If you’re running a business in Columbus and need top-level marketing leadership without hiring a full-time exec, a fractional CMO might be exactly what you’re looking for. These marketing pros step in part-time to help build your strategy, grow your brand, and drive real results. It’s like having a marketing rockstar on your team, without the full-time cost.
What is a Fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a senior-level marketing expert who works with your business part-time or on a contract basis. Instead of hiring a full-time CMO, which can be expensive and not always necessary, many growing companies bring in a fractional CMO to lead their marketing strategy without the full-time commitment.
Think of it like this: you get the brainpower and experience of someone who’s helped build brands, lead teams, and drive real growth, but only for the hours or days you actually need them. They can help with things like setting your marketing direction, managing campaigns, improving brand messaging, and guiding your in-house team.
This setup works especially well for small to mid-sized businesses, startups, or companies in transition who want expert-level leadership without stretching their budget. It’s a smart way to grow without overcommitting.
NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect: Elite Fractional CMOs for Columbus Businesses
At NUOPTIMA, we understand that strong marketing leadership is a catalyst for business growth. That’s why C-Suite Connect, founded by Alexej Pikovsky, provides Columbus-based companies with direct access to rigorously vetted, fractional CMOs who deliver results through strategic vision and hands-on execution.
Specializing in founder-led and high-growth businesses, our CMOs are selected through a comprehensive vetting process personally overseen by Alexej. This ensures that only the most capable and aligned professionals join our network.
Our selection process includes:
- Marketing Impact Review: Verification of a proven history in driving measurable brand and revenue growth.
- Strategic Case Evaluation: Testing real-world ability to build and communicate marketing strategy.
- Reference Validation: Direct calls to confirm leadership credibility, collaboration, and campaign success.
- Culture Fit Interview: Evaluating alignment with your team’s values, pace, and communication style.
- Trial Engagement: A short-term paid project to prove execution and impact in a live business setting.
Only the top 5% of candidates are invited into the C-Suite Connect network, ready to lead Columbus companies with the clarity, speed, and creativity today’s market demands.
What Sets NUOPTIMA’s CMO Network Apart:
- Strategy and Execution in One: Our CMOs don’t just advise – they act, bringing plans to life with hands-on leadership.
- Local Market Insight: Deep understanding of Columbus’s business landscape, from tech startups to legacy brands.
- Swift Matching: Get connected to a tailored CMO in as little as 7–10 days.
- Founder-First Alignment: Every placement is personally reviewed by Alexej to ensure strategic and cultural fit.
Through C-Suite Connect, NUOPTIMA helps Columbus businesses build smarter marketing teams, scale brand presence, and unlock long-term growth with the leadership of a fractional CMO who truly fits.
Top Fractional CMOs for Columbus Businesses
1. Erika Purcell
With over 25 years of experience, Erika Purcell is a seasoned fractional CMO who helps B2B businesses in Columbus cut through the noise and become the obvious choice in their market. Her career spans global brands, top-tier agencies, and growing mid-sized companies, making her a powerhouse in strategic marketing leadership.
Proven Industry Experience
Erika has held leadership roles at companies like FlightSafety International and IBM iX, and has collaborated with renowned brands such as Procter & Gamble, IBM, and agencies like J. Walter Thompson and Publicis. Her blend of client-side and agency experience equips her to bridge the gap between big-picture strategy and on-the-ground execution.
Expertise That Drives Results
Erika specializes in helping B2B businesses:
- Clarify and elevate their brand to stand out in competitive markets
- Align marketing and sales to improve conversions and customer retention
- Simplify complex strategies into clear, focused plans that get executed
- Empower internal teams by guiding and enabling them instead of replacing them
- Maximize agency partnerships by ensuring external creative aligns with the company’s strategic goals
She is especially skilled in brand positioning, insight generation, marketing strategy, and team leadership, skills that are critical for Columbus businesses aiming to grow with focus and clarity.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Erika operates as a hands-on, high-level partner for companies that want serious marketing results without the overhead of a full-time executive. Based in Columbus, she brings local insight and understands the pulse of the Midwest business landscape, helping brands in the region connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Whether she’s helping a mid-sized B2B firm sharpen its message or leading strategic planning sessions, Erika focuses on what matters most: making your brand seen, remembered, and chosen.
