Why a Fractional CMO Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Small Business
If you have a small business here in Colorado—especially around Summit County—you probably know how keeping up with all of the "marketing things" can feel like a rollercoaster. You have to think about high season versus low season, whether to do print or online ads, whether to make an email list or newsletter, and whether to use your energy marketing yourself online versus in person. And then, of course, there's wondering whether you should be doing ALL of the above, all while still unsure of whether any of it is actually working together.
As a marketer, I can tell you that I understand your pain, and there's nothing wrong with feeling confused about it all. Yes, it can get messy pretty quickly, especially if marketing is not your jam. That's where a fractional CMO can take some weight off your shoulders (and no, it's not as complicated or corporate as it sounds....I promise)!
So, what is a fractional CMO?
Imagine having a part-time marketing expert on your team. Someone who sees the big picture from the outside and helps you pull everything together into a solid strategy that makes sense for you and your business. Not just ideas but actual plans that move things forward without burning you out.
Of course, you still run the show—they just help make sure that your social, messaging, brand voice, and promotions all work together seamlessly versus pulling you in ten different directions trying to do it all on your own.
How is that different from a marketing VA or marketing consultant?
In a nutshell, a marketing VA helps you get the little (but significant) things done, such as uploading blog posts, sending emails, or scheduling your social media posts. A marketing consultant is there to give you advice or make a plan but isn't usually hands-on with executing those plans. A fractional CMO dives in with you. They lead the strategy and help get things moving. Think of them as that magical teammate, always thinking a few steps ahead and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
For a small business owner, having a fractional CMO on their side means:
Finally figuring out your brand voice and how to use it everywhere
No longer wasting time on social media platforms and marketing channels that don't bring you results
Having messaging that resonates with the right people
Marketing that feels smooth and consistent versus chaotic
Having someone to help you lead and grow instead of relying on Google or AI to guide you through everything
Marketing your business with clear intention and direction
One of the biggest challenges for small business owners is finding time for everything. Marketing often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list because there's always something more urgent, whether it's customer service, inventory, or payroll.
But with a fractional CMO on board, you can prioritize your marketing activities so you don't feel like you're constantly running behind while still having time to work on the things that matter most, whether it's connecting with clients, developing new products, or simply sleeping in a bit more!
Why does this work for small businesses in our community?
In mountain communities like ours, it isn't uncommon for small business owners to feel like chickens running around with their heads cut off. Between running our businesses, shoveling snow during the colder months, and still trying to save some time for doing fun things like hiking and skiing, we don't always have time to sit down and plan out a perfect marketing plan—and we certainly don't have time for trial-and-error strategies that go nowhere.
Running a small business here isn't just about selling our products or services but also about building connections in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. We're all out here juggling the ups and downs of the tourist seasons, dealing with unpredictable weather, and managing local events that require attention and marketing. These challenges don't happen everywhere, and having some cookie-cutter strategy that may work in a larger city definitely won't cut it in ours.
However, a fractional CMO can provide a flexible, customized approach that speaks directly to the needs of the audience you serve in our community...without having to blow your budget building a full-blown marketing department.
How do I know if I'm ready for a fractional CMO?
You might be ready to start the conversation about getting this type of support if:
You're feeling stretched thin trying to keep up with marketing and all of its changes
You want your brand to feel polished, clear, and consistent
You're tired of spinning your wheels trying to figure out marketing and want a better plan
You've outgrown the DIY stage but don't know what comes next
You'd love someone to help lead your marketing efforts—not just assist
Here's what it all boils down to: You don't have to figure everything out alone.
Being a small business owner isn't for the faint of heart. There are what feels like a million wheels turning and much to juggle at any given time. But if marketing feels like a puzzle with too many pieces, it's more than okay to bring in someone who can help you piece it all together—so you can feel more confident and in control of your business's growth.
If this sounds like something that could help your small business, and you want to learn more, contact me, and let's chat about the different ways you can simplify your marketing and get back some of your well-deserved time!
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