The difference between fractional and interim CMO - when to hire each and what you should expect from both.
A fractional CMO works part-time across multiple clients on an ongoing basis, typically 10-20 hours/week. An interim CMO is a full-time temporary hire filling a gap during a transition - typically covering a vacancy between CMO departures or acquisitions. Choose fractional when you need ongoing senior strategy at lower cost. Choose interim when you need a full-time presence during a specific transition period.
| Fractional CMO | Interim CMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 10-20 hours/week, part-time | Full-time, 40+ hours/week |
| Duration | Ongoing retainer, typically 6-18 months | Short-term coverage, typically 3-9 months |
| Cost | $8K-$15K/month retainer | $15K-$30K/month or day rate |
| Best For | Ongoing strategic leadership at a fraction of full-time cost | Filling a full-time CMO vacancy during transition |
| Client Exclusivity | Works with multiple clients | Dedicated to one company |
| Availability | Limited by part-time arrangement | Fully available like a full-time employee |
You need ongoing marketing leadership at a fraction of full-time cost, want an executive who's accountable for results, and are building toward a scalable marketing function over 6-18 months.
You have a specific, time-bound need with clear deliverables, and the engagement ends when the project is complete. Best for defined projects rather than ongoing strategic leadership.
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