Deciding between a marketing consultant and a fractional CMO for your business

Fractional CMO

A Fractional CMO is an affordable solution to employing a full-time Chief Marketing Officer as they may instead work part-time to provide strategic input. They are your partners in business and they will help your team to set the right strategies, implement marketing plans and foster growth within your team’s budget. Fractional CMOs can have years of experience in high-level positions which may be very valuable for a company that requires the expertise but does not need a full-time employee. 

Marketing consultant

Marketing consultants are usually hired on a short-term basis or to solve particular marketing problems. Some of them provide consultations and can assist companies with specific tasks, for instance, with creating a marketing campaign or working on the brand or customer acquisition. Nevertheless, they are usually involved in only as much as the project they are handling and may not necessarily have the best interest of the business at heart. 

Fractional CMO vs. Marketing consultant

The key distinction between a Fractional CMO and a Marketing consultant is the former’s focus and the level of engagement. Fractional CMOs become part of your management team whereby they manage your marketing on a full-time basis while Marketing consultants work with you on a project basis. Fractional CMOs take into consideration the big picture regarding your brand and future objectives, while consultants are more problem-solving-oriented. 

When to hire a fractional CMO for your business

If you’re considering a new product, a new market, or even a complete overhaul of your digital marketing, a Fractional CMO acts as your marketing director and will oversee all aspects of marketing, from the strategy to the implementation to secure sustainable growth.

When to hire a marketing consultant for your business

Marketing consultants may be useful for companies that have short-term marketing requirements. If you have targets in certain areas of the company such as social media, SEO, or a new product, a consultant will be of great help. However, after the completion of the project, they are no more involved in the management and hence provide you with no strategic support. 

This is where a Fractional CMO has the edge since they can monitor and adapt the marketing strategy even as the business goals change. 

Budget considerations

However, since Marketing consultants work on a project basis it may seem like they are cheaper than a Fractional CMO but that is far from the truth in the long run. It is almost impossible for many companies to afford the services of a full-time CMO, but that is where the Fractional CMO comes in. 

In addition, having a Fractional CMO involved in your business on a regular basis means that you get to refine your marketing strategies and spending to ensure that you get the most out of your marketing strategy. 

Long-term marketing strategy

Marketing consultants are usually short term and this means that they are only concerned with the specific project. However, they can help to accomplish the desired goals in the short run but they do not offer any strategies for the future. 

On the other hand, a Fractional CMO looks at the big picture, creating a marketing plan that scales with your business. It involves brand management, lead generation, and customer retention, thus making sure that all elements of the marketing are aligned towards the achievement of the long-term goals. 

Finding the perfect match

If your business requires the services of a highly experienced marketing professional on a full-time basis, has significant marketing requirements, and wants an ongoing marketing partnership, then Fractional CMOs are the best solution. It’s not just to solve the current marketing issues but also to build your brand for future growth. 

Although a Marketing Consultant is beneficial for particular problems, it is a Fractional CMO who provides more comprehensive and effective solutions for companies that want to grow.

Conclusion

Overall, any steps you take to help expand your business through marketing avenues are surely a good one. It shows dedication, ambition, and an investment in yourself and your business goals. Hopefully, this guide makes it slightly easier for you to choose the best option to fulfill your needs between a Fractional CMO or a marketing consultant.