Education and Certifications
- MBA in Marketing – Xavier University, Williams College of Business
- BA in Fine and Studio Arts – University of Kentucky
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Certification – IBM
With her mix of strategic depth, creative thinking, and real-world execution, Erika is a standout choice for Columbus companies seeking to level up their marketing leadership through fractional support.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erikalpurcell
2. Julie Stein
Julie Stein is a high-impact fractional CMO and marketing executive based in the Columbus area with deep expertise in healthcare, real estate, SaaS, and education. With over a decade of senior marketing leadership across startups, scale-ups, and enterprise organizations, Julie helps companies unlock scalable growth through brand innovation, demand generation, and digital transformation.
Proven Industry Experience
Julie’s background includes leadership roles at organizations like Accumen, Treplus Communities, Cardinal Health, McGraw Hill, and Chi Solutions. Through her firm, Marketing Moments, she has provided marketing consulting and fractional CMO support for companies ranging from health tech startups to education providers and B2B marketing agencies.
She has built go-to-market strategies, modernized marketing operations, and launched high-performing campaigns across healthcare, education, and property management. In every role, she has been a bridge between data-driven strategy and hands-on execution.
Expertise That Drives Results
Julie is known for delivering results through:
- Scalable demand generation strategies rooted in ROI
- Performance marketing across digital, email, and outbound channels
- Brand storytelling and positioning that resonate with niche audiences
- Martech stack development and implementation to streamline operations
- Content and channel strategies tailored for complex customer journeys
- Executive communication and investor relations that align with growth goals
Her work is built on a foundation of clarity, speed, and creativity, exactly what growth-focused Columbus businesses need in a competitive market.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Julie’s approach is agile, data-informed, and deeply collaborative. She partners closely with founders, internal teams, and executive stakeholders to define strategy, shape messaging, and drive execution without the cost or commitment of a full-time executive.
With local insight and experience across multiple Columbus-based companies, she understands the nuances of the region’s healthcare, real estate, and tech sectors. Her leadership style is centered on solving the right problems at the right time and building lean, results-oriented marketing engines.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Communication – Ohio University
- Associate of Arts in Social Sciences – Ohio University
- Google Digital Garage Certification: The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Julie also actively participates in professional marketing communities such as CMO Alliance and CMO Coffee Talk, ensuring she stays ahead of industry trends and best practices.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julieastein
3. Nikhil Hunshikatti
Nikhil Hunshikatti is a Columbus-based fractional CMO and senior marketing leader with over 20 years of experience delivering growth through data, culture, and strategy. He combines deep expertise in digital transformation with a passion for building scalable marketing systems and high-performance teams. Nikhil has led marketing strategy and growth for large organizations and startups alike, consistently driving measurable outcomes even in challenging or declining markets.
Proven Industry Experience
Nikhil’s career spans leadership roles at companies like Gannett, GateHouse Media, and Cardinal Health, where he led digital innovation, customer experience, and revenue growth initiatives. Currently serving as a fractional CMO with yorCMO and founder of his own consultancy, Hunshika LLC, he advises companies across industries including media, SaaS, and ecommerce.
He has also served as an adjunct lecturer at The Ohio State University, sharing his expertise in marketing strategy and growth leadership with future industry professionals.
Expertise That Drives Results
Nikhil helps businesses unlock growth through:
- Funnel optimization and conversion strategy
- Data-driven customer experience design
- Marketing technology planning and execution
- Cross-functional team alignment and leadership
- Scalable digital marketing programs that drive ROI
- Cultural transformation to support business evolution
His strengths lie in blending high-level strategic planning with day-to-day marketing operations, helping businesses operate more efficiently and grow faster with limited resources.
How He Works with Columbus Businesses
Nikhil is known for building marketing systems from the ground up, particularly within organizations that are scaling or facing industry disruption. Based in Columbus, he understands the local economic and cultural environment and brings that perspective into his work with regional companies.
Whether he’s restructuring a funnel, leading a brand pivot, or advising the C-suite on growth strategy, Nikhil’s approach is grounded in clarity, community impact, and sustainable performance. He’s a strategic thought partner who knows how to get things done.
Education and Certifications
- MBA in Marketing Management – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- MMS in Marketing – University of Mumbai
Nikhil’s leadership is backed by decades of experience, international perspective, and a deep commitment to helping Columbus-area businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilhunshikatti
4. Cristol Rippe
Cristol Rippe is a versatile Columbus-based marketing executive with a background that blends brand strategy, performance marketing, and business innovation. With leadership experience across high-growth startups, tech platforms, and household brands, she brings a strategic and adaptable approach to fractional CMO work. Cristol is known for solving complex challenges through marketing that moves the needle, especially in industries like fintech, real estate, consumer tech, and education.
