A fractional CMO is an experienced chief marketing officer who leads your marketing part-time, as a member of your executive team, rather than as a full-time employee. They run marketing day-to-day for a fixed period, giving start-ups and scale-ups senior leadership without the cost or commitment of a permanent hire.

A permanent CMO is a full-time salaried executive. A fractional CMO does the same strategic and leadership work part-time, for a fixed term, at a fraction of the cost. It suits businesses that need senior marketing direction now but cannot justify, or do not yet need, a full-time appointment.

Three months is the recommended minimum, long enough to run a proper diagnosis and research phase before moving into strategy. Full execution across the marketing mix usually runs over a twelve-month cycle, reviewed against short-term and long-term goals before the next year's plan is agreed.

Fractional CMO fees depend on the number of days per month and the length of the engagement, but always cost far less than a full-time CMO salary plus benefits. Marketing Means More agrees a fixed monthly fee, based on a day-rate, for an agreed commitment, so the investment is predictable.

Consider a fractional CMO when you need senior marketing leadership but cannot justify a full-time hire. It suits a start-up finding its market, a scale-up that lacks strategic focus, or a team that needs experienced direction and coaching. It also works well as interim cover between permanent CMOs.