Fractional CMO Twin Cities

As a Fractional CMO Austin, As your Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), I bring over 15 years of proven expertise in driving business growth through innovative and strategic marketing initiatives. Whether you're a small business, start-up, or mid-sized company, my services are tailored to meet your unique needs without the commitment and cost of a full-time executive.Gain access to top-tier marketing leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire. My extensive experience spans various industries, ensuring your business benefits from the latest marketing trends and strategies.

Tip the see-saw in your favor & win the crowd

I’ve been working in the digital marketing field for over 15 years and as an independent consultant working with companies all sizes – advising on content marketing, google penalties, brand, audience development, technical SEO, digital PR, organizational design, and growth.

Let Me Be Your Fractional CMO Twin Cities

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What can I bring to your company when you hire me as fractional CMO?

I find myself in a privileged position through hosting my SEO meetups, where I have access to a wealth of data alongside my fellow members. These gatherings serve as a fertile ground for the exchange of insights and information stemming from diverse industries. My team and I take it upon ourselves to meticulously gather and arrange this data, ensuring that every participant can reap the benefits from a broad pool of knowledge. As we all are aware, unstructured data holds little to no value, akin to unmined gold lying dormant underground, awaiting to be discovered and valued.

We delve into this data reservoir, sifting through to find and present the most valuable pieces of information — the golden nuggets that can offer substantial learning experiences to our attendees.

Would you be interested in granting your attendees access to this repository of golden opportunities?

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Experienced Fractional CMO Twin Cities

I have worked in numerous large enterprises within the marketing & SEO departments. Taking these businesses up the search engine result pages (SERPS), these roles formed the bases of my experience.

I have also been fortunate enough to advise & consult numerous smaller and medium businesses across a wide array of verticals and this also greatly enhanced my knowledge about the market and of course how to implement a ‘search’ strategy to garner visibility and generate revenue.

I have also been fortunate enough to participate in some more unique projects

Who is Ross Kernez?

First and foremost I am curious. I am curious to understand what makes a search engine place one website above another.

What makes these vastly complex and nebulus algorithms tick? Some of my friends & colleagues will tell you I have an unbalanced curiosity/obsession.

I like to quote an unknown source in response: “Don’t judge people for the choices they make when you don’t know the options they had to choose from.”

When others ‘stamp out at’ 5pm and head to the bar. I head home to dig deeper.

I have been experimenting and learning with SEO for the past 15 years. In that time I have worked with numerous large businesses pushing them up the SERP’s and driving more traffic, conversions and most importantly gathering data to empower future improvements.

Mentor at ‘Starta Venture Capital’

Mentoring startups has put me in front of some incredible talent, it has allowed me to test my skills to the limit across a diverse marketplace. Founders are highly motivated and bright individuals mentoring them has been both an honor and an ongoing challenge. It perfectly compliments my other activities as it constantly tests and sharpened my skills set. Not to mention building my network.

Grace A.I

I was part of the team that built the search engine Grace AI that was powered by IBM. This was a fantastic experience to work with some great minds, this was another project that took me outside my comfort zone, tested my skills & exposed my weaknesses.

When working with a fractional CMO in Austin, you can expect a professional who brings not only extensive marketing expertise but also a deep understanding of the local business landscape and Austin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Given that Austin is known for its vibrant tech community and startup culture, your fractional CMO will likely have experience working with both emerging companies and more established brands. They will be adept at creating marketing strategies that resonate with the city’s diverse and growing population, as well as positioning your company in an increasingly competitive market.

Your fractional CMO will focus on building and refining your brand’s messaging to make sure it aligns with your company’s goals and resonates with your target audience. In a city like Austin, where innovation is key, they’ll look to foster a cutting-edge, tech-forward approach to marketing, incorporating digital strategies, influencer collaborations, and data-driven insights. Given the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of Austin’s business scene, expect your fractional CMO to emphasize agility in their approach, quickly adjusting campaigns based on performance metrics and industry trends.

Additionally, since they are fractional and not full-time, their work will be focused and goal-oriented. You can expect them to prioritize key initiatives that drive the most impact, whether that means boosting brand awareness, growing market share, or refining product positioning. They will likely also leverage their local network to build partnerships, identify growth opportunities, and connect with influential voices within Austin’s business community, providing you with valuable exposure.

