A fractional CMO is a senior marketing leader who works with your company part-time or on a contract basis. They provide strategic leadership, oversee marketing plans and teams, and drive growth without the cost of a full-time executive hire.
A fractional CMO typically:
Develops and leads your marketing strategy
Oversees campaign planning and execution
Aligns marketing with business goals and sales efforts
Manages internal teams or external agencies
Provides performance tracking, reporting, and optimisation
Mentors junior marketers or fills a leadership gap
Businesses hire fractional CMOs when they:
Need senior-level marketing leadership
Are growing quickly but lack strategic direction
Want to scale without hiring a full-time CMO
Need help managing marketing teams or agencies
Are preparing for investment, product launches, or expansion
Cost-effective access to senior expertise
✅ Flexible, scalable support based on your needs
✅ Fresh external perspective and strategic focus
✅ Improved ROI through smarter planning and execution
✅ Leadership without long-term overhead
A marketing consultant typically offers advice or project-based work. A fractional CMO goes further—they take ownership, lead your strategy, embed within your team, and are accountable for results.
Pricing varies based on scope and hours required. Most fractional CMOs charge a monthly retainer or day rate, often in the range of £1,500 to £6,000+ per month, depending on engagement level. It’s significantly more cost-effective than a full-time CMO salary.
Yes—collaboration is key. A fractional CMO often bridges the gap between founders and marketing teams, bringing leadership, clarity, and cohesion to internal teams or external suppliers.
Absolutely. Fractional CMOs are especially valuable in sectors such as tech, professional services, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, property, and B2B—but the model works across most industries that value growth through strategic marketing.
Yes. One of the core goals of a fractional CMO is to improve lead generation, customer acquisition, and brand positioning by aligning your marketing with clear business outcomes.
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it may be time:
You’re spending on marketing, but not seeing results
There’s no clear strategy or leadership
You need better alignment between marketing and sales
You want accountability and long-term growth planning If that sounds familiar, a fractional CMO could be the answer.
Ready to Find Out If This is Right for You
If you're unsure whether fractional marketing leadership is the right move for your business, let’s talk.
There’s no pressure—just a focused conversation about where your marketing is now, and where it could be with the right leadership in place.
