For many companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), a strong local presence is the lifeblood of their success. These businesses have a unique opportunity to build deep connections within their communities. Customers are more likely to trust and patronize companies to which they feel a personal connection. This is where local marketing has an opportunity to shine.

Businesses can increase brand awareness and build trust and loyalty by implementing targeted strategies. Local SEO marketing helps ensure a company appears prominently in local search results when people look for relevant products or services nearby. This prominence drives more qualified traffic to a business’s website or physical location.

Engaging in local store marketing initiatives fosters a sense of community. Sponsoring local events, partnering with other local businesses, and offering promotions targeted toward local needs contribute to building trust and loyalty within the customer base.

The Value of Local Marketing Campaigns

Local marketing empowers SMBs to differentiate themselves from larger, impersonal corporations. By highlighting their local connections, community involvement, and commitment to providing exceptional customer service, SMBs can establish themselves as the trusted, preferred choice for local customers.

SMBs offering unique products, services, or experiences that national chains can’t replicate can leverage local marketing to showcase these one-of-a-kind offerings and attract customers looking for something special and different.

Reaching the right audience

Local marketing strategies are, by nature, hyper-focused. Unlike national campaigns with a broader reach, local efforts target a specific geographic area and its demographics. This strategy allows SMBs to tailor their messaging and offerings to resonate directly with their ideal customers, maximizing the impact of their marketing efforts. Local SEO marketing helps to cultivate that strong local presence, ensuring a business:

• Appears prominently in search results.
• Benefits from increased visibility.
• Attracts more qualified leads to its doorstep, whether physical or virtual.

Gaining a competitive advantage

Local SMBs that actively engage with community members and invest in local causes foster a sense of loyalty among customers and clients. People appreciate businesses that give back and contribute to the local ecosystem, creating a stronger bond and encouraging repeat business.

Championing cost-effectiveness

Local marketing strategies allow SMBs to focus on a specific area, eliminating wasted ad spend on reaching people outside the target market and maximizing return on investment (ROI) for their marketing budgets. SMBs can also leverage local resources like community publications, local chambers of commerce, and event sponsorships to gain exposure and build brand awareness.

As awareness grows about how supporting local businesses can also boost the local economy, companies continue to take notice. While SMBs have the power to deeply connect with their local communities, capitalizing on this local strength requires a targeted marketing approach. Smaller companies often employ teams tasked with wearing multiple hats. These SMBs may lack the resources to hire a robust, dedicated marketing team. There is another solution.

Why SMBs and fCMOs Make the Perfect Match

Fractional CMOs (fCMOs) offer SMBs a strategic edge in the local marketing arena. Unlike traditional CMOs, fCMOs bring a laser focus to local marketing. They understand the nuances of local SEO, the power of community engagement, and the art of crafting messaging that resonates with local demographics. This targeted expertise ensures marketing efforts reach the right people in the right place at the right time.

Budget is often a primary concern for SMBs. A full-time CMO typically requires a significant financial commitment, whereas fCMOs provide a cost-effective alternative. You gain access to high-level marketing expertise on a part-time or project basis, allowing you to invest strategically in local marketing initiatives without breaking the bank.

Fractional CMOs are data wizards, too. They can analyze local market trends, customer demographics, and competitor activity to tailor your marketing campaigns for maximum impact. This data-driven approach ensures you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks; you’re making strategic decisions that drive measurable results for your local business.

A strong local presence is about more than advertising. fCMOs understand the power of building brand advocacy within your community. They help you develop local store marketing initiatives designed to cultivate trust and loyalty — everything from sponsoring a local Little League team to partnering with other local businesses.

The beauty of fCMOs lies in their flexibility. They can adjust their involvement based on your specific needs and marketing goals. Need a short-term boost for a local campaign launch? An fCMO can provide the strategic guidance and execution. Looking for ongoing guidance on local SEO and online reputation management? Partner long-term with an fCMO to secure your success.

The Strategic Ace Up Your Sleeve

Fractional CMOs offer a potent combination of expertise, flexibility, and a cost structure perfectly tailored to the budget realities of smaller businesses.

Instead of adding the hefty salary of a full-time CMO to your operating budget, partnering with an fCMO preserves your bottom line while still giving you the benefits of an experienced marketing professional’s knowledge. These affordable A-listers offer high-caliber expertise at a fraction of the cost. Instead of a long-term financial commitment, you gain strategic insights, leadership, and transformative results. When you work with an fCMO, you gain access to wisdom typically reserved for larger companies with bottomless budgets.

