What Is A Fractional CMO?

The landscape for tech startups is often fraught with difficulties, but it’s also packed with incredible opportunities for growth and success. The key to finding these is often finding a marketing expert that understands your industry—perhaps even better than some of your existing team do.

However, for many tech startups, the cost of hiring a full-time executive is prohibitive. A fractional CMO is the answer for many post-series A- or B-funded tech companies.

Fractional CMO: What Does It Mean?

A fractional executive is one that you hire on a temporary basis. They spend a “fraction” of their time working with you, but during that time, they bring a wealth of experience that comes from helping other companies in your market.

Fractional chief marketing officers (CMOs) are marketing-focused executives who audit, review, and adjust your marketing strategy from the top down. They will absolutely have implemented marketing tricks you’ve never heard of with other clients, and know exactly what works with your target audience.

Benefits Of A Fractional CMO

Why do so many tech startups hire fractional marketing executives?

·     Budget management: A full-time CMO commands a salary plus benefits of up to £485K, experience dependent.

•          Objectivity: Existing marketing teams and individuals can “miss the wood for the trees”. Your fractional executive has no history with your company and no office politics or ingrained habits to worry about. They’ll assess exactly what’s working and what needs to change without bias.

•          Flexibility: Fractional CMOs can come on board and match a schedule that suits you. Many will combine onsite and off-site attention such as virtual meetings to maximize the support they can provide.

•          Experience: Working with multiple tech companies gives fractional CMOs insights that drive sustainable growth.

Fractional CMOs that specialize in startup marketing will understand best practices and help you implement them to the best effect.

Should Your Tech Startup Work With A Fractional CMO?

If you need an in-house marketing specialist who works full-time hours and is always available no matter what, a fractional CMO might not be the best choice for you. It’s important to realize that fractional executives get their superhero-level experience from working with dozens, even hundreds of companies in your industry. That means you’ll share them with other firms—but crucially, when they’re scheduled to work with you and your teams, you’ll have their undivided attention.

Read more here: Pros and Cons of a Fractional CMO

Conversely, if you’ve got a marketing team in place but need help exploring opportunities for growth or even creating a brand messaging framework with real impact, a fractional CMO is the ideal choice. Your marketing partner will work with you for as many months as it needs to train your staff on next steps, develop and implement industry-specific marketing campaigns, and even help you onboard the right people to take your startup to the next level.

Final Word

Getting started with a fractional CMO is easier than you might think. Book a 15-minute introductory call, tell us about your company, and let’s get started.

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