What is a fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing leader who works with your company part time. They set the marketing plan and budget, lead your team and agencies, and answer for the results.

How is a fractional CMO different from a marketing agency?

An agency carries out campaigns. A fractional CMO sits on your side: they decide what the agency should do, check its work and tie spending to sales.

Can a fractional CMO manage Google and Meta ad campaigns?

They set the targets, budget and structure, and review performance every week. Day-to-day campaign work is usually done by your team or agency under their direction.

When does a company need a full-time CMO instead?

When marketing is large enough to need daily senior leadership: several teams, a large budget and many launches a year. Many companies start part time and hire full time later.

Marketing & Brand Strategy

Fractional CMO for Indian companies

For companies that spend on marketing but have no senior person deciding where the money goes. Also called a part-time marketing head or virtual CMO.

Hire a fractional CMOPart time, 15–20 hours a week. 2–3 profiles within 24 hours.

What a fractional CMO does

In a typical month:

Sets marketing priorities and budget with the founder or CEO
Leads the marketing team and manages agencies
Reviews campaign results against sales, not clicks
Plans launches, campaigns and content
Reports on leads, cost and return to leadership

Signs you need one

Ad spend is rising, but you can't link it to sales
Agencies and junior marketers work without clear direction
A launch, rebrand or new market is coming up
The founder still approves every campaign

What companies ask us for

“We spend on Google and Meta ads and can't tell what works.”

Audit the accounts, fix tracking and move budget to what brings customers.

“Our agency reports clicks, not sales.”

Set the targets, review the agency's work and hold it to results.

“We are launching a product and need a campaign plan.”

Plan the message, channels, budget and launch calendar.

“Customers don't see how we differ from competitors.”

Define your positioning and the proof behind it, then apply it everywhere.

All Marketing & Brand Strategy work

Common questions

What is a fractional CMO?: A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing leader who works with your company part time. They set the marketing plan and budget, lead your team and agencies, and answer for the results.
How is a fractional CMO different from a marketing agency?: An agency carries out campaigns. A fractional CMO sits on your side: they decide what the agency should do, check its work and tie spending to sales.
Can a fractional CMO manage Google and Meta ad campaigns?: They set the targets, budget and structure, and review performance every week. Day-to-day campaign work is usually done by your team or agency under their direction.
When does a company need a full-time CMO instead?: When marketing is large enough to need daily senior leadership: several teams, a large budget and many launches a year. Many companies start part time and hire full time later.

For fees, see the Rate Estimator.

Related case studies

Other fractional leaders

Need a fractional CMO?

Tell us about the business. We send 2–3 vetted profiles within 24 hours, and you meet the person before you commit.

Hire a fractional CMO