Business needs, especially for smaller players, can be as changeable as the wind. An fCMO embodies a chameleon-like ability to adapt and thrive in this environment. Think Swiss Army knife — versatile, resourceful, and completely flexible. They adjust their approach and time commitment based on your evolving goals. Need a marketing blitz for a new product launch or assistance developing a campaign with another local co-sponsoring business? They’re there. Entering a period of stability? They scale back seamlessly. This adaptability ensures you have expert leadership when you need it without the ongoing expense of a full-time executive.

Unlike some marketing tacticians, fCMOs never lose sight of the ultimate objective: driving business growth. This laser focus allows you to concentrate on the big picture — refining your brand message, exploring new markets, and optimizing your digital presence — without bogging down in the daily grind.

Ready to learn more and chat with us about your business’s unique challenges? Download our fCMO overview and complete the form below to talk to our team.

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.

Imagine this scenario: A small start-up SaaS company, Aether, specializes in cloud-based data storage and analytics solutions. It has experienced rapid growth, mainly acquiring customers through its sales team and word-of-mouth referrals. However, as the competition in the SaaS data storage market heats up, Aether recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive marketing strategy to keep up its growth and boost brand awareness.

The challenge? Aether’s small in-house marketing team lacks the strategic leadership and expertise needed to spearhead a major marketing initiative. While the company isn’t in a position to invest in a full-time chief marketing officer (CMO) to take the reins permanently, they urgently need someone who can step in and set the course right.

Enter the interim CMO: a seasoned marketing leader who joins the team for a transitional period to build a robust marketing strategy, mentor the current team, and lay down a solid foundation for future marketing efforts. This solution offers Aether the strategic guidance it needs without the long-term financial commitment of a full-time executive, making it a practical choice for their current stage and budget constraints.

What is an Interim CMO?

An interim Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a highly experienced marketing leader who is brought into a company temporarily to manage and enhance its marketing functions during a period of transition, crisis, or change. This arrangement can be particularly useful in several scenarios, such as:

• Leadership Gaps: When a company is between full-time CMOs, an interim CMO can fill the void, ensuring that marketing strategies and initiatives continue seamlessly.
• Strategic Overhauls: If a company needs to redefine its marketing strategy or direction quickly, an interim CMO can provide the necessary expertise and leadership to drive these changes without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.
• Crisis Management: In times of crisis, such as a PR disaster or a significant market change, an interim CMO can steer the marketing department through challenging waters with their expertise and experience.
• Project Implementation: For companies looking to launch a major campaign or marketing initiative, an interim CMO can lead the project, bringing specialized skills that might not exist internally.
• Scalability and Growth: Startups or businesses experiencing rapid growth might hire an interim CMO to set up scalable marketing processes and strategies that support sustained growth.

This role is designed to be temporary, providing immediate, high-impact leadership while the company determines its long-term needs or stabilizes its current situation.

Interim CMO Responsibilities

Aether could benefit from working with an interim CMO who brings extensive experience in the SaaS industry and a proven track record in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies. The interim CMO could provide the following advantages:

• Strategic marketing expertise: Aether would benefit from the interim CMO’s deep understanding of SaaS marketing best practices, customer acquisition strategies, and the latest marketing techniques and technologies. An interim CMO would provide strategic guidance on positioning Aether’s products, identifying target markets, and developing compelling messaging and campaigns.
• Rapid deployment: Instead of a lengthy hiring process for a full-time CMO, Aether could quickly onboard an interim CMO ready to hit the ground running and start driving marketing initiatives immediately, allowing the company to capitalize on market opportunities quickly.
• An objective perspective: As an external resource, an interim CMO brings a fresh perspective to Aether’s current marketing experts and could identify potential gaps in understanding, challenge existing assumptions, and suggest innovative approaches that the in-house team might have overlooked.
• Team Mentoring and Upskilling: The interim CMO would work closely with Aether’s marketing team, providing mentorship and training to upskill the existing employees. This knowledge transfer would enable the team to execute the marketing strategies effectively after the interim CMO’s tenure ends.
• Scalability and Flexibility: An interim CMO would give Aether the flexibility to scale marketing efforts up or down as needed. This arrangement allows the company to access top-tier marketing talent without the long-term commitment of a full-time executive hire.

In this situation, Aether benefitted from working with the interim CMO, who emerged as a strategic ally.

What is the difference between fractional and interim CMO?

The terms “interim CMO” and “fractional CMO” are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two roles.

