Fractional
Agencies
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7 Best Fractional Marketing Agencies in 2025

Althea Storm
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March 7, 2025
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7 Best Fractional Marketing Agencies in 2025

For many companies, an in-house marketing team or a one-size-fits-all agency simply doesn’t cut it anymore. These work models often come with high costs, slow turnarounds, or a lack of specialized skills needed to thrive in fast-paced industries.

That’s where fractional marketing agencies come in. These agencies offer expert guidance on a part-time basis. They provide the agility and deep industry know-how that businesses need without requiring a costly, long-term commitment.  

In this article, I’ll cover what a fractional marketing agency is, why hiring one can be beneficial for your business, what to look out for when choosing one, and some astounding fractional marketing agencies you can choose from in 2025.

What is a fractional marketing agency?

A fractional marketing agency is a team of experienced marketing pros who work with clients on a part-time or project basis. Instead of hiring full-time staff or paying the steep fees of a full-service agency, an agency like this gives you access to seasoned experts who focus on your specific needs for as long as you need them to.

Companies often turn to fractional marketing agencies when their in-house teams don’t have all the specialized skills required to tackle new challenges or when traditional agencies offer one-size-fits-all solutions that miss the mark. Fractional agencies step in to provide targeted support for things like digital marketing strategies, creative campaigns, content development, and more, all without long-term commitment or high overhead. 

This flexible model helps businesses manage their budgets while gaining access to specialized skills and fresh perspectives that can spark innovation and drive business growth.

Read: How Fractional Recruiting Can Transform Your Workforce 

Benefits of using a fractional marketing agency

From cost-effectiveness to reduced risk, here are 7 benefits of using a fractional marketing agency:

  • Cost-effectiveness. By hiring a fractional marketing agency, you only pay for the expertise you need when you need it. This helps you avoid the high costs of maintaining an in-house marketing team or the (oftentimes). You can then funnel those resources into other parts of the business or count them as profit. 
  • Flexibility. Fractional marketing agencies work on a part-time or project basis, which allows you to scale services up or down depending on your current needs. This flexibility also means that you can choose whether to pay fixed salaries or opt for long-term contracts.
  • Access to specialized talent. Fractional marketing agencies bring together experts from different marketing verticals—digital, creative, strategy, and analytics. This diverse skill set means you gain access to top-tier talent that might be too expensive or impractical to hire full time.
  • Fresh perspectives. An external team can offer insights that an in-house crew might miss. Because of their experience working with different brands, these agencies can spot untapped opportunities, identify inefficiencies, and introduce innovative ideas that help your business stand out in a crowded market.
  • Speed and agility. Working with a fractional agency can mean quicker turnaround times for you. The teams usually have streamlined processes and focused expertise that allow them to drive growth quickly.
  • Scalability. As your business grows, so do your marketing needs. A fractional marketing agency can adjust its level of involvement to match your business growth, helping you scale your marketing initiatives without the headache of recruiting or downsizing staff.
  • Reduced risk. With a marketing team of seasoned professionals guiding your strategy, you lower the risk of costly mistakes. A fractional agency’s experience in handling various market challenges often means they are better equipped to navigate pitfalls and steer your marketing efforts in the right direction.

Read: 4 Strategies to Assemble a Marketing Dream Team

What to look for in a fractional agency

There are dozens of fractional marketing agencies in the market, all professing to be the best one for your needs. If you want to know for sure which one is best for you, here are some things to look for:

1. Flexibility and contract structure

A good fractional marketing agency can adapt to your business needs as they change. So, look for one that offers adjustable service plans, so you can scale your marketing team up or down easily. 

Review their website carefully—do they offer monthly retainers, project-based fees, or performance-based incentives? If that information isn’t on their website, be sure to ask during your initial call with them. 

A clear and adaptable contact helps prevent surprises and ensures you only pay for what you need. This is especially important if you only want to test the waters with a new approach before committing fully.

2. Specialization and expertise

When assessing an agency, pay attention to its area of expertise. Does the agency have experience in your industry or with the specific marketing strategies you require? Specialized skills can be the difference between a generic campaign and a comprehensive marketing strategy that truly resonates with your target audience. 

Ask for examples of the agency’s work that highlight their deep knowledge in areas like digital marketing, creative content, or marketing analytics. These case studies/portfolios can provide insight into how their expertise has translated into the success of other clients.