Ultimately, a fractional CMO in Austin will help your company grow strategically, optimizing your marketing efforts without the overhead of a full-time hire, while bringing a uniquely Austin-centric perspective that taps into the city’s culture of innovation and growth.

What should you expect from your Fractional CMO Twin Cities

Here’s some feedback from someone who has worked with Ross

Sed E.

Partnering with Fractional CMO Twin Cities was one of the best decisions we made for our small business. We needed senior marketing leadership but couldn't justify the cost of a full-time hire. Their team stepped in with a solid understanding of our industry and crafted a marketing strategy that really resonated with our target audience. Within just a few months, we saw a marked improvement in our website traffic and lead generation. What I appreciated most was their hands-on approach and how they were truly invested in our success. Highly recommend!

Roman A.

As a tech startup with big ambitions but limited resources, Fractional CMO Twin Cities gave us the strategic direction we were missing. Their insights into digital marketing and brand positioning helped us fine-tune our go-to-market strategy. The team is highly knowledgeable and collaborative, acting as an extension of our in-house team. The only downside is that sometimes the limited hours meant we had to prioritize key initiatives, but their flexibility and results made up for it. Overall, they’re a game-changer for businesses looking to grow smartly.

Fell S.

Our nonprofit organization was in need of marketing expertise to boost awareness and engagement with our cause. Fractional CMO Twin Cities exceeded our expectations by helping us craft a compelling brand narrative and implementing effective outreach strategies. They took the time to understand our mission and values, and their data-driven approach made it easy to track progress. Their team was accessible, communicative, and very easy to work with, even on a limited budget. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve seen a significant increase in donations and event participation. We couldn’t be happier with the results!

Objective and Unbiased Analysis for Legal Cases

The core value of a digital marketing expert witness lies in their ability to provide objective and unbiased analysis for legal cases. This impartiality is essential for the integrity of the legal process, as it ensures that their testimony is credible and reliable. Objective analysis means that the expert witness examines all relevant data, facts, and evidence without allowing personal opinions or external pressures to influence their findings.

An unbiased expert witness offers a clear, fact-based perspective on complex digital marketing issues, which is invaluable in a courtroom setting. Their role involves scrutinizing digital marketing practices, campaigns, and analytics to determine compliance with industry standards and legal regulations.

Commitment to Professionalism and Ethical Integrity

Ethical integrity involves adhering to strict ethical guidelines and principles. This includes avoiding any conflicts of interest, ensuring that their findings and opinions are based solely on factual evidence and sound analysis. An expert witness must remain impartial, providing testimony that is free from personal or financial bias. Their role is to assist the court in understanding complex digital marketing issues, not to advocate for either party.

A digital marketing expert witness’s commitment to these principles is crucial, as their testimony can significantly impact the outcome of a case. By maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical integrity, they contribute to a fair and just legal process, ensuring that their insights and opinions are respected and valued.

Topics that I can cover:

Search Marketing

Paid Search

Email Marketing

SMM Marketing

Fractional CMO

Just SEO?

Absolutely not, although i started in SEO, when I am a full stack marketer i realized that a good SEO strategy without a holistic understanding of marketing. Is like a funnel with holes in it. No matter how much traffic you drive through the funnel you will be leaking leads and wasting your resources.

I have garnered a solid understanding of digital marketing and how to juggle the many disciplines and allow them to fit and work together. I also have managed teams of freelancers and employees in the double digits. I love to help people manage their teams more efficiently.

FAQs

What is a Fractional CMO, and how does it differ from a full-time CMO?

A Fractional CMO is a marketing executive who provides part-time leadership and strategic direction, working with businesses that need senior marketing expertise but may not require or cannot afford a full-time Chief Marketing Officer. This model offers businesses flexibility, allowing them to bring in a highly skilled CMO on a temporary or part-time basis to fill gaps in marketing leadership, particularly for smaller or growing companies. Unlike a full-time CMO, who is embedded in the organization, a Fractional CMO works as an external consultant, offering strategic input without long-term commitments. Fractional CMOs bring the same level of expertise as a full-time CMO but focus on high-impact projects, guidance, and delivering results on specific marketing goals.

Why might a business hire a Fractional CMO?

