and team are designed to adapt to new opportunities, data, and challenges as they come up. Acting as an extension of your team, we blend strategic guidance with adaptability, continually optimizing your marketing to improve over time.

Discover:

We ask the questions and do the research that helps us understand your business needs.

Strategize:

We work together to build a scope of scalable marketing solutions to address your business needs.

Implement:

We place your marketing strategy into executable pieces and put it into action.

Evaluate​:

We pour over your performance results, understand progress or share insights.

Optimize:

We refine your marketing activities, staying true to your marketing objectives.

What our clients are saying

Secret Sushi’s team is super
friendly and easy to work with. We
also highly appreciate that they
were approachable, and we were
always happy to talk with them.

Steve Owen

Product Implementation Manager, Blackhawk Network

The Secret Sushi team is very
involved in your day-to-day
activity. It’s easy to pick up the
phone and have a conversation
bout What needs to be done, and
then they take action and come
back with results.

Rico Andrade

VP of Marketing, Celigo

They really care about the success
of my company. They don’t give
mere lip service to caring.

Val Swisher

CEO FOunder, Content Rules, Inc

View testimonals

Introducing Our Team of Experienced Fractional CMOs

Our team of seasoned fractional CMOs comprises skilled individuals with
diverse industry experience. Working with our fantastic CMOs grants you
access to their collective expertise, combining the heart and science of
marketing to provide both strategic guidance and collaborative leadership.

Adam Helweh

Adam Helweh is the CEO of Secret Sushi, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based digital marketing agency.  With decades of experience, Adam excels in developing innovative strategies that drive business growth and enhance brand visibility.

At Secret Sushi, he has worked with a diverse range of companies, from tech startups to established enterprises. His expertise spans marketing disciplines such as content marketing, SEO, social media marketing, and conversion-rate optimization. Clients describe Adam as a visionary leader and a strategic thinker who integrates cutting-edge tools and data-driven strategies to create impactful campaigns. Adam is a sought-after advisor and speaker known for delivering measurable results.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic Marketing Leadership
  • Demand Generation, Content Marketing, & Lead Nurturing
  • Optimizing Marketing Operations
  • Marketing Team Leadership & Development
  • Generative AI for Marketing

Steve Burkhart

As the former President and General Manager for a global tech agency in Silicon Valley, Steve Burkhart operated as a fractional CMO for a wide range of tech companies, from big brand names to early-stage startups.  He stands out for developing big-picture strategies that powerfully integrate across multiple marketing disciplines from content marketing to PR to advertising.

He is particularly revered for his work in
e-commerce, auto-tech, manufacturing, security and greentech.  His strategic influence during his tenures at Edelman, Weber Shandwick and The Hoffman Agency showcases his talent in leading significant campaigns and establishing market dominance. His strategic prowess and innovative campaigns for leading companies like Microsoft, SONY, Synaptics, NXP, OSISoft, Avast, Alcatel-Lucent and numerous startups have established him as a luminary in the field. He is particularly well known for creativity, practicality, and a relentless focus on successful outcomes.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Go-To-Market Planning
  • Marketing Team Leadership & Development
  • Creation of Brand Narratives
  • Sourcing and Managing Outside Agencies

Allison Quinn Durbin

Allison Quinn Durbin, a strategic marketing leader based in Seattle, specializes in transforming business models and driving robust growth. With a flair for digital marketing and sales enablement, she’s adept at conceptualizing strategies that enhance brand awareness, pipeline, and revenue.

Her track record includes generating substantial ROI, notably a $40M pipeline through ABM campaigns, and steering growth for tech and manufacturing sectors. Allison’s dynamic approach and proven results make her an invaluable asset in the competitive marketing landscape.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic Growth Initiatives
  • GTM analysis and planning
  • B2B SaaS marketing
  • End-to-end (or full stack) marketing

Rosa Lear

Rosa Lear, a marketing strategist with over two decades of experience in corporate marketing for startups and enterprises, offers expertise in telecommunications, cybersecurity, cloud security, networking, and market research. As the founder of Rosa Lear Services LLC, she provides interim head of marketing services, content strategy development, and effective campaigns tailored to startups, mid-size companies, and large enterprises.

