How to Hire a Fractional CMO: A Guide for Businesses

Hiring a fractional CMO is an effective way to fill the gap when you need an experienced marketing leader. Learn what you need to consider before hiring one.

How to Hire a Fractional CMO: A Guide for Businesses

Hiring a fractional CMO is a great way to allocate your budget and fill the gap when a marketing leader suddenly leaves your company. A fractional CMO can provide structure, strategy, and leadership to your marketing team, and help you improve the customer experience and the buyer journey. Generally, a fractional CMO works 10 hours a week or 40 hours a month, and reports directly to the CEO. They are compensated depending on the amount of time required for hiring, and can help you find the right long-term CMO.

Having worked with many different clients in different industries, a fractional CMO has a wide range of experiences that can help you solve problems, recognize problem areas, or discover ideas and trends. As part of their leadership, they hold the team accountable through key performance indicators (KPIs). Becoming a fractional CMO can be as simple as “saving money and seeking part-time marketing contracts at the executive level.” The fractional CMO model has gained a lot of popularity in recent years; however, it's not for everyone. You need a fractional CMO if you need a rudder for your marketing efforts, someone who comes prepared with ideas, strategies, plans and tools that will help you focus and execute your marketing objectives with excellence.

If you do your job well, the fractional CMO will separate from your organization nine to 12 months after its creation, and may advise on a quarterly basis, as needed. Hiring a fractional CMO is an effective way to fill the gap when you need an experienced marketing leader. They can help assess what your company needs and assist in the process of hiring that permanent full-time marketing leader. A consultant will be happy to schedule a call with your team, but a fractional CMO is ready to dive deeper into the daily operations of your marketing department. If you're considering hiring a fractional CMO for your business, there are several things to consider. First, make sure that they have the experience and skills necessary to help you reach your goals.

Second, make sure that they understand your company's objectives and have the ability to work with the CEO at an executive level. Finally, make sure that they are able to provide structure, strategy, and leadership to your marketing team.

Mike Volkin
Mike Volkin

Fractional CMO, author, speaker, and serial entrepreneur