The Benefits of Hiring a Fractional CMO (And How to Choose One)
What is a fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO is a marketing professional who works with businesses for a fixed number of hours per month. They dedicate a fraction of the time that a regular CMO would spend on the company, and they receive a fraction of the pay. In simple terms, they work a few hours a month and get paid accordingly, as opposed to a full-time CMO who would work for the company on a full-time basis.
What are the benefits of hiring a fractional CMO?
“Having used a fractional CMO in the past, I can attest that hiring one is a fantastic way to quickly reap the benefits of having a marketing expert working on your business without bearing the high cost of hiring a full-time CMO. As a fractional CMO myself now, I can truly appreciate its value even more.”
Why do you need a CMO (or someone with equivalent skills)?
When you start a business, you might find it helpful to work with freelancers or marketing agencies to promote your products or services. However, as your business grows, it becomes essential to have an experienced Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) who can take charge of your marketing campaigns. A CMO will take full responsibility for your marketing efforts and ensure that everything, from ads to analytics, is executed correctly. This allows other executives to focus on their specific roles. Hiring a full-time CMO may not be feasible for every business, as they could get bogged down with internal politics and other responsibilities. In such cases, hiring a fractional CMO who can provide honest feedback, guidance, and training without getting too involved in daily operations is a better option.
If you are looking for a fractional CMO, there are several ways to find one. You can ask your peers and partners for referrals, browse freelancing websites, post job ads on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, or use relevant keyword searches on Google or social media. However, the challenging part is finding the right candidate for your business. When interviewing potential candidates, make sure to ask about their relevant experience and look for someone who has a track record of creating sustainable growth in your specific industry.
The main difference between a fractional CMO and a full-time CMO is the amount of time they work for each business. A fractional CMO works only a few hours per week or month for each business they work with, which allows you to pay a manageable fee for valuable services. If you are uncertain about whether to work with freelancers, agencies, or hire a full-time CMO, a fractional CMO might be a viable option. However, it is crucial to do your due diligence and partner with the right person for your unique business needs.
