When your business grows, marketing usually follows and the go-to move is often hiring a full-time CMO or marketing manager. While this seems like the most straightforward path, it's a decision that comes with significant drawbacks you should consider.

The High Cost and Limited Skillset of a Single Hire

The first and most obvious hurdle is the expense. A highly-skilled CMO or marketing manager can command a substantial six-figure salary, and that's before factoring in benefits, bonuses, and other employment costs. A CMO salary is expensive. For many growing businesses, this is a massive financial commitment that might not be sustainable. 

Beyond the cost, you're also placing all your marketing expertise into a single person. No matter how talented they are, one person will have a specific set of skills. Even the best marketing leaders have strengths and blind spots. A brilliant strategist might struggle with performance data, while a paid ad expert might not be strong in brand building. A brilliant brand strategist might lack experience in performance marketing, or an expert in social media could be weaker on email campaign development. This can lead to a lopsided marketing strategy and missed opportunities.

The Time and Risk of the Traditional Hiring Process

The traditional hiring process is also slow and risky. It can take months to find the right candidate, and once you do, there's a significant ramp-up period. A new hire needs time to onboard, understand your business, and develop a strategic plan. You could be six months or more into the process before you see meaningful results, which can be a long wait when you need to build momentum.

The Advantage of a Fractional Marketing Team

This is where a fractional marketing team offers a compelling alternative. Instead of hiring one person, and paying a CMO salary, you gain access to a team of specialized experts for a comparable or lower cost. This means you get a strategist, a content creator, a social media manager, and an ad specialist (for example)—all working in sync for your business.

A fractional team provides immediate expertise and a diverse skill set. These teams are already established and have a proven track record, allowing them to hit the ground running from day one. You can bypass the lengthy hiring and onboarding process and immediately leverage a group's collective knowledge to get the results you need faster.

Ultimately, while the idea of a CMO might seem appealing, a fractional marketing team can offer a more agile, cost-effective, and comprehensive solution for your business, providing specialized talent without the long-term commitment and inherent risks of a single hire.