Proven Industry Experience
Cristol’s career includes senior marketing and leadership roles at companies like Root Insurance, Capital One, and Landed. Most recently, she was appointed Chief Marketing Officer at reAlpha, a Columbus-based real estate technology platform. She also serves on the board of Norwalk Furniture and has held fractional and advisory roles with a variety of startups and mission-driven brands across the U.S.
She has developed and led go-to-market strategies, built high-performing teams, and revitalized brands through both in-house and advisory positions.
Expertise That Drives Results
Cristol helps growth-minded businesses succeed through:
- End-to-end go-to-market planning and execution
- Growth strategy and customer acquisition for B2B and B2C models
- Brand and content positioning tailored to high-stakes decision journeys
- Funnel optimization, including marketing-to-sales handoff
- Cross-functional leadership between product, marketing, and operations
Her ability to shift between strategic and tactical execution makes her an ideal partner for companies navigating scale, reinvention, or innovation.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Cristol understands the regional business landscape and knows how to help brands connect with their audience, whether through local community engagement or nationwide campaigns. Based in Columbus, she works with early-stage companies, VC-backed tech firms, and mid-market businesses looking to level up their marketing efforts without hiring a full-time CMO.
Her experience leading product-aligned marketing teams and working within lean, fast-moving environments makes her especially valuable to startups and companies in transition.
Education and Certifications
- BS/BA in Finance and International Studies – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business
Cristol brings a global perspective, C-level strategy, and an execution-focused mindset to her fractional roles, making her an ideal fit for Columbus businesses ready to grow smarter and faster.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cristol-rippe-11a0ab1
5. Bruce Millard
Bruce Millard is a veteran marketing executive with more than 30 years of experience scaling digital and direct-to-consumer brands. Based in Columbus, Bruce has helped some of the nation’s most recognizable companies, from Safelite AutoGlass to Big Lots, build marketing strategies that convert, retain, and outperform expectations. Now focused on fractional CMO work through his firm BAM Marketing Services, Bruce partners with mid-market and private equity-backed companies looking to modernize their marketing functions and drive sustainable growth.
Proven Industry Experience
Bruce’s career includes senior roles at industry-defining brands across retail, consumer goods, automotive services, and early internet pioneers like AOL, Netscape, and CompuServe. At Safelite, he grew digital sales from $135 million to $1.5 billion. At Big Lots, he led customer engagement efforts and launched a high-performing affiliate marketing program, even during a period of organizational transformation.
He has also delivered results for brands like Abbott Nutrition (Similac and Ensure), JPMorgan Chase, and Options Medical Weight Loss through both in-house and fractional roles.
Expertise That Drives Results
Bruce supports Columbus-area companies and national brands by delivering:
- Scalable digital and DTC marketing strategies
- AI-powered targeting and media planning
- CRM and customer lifecycle program development
- High-conversion ecommerce strategies
- Marketing leadership through organizational change
He focuses on practical, measurable performance improvements, drawing from decades of hands-on leadership in both traditional and fast-changing digital environments.
How He Works with Columbus Businesses
As a fractional CMO, Bruce brings deep experience with in-house marketing transformation. He helps local and national companies modernize legacy systems, rethink their funnel strategies, and make smarter decisions with AI and analytics. His advisory and hands-on leadership approach makes him a reliable partner for companies in transition, companies scaling quickly, or brands facing disruption.
Bruce is especially effective in mid-market environments where clarity, speed, and strategic alignment are critical.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Media Communications – Medaille University
Bruce’s blend of executive insight, DTC and enterprise expertise, and love for emerging tech makes him one of the most dynamic and future-focused fractional CMOs serving Columbus today.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brucemillard
6. Cynthia Kincaid
Cynthia Kincaid is a highly accomplished fractional CMO and marketing strategist based in Columbus, Ohio. With a career spanning leadership roles across financial services, healthcare, insurance, and legal sectors, she brings deep expertise in helping highly regulated organizations solve revenue challenges while staying in compliance. Cynthia leads Kincaid Strategic Partners, a strategic marketing and branding firm known for bold storytelling, impactful content, and measurable results.
Proven Industry Experience
Cynthia has worked with national powerhouses including Lincoln Financial Group, Huntington Bank, Cardinal Health, US Oncology, Swedish Medical Center, Redeemer Health/MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cognizant, and many others. Her campaigns consistently generate millions in revenue and increase brand awareness across complex industries.
