You’ve heard the term “fractional CMO” or “fractional marketing support” thrown around, but what does it actually mean?

And more importantly, is it right for your business?

In this post, we’ll break down what fractional marketing is, how it works, and why it’s become such a valuable option for companies that need expert marketing guidance without the full-time cost.

So, What Is Fractional Marketing?

Think of fractional marketing like bringing on a part-time executive or marketing partner. Instead of hiring a full-time employee, you “fractionally” engage an experienced marketing professional—someone who can step into your business, assess what’s working (and what’s not), and create a smart, scalable strategy that moves you forward.

It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to get senior-level marketing leadership only when you need it.

How Does Fractional Marketing Work?

Fractional marketing can be structured in a few different ways, depending on your business goals, internal resources, and timeline.

The most common approach is hourly or contract-based support. This model works well for companies that need ongoing guidance—a strategic partner who can lead campaigns, mentor team members, or fill in gaps on a regular basis without the commitment of a full-time hire. It’s flexible and consistent, giving you access to high-level marketing expertise that scales with your needs.

Another option is project-based engagement. This is ideal for companies that need help with a specific initiative, such as a rebrand, marketing audit, website content overhaul, or campaign launch. These projects are usually flat-rate, with clear deliverables and timelines. You get focused, high-impact work without long-term obligations.

At Wildwood Creative, I offer both options so you can choose the structure that fits your pace, budget, and bandwidth.

Who Is It For?

Fractional marketing is ideal for companies that:

• Don’t have a full-time marketing lead but need strategic direction
• Have internal marketing staff but need high-level oversight or mentorship
• Are in a growth phase and need to scale their marketing quickly
• Want to organize scattered efforts into a cohesive plan
• Are launching a new service, product, or brand refresh

Why It Works (And Works Well)

Here’s why more and more businesses are choosing fractional marketing support:

• Cost-Effective: You get executive-level strategy without paying a full-time salary or benefits package.
• Expertise on Demand: Access to 17+ years of experience across strategy, branding, content, and analytics—no onboarding required.
• Fresh Perspective: An outside consultant can often spot opportunities, gaps, or inefficiencies your internal team may miss.
• Flexible and Scalable: Need 10 hours one month and 25 the next? No problem. Need to pause and pick back up? That’s built in.
• Results-Focused: Because fractional marketers are brought in to solve problems—not fill a desk—we stay focused on outcomes that matter.

What It’s Like to Work With Wildwood Creative

When we work together, I’ll help you identify what’s working, clarify your message, and build a marketing approach that aligns with your business goals. Whether you’re a corporate team that needs strategic support or a founder wearing too many hats, I offer the structure, experience, and creativity to help your marketing actually work.

Ready to Talk?

I offer a free 30-minute intro call for new clients. We’ll talk about your goals, your marketing challenges, and what kind of support might make the most impact. No pressure—just a casual conversation to explore what’s possible.