Interim CMO

In our example above, we discussed the benefits of bringing an interim CMO to help our hypothetical company. These marketing professionals are temporary but often full-time executives working exclusively for the organization, filling a vacant CMO position within an organization for a specific period. Their primary goals are to:

• Bridge the gap, serving as a stopgap measure during a transition period between the departure of a previous CMO and the hiring of a replacement (or to help a start-up’s marketing department establish itself and develop and implement a cohesive marketing strategy).
• Provide continuity, ensuring that critical marketing operations are uninterrupted during a transition, and providing leadership and strategic direction to the team.
• Assume the role for a short-term engagement, typically ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the organization’s needs and the time required to find a permanent CMO.

Fractional CMO

Fractional CMOs, on the other hand, are part-time, outsourced executives who provide strategic marketing leadership and guidance to an organization on an ongoing basis. Key characteristics of fractional CMOs include:

• Long-term engagement, where a company hires one for an extended period, often as a long-term contract or on a retainer basis rather than a temporary, short-term arrangement.
• Part-time commitment, where they typically work a predetermined number of hours or days per week/month, allowing them to serve multiple clients simultaneously.
• Acting as strategic advisor, where they provide high-level marketing guidance, strategy development, and oversight. Fractional CMOs may not be involved in the day-to-day execution of marketing activities, however.
• Reliability as a flexible resource since organizations can leverage them as a cost-effective alternative to hiring a full-time, in-house CMO, especially if the company doesn’t require a dedicated, full-time marketing executive.

Let’s revisit Aether. After its series one funding round, the company hired an interim CMO to set the marketing department (and its strategies) up for success. Leadership decides that a full-time CMO isn’t necessary until the company gets closer to its next funding round and hires a fractional CMO to consult with the marketing team for 20 hours per month.

This arrangement ensures Aether receives ongoing strategic advice and marketing leadership for an extended period until it is ready to add a full-time CMO to its C-suite.

Choosing Between an Interim or Fractional CMO

One type of CMO isn’t better than another. If a full-time CMO employee isn’t what your company needs, here are several key factors to evaluate whether an interim or fractional CMO best fits your specific needs and circumstances.

Current Marketing Team Structure and Capabilities

Assess your marketing team’s size, skill sets, and capabilities. A fractional CMO might be the best solution if you’ve got a well-established, experienced marketing team primarily requiring strategic guidance and oversight. An interim CMO could be more suitable if your marketing team is understaffed, lacks expertise, or requires hands-on leadership for day-to-day operations.

Stage of Business Growth and Marketing Requirements

Evaluate your company’s growth stage and corresponding market needs. Early-stage or rapidly growing companies pressured to build a comprehensive marketing strategy and infrastructure from the ground up may benefit more from an interim CMO’s full-time focus and operational involvement. Established companies with a well-defined marketing strategy and processes in place could more effectively leverage a fractional CMO’s strategic guidance and oversight.

Budget and Resource Constraints

Consider the company’s budget and resource availability for marketing leadership. Interim CMOs typically command higher compensation because of their full-time commitment, while fractional CMOs offer a more cost-effective solution, especially for smaller or bootstrapped SaaS companies. Evaluate the trade-off between the immediate need for marketing expertise and the long-term financial implications of each option.

Duration of Need

Determine the anticipated duration for which the company requires marketing leadership. An interim CMO might be the better choice if the need is temporary, such as a transition period or for a specific project or campaign. If the company foresees an ongoing need for strategic marketing guidance over an extended period, a fractional CMO could provide a more sustainable option.

Scope of Responsibilities

Clearly define the scope of responsibilities and level of involvement required from the marketing leadership role. If your company needs hands-on execution and management of day-to-day marketing activities, a full-time interim CMO might be more appropriate. If your primary need is strategic planning, oversight, and guidance, a fractional CMO could fulfill that requirement while allowing your in-house marketing team to handle the execution.

Interim (and fractional) CMOs offer a powerful catalyst for transformative growth. With their seasoned expertise and unbiased perspective, these professionals swiftly assess challenges, identify blind spots and chart strategic paths to market dominance.

When integrated into teams, interim CMOs foster collaboration, mentor marketers, and execute high-impact strategies precisely, driving organizations to success. Interim CMOs’ flexible tenure empowers companies to innovate continuously, pivoting approaches to capitalize on emerging trends.

By evaluating the growth stage, team capabilities, budget, and objectives, business leaders can strategically leverage interim CMOs, harnessing their expertise to navigate hurdles, seize opportunities, and establish a formidable market footprint.

