What is a Virtual CMO?

As the world of digital marketing grows more complex, it’s increasingly important to have an experienced CMO on your team. With so many moving parts and ever-changing best practices, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. The problem? CMOs are expensive! Plus bringing one on full-time is a long and risky process and only suitable for businesses of a certain size, but not smaller businesses. One of the latest trends in business is the hiring of a virtual CMO.

A virtual CMO is a Chief Marketing Officer that works remotely, and is a great option for smaller businesses who want to scale their marketing efforts without costs associated with bringing someone on full-time.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the role of a virtual CMO, the benefits of hiring one, and how to know if it’s the right choice for your business.

What is a virtual CMO?

A virtual Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a marketing professional who provides strategic and creative direction for businesses, but typically does not work within the company on a full-time basis. Instead, they works with businesses on a freelance or contract basis, often remotely.

While the virtual CMO does not have the same level of day-to-day involvement as an employee, they are still responsible for developing and implementing marketing initiatives that help business owners meet their goals. The advantages of working with a virtual CMO include having access to a wider range of talent and experience, as well as being able to scale up or down the level of involvement as needed.

For businesses that are looking to get more out of their marketing budget, working with a virtual CMO can be an ideal solution.

What is their role?

A typical day may involve:

• Developing and executing various marketing strategies
• Overseeing successful campaigns
• Managing content marketing projects
• Working with the Sales Team to achieve revenue goals
• Managing budgets
• Overseeing research projects
• Working with SEO teams or agencies to support organic traffic efforts
• Analyzing data and drawing insights to inform strategic marketing plans.

They may also work with other members of the marketing team to create and implement campaigns, track results, and adjust strategies as needed. In addition to these day-to-day responsibilities, a virtual CMO may also be responsible for long-term planning and goal setting for their organization.

5 benefits of hiring a virtual CMO

Small to midsize businesses may not have the requirements or the budget to hire a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from the expertise of a CMO.

By hiring a virtual CMO, business owners can get the same level of marketing experience and guidance without having to pay for a full-time salary.

Below are the top reasons you may consider hiring one:

• Cost-effective. It can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that cannot afford to hire a full-time CMO.
• Flexible. They can be hired on a part-time or project basis, making them a flexible option for businesses.
• Experience. They are experienced marketing professionals who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Objective. Virtual CMOs are objective third-party experts who can provide unbiased advice and recommendations.
• Strategic. They can provide senior guidance and help businesses develop and implement effective marketing strategies.

Is hiring a virtual CMO right for you?

If you’re wondering whether or not hiring one is right for your business, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about your budget and whether you can afford to add another senior-level employee to your team. Second, assess your marketing needs and whether you have the internal resources to meet those needs. Finally, consider the advantages and disadvantages of having a virtual CMO on your team.

On the plus side, they can provide expert-level strategic marketing advice and guidance without the high cost of an in-house hire. They can also be flexible in their hours and availability, which can be a major advantage for small businesses. On the downside, however, you won’t have the same level of control or oversight with a virtual CMO, and there may be some communication challenges since they’re not in the office.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire a virtual CMO depends on your specific business needs and circumstances. If you have the budget and you need expert marketing help, a virtual CMO can be a great solution. If you’re not sure you need the extra help or if you prefer to have more control over your marketing operations, then an in-house hire may be a better option.

Finding the right CMO

If you’re lacking senior marketing leadership in your executive team, or simply need an external set of eyes to help you scale your marketing efforts in line with your business objectives, then we can help.

Leadership Services provides part-time Marketing Directors – with a minimum of 10 years’ board-level experience and a proven track record of success – to support businesses’ in their short- and long-term goals.

Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you find the right marketing leader for your company.