Grow Faster, Conquer More

Build unstoppable growth for your business with a Fractional CMO.

Grow Faster with a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer

A fractional CMO is a Chief Marketing Officer who works on a part-time basis, taking charge of marketing strategy and overseeing the marketing department. These professionals are often engaged by businesses that require CMO expertise but don't have a full-time need for the role.

The utilization of fractional CMO services is driven by the need for skilled leadership and strategic guidance while enjoying the advantages of flexibility offered by part-time arrangements. In many cases, opting for a fractional CMO instead of a full-time one is a prudent choice. This decision may stem from financial considerations, as the salary of a full-time CMO can exceed $200,000 per year. Alternatively, it could be due to the workload not justifying a full-time position. Understanding the concept of a fractional CMO assists businesses in determining whether they require a part-time or full-time marketing position.

Fractional CMO Responsibilities

Developing the marketing strategy for both the short-term and long-term.
Deciding and committing to which marketing strategies are best for your business, such as SEO, content marketing, paid advertising, etc.
Solving marketing problems that will arise and need to be resolved quickly.
Leading the marketing department and inspiring team members.
Hiring new employees and building out your team for success.

A highly qualified Fractional CMO possesses a wealth of marketing expertise and managerial acumen. As a result, they naturally assume the role of a leader within the marketing team.

Beyond their leadership capabilities, an exceptional Fractional CMO is recognized as a C-suite level marketing strategist, dedicated to assisting organizations in reaching their marketing objectives.

At Shepdesign, your Fractional CMO works closely with both your organizational leadership and the talented marketing professionals responsible for implementing day-to-day marketing tactics. This collaborative approach ensures seamless coordination and alignment between strategic vision and execution.

Companies with a CMO perform 15% better, on average, than companies without one.

Companies that have a CMO tend to outperform those without one by an average of 15%. With their expertise in marketing strategy and consumer behavior, CMOs drive effective marketing campaigns, improve customer targeting, and foster a customer-centric approach. The presence of a CMO brings a competitive advantage and contributes to overall company performance and success.

6 Signs You Need a Fractional CMO

It’s possible you’ve never heard of a fractional CMO. So, how would you know that you need one? Here are a few signs that working with a fractional CMO could be right for you.

Your company isn’t ready for a full-time, proffesional marketing executive

If you're a startup or a small established business seeking marketing leadership but lacking the workload or budget for a full-time hire, a fractional CMO provides a cost-effective solution, especially for early-stage companies.

Your company has been around awhile, but no one is leading marketing

As companies prepare for the future, embracing marketing transformation becomes crucial for future growth in the digital era. Late-stage companies can leverage a fractional CMO for contemporary strategies, tools, and tactics.

The sales team is creating their own marketing materials

If your sales team is responsible for creating their own presentations, sell sheets, and PDFs, it suggests weaknesses in your marketing and brand messaging. A fractional CMO can develop a unified message that enhances the customer experience and strengthens your brand.

You lack marketing insights that inform executive decisions

A fractional CMO can be of great assistance if your business is bombarded with multiple inputs regarding marketing direction or lacks a clear vision for its marketing objectives. These professionals possess the expertise to effectively lead, organize, and streamline your marketing efforts.

You need an interim leader or advisor

Whether you require a temporary marketing executive to fill a vacant position or cover during a leave of absence, or seek an external perspective to audit and guide your existing marketing team, a fractional CMO offers swift and effective solutions for your marketing needs and challenges.

Your company doesn't need a full-time CMO

For businesses that aren't at the stage to hire a full-time CMO, the cost and commitment can be a challenge, especially for small businesses. Instead, fractional CMOs provide comparable value at a fraction of the cost, aligning with your budget and capabilities.

Are you ready to boost your revenue?

Our most successful fractional CMO engagements have been with mid-sized companies generating revenue over $20 million. We can help you determine an appropriate marketing budget and create a quarterly marketing communication plan to effectively allocate those funds and achieve your goals.

A business needs a Fractional CMO when they require marketing leadership and the expert marketing strategy skills of a CMO, but do not need it on a full-time basis. If you're unsure whether a fractional CMO engagement is suitable for your business, feel free to reach out to us for further information and guidance.