Learn more about interim or fractional CMO services with &Marketing and contact us today to discuss what solutions will help your business grow.

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.

You know the numbers—roughly 50% of businesses don’t make it past five years and only 20% make it to 20 years. In today’s competitive business landscape, a strong brand and a clear message are crucial for success. In a business landscape where strategic marketing is a crucial driver of growth, could hiring a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) as a service be the game-changer your company needs? (PS, you can take our 2-minute quiz and find out.)

These professionals are responsible for crafting a comprehensive marketing plan that attracts customers, builds brand awareness, and drives sales. From understanding the target audience, navigating the evolving marketing landscape, creating effective campaigns, and overseeing the marketing budget, a CMO plays a vital role in ensuring a company reaches its full potential. Sometimes, however, companies don’t have the budget or need for a full-time CMO. Fortunately, CMO as a service is an option.

How do CMOs add to company structure?

CMOs typically oversee a team of marketing professionals responsible for market research, advertising campaigns, public relations, and product marketing. They collaborate closely with other company executives, such as the CEO, to ensure marketing efforts align with the overall business strategy.

CMOs wear many hats and bring diverse skill sets necessary for their and their company’s success:

• Strategic leadership and business acumen. These CMOs are strategic thinkers who understand the competitive landscape, analyze market trends, and leverage strategies to craft marketing plans aligned with the company’s broader goals. Implementing their effective marketing initiatives drives growth.
• Market analysis and customer focus. CMOs excel at market research, pinpointing customer needs and preferences. CMOs also leverage data to identify trends and use that knowledge to develop targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their ideal customers.
• Digital marketing expertise. The marketing landscape is heavily digital, and a savvy CMO needs a firm grasp of digital marketing channels like social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and e-commerce strategies.
• Brand management and storytelling. CMOs are the guardians and evangelists of a company’s brand. They develop and manage the brand image, crafting a clear, consistent message that resonates with the target audience. They’re also skilled storytellers able to weave compelling narratives that connect emotionally.
• Communication and leadership skills. A CMO leads the marketing team and needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to inspire, motivate, and gain buy-in from other company executives and departments.

Enter: CMO as a service (CMOaaS)

CMO as a service offers a solution for companies needing guidance with their marketing efforts but without the commitment of a full-time hire. These marketing veterans provide part-time leadership, stepping in to lead existing teams and refine marketing strategies. Ideal for businesses not quite ready or unable to afford a full-time CMO, a CMOaaS approach provides the strategic guidance and industry insights you’d expect from a top executive at a cost-effective rate.

Fractional CMOs

Fractional CMOs act like integrated members of a company’s marketing team. They typically work part-time directly with existing marketing personnel, providing leadership and guidance. They’ll conduct a deep dive into a specific strategy and help refine it based on their experience. Company leaders have a direct reporting relationship with their fractional CMO, who becomes an extension of that leadership team, providing strategic direction and collaborating with other departments.

An outsourced/fractional CMO might come from a marketing agency or work as an independent consultant. Generally, fractional CMOs charge a set rate for their dedicated time, but their fees might be project-based or depend on their specific services.

Some companies might think they don’t need a CMO because they already have a CEO—especially if they’re a small startup or in its early stages and strapped for cash. The current leadership team might have misconceptions about a CMO’s role, viewing it as solely advertising- and branding-focused. But CMOs bring strategy and analytics to the table, too.

CEO versus CMO. What’s the difference?

A chief executive officer (CEO) and a CMO occupy different leadership positions within a company, with distinct focus areas. The CEO is the ship’s captain, responsible for the company’s overall vision, strategy, and success. CEOs set long-term goals, oversee all departments, and make high-level decisions about everything from product development to finances. They answer to a board of directors and are accountable for a company’s performance.

CMOs serve as the navigators, charting the course for the marketing department and crafting strategies to achieve the company’s goals. These professionals promote the company’s brand, generate leads, and drive sales through marketing initiatives. They work closely with the CEO to align marketing efforts with the overall business strategy.

The CEO sets the growth targets, and the CMO executes marketing strategies to achieve them. The CMO also develops strategies for customer engagement, feeding directly into the CEO’s goal of recurring revenue. While the CEO has a broad business view, the CMO is the marketing guru with a granular understanding of customer behavior, market trends, and the most effective ways to reach their target audience.