With skills in messaging, GTM program development, content and product marketing, customer advocacy, and event planning, Rosa drives customer acquisition and sales growth.

An MBA graduate from Santa Clara University, Rosa has a proven track record in roles at companies like VMware, Theta Lake, and Gartner. She excels in team management and is known for transforming marketing strategies into
business successes.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic Planning and Development
  • Customer Experience and Engagement
  • Go-to-Market Strategy for New Products/Services
  • Brand Development and Management
  • Budget Management and Optimization

Steve Farnsworth

Steve excels in driving demand for cybersecurity and SaaS products. At Rezilion, he leads a demand generation team, launching programs that resulted in a 30% increase in the pipeline YoY. His strategic approach combines data analytics with innovative marketing techniques to refine targeting and optimize conversion, significantly reducing acquisition costs. His leadership at cPacket Networks led to a $10M ARR growth through strategic marketing campaigns in the first 12 months.

Steve’s ability to generate high-quality leads and improve ROI exemplifies his impactful approach to digital marketing. His strategic foresight and hands-on execution have led to significant improvements in lead generation, sales conversions, and overall marketing ROI, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the B2B tech marketing sphere.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Demand Generation, Email Marketing, and Lead Nurturing
  • Account-Based Marketing Program Development
  • Conversion Rate Optimization
  • Full Funnel Lead Management

Todd Wilms

Todd Wilms, a luminary in the realms of branding and strategy, illuminates the path to market leadership with his transformative insights and captivating storytelling.

At Beyond Inc., he orchestrates innovation to deliver unparalleled results, turning challenges into triumphs.

From SAP to Neustar, Todd’s strategic wizardry revitalizes brands and redefines corporate narratives. Entrepreneurs flock to him, seeking guidance to reshape their marketing and leadership landscapes.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic Marketing Leadership
  • Corporate Branding and Communications
  • Go-To-Market Strategy Development
  • Product Launch and Management

Ready to get started? Let's make it happen! 🚀

It all starts with a conversation. We're excited to discuss how we can help you reach your business goals with confidence.

Book a call

Fractional CMO FAQs

What is a Fractional CMO’s role?

A Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) plays a pivotal role in steering businesses towards their marketing goals and objectives. As a part-time marketing executive, a Fractional CMO provides strategic guidance and leadership on a contractual or retainer basis, ensuring that companies benefit from top-tier marketing expertise without the need for a full-time commitment.

The primary responsibility of a Fractional CMO, also referred to as a contract CMO, is to develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that align with the company’s overall business objectives. This involves conducting thorough market research and analysis to identify opportunities and challenges, crafting and implementing robust marketing plans, and leading marketing teams to drive initiatives forward. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, a Fractional CMO ensures that marketing efforts are seamlessly integrated across the organization.

Moreover, a Fractional CMO provides strategic guidance and recommendations to senior leadership, helping to shape the company’s marketing direction. They also measure and evaluate marketing performance and ROI, ensuring that marketing strategies are effective and aligned with business goals. By hiring a Fractional CMO, businesses can access world-class marketing expertise, scale their marketing efforts, and achieve their business objectives without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.

How much do Fractional CMO services cost?

The cost of Fractional CMO services can vary widely based on the scope of work, the level of expertise required, and the engagement model. However, these services are generally more cost-effective than hiring a full-time CMO, making them an attractive option for many businesses.

Typically, the cost of a Fractional CMO is only a fraction of what it would cost to hire a full-time CMO, whose annual salary can range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the industry and company size. By choosing a Fractional CMO, businesses can access high-caliber marketing talent and strategic guidance without the steep price tag. This allows companies to scale their marketing efforts, foster growth, and effectively achieve their business objectives in a tailored manner that meets their specific needs.

Fractional CMO services typically cost between $200 to $350 per hour, offering businesses a cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. This pricing structure allows companies to access high-level marketing expertise without committing to a full-time salary and benefits package.

Cost Breakdown
The cost of fractional CMO services can vary based on several factors:

  • Hourly Rates: Most fractional CMOs charge between $200 and $350 per hour.
  • Monthly Retainers: Many fractional CMOs work on a monthly retainer basis, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per month.
  • Annual Cost: Considering an average engagement of 7.5 hours per week at $250 per hour, the annual cost would be approximately $90,000.

