How is a fractional CMO different from a consultant or agency?

Consultants advise and agencies execute; a fractional CMO leads. I own the marketing roadmap, align team and vendors, and tie efforts to revenue so you get direction and accountability—not just more tactics.

Why hire a fractional CMO in Minneapolis–Saint Paul or the Midwest?

Many Twin Cities and Midwest companies are strong operationally but lack senior marketing leadership. A fractional CMO adds scalable, executive-level strategy and systems—without the overhead—tailored to Minnesota and regional market dynamics.

When should my business hire a fractional CMO?

Hire when growth stalls, messaging is inconsistent, you lack in-house leadership, or you’re preparing for funding, expansion, or a rebrand. If you need clarity, structure, and measurable outcomes—not just more activity—it’s time.

What does a fractional CMO do in the first 90 days?

Audit brand, funnel, analytics, and tech; align stakeholders; set KPIs and dashboard; stabilize the stack (CRM, SEO, email); and launch quick-win campaigns while building the longer-term growth plan.

How much does a fractional CMO cost in Minnesota?

Scope and seniority drive price, but many engagements range from $5,000–$15,000+ per month. My typical model is a 6- to 12-month retainer to deliver strategy, infrastructure, and measurable lift.

Do you only work with Minnesota companies?

I’m based in Saint Paul, MN, and work with clients across the Midwest and West (e.g., Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, Los Angeles). Remote or hybrid—your call.

Will you work with our existing team or agency?

Yes. I act as the marketing leader who aligns in-house staff and outside partners so everyone rows in the same strategic direction with clear goals and accountability.

How do we get started?

If you’re a U.S.-based, registered business seeking fractional CMO leadership, submit the inquiry form on my site. I personally review all submissions and follow up with qualified requests to schedule a discovery call.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

FAQs: Fractional CMO Services in Minnesota & Beyond

What is a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)?

A Fractional CMO is a senior marketing executive who partners with your business part-time to lead strategy, creative direction, and growth. You get C-suite-level leadership without the cost of a full-time salary.

For small to mid-sized businesses across Minnesota, the Midwest, and the West Coast, it’s a smart, scalable solution — especially if you’re ready to grow but not yet ready to hire an internal marketing department.

How is a Fractional CMO different from a marketing consultant or agency?

A consultant advises.
An agency executes.
A Fractional CMO leads.

As a Fractional CMO, I develop your full marketing roadmap, oversee your team (or help you build one), manage partners and campaigns, and ensure every effort aligns with your revenue goals. You’re not getting a vendor — you’re gaining a marketing leader.

Why do businesses in Minnesota and the Midwest hire a Fractional CMO?

Many Minnesota and Midwest businesses are strong operationally but lack senior marketing leadership. They may have agencies, freelancers, or internal staff — but no one connecting the dots between strategy, messaging, analytics, and execution.

A Fractional CMO steps in to:

Build structure and direction
Translate vision into measurable outcomes
Oversee branding, content, and digital strategy
Align marketing with growth and profitability

This model works beautifully for businesses in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Madison, Des Moines, Chicago, Kansas City, and Denver, where high-level marketing expertise can be hard to find in-house.

When should I hire a Fractional CMO?

You’re ready if:

Your business is growing but marketing feels inconsistent.
You’ve outgrown your agency and need strategy, not just ads.
You’re preparing for funding, expansion, or a rebrand.
You want to measure ROI, not just clicks and likes.

Fractional CMO support makes the most sense when you need clarity, leadership, and accountability — not just more marketing activity.

What’s the average cost of a Fractional CMO in Minnesota?

Rates vary based on scope and experience. On average, Minnesota-based fractional CMOs range between $5,000–$15,000/month, depending on involvement level (strategic leadership vs. hands-on management).

My engagements typically start at six months, ensuring time for strategy, system setup, and measurable impact.

Do you work only with Minnesota businesses?

No. While I’m based in Saint Paul, MN, I work with clients across the Midwest and West Coast — from Minneapolis and Madison to Denver and Los Angeles.

Many of my clients operate remotely or have multi-state teams. My approach is flexible, structured, and designed to meet you where you are.

How long is a typical engagement?

Most clients start with a 6–12 month retainer, depending on business goals.

The first 90 days are focused on:

Brand and marketing audits
Team alignment and process mapping
Digital infrastructure setup (analytics, CRM, email, SEO)
Launching quick-win campaigns for early traction

After that, we move into optimization, scaling, and performance measurement.

What kinds of businesses benefit most from Fractional CMO services?

I work best with organizations that are:

Ready to scale or stabilize growth
Seeking a unified marketing voice and strategy
Struggling with internal coordination or message clarity
Lacking leadership to connect brand, sales, and marketing operations

Industries often include: service-based firms, e-commerce, creative and tech startups, professional services, education, and community-driven organizations.

Can you work with my internal team or agency?

Absolutely. Fractional CMOs often act as the “glue” between leadership, marketing staff, and agency partners — ensuring everyone’s efforts move in one strategic direction.

My role is to lead, align, and optimize — not replace. If you already have great people, I make sure they’re being utilized effectively toward clear business goals.

Do you offer one-time consultations or audits?

Yes. For businesses not ready for a six-month engagement, I offer 90-minute strategic intensives and marketing audits focused on brand, messaging, and infrastructure.

These sessions help you identify gaps, clarify your next steps, and determine whether a fractional CMO partnership is right for you.

How can I get started?

If you’re a U.S.-based business ready to level up your marketing strategy, start by completing the inquiry form on my website.

Once I review your submission, you’ll receive an email with next steps and a link to book your discovery session.