At Redeemer Health, she helped increase cancer center patient volume by 300 percent and delivered similar gains in digital engagement through integrated direct mail and social campaigns. Her time at the Ohio State Bar Association led to $5 million in new revenue and earned national recognition for excellence in digital marketing.
Expertise That Drives Results
- Multi-channel strategy for financial, legal, and healthcare industries
- Revenue-focused branding, content, and lead generation
- Crisis and internal communications
- Regulatory-compliant marketing programs
- Public relations, executive communications, and media strategy
Her accolades include MarCom, PRism, BullDog, and Luminary awards, and she is also recognized for her public speaking and thought leadership.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Cynthia excels at helping mid-market and enterprise-level businesses in Columbus navigate the unique pressures of regulated industries. She integrates quickly with internal teams, often acting as a steady hand through leadership changes, market expansion, or operational pivots. Known for asking insightful questions and crafting sharp go-to-market strategies, Cynthia brings not only experience but clarity and confidence to her clients.
She works best with companies that are ready to think critically about what drives engagement and growth, even in complex environments.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Walter Cronkite School, Arizona State University
- Master of Public Administration – University of Washington
Cynthia’s strategic marketing vision and exceptional ability to connect content with conversion make her a strong choice for Columbus-based companies looking for a highly skilled, regulated-industry-savvy fractional CMO.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiakincaid
7. Anne B.
Anne B. is a seasoned fractional CMO and founder of Ballyhoo Marketing Advantage, a Columbus-based firm specializing in digital lead generation, sales enablement, and growth strategy for small to mid-sized businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, Anne is known for helping businesses get noticed, generate leads, and convert them into loyal customers through sharp, scalable digital marketing programs.
Proven Industry Experience
Anne has worked across a wide range of industries including financial services, insurance, education technology, SaaS, retail, legal, and health and beauty. As a HubSpot Partner Certified marketer, she excels at building integrated strategies that combine content, CRM, SEO, and automation to drive measurable growth.
Before launching Ballyhoo, she held marketing and communications roles at Capture Education, EMH&T, and New Albany Plain Local Schools. In each role, Anne brought clarity and structure to complex challenges, often building digital programs from the ground up.
Expertise That Drives Results
Anne helps Columbus businesses grow through:
- Lead generation strategy and execution
- HubSpot setup, optimization, and automation
- CRM strategy and cleanup
- Content marketing, blogging, and SEO
- Social media marketing and referral programs
- Sales enablement tools and training
Her strength lies in crafting tailored, results-oriented strategies that fit each client’s growth stage and budget. She’s particularly skilled at helping teams eliminate friction in the customer journey and turn digital channels into real business value.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Anne partners with companies that want flexibility without sacrificing quality. She offers both project-based and retainer models, making her a great fit for business owners who need a strategic partner to fill the CMO gap. Her approach is collaborative, practical, and highly personalized.
As a fellow small business owner, she understands what’s at stake when a business invests in marketing, and she delivers with honesty, clarity, and commitment to results.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Emphases in Psychology and Technical Writing – Bowling Green State University
- Psychology – University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- HubSpot Sales Enablement Certification
Anne combines the precision of a technical strategist with the creativity of a content marketer. For Columbus-area businesses ready to step up their marketing game, she’s a valuable partner who understands both the local landscape and the broader digital opportunity.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anne-blaha
8. Renae Scott
Renae Scott is a seasoned retail marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience helping brands cut through the noise and align their marketing with business goals. As the founder of Bee Collaborative, she works with growing retail companies to bring clarity, structure, and measurable success to their marketing efforts. Based in Columbus, she offers fractional CMO services with a focus on brand authenticity, customer engagement, and long-term growth.
Proven Industry Experience
Renae’s background spans some of the most recognized names in the retail industry. Her experience includes leadership roles at Victoria’s Secret and JobsOhio, where she led large teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and executed marketing strategies that scaled operations and improved ROI.
Today, through Bee Collaborative, she helps retail brands of all sizes create purpose-driven marketing strategies that resonate deeply with their audiences. Her fractional CMO services are ideal for businesses in need of strategic guidance without the full-time cost.
Expertise That Drives Results
Renae’s capabilities include:
- Full-funnel marketing strategy and planning
- Omnichannel retail marketing execution
- Brand voice and messaging development
- Strategic alignment of marketing and business goals
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Her style emphasizes collaboration, clarity, and high-impact planning tailored to the unique needs of each client.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Renae offers multiple ways to engage with her services, including one-on-one strategy sessions, ongoing retainers, and embedded leadership as a fractional CMO. She helps retail companies in Columbus align their brand purpose with their promotional efforts, eliminate wasted spend, and streamline internal marketing operations.