Cost Comparison with Full-Time CMOs
Hiring a fractional CMO can result in significant cost savings compared to employing a full-time CMO:

Full-time CMO salaries typically range from $170,000 to $358,000 annually, not including benefits.

Choosing a fractional CMO could save between 47% and 75% on costs compared to hiring a full-time marketing leader. While a fractional CMO may not cover every aspect of a full-time role, they can often bring you precisely what you need at a price that works within your budget.

Factors Affecting Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of fractional CMO services:

  1. Experience level of the CMO
  2. The complexity of the business and its marketing needs
  3. Number of hours required per week or month
  4. Additional resources needed for execution (e.g., designers, copywriters)
  5. Project-based fees for specific initiatives

Engagement Models
Fractional CMOs offer flexible engagement models to suit various business needs:

  1. Hourly rates
  2. Monthly retainers
  3. Project-based fees

This flexibility allows businesses to scale their marketing leadership based on their current requirements and budget constraints.

What are a Fractional CMO’s responsibilities?

A Fractional CMO is a versatile marketing leader who provides strategic marketing guidance and leadership on a part-time or project basis. Their responsibilities are multifaceted and crucial for driving a company’s marketing success. One of their primary duties is to develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies that align with the company’s business objectives. This involves conducting in-depth market research and analyzing industry trends to inform strategic decisions.

Building and managing a high-performing marketing team is another critical responsibility. A Fractional CMO ensures that the team is well-coordinated and capable of executing the marketing strategy effectively. They oversee all marketing operations, including budgeting, planning, and execution, to ensure that resources are used efficiently and goals are met.

A Fractional CMO also focuses on developing and implementing digital marketing strategies. This includes leveraging social media, email marketing, and content marketing to reach and engage target audiences. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as sales, product, and customer success, is essential to ensure that marketing initiatives are aligned with overall business goals.

Moreover, a Fractional CMO provides strategic guidance on various marketing initiatives and campaigns, ensuring they are well-planned and executed. They measure and report on marketing performance, including ROI and KPIs, to track progress and make data-driven adjustments as needed. This strategic marketing guidance helps businesses stay on course and achieve their objectives.

What services does a Fractional CMO provide?

A Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) offers various services to help companies achieve their marketing goals and drive growth. Key services include:

  1. Marketing Strategy Development: Crafting comprehensive marketing strategies that align with business objectives.
  2. Team Management: Building and overseeing a skilled marketing team to effectively execute strategies.
  3. Digital Marketing: Implementing digital strategies across online channels to engage target audiences.
  4. Analytics and Reporting: Tracking marketing effectiveness to enable data-driven decisions.
  5. Budgeting: Efficiently allocating marketing resources to maximize ROI.

By providing strategic guidance and leadership, a Fractional CMO helps businesses navigate the marketing landscape and achieve their goals.

When should I hire a Fractional CMO?

There are several scenarios where hiring a Fractional CMO can be a game-changer for a company. If your business is experiencing rapid growth and needs strategic marketing leadership to scale effectively, a Fractional CMO can provide the expertise required to navigate this critical phase. A CMO consultant can provide the necessary expertise flexibly, tailored to your specific needs. Similarly, if there’s a gap in your marketing leadership team or you need interim marketing leadership, a Fractional CMO can step in to fill that void seamlessly.

Companies looking to improve their marketing performance and ROI will find that a Fractional CMO brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective, driving more effective marketing efforts. Additionally, if your business seeks to access world-class marketing expertise without the financial commitment of a full-time hire, a Fractional CMO offers a flexible and cost-effective solution.

Ultimately, hiring a Fractional CMO provides businesses with the strategic marketing leadership needed to drive growth and achieve their business objectives. Whether for a specific project, a transitional period, or ongoing strategic guidance, a Fractional CMO can deliver the expertise and results your company needs.

Is a Fractional CMO a better option than a full-time CMO?

Opting for a Fractional CMO over a full-time CMO can offer several compelling advantages. One of the most significant benefits is cost savings. Hiring a Fractional CMO is more cost-effective because companies only pay for their needed services, avoiding the high fixed costs associated with a full-time executive.

