Advice-Only

They Advise. You Still Need Execution.

A Fractional CMO brings senior strategy. But then you need to hire agencies, developers, and content creators to execute. We bring strategy AND execution in one relationship.

Fractional CMO

Strategy expertise. Part-time attention. You hire and coordinate vendors for implementation.

SocialTide

Strategy + technology + content + operation. Two founders. One relationship. We implement what we recommend.

See Detailed Comparison
ST

SocialTide

Growth Operations: Senior strategy (Tara, 30yr) + technical execution (Titus, 20yr) + ongoing operation. One relationship, complete coverage.

F

Fractional CMO

Part-time executive strategy. Recommends what to do. You hire separately for websites, content, SEO, and development. You coordinate.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Honest assessment of how we compare. We believe in transparency.

Strategic Expertise

SocialTide SocialTide
Senior strategist (30yr experience) Tara: MBA, business development
Fractional CMO
Senior strategist CMO-level strategy

Technical Execution

SocialTide SocialTide
Senior engineer (20yr experience) Titus: staff-level systems builder
Fractional CMO
None - recommends vendors You hire dev agency separately

Implementation

SocialTide SocialTide
We build what we recommend Strategy → Build → Operate
Fractional CMO
Advises, doesn't build Hands you a strategy deck

Ongoing Operation

SocialTide SocialTide
We operate daily Monthly Growth Operations rhythm
Fractional CMO
Advisory only You manage or hire operators

Vendor Coordination

SocialTide SocialTide
One relationship Strategy + tech + content aligned
Fractional CMO
You coordinate 3-5 vendors CMO + agency + dev shop + writers

Knowledge System

SocialTide SocialTide
Client Memory System (yours) Compounds over time, you own it
Fractional CMO
In their head Leaves when they leave

Strategy-Tech Alignment

SocialTide SocialTide
Same team, same conversation Technical decisions informed by strategy
Fractional CMO
Lost in translation CMO specs → dev shop builds to spec

Hours Per Week

SocialTide SocialTide
As needed (operated, not hours) Results-focused, not time-tracked
Fractional CMO
10-20 hours/week typical Part-time executive presence

C-Suite Presence

SocialTide SocialTide
Founders (external) Growth partners, not executives
Fractional CMO
Acts as your CMO Board meetings, leadership team

Building Internal Team

SocialTide SocialTide
External operated service We operate, you focus on core
Fractional CMO
Can build/train your team Hires and develops marketing staff

The Install AND Operate Advantage

Here's why Growth Operations delivers results that Fractional CMO can't match.

Strategy That Gets Built

A Fractional CMO hands you a strategy deck. Then you need to hire someone to build it. We recommend AND build - no translation gap, no vendor hunting.

Technology + Strategy Unified

Most CMOs are marketing experts, not technical. You need Titus to build what Tara recommends. One team, aligned decisions.

One Relationship, Not Five

A Fractional CMO typically means also hiring: dev agency, content writers, SEO consultant, designers. We're all of that in one relationship.

Install AND Operate

CMOs advise and oversee. They don't operate daily. We install your growth infrastructure AND run it monthly. No gap between strategy and execution.

Knowledge You Own

A CMO's knowledge lives in their head - it leaves when they leave. Client Memory System captures everything. It's yours to keep.

Senior Expertise, Lower Total Cost

CMO ($5-8K/mo) + agency ($3-10K/mo) + dev ($2-5K/mo) = $10-23K/month. We're senior expertise with execution included, one predictable cost.

Being Honest: When Fractional CMO Might Be Better

We believe in transparency. Here's when Fractional CMO might be the better choice.

You already have agency/dev relationships that work

If you have trusted vendors who execute well, a Fractional CMO can provide the strategic layer you're missing without changing your existing team.

You need C-suite presence for board meetings

Fractional CMOs join leadership meetings, present to boards, and provide executive-level marketing representation. We're growth partners, not executives.

You want to build an internal marketing team

CMOs excel at hiring, training, and developing in-house marketing staff. We operate externally - we don't build your internal team.

You need 20+ hours/week of dedicated attention

Some businesses need near-full-time marketing leadership. Fractional CMOs scale hours flexibly. We operate systems, not hourly attention.

The Bottom Line

ST

SocialTide

Strategy + technology + content + operation unified. Two founders with 40+ years combined. We recommend AND build AND operate. One relationship, complete coverage.

F

Fractional CMO

Senior strategic expertise on a part-time basis. Great for marketing leadership when you have execution capacity. But you still need vendors for implementation.

Our Recommendation

Choose Growth Operations for strategy AND execution in one relationship. Choose a Fractional CMO if you have execution vendors and need strategic leadership.

Start with a Digital Audit See What You Get

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