How to Know if You Need CMO as a Service

Deciding whether your business could benefit from a CMO as a service can be pivotal to its growth and efficiency. Here are key indicators that suggest this service might be right for you:

• Marketing Efforts Aren’t Meeting Goals: If your current marketing efforts are falling short of targets—whether in terms of lead generation, sales, or brand awareness—it might be time to bring in a CMO to provide the strategic oversight and creative input needed to revitalize your campaigns.
  Leadership Gaps in Marketing: Small to medium businesses often operate with limited executive leadership in marketing. If your team lacks senior marketing leadership, a fractional CMO can fill this crucial gap, bringing in the necessary expertise to guide your marketing strategy.
  Budget Constraints: Hiring a full-time CMO can be a significant financial commitment. If budget limitations are a concern, opting for a CMO as a service allows you to access top-tier marketing expertise without the full-time salary and benefits package.
  Need for Scalable Solutions: If your company is in a growth phase, you may need scalable marketing strategies that can adapt quickly.
  Rapid Market or Product Changes: In industries experiencing rapid changes or when launching new products, having an experienced marketer who can navigate these changes and position your company effectively is crucial.

Sometimes, an external perspective can be invaluable, especially if your current marketing strategies have become stagnant. A CMO as a service brings fresh eyes and new ideas, which can be crucial for innovative problem-solving and strategy refinement.

[Button]: Take our CMO readiness quiz

Do SaaS companies need a CMO? Short answer: yes.

SaaS companies need both. Because of their subscription-based nature, they benefit from robust collaboration between the CEO and CMO. The CEO may have a strong marketing background and believe they can handle marketing tasks themselves. But while this approach could work in a company’s initial stages, those responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming as the company scales.

Leading the marketing charge for a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company is the CMO, whose mission is to leverage strategic marketing to fuel the company’s growth by attracting new customers. But unlike traditional marketing, SaaS success also hinges on keeping those customers happy.

Because SaaS is often subscription-based, retaining existing users becomes as critical (if not more so) than acquiring new ones. That’s why SaaS CMOs go beyond building brand awareness. They craft initiatives specifically designed to keep customers engaged and satisfied.

SaaS CMOs have similar responsibilities to other CMOs, whether full-time or fractional. They:

• Identify target markets and audiences
• Build brand identity
• Develop and execute SaaS marketing strategies
• Assemble and lead a marketing team
• Create SaaS marketing collateral
• Establish robust working relationships with other company departments
• Measure SaaS marketing performance and report results to the CEO
• Manage and control the marketing budget

The average churn rate for SaaS CMOs is high. In fact, the average tenure between 2020 and 2022 dropped from 43 to 35 months, and according to one executive recruitment firm, companies will replace 30-40% of their CMOs this year. Finding and hiring the right CMO takes time (and money).

An outsourced or fractional CMO can help bridge the gap for the short- or long-term for SaaS companies in the T2De phase (tripling revenue for two years and doubling it for three more years). These companies have everyday marketing needs and might not require a full-time CMO.

Opting to use a CMO as a service empowers companies to hire someone well-equipped to address high growth expectations, lend marketing expertise to the executive team, and introduce a proven SaaS marketing playbook and a fresh perspective. An outsourced or fractional CMO is faster to hire than a full-time CMO, requires no long-term commitment, and can be held accountable for results while guiding and advising the CEO.

In today’s competitive SaaS landscape, a robust marketing strategy isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. While CEOs are vital in setting the vision and growth trajectory, CMOs translate that vision into actionable strategies to fuel customer acquisition and retention. SaaS companies gain a valuable asset by leveraging a CMO, whether full-time, fractional, or outsourced.

Whether SaaS, healthcare, CPG, or otherwise, if you want a closer look at fractional CMOs and how they might help fill gaps in your marketing, download our fCMO overview. Want to discuss your business’s unique challenges? Fill out the form below and talk to our team.

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.

While a recent report reflects growth in most middle-market companies in 2023, many challenges remain for executives hoping to achieve continued business success in 2024 – notably hiring issues. Attracting and retaining top talent can make or break a company, along with making meaningful connections with customers, engaging them on an integrated digital and physical level in a rapidly evolving business landscape. One prevailing solution for business leaders is to rethink existing business models like the marketing function and consider hiring a fractional marketing agency. Is fractional marketing support right for your business?

What is fractional marketing?

Fractional marketing is an alternative to traditional marketing models of in-house professionals and high-ticket marketing agencies, which typically fail to deliver a high ROI. In a fast-paced digital world, it’s nearly impossible for internal marketing professionals to remain current and innovative, and for many companies, big agencies that bring a wide range of skills and experience often come with inflexibility and inflated costs that make them unaffordable and ineffective.