Flexibility is another key advantage. Fractional CMOs can work on a part-time or project basis, allowing companies to scale their marketing efforts up or down as needed. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for businesses with fluctuating marketing demands or those undergoing transitions such as product launches or rebranding.

Expertise is a hallmark of Fractional CMOs. They often bring extensive experience and specialized knowledge in various marketing disciplines, providing high-level guidance and strategy that can drive significant results. Their broad exposure to different industries and challenges equips them with the skills to tackle complex marketing issues effectively.

Objectivity is another benefit of hiring a Fractional CMO. They can offer an unbiased perspective on a company’s marketing efforts, helping to identify areas for improvement and optimize marketing strategies. This fresh viewpoint can uncover new opportunities and address hidden weaknesses, ultimately enhancing the company’s marketing performance.

How can a Fractional CMO accelerate business growth?

A Fractional CMO can be a catalyst for business growth by developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies that align with the company’s business objectives. Their strategic guidance on marketing initiatives and campaigns ensures that all efforts are focused and effective.

Building and managing high-performing marketing teams is another way a Fractional CMO accelerates growth. By ensuring that the team is well-coordinated and capable, they drive the execution of marketing strategies that yield results. Overseeing marketing operations and ensuring the efficient use of resources further contributes to the company’s growth.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as sales, product, and customer success, is essential for driving alignment and achieving results. A Fractional CMO ensures that marketing efforts are integrated across the organization, enhancing overall effectiveness.

Measuring and reporting on marketing performance, including ROI and KPIs, is crucial for tracking progress and making data-driven adjustments. This continuous evaluation helps optimize marketing efforts and ensures they contribute to the company’s growth objectives.

How can a business ensure effective marketing budget allocation?

Effective marketing budget allocation is crucial for driving growth and achieving business objectives. To ensure that the budget is allocated efficiently, companies should start by developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with their business goals. This strategy provides a clear framework for prioritizing marketing initiatives and allocating resources.

Establishing clear goals and KPIs for marketing initiatives is essential for tracking progress and measuring success. These metrics help ensure the budget is used effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

Allocating the budget based on marketing priorities and goals ensures that resources are directed toward the most impactful initiatives. Regularly monitoring and measuring marketing performance, including ROI and KPIs, allows companies to make data-driven adjustments to their budget allocation.

By following these steps, companies can ensure that their marketing budget is allocated effectively and efficiently, driving growth and achieving their business objectives. This strategic approach to budget allocation helps maximize the impact of marketing efforts and ensures that resources are used wisely.

What are the 2 Fractional CMO models?

Strategize: Strategic Marketing Leadership
In this model, a Fractional CMO provides strategic marketing leadership and guidance to help businesses develop a comprehensive marketing strategy. The Fractional CMO will work closely with the business to:

  1. Develop a Marketing Strategy: Craft a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with the business’s goals and objectives, ensuring a clear roadmap for success.
  2. Conduct Market Research: Perform thorough market research to identify opportunities and challenges, providing a solid foundation for strategic decisions.
  3. Analyze Competitors: Evaluate competitors to identify market gaps and areas for differentiation, helping the business to position itself effectively.
  4. Develop a Marketing Plan: Create a detailed marketing plan that outlines specific tactics and initiatives to achieve the marketing strategy, ensuring all efforts are aligned and focused.

Implement: Marketing Initiatives
This model involves a Fractional CMO implementing marketing initiatives and tactics to drive growth and success. The Fractional CMO will:

  1. Develop Marketing Initiatives: Design and develop targeted marketing initiatives and tactics that align with the overall marketing strategy, ensuring cohesive and effective campaigns.
  2. Execute Marketing Campaigns: Implement marketing campaigns across various channels, tracking their effectiveness and making adjustments as needed to optimize performance.
  3. Manage Marketing Operations: Oversee marketing operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, and team management, ensuring efficient and effective execution of marketing activities.
  4. Measure and Evaluate: Continuously measure and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for improvement to ensure ongoing success.

By choosing the right model, businesses can leverage the expertise of a Fractional CMO to achieve their marketing goals and drive significant growth.