What is a fractional CMO? When do you need one on your leadership team?
Bringing an outside perspective into your business can have a huge impact in effectively analyzing the challenges of your brand so you can figure out how to overcome them.
A specific outside perspective you can introduce is that of a Fractional CMO. Typically, the role of a Fractional CMO is to lead a company’s marketing strategy and investment so they can grow efficiently and with impact. Because they are quick hires that deliver value immediately, their skills are founded on speed, experience, and reducing risk.
But when is the best time to commit to bringing a Fractional CMO on board? At what point is your business ready to take the plunge? The following points should help you decide.
Your startup is on the brink of change
If your business is about to undergo change, internally or externally, it’s an ideal point to introduce a Fractional CMO. This might be down to talk of a rebrand or repositioning within the market, a change in your marketing team, or the upcoming launch of a new product or service. Whatever it is, a Fractional CMO can identify gaps and challenges in your new vision, and work with you to overcome them.
You’re on a tight budget and a tight deadline
As mentioned above, Fractional CMOs offer value, fast. If you have specific aims in mind but are feeling either unsure how you’re doing to deliver in a specified timeframe or don’t have the budget to hire a CMO full-time, a Fractional CMO is the solution. Not only do they reduce your risk long-term by refining or redefining your marketing strategy, but are much more cost-effective than a full-time hire.
Your marketing strategies are falling short
Every successful business is underpinned by strategy, but sometimes the best-designed strategies fall short of what you’re expecting. If this is the case, it’s probably time to bring a Fractional CMO on board. They will be able to bring their range of experiences to your business to analyze what’s going wrong and where the pitfalls lie.
You want leadership without long-term commitment
It’s not uncommon for a start-up to lack effective marketing leadership. The company might have a fantastic CEO but marketing is another beast. With a Fractional CMO you can bring that expertise and leadership within your team without the long-term cost of commitment. While the Fractional CMO is there, they can mentor those in the marketing department and set up a vision that the team can follow into the future.
5&Vine’s Fractional CMO Services
At 5&Vine, we champion the underdog. We are a Fractional CMO and startup marketing agency for Challenger Brands that don’t just want to succeed, but better people and the planet in the process.
Our marketing planning process includes articulating your go-to-market, reframing your brand’s narrative and producing tailor-made strategies that promote growth and customer acquisition. If you want to know more, we strongly recommend checking out our recent case studies here. Alternatively, if you’re ready to elevate your brand to the next level, you can get in touch with us here.
For more on making the decision to work with a Fractional CMO, check out our articles 8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing A Fractional CMO and 5 Reasons You Should Consider Hiring A Fractional CMO.
