Do You Really Need a Full-Time Marketing Leader? Maybe not.

Written By Jen Fletcher

Running a business means wearing way too many hats. You’re keeping customers happy, managing operations, trying to grow — and then there’s marketing. You know it matters, but building an in-house team or hiring a full-time CMO just isn’t in the cards right now. The good news? You don’t need one.

That’s where a part-time or on-demand marketing leader comes in (you’ll also hear it called a fractional CMO). It’s the experience and strategy of a senior-level marketer — without the price tag of another executive's salary.

What Does “Fractional” Even Mean?

You’ve probably seen the word fractional floating around — fractional CFO, fractional HR, and now fractional marketing. It simply means you get a “fraction” of someone’s time and expertise instead of hiring them full-time.

Here’s the easiest way to think about it: It's a lot like consulting or contracting, but with more leadership built in. Instead of just giving advice or doing a one-off project, a fractional leader steps in to guide the big picture:

  • Setting a strategy.

  • Connecting marketing to business goals.

  • Making sure the work gets done — and done right.

A full-time Chief Marketing Officer could easily cost $150,000+ a year in salary and benefits. A fractional CMO (or part-time marketing lead) gives you that level of expertise, scaled to your needs and budget.

You don’t always need the whole pie. Sometimes a slice is the right amount.

What Does This Look Like?

This isn’t about buzzwords or fancy titles. It’s about having someone on your side who can:

  • Cut through the noise and make a clear plan.

  • Keep your message consistent.

  • Help your team focus on the right things, not just more things.

  • Make sure your marketing spend actually moves the needle.

When is the Right Time?

This might sound familiar if:

  • Growth has stalled and you’re not sure what’s next.

  • Marketing is “someone’s side job” and it shows.

  • You’re spending money but you don't know what is working.

  • You’re craving clarity, not another to-do list.

Why it works

Working this way isn’t just about saving money. It’s about buying experiences without overhead. You get tested strategies and proven processes — scaled to where your business is right now.

Bottom line:

You don’t need a big marketing department to have big ideas. What you need is a clear strategy, consistent messaging, and someone who knows how to pull it all together while you run your business.

That’s what I do at Project Elevenne: brand clarity, marketing leadership, and actionable strategies to help you grow — without the weight of a full-time hire.

Want to talk through whether this makes sense for your business? Let’s start the conversation today.


Jen Fletcher