If you told a top marketing executive a decade ago that they could ditch corporate politics, work on high-impact projects, and still earn what they’re worth, they might have laughed.
But that’s exactly what’s happening today.
The Fractional CMO model is exploding, and for good reason. While the opportunity is massive, though, so are the challenges. Finding fractional clients, setting the right pricing, and avoiding the loneliness that comes with solo work are all part of the package.
I’ve had dozens of conversations with experienced marketing leaders looking to break into this world. Their stories are strikingly similar: high-powered careers in corporate, a realization that they wanted more autonomy, and a search for a community that actually helps them succeed.
Why are so many top marketers going Fractional, what’s holding them back, and how can the right support system make all the difference? Let’s talk about it.
Why More CMOs Are Going Fractional
For years, the only path for an experienced marketing leader was to climb the corporate ladder or start an agency. But many are now realizing they can do the work they love on their own terms.
More Variety & Impact: One former global marketing leader told me: “I love seeing the immediate impact when I step in. With Fractional CMO work, you’re not just maintaining a machine—you’re building it.”
More Control Over Their Careers: A brand strategist who spent years advising businesses on strategy realized after getting laid off: “I need a steady pipeline. I don’t want my career tied to one employer anymore.”
More Money, Less Bureaucracy: Top Fractional CMOs can earn $250K+ working 10-15 hours a week for a few fractional clients—without sitting through another 90-minute meeting about logo colors.
And businesses are catching on. The market for Fractional CMOs is projected to grow 17% year over year as companies realize they can get executive-level leadership without the full-time price tag.
Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a catch.
The Hardest Part? Selling Yourself.
Most Fractional CMOs are amazing marketers, but terrible salespeople. We hear it all the time:
- “I’m great at driving leads for my fractional clients, but I suck at selling myself.”
- “I tapped my network, but now I don’t know where to find my next project.”
- “I don’t want to become an agency, but I also don’t want to chase clients all day.”
Even if you land a few clients, pricing and project scope can be a mess. A Fractional CMO who is a lead generation expert asked me recently: “How do I price myself? Do I set my own rates, or is there a benchmark?”
Here’s what we tell every Fractional CMO (and prospect): The going rate for a top-tier Fractional is $10K–$12K per month for about a day to a day-and-a-half per week. That number gives you confidence when talking to fractional clients, and it weeds out the ones looking for a $2,000-a-month marketing consultant who does everything.
Why Most Fractionals Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: half of Fractional CMOs don’t make it past the 18-month mark.
Not because they’re not qualified or bad at their jobs. They fail because they run out of projects. We built a community to break that cycle. When I started, I thought I could just “network my way” to success. But I quickly realized I needed a system, a peer group, and a steady flow of opportunities.
We built our Fractional CMO community to solve the two biggest problems Fractionals face:
1. A Peer Group of Top 5 10% of Fractional CMOs Who Want to Maintain Their Independence
One of our members put it best: “Being an entrepreneur is lonely. But it’s different when you have people doing this with you.”
With over 10,000 self-proclaimed Fractional CMOs in the U.S., we focus only on the top-tier talent. Our community isn’t just another networking group—it’s a curated space for high-level marketing leaders who want to stay ahead of the game.
We offer:
- Monthly masterminds
- High-level networking opportunities
- Hands-on training and workshops (including AI-powered marketing strategies)
The best part? You’re surrounded by people who actually get it.
2. A Steady Flow of High-Quality Opportunities
We invest over $500K per year in lead generation to bring vetted, high-quality opportunities to our Fractional CMOs. These aren’t random freelance gigs—they’re executive-level roles with real budgets.When a new opportunity comes in, we:
- Qualify it
- Set pricing expectations upfront
- Let our Fractionals apply—best fit wins
Simple. But let’s be clear—not every Fractional in our community will get placed. That’s why we focus so heavily on training, networking, and strategic positioning so that you stand out and land the right opportunities. Take AI for example.
AI and the Future of Fractional CMOs
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing? Clients expect their Fractional CMOs to be AI-savvy. A member recently told us: “A prospect asked about my AI strategy. I used what I learned in one of your AI training sessions, and it helped me land the deal.”
That’s why we double down on AI training—helping Fractionals master automation tools, emerging trends, and AI-powered marketing strategies. Staying ahead isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.
A Business Model That Works
Most Fractional communities are either free (and full of noise) or take too much of your revenue. Ours is simple:
- $100/month to be part of the community
- 33% revenue share (for the first year) on any projects we place you on
This structure keeps everyone invested—ensuring we consistently bring in high-quality projects and support Fractionals in building sustainable, long-term careers.
Is Fractional for You?
If you are:
- An experienced marketing leader (15+ years, real P&L responsibility)
- A former senior corporate exec or agency leader who wants to work with multiple companies
- Looking for support, strategy, and project opportunities
Then this might be your next move. Some Fractionals go all-in and build a full-time portfolio. Others start part-time while figuring out their next steps. Either way, we meet you where you are. Want to see if it’s the right fit? Apply today.
