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Fractional CMO for Small to Medium Size Businesses: Why It’s the Smartest Marketing Hire You’ll Make

  • Writer: Elizabeth Salamone Venafro
    Elizabeth Salamone Venafro
  • Apr 16, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 22


Start-up marketing
Marketing strategy for SMB

Hiring a fractional CMO for your small to medium size business may be the most strategic move you make this year. Whether you're launching a new product, struggling to scale your marketing efforts, or lacking executive oversight, a fractional CMO provides senior-level expertise without the overhead. In this post, we’ll explore why more SMBs are turning to this model and how it can drive sustainable growth.


What Does a Fractional CMO Do for a Small to Medium Size Business?


A fractional CMO, or Chief Marketing Officer, is a senior marketing executive who provides part-time, strategic leadership to businesses on an as-needed basis. Fractional CMOs are typically hired by small to medium-sized businesses that do not have the resources or need for a full-time CMO. They offer businesses the opportunity to access high-level marketing expertise without the cost of a full-time executive.


Here’s what a fractional CMO typically brings to the table:


  • Marketing Strategy Development - Aligns your business goals with a custom marketing roadmap, helping prioritize channels, messaging, and tactics that drive measurable results.

  • Team Leadership & Oversight - Oversees internal marketing staff or external vendors, ensuring accountability, consistent execution, and alignment with strategic goals.

  • Brand Positioning & Messaging - Refines your company’s value proposition, ensuring it resonates with your target audience and differentiates you in a competitive landscape.

  • Lead Generation & Campaign Planning - Builds and optimizes campaigns across channels (digital, content, email, paid media) with a focus on ROI and pipeline impact.

  • Marketing-Sales Alignment - Ensures your marketing efforts support sales outcomes by improving lead quality, buyer journey targeting, and funnel conversion rates.


A fractional CMO works as a true strategic partner, embedding in your leadership team to guide long-term growth while remaining flexible to your operational and budget realities.


One of the key benefits of hiring a fractional CMO is that they bring an outside perspective to the business. They are not bogged down by internal politics or preconceived notions, and they can offer objective insights and strategies that are tailored to the business's specific needs. They also bring a fresh set of eyes to the business, which can help identify new opportunities and areas for growth.


Another benefit of hiring a fractional CMO is that they can help businesses save money. Instead of hiring a full-time CMO, businesses can hire a fractional CMO on an as-needed basis, which can be more cost-effective. Fractional CMOs also come with their own network of contacts and vendors, which can help businesses save money on marketing services and resources.


Fractional CMO for Small to Medium Size Businesses

Overall, a fractional CMO can be a valuable asset to any business looking to improve its marketing strategy. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, an objective perspective, and cost-effective solutions to businesses of all sizes. If you're struggling to establish a successful marketing plan for your business, consider hiring a fractional CMO to help you achieve your goals.


Learn more about my fractional CMO services for growing companies.


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