Interim Fractional CMO

As an Interim Fractional 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 Interim Fractional CMO

As seen on

What can I bring to your company when you hire me as an Interim 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?

Find out more

Experienced Interim Fractional CMO

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 engaging an Interim Fractional CMO, you should expect a seasoned marketing leader who can step in quickly to provide strategic guidance and operational leadership during a transitional period. They bring a wealth of experience from working with various businesses, enabling them to rapidly assess your company’s marketing needs and identify immediate priorities. Their role is to offer both short-term solutions and a long-term vision that aligns with your business objectives.

An Interim Fractional CMO will immediately begin by understanding your startup’s unique challenges, goals, and market position. They will work to stabilize any marketing gaps, whether in strategy, execution, or team management, and will often implement critical changes right away. This could include revisiting your brand messaging, optimizing customer acquisition strategies, or ensuring your marketing efforts are aligned with sales goals. Their primary objective is to keep momentum going while ensuring all marketing initiatives are efficiently executed.

Despite being in an interim position, you can expect them to be fully immersed in your company’s day-to-day marketing activities, acting as a central point of leadership. They’ll guide your internal marketing team, providing mentorship and structure where needed, and will often lead or refine campaigns to make sure they are impactful and results-driven. Their deep understanding of key performance metrics will allow them to optimize your marketing spend and make data-driven decisions to improve performance quickly.

Because they are filling an interim role, they are particularly adept at managing uncertainty and helping startups navigate through periods of transition. Whether your business is growing rapidly, undergoing a restructuring, or experiencing a leadership gap, an Interim Fractional CMO will focus on maintaining strategic continuity and steering the company toward its marketing goals.

Flexibility is one of their key strengths. They can adapt quickly to changes in market conditions, company needs, or shifts in strategy, all while ensuring that your marketing remains on course. Throughout their tenure, you can expect them to focus on delivering measurable results, driving growth, and positioning your business for future success once the interim period ends. Their aim is to leave a lasting positive impact on your company, even after their temporary role has concluded.

What should you expect from your Interim Fractional CMO

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

Sedi E.

Our company hired an Interim Fractional CMO during a period of rapid growth, and the experience was phenomenal. They quickly assessed our marketing challenges and provided a clear, strategic vision that helped us focus our efforts where it mattered most. Their knowledge of both digital and traditional marketing strategies was impressive, and they implemented campaigns that drove immediate results. Not only did they help us with marketing, but they also provided leadership and guidance to our internal team, which has boosted productivity and morale. I highly recommend their services for businesses looking to gain high-level marketing expertise without the long-term commitment.

Pomg A.

The Interim Fractional CMO we worked with exceeded our expectations from the start. We were facing declining customer engagement, and our marketing efforts weren’t producing the results we needed. Within a short period, the CMO developed a clear marketing plan that revitalized our brand and attracted new customers. Their understanding of market trends and ability to craft data-driven strategies was remarkable. They worked closely with our team, ensured everyone was on the same page, and helped execute strategies that had a significant impact on our bottom line. The flexibility and expertise they brought to the table made them an invaluable resource for our company.

Fed S.

Bringing in an Interim Fractional CMO was one of the best decisions we made during our product launch. We needed someone who could jump in immediately, provide leadership, and offer strategic direction, and that’s exactly what we got. The CMO took the time to understand our brand and goals, created a robust go-to-market plan, and oversaw its implementation flawlessly. Their flexibility allowed us to scale their involvement as needed, making them an incredibly cost-effective solution. Their deep marketing knowledge and results-oriented approach helped us achieve a successful product launch with strong sales from the start. I would absolutely recommend Interim Fractional CMO to any company in need of senior marketing leadership.

Objective and Unbiased Analysis

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 an Interim Fractional CMO?

An Interim Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a senior marketing executive who provides leadership and strategic marketing expertise to companies on a part-time or short-term basis. This role is ideal for startups, small businesses, or companies in transition that need high-level marketing support but do not require a full-time, permanent CMO. The “interim” aspect refers to the temporary nature of the role, often taken on during a period of transition, such as when a company is between CMOs or during phases of significant growth, restructuring, or strategic change. The “fractional” aspect refers to the part-time nature of the position, meaning that the CMO works with the company for a specific number of hours or days per week.

In this capacity, the Interim Fractional CMO offers the same level of expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership as a full-time CMO but without the long-term commitment or full-time salary. This is a cost-effective solution for companies that need immediate marketing leadership but are either not ready to hire a full-time executive or are experiencing a temporary gap in leadership.