Businesses hire a Fractional CMO for various reasons, such as needing top-tier marketing leadership without the financial commitment of a full-time CMO. Many companies do not require a full-time CMO but need someone with deep marketing knowledge to lead major campaigns, refine strategies, or solve specific challenges. Startups or small businesses often turn to Fractional CMOs to help scale their marketing efforts, while mid-sized companies may need assistance navigating transitions like launching a new product or rebranding. Fractional CMOs also support businesses that need immediate marketing leadership but don’t have time for a lengthy hiring process for a permanent role. They provide a cost-effective solution for getting experienced marketing leadership at critical times.

How does Fractional CMO Twin Cities tailor its services to different businesses?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities offers a highly personalized approach to ensure their strategies align with the specific goals of each business. They begin by conducting a deep dive into your business model, industry, and target audience. This discovery process helps identify the key challenges your marketing efforts face, allowing them to craft a strategy that addresses those pain points. Whether your company requires help with digital marketing, lead generation, brand positioning, or marketing automation, Fractional CMO Twin Cities will develop a plan tailored to your unique needs. The services are also flexible, allowing you to scale up or down based on your evolving business requirements.

What types of businesses benefit most from working with Fractional CMO Twin Cities?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities serves a wide range of businesses, from startups to mid-sized companies, and even larger enterprises needing temporary marketing leadership. Companies experiencing growth spurts often require strategic guidance to scale their marketing operations, while businesses in transition—such as those launching new products, entering new markets, or undergoing a rebrand—benefit from the senior-level expertise of a Fractional CMO. Organizations with smaller in-house teams can also benefit, as a Fractional CMO provides the leadership and strategic direction that might otherwise be missing. Nonprofits and businesses on tight budgets find value in hiring a Fractional CMO to get the expertise they need without committing to a full-time salary.

How long do businesses typically engage with Fractional CMO Twin Cities?

The duration of an engagement with Fractional CMO Twin Cities varies based on the business’s needs. Some companies hire a Fractional CMO for short-term projects, like a product launch or to solve a particular marketing challenge. In these cases, the engagement may last for a few months. Other businesses opt for long-term strategic partnerships, which can last a year or more. The beauty of fractional services lies in their flexibility—allowing you to scale the relationship up or down as necessary. It’s common for businesses to work with a Fractional CMO on an ongoing basis, providing consistent strategic input without the financial burden of a full-time executive.

What can I expect in the first few months of working with Fractional CMO Twin Cities?

During the first few months of working with Fractional CMO Twin Cities, the focus is on understanding your business and its marketing challenges. This phase involves in-depth discussions about your company’s goals, a review of your current marketing strategies, and identifying areas needing improvement. Once the assessment is complete, they will develop a marketing plan aligned with your business objectives. Initial efforts often include refining messaging, identifying target audiences, optimizing digital marketing efforts, and setting measurable goals. Expect to receive a strategic roadmap with clear KPIs to track progress, ensuring the marketing efforts deliver tangible results.

How is pricing structured for Fractional CMO services?

Pricing for Fractional CMO Twin Cities is typically based on either a monthly retainer or a project-based fee structure. The specific pricing depends on the complexity of the work and the level of involvement required. A monthly retainer offers businesses ongoing access to strategic guidance for a set number of hours, making it a suitable option for those needing continuous marketing leadership. For those with specific, short-term needs, project-based pricing may be ideal. This flexible pricing model allows companies to access senior marketing expertise while remaining within their budget.

What type of marketing expertise does Fractional CMO Twin Cities provide?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities offers a wide range of marketing expertise, including digital marketing, brand strategy, customer acquisition, lead generation, and marketing technology integration. They are well-versed in both B2B and B2C strategies, allowing them to tailor their approach to the needs of each business. Whether you need help with SEO, paid media, content marketing, or brand development, Fractional CMO Twin Cities has the experience to guide your efforts. They also specialize in marketing technology, helping businesses implement and optimize CRM systems, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms to maximize efficiency and results.

How does Fractional CMO Twin Cities measure success?