Also considered outsourced marketing, fractional marketing flexibly allows companies and brands to rightsize their resources while leveraging a wealth of experience and industry expertise, at a fraction of the cost of hiring and retaining full-time employees (hello healthcare, benefits, taxes, training, etc) or those bloated one-size-fits-all agencies.

Hiring a fractional marketing agency means your business has a partner who can help navigate the intricacies of the buyer’s journey, engage target audiences using the latest and tried-and-true strategies, as well as build your brand – all within a determined framework connected to growth goals. Cut waste, add value, and tap into game-changing performance with fractional marketing.

How does fractional work?

Working with a fractional marketing agency involves partnering with one or more marketing experts who provide services on a part-time or project basis, rather than full-time. This approach is tailored for businesses that need specialized marketing expertise but don’t want full-time marketing employees. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Assessment of Needs: The fractional marketing agency first evaluates your business’s marketing needs to understand where you need the most help—whether it’s strategy, digital marketing, content creation, or other areas.
2. Engagement Model: Depending on your needs, the agency proposes an engagement model. This could be a set number of hours per week, a project-based arrangement, or other flexible options.
3. Integration with Your Team: The fractional marketing professionals integrate with your existing team during a discovery phase. This includes reviews of brand assets, research, interviews, and more.
4. Strategic Planning: The agency contributes to strategic marketing planning, offering expertise in areas such as market analysis, branding, digital marketing strategies, and campaign management.
5. Execution and Management: The fractional team oversees the execution of marketing strategies, coordinates with other team members or departments, and ensures marketing goals are being met efficiently. As your business grows or needs change, the fractional marketing agency can scale its services up or down.
6. Reporting and Evaluation: Regular reporting on marketing KPIs and campaign performance is provided, allowing for ongoing evaluation and strategy adjustment.

Why hire a fractional CMO (fCMO)?

Topping out the expertise in a fractional marketing agency are fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) who add executive level leadership to any team or organization. With a growth mindset, these highly experienced marketers – usually with 15+ years – often bring deep industry knowledge to help your company make big moves and decisions like re-brands, product launches, and investor relations.

Whereas staffing a full-time in-house CMO takes months of executive search committees and high salary offerings, a fractional CMO can offer the same (and often better) quality of work and guidance, and with added benefits like:

• Immediate start – assimilating into your organization quickly
• Customized support – you decide what gaps to fill, work to assign
• No recruitment fees – forget those executive searches
• Flexible contracts – short- and long-term opportunities abound

Plus, the fCMO can oversee the relationship between your company and the fractional marketing agency, making for a seamless working relationship.

How much does a fractional CMO cost?

According to Salary.com, the average salary of a CMO is $357,747. So how does this vary from a fractional CMO, especially one with a hefty hourly rate?

Inevitably, rates will vary based on the individual fractional CMO, whether they are a solo practitioner or placed as part of a fractional marketing agency model, as well as other factors like geography and depth of experience, especially within a certain sector or industry. Expect a fractional CMO’s hourly rate to vary greatly, from $200 – $500. Another model may include a monthly retainer, giving a company flexibility for how a bank of hours is used and identifying a fixed cost that aligns with your company’s budget.

A quick calculation will show you that a fractional CMO working 20 hours per week over a one-year period at the highest hourly rate would cost you more than a full-time CMO. However, with the highly specialized skills, efficiency, and results of this executive marketing leader, your company will quickly realize that this capable, on-boarded fractional CMO is worth their weight in gold as you see your company’s bottom line grow.

When considering the cost of a fractional CMO, consider the value they bring and their ability to showcase results quickly. While a newly hired, full-time CMO may take a year to get acclimated and show their worth, a fractional CMO is accountable for KPIs and is used to hitting the ground running, knowing their performance is paramount.

Choosing the right fractional marketing agency

At &Marketing, we have been offering fractional marketing services since 2017, strategically building our bench of experts to now include fractional CMOs. Both came about from being early adopters of a fresh way to work and elevate brands and identify a market gap. The success of our clients is what compels our continued growth and new service offerings to help them meet their goals.

Fractional marketing agencies solve top business issues like hiring and retaining employees, breaking through the clutter of the digital marketing space, and finding ways to grow and outperform the competition. Are you interested in being part of our team? Connect with us to learn more about how you can join our thriving community!

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.

