Fractional CMO Agency: Should You Hire a Solo Pro or a Full Team?

The decision to hire a fractional CMO is already a smart one. But here comes the next layer: do you bring on a solo expert or go with a full agency?
Both options can work. The key is knowing what your business actually needs.
What Is a Fractional CMO Agency?
A fractional CMO agency offers strategic marketing leadership alongside access to an execution team. Think of it as renting the brain and the hands.
You’ll often get:
- A lead CMO or strategist
- Copywriters, designers, and ad specialists
- Project managers and data analysts
It’s a one-stop-shop for businesses that need strategy and support.
What You Get With a Solo Fractional CMO
A solo fractional CMO brings personalized strategy without extra overhead. They’re focused, lean, and often more hands-on.
They typically:
- Join 1 to 3 businesses at a time
- Work as embedded leaders inside your team
- Focus deeply on one niche or business model
This option gives you direct access to the strategist and faster decision-making.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Fractional CMO Agency
Pros:
- Built-in implementation team
- Clear structure and process
- Scales with your growth
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Less personal attention from the CMO
- Potential for generic strategies
Solo Fractional CMO
Pros:
- Personalized, hands-on leadership
- Flexible and cost-effective
- Often more invested in your business
Cons:
- You may need to manage your own team
- Less capacity for fast implementation
- May lack resources for large campaigns
How to Choose Based on Your Stage
Startups or lean teams: Solo CMO is ideal for installing strategy and getting clarity fast.
Growing businesses with teams: An agency can plug into your ops and bring the team to execute fast.
Scaling companies: You may benefit from the agency model, but only if their systems are tailored, not templated.
Real Talk: What Actually Matters
It’s not about team size. It’s about strategic fit.
A solo CMO with the right experience will outperform an agency that throws you into a templated funnel.
Ask:
- Do they understand my business model?
- Can they lead my team or do they bring one?
- Will I get a roadmap or just a list of tasks?
Case Study: Custom Strategy Over Cookie-Cutter Systems
A client of ours hired a well-known agency and got boilerplate advice. After 3 months of no traction, they brought on a solo CMO instead. With a custom plan and embedded leadership, they hit a 40% increase in qualified leads in 6 weeks.
It wasn’t more content. It was smarter strategy.
Final Word: Clarity Over Complexity
Whether you go solo or agency, the goal is the same – marketing that scales without the CEO doing all the heavy lifting.
Choose the path that gives you both clarity and control.
Book a discovery call and find out how a strategic partner could unlock your next level of growth.
Explore Coaching with Lisa Benson
Book a Clarity Call
Start with the 9-Line Business Roadmap