WTH does a fractional CMO do???

To be clear—fractional CMOs aren’t a pre-packaged solution — they’re strategic partners who can also roll up their sleeves and get your business rolling. 

Common myths and misperceptions:

1. They show up with a cookie-cutter strategy

Reality: A fractional CMO works with your team to craft a strategy unique to your goals, growth stage, and resources.

2.They focus only on high-level work 

Reality: Fractional CMOs get their hands dirty. From brand messaging audits to marketing ops to agency evaluations — they’re often in the trenches.

3. They’re just glorified consultants

Reality: Consultants advise. Fractional CMOs lead — initiatives, teams, priorities, and execution.

4. They replace your internal team or leader

Reality: They empower your internal team, including working with leaders to help then become stars. 

5. They only work with big budgets

Reality: Smart CMOs get the most out of lean budgets, too, by prioritizing what moves the needle and cut what clogs the system and wastes $$$.

6. They focus only on growth/performance marketing

Reality: A fractional CMO has to look beyond customer acquisition to ensure the CX, content, messaging, retention—all of it works together.

7. They don’t know or focus on your technology

Reality: From AI to CRM to analytics stacks, tech is often central to unlocking growth — and a good fractional CMO helps introduce solutions.

8. They don’t lead project execution

Reality: CMOs have the experience and know-how to lead major projects such as site redesigns or campaign launches, and know how to make the tough decisions.

9. Misconception: They work in isolation

Reality: The best ones are connectors — aligning founders, sales, product, agencies, and internal teams toward common goals.

10. You’ll be lucky to see the impact any time soon

Reality: Quick wins matter. A great fractional CMO identifies what’s stuck and starts unsticking it immediately all while building long-term momentum.