Hiring a virtual CMO allows you to expand your search for the perfect candidate beyond your direct area and transform your business’s marketing team without the commitment of a full-time executive.
In today’s competitive marketing world, virtual CMO services are becoming increasingly imperative for substantial business growth. If you are looking for additional marketing leadership that does not need to be in the office, a VCMO can be a great solution. VCMOs can seamlessly integrate themselves into your existing team on a flexible basis.
Find a vetted, experienced virtual fractional CMO when you partner with Authentic®.
What Is A Virtual Chief Marketing Officer (VCMO)?
A Virtual Chief Marketing Officer (VCMO) is a CMO who works remotely and on a fractional, part-time basis. CMOs are senior-level marketing executives who have experience leading marketing teams and delivering results. A virtual CMO is a type of fractional CMO that can be outsourced or hired for a specific strategic initiative.
There are different types of fractional CMOs that can be hired to work virtually. Some fractional VCMOs are independent freelancers, some work for marketing agencies, and others are employed by organized fractional CMO companies like Authentic. VCMOs are commonly hired by small to mid-sized businesses looking to grow, since virtual CMOs can provide strategic marketing oversight without the need for a full-time executive.
What Does A Virtual CMO Do?
Virtual CMOs do the same work as in-person fractional CMOs, except they do it all remotely – with the possibility of occasional travel for on-site collaboration or strategic planning. The key responsibilities of a VCMO include:
- Overseeing all marketing initiatives and operations
- Developing and executing marketing strategies
- Managing marketing campaigns
- Leading and coaching marketing team members
- Aligning marketing efforts with business goals
- Building relationships with stakeholders in and outside of the organization
Consistent communication is vital for effectively utilizing a VCMO. As a remote worker, a VCMO communicates with the entire marketing team and other executives through various technology tools, such as video calls and email. They must delegate work, guide the marketing team, and share results with stakeholders, all virtually.
Benefits Of Hiring A Virtual Fractional CMO
A traditional in-person CMO must reside close enough to the office to travel there regularly. This severely limits the pool of potential candidates, unless you are willing to spend more money to cover travel and/or moving costs for your new CMO. Virtual fractional CMOs can provide businesses with access to experienced marketing leadership in a cost-effective way.
When you choose the right VCMO, you will get invaluable marketing expertise and support. A VCMO is beneficial because they can bring a fresh perspective and concrete skills to help you implement top-tier marketing strategies and grow your business. Below, we explore the advantages of virtual CMO services in more detail.
Cost-Effective Leadership
A fractional CMO is a cost-effective way to access executive expertise at the right price for your business needs. They are usually paid hourly or on retainer at rates between $200-$375 per hour. The flexible, project-based cost structure of a VCMO allows small businesses to access CMO services that they might otherwise not be able to afford.
Senior-Level Marketing Expertise
Having access to senior-level marketing expertise through a VCMO ensures a business gets top-tier strategic insights. This can be invaluable in driving growth and positioning the company competitively within their industry. A real CMO will have multiple examples of their success with other businesses including information on what KPIs they tracked and how. Look for someone who has experience in your industry for maximum impact.
The value of a virtual fractional CMO is that they can provide quick impact at a low risk.
Flexible And Scalable Marketing Support
The flexible and scalable support that a VCMO provides allows businesses to adjust the level of marketing assistance they need based on current priorities and budgets. This flexibility benefits companies in fluctuating market conditions or during periods of rapid growth.
Focused Strategic Planning For Growth
A VCMO focuses on strategic planning to drive growth. They can analyze the company’s market position and create a roadmap to achieve long-term goals through specific strategies such as new lead generation. A VCMO’s expertise ensures a targeted approach that aligns with business objectives and avoids random acts of marketing.
Efficient Implementation Of Marketing Strategies
A VCMO ensures the efficient execution of marketing strategies, from concept to delivery, by streamlining processes and maximizing resources. Their involvement can address any immediate needs and speed up overall time-to-market. While a virtual fractional CMO may only be with your business for a period, they can help you build long-term, strategic marketing plans and roadmaps.
Objective Perspective On Business Challenges
A VCMO brings an objective perspective to addressing business challenges. They are outsiders and can provide unbiased feedback on your current marketing campaigns, strategies, and goals. This fresh viewpoint can help your company identify blind spots and make informed decisions without internal bias.
Authentic’s unique model for fractional CMO services provides a clear structure to maximize growth.
Enhanced Alignment Between Marketing And Business Goals
A VCMO ensures that marketing strategies are directly aligned with overarching business goals. They can help integrate marketing efforts with the company’s revenue, customer acquisition, and growth objectives.
Adaptability To Evolving Business Needs
A VCMO can quickly adapt to the evolving needs of a business, providing tailored marketing strategies that respond to changes in the market or company priorities. They may adjust marketing efforts as business needs shift. This can help facilitate growth if your marketing team feels stagnant or stuck in its ways.
Hire An Authentic Fractional CMO™ To Virtually Drive Marketing Success
If your business is at a tipping point, hiring a marketing executive could be the move you need to reach next-level growth. Virtual fractional CMO services are cost-effective for small to mid-size businesses to access an experienced CMO. However, beware of freelancers and agencies claiming to offer virtual CMO services at costs that seem too good to be true – they likely are. Choose a VCMO from an organized fractional CMO company like Authentic for high impact at low risk.
Authentic Fractional CMOs™ are seasoned executives. They bring a wealth of experience and are backed by a proven methodology that can be implemented virtually. Fill out our contact form to start a conversation with the Authentic team. You could be matched with your right-fit virtual fractional CMO within as little as one week!
