A fractional CMO is a senior marketing leader who owns strategy, direction, and performance—without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.
UPBEAT’s fractional CMO services go beyond advice.
We lead your marketing as a system, align channels and teams, and ensure execution actually supports business growth.
A fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) provides senior-level marketing leadership on a part-time or contract basis. Instead of hiring a full-time executive, businesses bring in a fractional or outsourced CMO to own strategy, guide execution, and ensure marketing efforts are aligned with real business goals.
Fractional CMOs are most often hired by companies that:
Unlike consultants who advise from the sidelines, a true fractional CMO is embedded in your business and accountable for outcomes.
A fractional CMO owns the why, what, and how behind your marketing—then makes sure it actually gets done.
The goal is clarity, consistency, and momentum… not more activity.
Not all marketing leadership models solve the same problem.
A fractional CMO bridges the gap by providing leadership and direction while coordinating execution across internal teams and external partners.
These roles are often confused, but they’re not interchangeable.
A fractional marketing director typically focuses on managing execution and coordinating day-to-day marketing activities.
A fractional CMO owns the bigger picture: strategy, positioning, priorities, budgets, and performance. The CMO decides what should be done and why, not just how to do it.
If your challenge is direction, focus, or growth strategy, a fractional CMO is the right level of leadership.
Curious if our Fractional CMO Services are the right fit for your business? Schedule a free strategy call with UPBEAT Growth today. You’ll walk away with a clearer growth strategy – and no obligations.
Fractional CMO costs vary based on scope, involvement, and business stage. With that being said, most fractional CMO engagements fall within the range of $3,000–$12,000 per month, depending on:
Some businesses request hourly support, while others prefer a monthly retainer model that ensures consistent leadership and momentum.
UPBEAT’s outsourced CMO services are built for growing businesses that want marketing to work as a system, not a collection of disconnected efforts.
Our approach includes:
We don’t just advise. We help you build a marketing engine that’s easier to manage, easier to measure, and designed to scale with your business.
Fractional CMO work is most effective when leadership is ready to treat marketing as a an interconnected growth function for the business, not an experiment.
If you’re looking for an outsourced chief marketing officer who brings clarity, structure, and momentum to your marketing, UPBEAT can help. Our fractional CMO services are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow with intention.
Let’s talk about what your business actually needs next.
A fractional CMO is a senior marketing leader who works with your business on a part-time or contract basis. Instead of hiring a full-time chief marketing officer, you get executive-level strategy, leadership, and accountability scaled to your needs.
This model is common for growing businesses that need direction and ownership without the cost or long-term commitment of a full-time hire.
In practice, there’s no meaningful difference.
“Fractional CMO,” “outsourced CMO,” and “CMO as a service” all describe the same engagement: experienced marketing leadership delivered without a full-time executive hire.
At UPBEAT, we don't focus on the title. We laser-focus on ownership, strategy, and execution alignment.
A marketing agency typically executes specific tactics, such as ads, content, SEO, or design.
A fractional CMO owns the entire marketing strategy, decides what should be done (and in what order), and ensures all execution supports business goals. Agencies and vendors may still be involved, but the fractional CMO provides leadership, prioritization, and accountability.
Fractional CMO costs typically range from $3,000 to $12,000 per month, depending on scope, involvement, and complexity.
Pricing is influenced by:
Strategic vs hands-on leadership
Number of channels and initiatives
Team and vendor oversight
Reporting and planning requirements
UPBEAT structures engagements around outcomes and scope, not arbitrary hours.
Some fractional CMOs offer hourly support, but most engagements are structured as monthly retainers.
Monthly retainers provide consistent leadership, clearer accountability, and better results over time. Hourly models are typically best for short-term advisory or audits, not ongoing growth leadership.
A fractional CMO is most valuable when:
Marketing feels scattered or reactive
Multiple channels or vendors lack coordination
Leadership wants clearer ROI and direction
The business has outgrown DIY marketing
If your challenge is clarity, focus, and execution alignment—not just more output—a fractional CMO is often the right next step.
Yes, a fractional CMO can be a perfect solution for small businesses in a growth phase.
Fractional CMOs are commonly hired by founder-led and mid-sized companies that need senior leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. The model allows marketing leadership to scale alongside the business.
Not sure if a fractional CMO is the right move for your business? Schedule a strategy call with UPBEAT and we’ll help you assess your current marketing and identify the most effective path forward.