Her approach ensures every team member has a voice, every initiative ties to business goals, and every campaign is built for sustainable growth. She also actively supports local economic development and frequently contributes her leadership expertise to marketing communities in the region.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing – Franklin University
- Executive Leadership Program – University of Notre Dame
- Business Analytics Accelerator – Morning Brew
With Renae’s leadership, Columbus-based retail businesses can expect smart strategy, aligned messaging, and marketing that drives real, sustainable results.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/renaescott
9. Jeffrey L. Scheiman
Jeffrey Scheiman is a veteran marketing leader based in Columbus, Ohio, with over four decades of experience helping businesses of all sizes, from billion-dollar brands to fast-growing startups, create powerful marketing strategies that deliver measurable results. As the founder of Kensington Hill Media and former CEO of SOS Media Group, Jeffrey brings a deep understanding of brand storytelling, emerging technologies, and strategic communications to his fractional CMO work.
Proven Industry Experience
Jeffrey’s client roster includes major names such as M/I Homes, iCoffee, Limited Brands, Safe Auto Insurance, DHL Supply Chain, and Schottenstein Stores Corporation. He has led large marketing teams, built campaigns across traditional and digital platforms, and developed go-to-market strategies for sectors like: Retail, Homebuilding, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Technology, and Consumer products.
His career includes early broadcast roles and media production, giving him a unique blend of technical know-how and creative leadership that fuels his strategic approach today.
Expertise That Drives Results
Jeffrey offers deep capabilities across marketing and business disciplines:
- Strategic marketing and branding
- Market research and audience insights
- Content marketing and digital strategy
- Social media and emerging media platforms
- Product development and distribution
- Internal communications and leadership messaging
He is known for balancing creative thinking with performance-driven execution, making him a strong partner for businesses focused on meaningful, measurable growth.
How He Works with Columbus Businesses
As a fractional CMO, Jeffrey works closely with local and national businesses to define marketing strategies that align with business goals. His approach is high-touch and collaborative, often stepping in as a long-term partner who helps companies navigate growth, rebranding, or digital transformation.
He brings clarity to marketing plans, fills leadership gaps in-house, and ensures marketing efforts are tied to outcomes. Columbus companies benefit from his ability to operate at both the strategic and tactical level with ease.
Education and Certifications
- Master of Science in Broadcasting and Film – Boston University
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education – Elmira College
With his extensive background in media, marketing, and executive leadership, Jeffrey Scheiman provides fractional CMO support that is both strategic and execution-ready. His ability to drive business impact through smart messaging and market alignment makes him a valuable resource for companies looking to grow in and beyond Columbus.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jlsos
10. Amee BellWanzo
Amee BellWanzo is a dynamic marketing strategist with more than two decades of experience helping organizations spark growth, engage communities, and turn complexity into clarity. Through her consultancy, Spark CMO, and her leadership role at Rev1 Ventures, she supports economic development, community impact, and innovation-focused organizations with powerful, results-driven marketing. Based in Columbus, Ohio, she offers fractional CMO services to mission-driven businesses ready to scale their message and impact.
Proven Industry Experience
Amee has built a career shaping the visibility and brand presence of high-impact organizations across sectors. Her leadership has driven measurable growth at Experience Columbus, ECDI, and Rev1 Ventures, with accomplishments including a 281 percent increase in lending volume, millions in sales pipeline growth, and national brand recognition for formerly under-the-radar entities.
With a focus on place-based, economic, and community development, she helps clients sharpen their marketing strategy, define their audience, and deliver creative that resonates. Through Spark CMO, she specializes in guiding organizations with complex or intangible offerings to develop campaigns that spark real business outcomes.
Expertise That Drives Results
Amee’s capabilities include:
- Strategic marketing and brand positioning for mission-driven orgs
- Community engagement and place-based marketing strategy
- Messaging for intangible and complex products
- Campaign development and performance tracking
- Audience segmentation and pipeline development
Her approach combines creative innovation with fiscal discipline, aligning messaging with measurable objectives that support long-term growth.
How She Works with Columbus Businesses
Amee offers a range of engagement options, from short-term consulting and audits to embedded leadership as a fractional CMO. She works with economic development teams, incubators, nonprofits, and startup ecosystems to elevate marketing outcomes and align strategy with funding, development, and public impact goals.