Adaptability and strategic marketing are the keys to success in the fast-paced arena of Software as a Service (SaaS). As SaaS companies strive to navigate the complexities of a competitive market, the role of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) becomes increasingly significant. However, not every SaaS business can afford or needs a full-time CMO. This is where the concept of a SaaS fractional CMO comes into play – offering expertise and leadership without the commitment of a full-time executive. In this blog, we’ll cover how SaaS businesses can reap substantial benefits from employing a fractional CMO and ensure their marketing strategies are not just effective, but also aligned with business goals and budget constraints.

What is a CMO in SaaS?

A fractional CMO is like a seasoned marketing guru who lends their skills part-time or on a contract. Unlike a traditional, all-in CMO, these pros juggle multiple companies, bringing a variety of experiences and know-how.

Here’s what they do:

• Strategic Planning: A fractional CMO typically begins by assessing current marketing strategies, identifying gaps, and forming a comprehensive plan that aligns with your objectives and resources.
• Brand Development: They play a critical role in shaping and maintaining your brand identity, ensuring it resonates with the target audience and stands out in the market.
• Market Research and Analysis: Staying in the know of market trends, customer needs, and what the competition is up to is crucial for a SaaS business. Your fractional CMO has this covered.
• Digital Marketing Oversight: Given how much SaaS relies on digital channels, they’ve got an eye on strategies from SEO to content marketing, social media, and more.
• Performance Metrics and Analysis: They set the key metrics and crunch the numbers to see how well the strategies are working, making smart, data-backed decisions to optimize performance.

What is the difference between a CMO and a fractional CMO?

The big difference is in the job setup and what they cover. A full-time CMO is all in with one company, heading up the marketing department. A fractional CMO, on the other hand, is your part-time marketing wizard, working with different clients on a contract. They’re like a strategy and execution sidekick for businesses that aren’t up for the cost and commitment of a full-time CMO. Plus, they often work remotely and tailor their services to each client’s unique needs.

When should a SaaS business choose a fCMO over a CMO?

For SaaS companies, particularly startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, a fractional CMO is an attractive option when you need expertise and leadership at the highest level. They offer the perfect mix of flexibility and specialized skills for growth and an edge in the market.

Deciding between a full-time CMO and a fractional one depends on your business stage, budget, and specific needs. A full-time CMO is more integrated but pricier, while a fractional CMO brings a kaleidoscope of experiences from various industries, offering fresh, innovative insights.

What is the average rate for a fractional CMO?

The price tag for a fractional CMO can swing based on their know-how, the job’s scope, and how long you need them. Typically, you’re looking at anything from $5,000 to $20,000 a month. But remember, rates can vary. Now, let’s see why this is a smart financial move.

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

A full-time CMO usually means a hefty salary and benefits package. But with a fractional CMO, you’re just paying for what you need, trimming down costs big time. This setup lets SaaS businesses manage their budgets more effectively without missing out on marketing expertise.

Flex Your Budget

Hiring a fractional CMO means you can shift money around to where it’s needed most. You’re not locked into C-Suite level overhead, so funds can flow into development, customer support, or sales. This flexibility is key for SaaS businesses in growth or market shifts, letting you adapt your resource allocation on the fly.

Other Perks of Outsourcing a CMO

Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability is often a key concern for SaaS businesses, and a fractional CMO offers the perfect blend of scalability and flexibility in marketing operations. A fractional CMO can scale their involvement based on the company’s growth stage, providing more support during expansion phases and less when things are more on cruise control. The flexible nature of a fractional CMO’s engagement means they can quickly adapt to new market trends, shifts in business strategy, or changes in budget allocations—which often happen within a SaaS company trying to grow alongside rapid technological change.

Focused Strategy and Execution

The concentrated effort a fractional CMO brings to a SaaS business can also lead to more effective and efficient marketing execution. Fractional CMOs can devote their time to developing and refining marketing strategies, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations often encountered in full-time roles. With their extensive experience, fractional CMOs can implement high-impact strategies quickly and efficiently, maximizing the return on investment. Being somewhat removed from the internal dynamics of the company, a fractional CMO can provide unbiased, objective insights.

Getting started with a SaaS fractional CMO

Our team is all about matching SaaS businesses with the perfect fractional CMO. We dig into your setup, audience, products or services, and goals to find the right match from our extensive bench. Each partnership is unique, tailored to leverage our expertise for your company’s maximum potential. There is no one-size-fits-all partnership, and we are committed to taking the time to strategize an approach that leverages our fCMO expertise to help your SaaS company reach its highest potential.

Ready to learn more? Download our fCMO overview here, and fill out the form below to talk to our team.

