Fractional CMO
FAQ

About Working with a Fractional CMO in Sussex

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What does a Fractional CMO do?

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A Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) offers senior-level marketing leadership on a part-time or flexible basis. They help businesses set strategy, select and manage agencies, and do the work to ensure every marketing pound delivers ROI, without the cost of a full-time CMO.

How is a Fractional CMO different from a Marketing Consultant?

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A consultant defines what to do. A Fractional CMO helps you do it, and makes it work. That means setting strategy, leading execution, managing performance, and building or mentoring your team along the way. This is the way I prefer to work.

Do you work with small businesses?

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Yes. I work with SMEs across Sussex, the South East, London, and beyond, providing scalable project-based or part-time leadership. Whether you need a one-off marketing reset or ongoing direction, I tailor support to your stage of growth.

What types of businesses benefit from a Fractional CMO?

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Fractional CMOs are ideal for growing businesses, typically with turnover between £2m and £50m, that need experienced marketing leadership but don’t yet need (or want) a full-time hire.

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I work with:

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• B2B and professional services firms

• Technology and SaaS companies

• Marketing and creative agencies

• Manufacturing, engineering, and industrial brands

• Retail and ecommerce businesses

When should a business hire a Fractional CMO?

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You might need one if:

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• Marketing feels busy but lacks direction

• Sales and marketing are misaligned

• You’re scaling or entering a new market

• You’ve outgrown your agency or need a reset

• You’re not sure what’s working (or why)

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A Fractional CMO can be a game-changer and help you focus, simplify, and regain momentum.

What kind of results can I expect?

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Results vary by project, but most clients see:

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• Clear strategy tied to commercial goals

• Improved marketing ROI

• Better collaboration between teams and agencies

• Sustainable systems that keep performance on track

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Every engagement starts with defined outcomes and measurable KPIs.

How does fractional marketing support work in practice?

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You get a senior marketing director, part-time. Typically, that means:

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• 1-2 days per week on-site or remote

• Regular strategy and review sessions

• Hands-on oversight of agencies, reporting, and spend

• Guidance for your team on priorities and performance

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It’s flexible, cost-effective, and designed to create structure and confidence in your marketing.

What services do you offer?

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I offer quick-win, one-off Strategic Marketing Accelerators:

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• Fresh Start - a strategic reset and marketing audit

• Smart Spend - a budget review and ROI improvement

• Traction Plan - a 6-12 month growth roadmap

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Plus ongoing marketing support and leadership as a Fractional CMO:

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• Fractional CMO - ongoing senior marketing leadership

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Each one can be tailored to your business needs and team structure.

How much does a Fractional CMO cost?

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My pricing depends on the level of support, the number of days per week or month, and the length of engagement. I offer three tiers of support:

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• Short-term strategic projects (2-3 months) - For businesses needing a fast reset around positioning, strategy, audits, campaign launch, or fixing misalignment.

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• Medium-term engagements (4-6 months) - Ideal for building momentum, improving agency performance, improving pipeline quality, launching a new product, or delivering a roadmap.

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• Long-term fractional CMO support (9+ months) - This model gives the best value and the strongest strategic impact with typically 1-4 days per week work covering everything required.

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Most businesses working with me on a fractional basis (around 2 days per week) invest between £6,000 and £9,000 per month.

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This is significantly more cost-effective than hiring a full-time Marketing Director (£95k-£150k fully-loaded cost), while still giving you senior marketing leadership embedded in your business.

Is hiring a Fractional CMO worth it?

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Yes - if you need clarity and direction more than headcount.

 

It’s a cost-effective way to gain senior expertise without the full-time overhead.

Can you work with our existing marketing agency or team?

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Absolutely. I often act as the link between leadership and delivery, helping agencies and in-house teams stay focused, aligned, and accountable.

The goal isn’t to replace your partners, but to make them work better together.

Do you only work in Sussex?

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I’m based in West Sussex, but work with clients across East Sussex, Surrey, London, the South East, and beyond.

 

Many clients prefer a local marketing consultant who understands the regional business landscape, but I also work remotely with national and international teams.

What industries do you specialise in?

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My background spans over 20 years across:

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• B2B marketing

• Agencies and consultancies

• Professional and business services

• Technology / SaaS

• Manufacturing and industrial

• Retail and ecommerce

How quickly can you start?

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I can usually start new engagements within 2-4 weeks, depending on project size, length of commitment, and existing client work.

 

Short audits or resets can begin faster; ongoing fractional roles often start with a discovery call and proposal.

Is there a minimum commitment?

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For Strategic Marketing Accelerators - no.

 

For Fractional CMO services or interim marketing leadership, a 3-month initial minimum term is recommended to establish rhythm and deliver meaningful results.

How do we get started?

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It starts with a conversation. You can book a free consultation to discuss:

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• What’s working (and what’s not)

• Where your marketing could improve

• How fractional or project-based support could help

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👉 Email huw@tight-lines.co.uk