Success for Fractional CMO Twin Cities is measured using data-driven metrics aligned with your business goals. They establish clear KPIs at the beginning of the engagement to ensure both short- and long-term objectives are met. These metrics may include lead generation, customer acquisition costs, conversion rates, and overall marketing ROI. Performance is tracked across various channels, and strategies are adjusted as needed to optimize results. Regular reporting ensures you stay informed about what’s working, areas for improvement, and how marketing efforts are driving overall business performance. Their goal is to deliver measurable outcomes that demonstrate real growth.

How much time can I expect the Fractional CMO to dedicate to my business?

The time a Fractional CMO dedicates to your business depends on the scope of the engagement and your specific needs. Most businesses engage a Fractional CMO for anywhere between 5 to 20 hours per week, though this can vary. Early on, more time may be needed to develop the marketing strategy and execute campaigns. Once things are in motion, the CMO may take on a more oversight-based role, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Fractional CMO Twin Cities offers flexibility in how they allocate time, so businesses can scale the engagement up or down based on their evolving needs.

Can Fractional CMO Twin Cities help manage my existing marketing team?

Yes, Fractional CMO Twin Cities can provide leadership and direction for your in-house marketing team. If your team is strong in execution but lacks senior-level guidance, a Fractional CMO can step in to provide that oversight. They will work alongside your team to ensure everyone is aligned with the broader business goals and that the marketing strategy is being executed effectively. Additionally, they can offer mentorship and coaching to elevate the skills and performance of your marketing team, resulting in both immediate improvements and long-term benefits for your internal staff.

How does Fractional CMO Twin Cities ensure communication and collaboration with clients?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities places a strong emphasis on clear communication and collaboration. Regular check-ins and strategy meetings ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and that the marketing strategy is on track. Communication can be facilitated through phone calls, video conferences, or in-person meetings, depending on the client’s preferences. They also provide detailed performance reports that track the results of marketing efforts, giving clients full transparency. This approach ensures that the partnership remains productive and that clients are always informed about the progress and impact of their marketing campaigns.

What types of marketing challenges can Fractional CMO Twin Cities help solve?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities is equipped to tackle a wide range of marketing challenges. Whether you’re struggling with lead generation, brand positioning, customer acquisition, or aligning your sales and marketing efforts, they can provide solutions. Their expertise spans across digital marketing, traditional marketing, and overall brand strategy, ensuring that they can help identify and solve gaps in your marketing efforts. If your marketing campaigns aren’t producing the expected ROI or if you face internal misalignment, Fractional CMO Twin Cities provides the strategic leadership necessary to address these issues and drive better performance.

How can Fractional CMO Twin Cities support my business during a rebrand?

Rebranding is a complex process that requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Fractional CMO Twin Cities has extensive experience guiding businesses through rebranding. They can help you redefine your brand identity, develop new messaging, and manage the rollout of the new brand across all channels. This includes everything from visual identity updates to ensuring the new brand resonates with your audience. By working with a Fractional CMO during this critical period, you can ensure the rebrand is executed smoothly and effectively, positioning your business for success.

Can Fractional CMO Twin Cities help with digital marketing transformation?

Yes, Fractional CMO Twin Cities has the expertise to guide businesses through digital marketing transformations. In today’s world, staying ahead of digital trends is crucial for business success. Fractional CMO Twin Cities will assess your current digital presence and develop a comprehensive strategy that incorporates SEO, social media, content marketing, and more. They will also ensure that the appropriate marketing technology, such as CRM systems and marketing automation tools, is implemented to streamline processes and drive measurable results.

What industries does Fractional CMO Twin Cities specialize in?

Fractional CMO Twin Cities works across a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, retail, finance, and professional services. Their team brings a deep understanding of both B2B and B2C marketing, ensuring that their strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each sector. No matter the industry, they apply best practices and innovative solutions to solve complex marketing challenges, helping businesses strengthen their market position.

How do I know if my business is ready for a Fractional CMO?

Your business may be ready for a Fractional CMO if you’re experiencing growth but lack the marketing leadership to support it or if you’re struggling to execute a clear, effective marketing strategy. If your marketing efforts aren’t delivering the expected results, or if your company is preparing for a transition—like a rebrand, product launch, or market expansion—a Fractional CMO can provide the strategic guidance you need. Ultimately, if you’re unsure about the direction of your marketing efforts or lack the internal expertise to achieve your goals, working with Fractional CMO Twin Cities can provide the leadership necessary to succeed.

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