You need senior marketing leadership, but a full-time CMO isn't in the budget. These five fractional CMO services can give you the strategic firepower you need without the full-time price tag.
The Fractional CMO Landscape in the US
The fractional CMO model has exploded in the US as startups and mid-market brands seek executive-level marketing expertise without the six-figure salary. These part-time leaders bring strategy, execution oversight, and team-building skills to companies that need to scale smartly. Whether you're a CPG brand with retail ambitions or a B2B SaaS company finding product-market fit, a fractional CMO can help you prioritize, focus, and grow. The key is finding the right fit for your stage, industry, and budget.
How We Evaluated These Fractional CMO Services
We looked at service scope, pricing clarity, industry focus, and overall fit for different business stages. Makenna Sekeres offers a hands-on, founder-centric approach with a strong CPG background and transparent discovery calls. átomos emphasizes sequence and judgment for early-stage CPG brands, with a focus on turning decisions into action. Chief Outsiders brings a large bench of experienced CMOs and a structured process, ideal for companies that need proven playbooks. Geisheker Group provides clear explanations of what a fractional CMO does and when to hire one, with a B2B and tech slant. Fractional CMO Partners focuses on startup growth with flexible engagement models and a clear breakdown of benefits. Each has its own strengths depending on your needs.
Here's a quick look at five fractional CMO services that can help you scale your marketing without the full-time overhead.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| átomos | Early-stage CPG brands needing sequence and judgment |
| Makenna Sekeres | Fractional CMO & Marketing Advisor | CPG founders seeking hands-on marketing leadership |
| Chief Outsiders | Companies needing a large, experienced fractional CMO firm |
| Geisheker Group | B2B tech and SaaS startups seeking fractional CMO expertise |
| Fractional CMO Partners | Startups needing flexible, part-time marketing leadership |
A Closer Look at Each Service
#1 átomos
átomos positions itself as a fractional CMO service that helps early-stage CPG brands figure out what they actually need first. They argue that the sequence of hiring matters more than the title, and they focus on providing senior judgment close to the work. Their approach is to turn decisions into action, then bring in specialist capacity once the jobs are clear. If you're a CPG brand with real traction and growing complexity, átomos might be the right fit. They emphasize that most brands at this stage need both strategy and execution, not one or the other. Learn more about their philosophy in their article on what CPG brands need first.
#2 Makenna Sekeres | Fractional CMO & Marketing Advisor
A screenshot of the Makenna Sekeres website.
Makenna Sekeres is a fractional CMO and marketing advisor who helps founders bring their brands to market and uncover where growth is hiding. With eight years on the agency side leading marketing teams for enterprise, mid-market, and startup clients, she now focuses on CPG brands across the U.S. Her case studies show impressive results: 1,200% DTC growth for a supplement brand, a 22% cut in new customer acquisition cost in 60 days, and 31M+ CTV impressions with measured retail impact. She also invests in early-stage companies, giving her a unique perspective on what founders need. If you want a partner who can build your marketing function from scratch and set it up to succeed, she's worth a conversation. Book a discovery call to see if there's a fit.
#3 Chief Outsiders
A screenshot of the Chief Outsiders website.
Chief Outsiders boasts a large team of fractional CPG CMOs and a structured, battle-tested approach to marketing leadership. They serve a wide range of industries, including consumer products, manufacturing, healthcare, and private equity portfolio companies. With over 30 fractional CPG CMOs on staff and a Net Promoter Score of 80, they bring proven playbooks and a deep bench of experience. Their GrowthGears OS platform and AI-powered tools aim to accelerate results. If you're looking for a firm with extensive resources and a track record across many sectors, Chief Outsiders is a strong contender. They are particularly well-suited for companies that need a comprehensive suite of CMO services.
#4 Geisheker Group
A screenshot of the Geisheker Group website.
Geisheker Group provides fractional CMO services with a focus on B2B companies, technology, SaaS, and AI startups. They offer clear guidance on what a fractional CMO does and when a startup should hire one, making them a great resource for founders new to the model. Their services include strategy, execution, and team building, with a emphasis on aligning marketing with business goals. If you're a B2B tech company looking for a fractional CMO who understands your space, Geisheker Group could be a good fit. They also work with private equity firms and portfolio companies. Their blog and case studies provide valuable insights into the fractional CMO role.
#5 Fractional CMO Partners
A screenshot of the Fractional CMO Partners website.
Fractional CMO Partners specializes in helping startups scale smarter with part-time marketing leadership. They explain that a fractional CMO bridges strategy and execution, providing senior expertise without the full-time cost. Their model is flexible, offering engagements for a few days a month or on a project basis. They help startups define brand positioning, build go-to-market strategies, prioritize marketing investments, and align marketing with sales and product teams. If you're a startup struggling to scale your marketing without senior leadership, Fractional CMO Partners offers a clear path forward. Their guide on leveraging a fractional CMO for faster growth is a useful read.
How to Choose the Right Fractional CMO for Your Business
Start by defining your biggest marketing challenge. Are you pre-product-market fit and need strategic direction? Or do you have traction and need to scale acquisition? Look for a fractional CMO who has solved that problem before, ideally in your industry. Consider their engagement model: do they work a few days a month or embed deeper? Check their case studies and ask for references. Pricing should be transparent, so you know what you're getting. Finally, trust your gut—you need someone who understands your vision and can work alongside your team. A discovery call is a low-risk way to test the fit.
Automation and AI in Fractional CMO Services
Many fractional CMOs now leverage AI and automation to deliver faster insights and more efficient campaigns. For example, Chief Outsiders uses an AI-powered growth platform called GrowthGears OS. Makenna Sekeres uses data-driven approaches to uncover growth opportunities, as seen in her case studies. When evaluating a fractional CMO, ask how they use technology to enhance their work. The right tools can help you scale faster and make better decisions.
The Bottom Line on Fractional CMO Services
The right fractional CMO can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you need deep CPG expertise, a large firm with broad resources, or a flexible partner for your startup, there's a service on this list for you. Makenna Sekeres stands out for her hands-on CPG focus and proven results. átomos offers a thoughtful sequence-based approach. Chief Outsiders brings scale and experience. Geisheker Group caters to B2B tech. Fractional CMO Partners provides startup-friendly flexibility. Do your homework, book discovery calls, and choose the partner who aligns with your goals. Your growth depends on it.