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.

In the fast-paced world of business, executive leaders often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities, decisions, and expectations. The relentless demands of modern leadership can take a toll, leading to burnout that not only affects individual well-being but also damages organizational performance. However, amidst the chaos, there is a practical solution: the fractional Chief Marketing Officer (fCMO).

Executive burnout is a pervasive issue across industries, stemming from the pressure to drive growth, innovate, and navigate constantly changing market conditions often pushing leaders to the brink of exhaustion. In fact, a recent survey shows an alarming 70% of executives are considering leaving their workplace. As stress mounts and work-life balance disintegrates, the consequences can be dire, ranging from decreased productivity and creativity to compromised decision-making and mental health concerns.

Do CEOs get burnout?

Yes, CEOs can experience burnout. Despite their high level of responsibility and authority, CEOs are not immune to the stress and pressures that can lead to burnout. Factors contributing to CEO burnout may include long working hours, high levels of responsibility, constant decision-making, managing complex organizational challenges, and maintaining the balance between professional and personal life. Burnout in CEOs can manifest as physical and emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, detachment, and a feeling of ineffectiveness. It’s important for CEOs, like any other professionals, to manage stress, delegate tasks when possible, and ensure they have a supportive network and balance in their lives to prevent burnout.

What are the signs of burnout in leadership?

Executive burnout can have profound effects on businesses, impacting organizational performance, culture, and sustainability. Here are some key ways in which executive burnout can affect business:

• Decreased Productivity and Performance: Exhausted leaders may struggle to focus, make decisions, and execute tasks effectively, resulting in missed deadlines, decreased output, and subpar results.
• Compromised Decision-Making: Fatigued leaders may resort to short-term fixes or avoid making decisions altogether, leading to indecisiveness, stagnation, and missed opportunities.
• Increased Risk of Errors and Mistakes: Whether it’s overlooking critical details, misinterpreting data, or making rash decisions, burnout can heighten the risk of costly errors that impact the bottom line
• Decline in Innovation and Creativity: Burnout stifles creativity and innovation, hindering the organization’s ability to adapt, evolve, and stay ahead of the competition.
• Increased Turnover and Talent Drain: Burnout can contribute to high turnover rates among executive ranks, as exhausted leaders seek greener pastures or opt for early retirement. The loss of experienced talent not only disrupts continuity and leadership stability but also incurs recruitment and onboarding costs.
• Reputational Damage: Executive burnout can tarnish the organization’s reputation, both internally and externally. When leaders are visibly struggling or make poor decisions due to burnout, it undermines confidence in their leadership abilities and erodes trust with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and partners.

Executive burnout poses a significant threat to business performance, culture, and sustainability. Addressing burnout requires a proactive approach that prioritizes the well-being of leaders, fosters a culture of support and resilience, and implements strategies to mitigate the risk of burnout across the organization.

How to overcome burnout for a CEO

An Innovative Solution: The Fractional CMO (fCMO)

A unique and creative solution to executive burnout is the fractional CMO. Unlike traditional full-time executives, fCMOs provide on-demand expertise and strategic guidance to organizations on a part-time basis. This innovative model not only alleviates the burden on existing leadership but also brings a wealth of specialized knowledge and fresh perspectives to the table with your budget in mind.

One of the primary advantages of fCMOs is their ability to offer targeted support precisely where it’s needed most. Whether it’s devising a comprehensive marketing strategy, optimizing digital channels, or spearheading transformative initiatives, these seasoned professionals bring years of experience and industry-specific expertise to your organization. By tapping into their skills on a fractional basis, organizations can access top-tier talent without the overhead costs and long-term commitments associated with full-time hires.

The team of fractional CMOs that we partner with offers a flexible and scalable solution that adapts to evolving business needs. Whether it’s launching a new product, entering a new market, or navigating a crisis, organizations can leverage fCMOs to augment their leadership team on-demand, without the constraints of traditional hiring cycles.

Executive leadership burnout is a pressing issue that demands an innovative solution. Fractional CMOs offer a compelling remedy, providing organizations with access to top-tier talent, targeted expertise, and flexible support when they need it most. Learn more about fractional CMO services with &Marketing and contact us today to discuss what adding a fCMO could do to help your business grow without burning your C-suite out.

About &Marketing:

&Marketing provides the robust outsourced marketing department growing companies need without the high overhead costs of big agencies or full-time employees. Our variable model empowers businesses to reach their growth goals through access to the guidance and expertise of senior level strategists and a flexible execution team.