Why might a company need an Interim Fractional CMO?

There are several reasons a company might seek out an Interim Fractional CMO. One common reason is the departure of a full-time CMO, either due to resignation, dismissal, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the company might need immediate marketing leadership to fill the gap while they search for a permanent replacement. An Interim Fractional CMO can step in to provide continuity, ensure that marketing initiatives remain on track, and keep the marketing team focused.

Startups often benefit from an Interim Fractional CMO when they are at a critical stage of growth but cannot afford a full-time executive. Early-stage companies might need expert guidance to build out their marketing function, develop a go-to-market strategy, or scale their marketing efforts. In these situations, a Fractional CMO can provide the expertise needed without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Additionally, companies undergoing restructuring, mergers, or acquisitions may bring in an Interim Fractional CMO to guide the marketing transition. This executive can help reposition the company’s brand, integrate different marketing teams, and ensure that communication strategies align with new business objectives.

Finally, a business may need an Interim Fractional CMO when launching new products or entering new markets. In these cases, the company requires a high level of marketing leadership to navigate the complexities of market entry or product launches, but it might not be ready to bring on a full-time CMO.

How long does an Interim Fractional CMO typically work with a company?

The duration of an Interim Fractional CMO’s engagement varies depending on the specific needs of the company. Some companies may only need short-term support for a few months, while others may engage a Fractional CMO for a year or more. Typically, engagements last between three to six months, with flexibility depending on the company’s progress and the evolving needs of the business.

In situations where a company is searching for a permanent full-time CMO, the Interim Fractional CMO might stay on board until a suitable candidate is found and onboarded. During this period, the Interim CMO ensures that there is no disruption in marketing strategy or execution. In other cases, especially with startups, the Fractional CMO might stay for a longer-term engagement to help the company through a significant growth phase.

Overall, the duration of the role is adaptable and based on the project’s scope or the company’s objectives, making it a flexible and tailored solution.

What types of businesses benefit most from an Interim Fractional CMO?

Startups and small to mid-sized businesses are the most common beneficiaries of Interim Fractional CMO services. Startups, in particular, often need the strategic expertise of a senior marketing leader but are not yet in a position to hire someone full-time. A Fractional CMO allows them to access the same level of expertise without the full-time commitment.

Companies in transition, such as those undergoing leadership changes, mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring, also benefit from an Interim Fractional CMO. These businesses may require temporary marketing leadership to ensure continuity and stability during the transition.

Additionally, businesses experiencing rapid growth or preparing to scale often find value in bringing on a Fractional CMO. As companies expand, their marketing needs become more complex, and having an experienced leader to guide the strategy can be crucial to ensuring sustainable growth.

Established businesses that need to revamp their marketing efforts or explore new markets can also benefit. A Fractional CMO can bring a fresh perspective and help the company pivot its marketing strategy to adapt to changing market conditions or customer preferences.

How do you find the right Interim Fractional CMO for your business?

Finding the right Interim Fractional CMO for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs, goals, and budget. Start by identifying the key challenges your business is facing and the skills you need from a CMO. For example, do you need someone with expertise in digital marketing, branding, go-to-market strategy, or team leadership? Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you can begin searching for candidates who specialize in those areas.

Networking within your industry or seeking recommendations from other business leaders is a good place to start. Many Fractional CMOs come highly recommended by their previous clients and have established reputations for delivering results. You can also work with agencies or consulting firms that specialize in matching businesses with interim executives.

When evaluating potential candidates, look for someone with a proven track record of success, particularly in industries similar to yours. You’ll want to assess their experience, leadership style, and ability to integrate into a fast-paced, dynamic environment. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the CMO’s availability and how they structure their engagements, including how many hours per week they can dedicate to your company and their pricing model.

Finally, make sure there is a strong cultural fit. Your Interim Fractional CMO will be leading a critical function within your business, so it’s essential that they can work effectively with your team and other executives.

How does a Fractional CMO integrate with an existing team?

One of the key strengths of an Interim Fractional CMO is their ability to quickly integrate into an existing team and work alongside other executives and departments. They are skilled at assessing team dynamics, identifying gaps, and determining how best to collaborate with internal stakeholders.

In most cases, the Interim Fractional CMO will take on a leadership role, overseeing the marketing team and working closely with them to implement the company’s marketing strategy. However, they are also collaborative and adaptable, working with existing team members to leverage their strengths and align everyone around shared goals.

