What is a Fractional CMO and What Do They Do?

Sean Hakes 0
What is a fractional CMO and what do they do?

In today’s fast-paced business world, companies of all sizes are looking for innovative ways to scale their marketing efforts without the overhead of a full-time executive. This is where a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) comes in. A Fractional CMO provides the leadership and expertise of a CMO on a part-time or project basis, offering businesses high-level marketing strategies without the need for a full-time hire. But what exactly does a Fractional CMO do, and how can they help your business thrive?


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What is a Fractional CMO?

A Fractional CMO is a seasoned marketing executive who works with companies on a part-time basis. Instead of hiring a full-time CMO, which can be costly and often unnecessary for small to medium-sized businesses, a company can hire a Fractional CMO to step in and manage their marketing operations for a fraction of the time and cost.

Fractional CMOs are particularly useful for businesses that are scaling, going through a transformation, or in need of marketing leadership but are not yet ready for a full-time CMO role. They provide expert marketing leadership, helping businesses refine their strategies, optimize their marketing spend, and make sure every dollar works toward achieving business goals.


Call or Text Me to Discuss Your Marketing Needs at 303-731-6588 or Email [email protected].


Key Responsibilities of a Fractional CMO

A Fractional CMO can take on a variety of responsibilities, depending on the needs of the business. These roles typically mirror those of a full-time CMO, but on a more flexible, scalable basis. Here are some of the primary duties a Fractional CMO might perform:

1. Developing and Executing Marketing Strategies

One of the most crucial roles of a Fractional CMO is developing and overseeing a comprehensive marketing strategy. This includes creating buyer personas, understanding market trends, and ensuring that all marketing efforts align with the business’s goals.

2. Streamlining Marketing Spend

A key benefit of hiring a Fractional CMO is their ability to optimize marketing budgets. By auditing your current efforts, they identify wasteful spend and reallocate funds to channels that provide the highest return on investment (ROI).

3. Brand Positioning and Messaging

A Fractional CMO ensures that your company’s brand is consistent across all platforms. They work on refining your messaging to ensure it resonates with your target audience, helping your business stand out in a crowded market.

4. Managing Teams and Vendors

Whether your business has an internal marketing team or works with external vendors, a Fractional CMO manages these relationships to ensure that everyone is aligned on the overall strategy. This keeps the marketing efforts cohesive and effective.

5. Data-Driven Marketing and Analytics

A Fractional CMO uses data to inform every decision. This includes tracking campaign performance, understanding customer behavior, and using analytics to optimize strategies. The focus is always on improving ROI and ensuring that marketing efforts are aligned with business goals.

6. Executing Creative and Gorilla Marketing Campaigns

What sets the best Fractional CMOs apart is their ability to think creatively and implement unconventional marketing strategies when needed. Sean Hakes, for example, is known for his innovative and outside-the-box solutions, using guerrilla marketing tactics to amplify brand visibility without the need for massive budgets.

Fractional CMO DutiesDetails
Marketing StrategyDevelops and oversees a comprehensive marketing plan, aligned with business goals.
Budget OptimizationAudits marketing spend, eliminates waste, reallocates to high ROI channels.
Team ManagementLeads internal/external teams, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy.
Brand PositioningRefines messaging, ensures consistency across platforms.
Data-Driven DecisionsUses analytics to inform strategies and improve results.
Creative CampaignsImplements innovative marketing strategies, including guerrilla marketing.

Let’s Talk! Schedule a Free Consultation by Calling or Texting 303-731-6588 or Email [email protected].


Why Hire a Fractional CMO?

There are several key reasons why businesses might choose to hire a Fractional CMO:

1. Cost-Effective Expertise

Hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. A Fractional CMO provides access to executive-level marketing leadership without the full-time salary. This allows businesses to benefit from expert advice and guidance without committing to the overhead of a full-time hire.

2. Flexibility

One of the primary benefits of hiring a Fractional CMO is the flexibility it offers. Businesses can scale the role based on their needs, whether they require assistance with a specific project or ongoing marketing leadership on a part-time basis.

3. Hands-On Experience

When you hire a Fractional CMO like Sean Hakes, you get someone with decades of hands-on experience. Sean has not only built and sold multiple successful digital marketing agencies but has also worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Amazon, LendingTree, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. His ability to adapt to different industries and implement successful marketing strategies is what makes him a top choice for businesses looking for a Fractional CMO.


Interested in learning more? Call or Text 303-731-6588 for a Free Consultation Today!


Why Sean Hakes is the Best Fractional CMO for Your Business

Choosing the right Fractional CMO can make all the difference in your marketing success. Sean Hakes stands out in the field for several reasons:

1. Creative, Outside-the-Box Thinking

Sean has built a reputation for thinking creatively when it comes to marketing strategies. Whether through guerrilla marketing or innovative digital campaigns, he has a proven ability to develop strategies that cut through the noise and resonate with the target audience.

2. Proven Track Record

Sean’s decades of experience in leading digital marketing agencies mean he has a deep understanding of what it takes to make a marketing strategy succeed. His ability to streamline marketing spend and deliver tangible results sets him apart from the competition.

3. Hands-On Approach

Unlike some Fractional CMOs who act more as consultants, Sean takes a direct, hands-on approach to managing marketing efforts. He works closely with your team, ensuring that strategies are executed flawlessly and that all marketing efforts are aligned with business goals.

Sean’s focus on data-driven decisions ensures that your marketing dollars are spent effectively and that your business is positioned for growth.


Let’s Chat About How I Can Help Your Business! Schedule a Free Consultation Today by Calling or Texting 303-731-6588.


FAQs About Fractional CMOs

1. What types of businesses benefit from hiring a Fractional CMO?

Fractional CMOs are ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need executive-level marketing leadership but do not yet have the resources to hire a full-time CMO. They are also beneficial for companies undergoing growth, transformation, or needing to refine their marketing strategies.

2. How is a Fractional CMO different from a full-time CMO?

The main difference is in the commitment. A full-time CMO is a permanent, in-house role, while a Fractional CMO works on a part-time or project basis, offering flexibility and reduced overhead.

3. How do I know if I need a Fractional CMO?

If your business is struggling to align its marketing efforts with business goals, or if you need expert leadership without the cost of a full-time hire, a Fractional CMO could be the right solution for you.

4. What can I expect from working with a Fractional CMO like Sean Hakes?

You can expect a hands-on, personalized approach to your marketing strategy. Sean works closely with your team, ensuring that every marketing dollar is spent wisely, and that your brand messaging resonates with your target audience.

5. How do I get started with hiring a Fractional CMO?

It’s simple! Call or Text 303-731-6588 for a free consultation to see if a Fractional CMO is the right fit for your business.


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