She has a track record of helping Columbus-based organizations punch above their weight by clarifying purpose, energizing outreach, and focusing on what really moves the needle. Her leadership style is collaborative, optimistic, and laser-focused on results.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Bowling Green State University
- Certified Tourism Ambassador – CTA Program
With Amee’s strategic guidance, Columbus organizations and initiatives can count on bold thinking, clear storytelling, and marketing that activates communities and fuels sustainable success.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ameefromcolumbus
What Makes a Fractional CMO a Great Fit for Columbus
Columbus is full of growing companies, ambitious startups, and local brands ready to take things to the next level. But not every business can afford or even needs a full-time chief marketing officer. That’s where a fractional CMO can make a big impact. Here’s why it’s a smart move for businesses in Columbus:
Cost-Effective Leadership
Hiring a full-time CMO comes with a hefty salary, benefits, and overhead. A fractional CMO gives you access to high-level marketing expertise at a fraction of the cost. It’s a budget-friendly way to get serious marketing results without breaking the bank.
Focused Strategy Without the Fluff
Fractional CMOs come in ready to work. They focus on what matters – whether that’s building a marketing plan from scratch or tightening up your current efforts. Since they’re not tied down by internal politics or unnecessary meetings, they get straight to the point and help you move faster.
Flexibility to Fit Your Needs
Whether you need help a few hours a week or during a big product launch, fractional CMOs can adjust to fit your business. Their flexible setup makes it easy to scale up or down based on your goals and growth stage.
Local Market Know-How
Columbus has its own business vibe – mixing Midwest values with fast-paced innovation. A fractional CMO who understands the local market can tap into what works here, helping you connect with customers in a real and relevant way.
Perfect for Growing or Pivoting
If your business is growing quickly or shifting direction, a fractional CMO can step in with the guidance and structure you need. They help steady the ship during transitions and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
How to Choose the Right Fractional CMO
Not all fractional CMOs are the same. The right one can help your business grow fast and smart, while the wrong fit could waste time and money. Here’s how to find the one that truly fits your goals:
1. Know What You Need
Before you start your search, get clear on what you actually need help with. Are you looking for someone to build a full marketing strategy from scratch? Or do you need someone to manage a specific campaign, lead a team, or fix a few key areas? Knowing your goals will help you find someone with the right skills.
2. Look for Industry Experience
It’s helpful to choose a fractional CMO who understands your industry. If they’ve worked with similar businesses or audiences, they’ll already know what works and what doesn’t. That means less ramp-up time and better results.
3. Check Their Track Record
Ask for examples of past work. A great fractional CMO should be able to show you what they’ve done for other clients – whether that’s growth metrics, campaign results, or testimonials. Look for real proof that they know how to get things done.
4. Make Sure They Fit Your Team
Even if someone is highly skilled, they still need to mesh well with your team. Look for someone who communicates clearly, works well with others, and understands your company’s values. A good personality fit can make all the difference.
5. Understand Their Availability
Fractional CMOs work part-time, so be clear on how much time they can give you each week or month. Make sure their schedule lines up with your business needs so you’re getting the support when you need it most.
6. Talk About Goals and Expectations
From the start, be upfront about what you’re hoping to achieve. Set clear expectations together and talk about how you’ll measure success. That way, everyone’s on the same page and working toward the same goals.
Conclusion
Finding the right marketing leadership doesn’t mean hiring a full-time executive. In Columbus, fractional CMOs are helping businesses grow smarter by offering high-level strategy, without the overhead. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale, a nonprofit needing visibility, or a mid-sized business navigating a complex market, Columbus has an impressive lineup of fractional CMOs who bring experience, creativity, and results. The experts we highlighted in this article have a track record of success across industries and can help you unlock new opportunities for growth.
FAQ
Columbus is home to many fast-growing businesses, startups, and community-focused organizations. A fractional CMO helps these companies build strong marketing foundations without the long-term financial commitment of a full-time hire. They can help with everything from branding and lead generation to scaling growth in the local and regional market.
Start by evaluating their industry experience, past results, and communication style. It’s important to find someone who not only understands your market but can also work well with your existing team. Look for someone who asks smart questions, brings fresh ideas, and focuses on measurable outcomes.
Yes. Most fractional CMOs work across both strategy and execution, especially in small to mid-sized companies. They often bring in or manage external teams or freelancers to carry out campaigns while keeping your strategy aligned with business goals.
Not exactly. While there’s overlap, a fractional CMO usually takes a more hands-on leadership role and works with the business longer-term. A marketing consultant might focus on solving a specific issue or providing a short-term plan, whereas a fractional CMO helps drive ongoing strategy and team alignment.