An Interim Fractional CMO often acts as a mentor to less experienced marketing professionals, helping them develop new skills and grow in their roles. They provide structure and process where it may be lacking and help teams execute more efficiently. If the company already has a marketing leader, the Fractional CMO will work closely with them, offering support, guidance, and strategic oversight.

In addition to working with the marketing team, an Interim Fractional CMO will collaborate with other departments, such as sales, product development, and customer success, to ensure that marketing efforts are aligned with overall business objectives. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for creating a cohesive brand experience and ensuring that marketing campaigns are aligned with product launches, sales targets, and customer needs.

The integration process is typically smooth, as most Interim Fractional CMOs are highly experienced in stepping into new environments and quickly establishing trust and credibility with the team.

How is an Interim Fractional CMO different from a full-time CMO?

The key difference between an Interim Fractional CMO and a full-time CMO is the level of commitment and time allocated to the role. A full-time CMO is a permanent member of the executive team, working exclusively for one company and dedicating their time fully to its marketing efforts. In contrast, an Interim Fractional CMO works part-time or on a temporary basis, often supporting multiple clients at once. This makes the Fractional CMO a more flexible and cost-effective option for companies that need marketing leadership but cannot justify the expense of a full-time executive.

While both full-time and Fractional CMOs offer high-level strategic expertise, the Fractional CMO is typically focused on delivering immediate results, addressing urgent marketing challenges, and ensuring business continuity during transitions. They are often more agile and accustomed to stepping into fast-paced, dynamic environments, making them ideal for startups or companies undergoing rapid change.

Another key difference is the long-term vision. A full-time CMO is deeply involved in the company’s culture and long-term growth, while a Fractional CMO’s focus is often more immediate, with an emphasis on achieving specific milestones within a defined time frame. However, this doesn’t mean that a Fractional CMO doesn’t consider long-term strategy. They still work to ensure that their efforts are sustainable and aligned with the company’s future growth, but their role is typically more focused on solving current marketing challenges.

How much does it cost to hire an Interim Fractional CMO?

The cost of hiring an Interim Fractional CMO can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the company, the scope of the project, and the level of expertise required. On average, companies can expect to pay between $10,000 to $20,000 per month for a Fractional CMO’s services, although rates can be higher for more experienced professionals or for companies with complex marketing needs.

This cost is typically lower than hiring a full-time CMO, who would command a six-figure salary along with benefits, bonuses, and equity. For many startups and smaller businesses, the Fractional CMO model offers a cost-effective way to access senior-level marketing expertise without the full-time financial commitment.

Some Fractional CMOs work on a retainer basis, while others may offer hourly or project-based pricing. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the scope of work and expectations before entering into an agreement to ensure that the pricing structure aligns with your company’s budget and needs.

What are the benefits of hiring an Interim Fractional CMO over a full-time CMO?

One of the primary benefits of hiring an Interim Fractional CMO is flexibility. Companies can bring in high-level marketing leadership for a specific period or project without the long-term commitment of a full-time executive. This is particularly advantageous for startups, small businesses, or companies undergoing transitions, where the need for marketing expertise may be temporary or variable.

Cost-effectiveness is another significant benefit. Since Fractional CMOs work part-time, companies can access their expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. This allows businesses to allocate their marketing budget more efficiently, focusing on growth initiatives rather than executive overhead.

Additionally, Interim Fractional CMOs offer a fresh, external perspective. Because they often work with multiple companies across different industries, they bring a breadth of knowledge and experience that can help businesses identify new opportunities and innovate their marketing strategies.

Finally, an Interim Fractional CMO can provide immediate impact. They are experienced in quickly assessing a company’s marketing landscape, identifying gaps, and implementing solutions that drive results. This makes them ideal for companies facing urgent marketing challenges or those that need to accelerate their growth.

What responsibilities does an Interim Fractional CMO typically handle?

An Interim Fractional CMO is responsible for overseeing the entire marketing function of a company. This includes developing and implementing the overall marketing strategy, managing the marketing team, optimizing marketing channels, and ensuring that the company’s marketing efforts are aligned with its business objectives. In many cases, the Fractional CMO is tasked with stabilizing a company’s marketing operations, especially during periods of transition or change.

One of the key responsibilities of an Interim Fractional CMO is strategic planning. This involves assessing the company’s current marketing performance, identifying areas for improvement, and developing a roadmap for future growth. The CMO will set clear marketing goals and KPIs, whether those are related to brand awareness, lead generation, customer acquisition, or revenue growth. They will then guide the team in executing campaigns and initiatives that are aligned with those objectives.

Additional menu