Also, check for client testimonials on their website and other software review sites that support the agency’s claims.

3. Communication and transparency

Clear communication is vital when working with an external team because you have to make sure they are as familiar with your processes as your in-house marketing team is. 

A top-notch fractional marketing agency typically holds meetings with you to learn about your company. And during your working relationship with them, they provide regular progress updates and detailed reports that explain which marketing initiatives are working and which aren’t. 

They also typically have a dedicated point of contact or account manager who can answer your questions and relay feedback promptly. This transparency is key to ensuring your marketing efforts stay on track.

💡 Learn how fractional recruiting can transform your workforce by helping you scale smarter and stay agile without overcommitting.

4. Technology and data-driven approach

Modern marketing thrives on data collated, stored, displayed, and distributed through specific tools, such as:

  • Customer relationship Management (CRM) tools (HubSpot, Salesforce) for storing client information and building strong relationships with customers;
  • Marketing automation tools (Keap, Marketo) to streamline and automate repetitive tasks like sending emails, posting on social media, and nurturing leads;
  • SEO tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush) to help you optimize your site’s content and technical configuration so you can rank high on search engine results pages;
  • Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Kit) to create, design, send, and track email campaigns to large audiences;
  • Analytics platforms (Google Analytics, built-in social media analytics) to track your campaign performance and identify patterns, trends, and insights to inform decision-making.

This is not an exhaustive list, but they’re the most common types of platforms agencies use. So, during your initial call, ask the agency what tech stack it uses for marketing operations and to track data. 

An agency that bases its marketing strategies on clear metrics and data insights can quickly pivot when needed, ensuring that your campaigns are both efficient and effective.

7 top fractional marketing agencies to consider

Now that you know the value of a fractional marketing agency and what to look for when hiring one, it’s time to explore some top agencies you can consider:

1. MarketerHire

While MarketerHire is not a fractional marketing agency in the traditional sense of the term, we do connect you with pre-vetted fractional marketing talent from top-tier companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Netflix. 

You can find fractional marketing roles like email marketer, content marketer, SEO marketer, social media marketer, paid search marketer, brand marketer, and even Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) on our platform. 

Each applicant goes through a rigorous screening method where they have to prove their expertise and show that they’re capable of driving results. We only accept 1% of hundreds of monthly applicants, so you can rest assured that whoever we connect you with has a proven track record of success. 

No matter your hiring needs, we aim to match you with a qualified candidate in as little as 48 hours. It might sound too good to be true, but to allay your doubts, we offer a two-week free trial period to ensure the match is perfect. 

Most companies hire the first person we match them with, but sometimes, the first match falls through. If this happens, we offer a free rematch to ensure you get paired with the best fit. 

If you’re looking to save costs without compromising quality, we can also connect you with offshore talent pre-vetted by industry leaders—saving up to 70% compared to similar US-based resources. 

💡 Explore why fractional marketing is the present and future of marketing, and how it’s reshaping the way brands grow in today’s landscape.

2. GrowthAssistant

GrowthAssistant gives you access to trained, full-time offshore marketing assistants (also called Growth Assistants) who can handle manual tasks for campaign management, design, and reporting, freeing up time for your core in-house staff to focus on strategy. 

GrowthAssistant reportedly only hires 1 out of 400 applicants, which underscores their commitment to quality work. They also handle the sourcing, interviewing, and vetting processes, to match you with the right candidate in just two weeks. And when they do, you get the chance to save up to 70% of costs compared to entry-level US talent. 

For a simple monthly fee—most roles are around $3,000 per month—you get someone who works in your time zone, joins meetings, and uses the same tools as your full-time marketing team. And if you need more than one fractional Growth Assistant, this platform can help you scale easily. 

3. CMOx

According to Glassdoor, the average total pay of a Chief Marketing Officer in the U.S. is $327,131 per annum, which is a lot of money. However, with CMOx, you don’t have to spend that much to get a good marketing leader for your business. 

As you might’ve guessed, CMOx connects you with a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer who can create and execute a full-scale marketing plan without the high costs that come with hiring a full-time executive. This CMO will handle everything from setting long-term goals to managing day-to-day marketing operations and ensuring your marketing efforts stay on track.

With CMOx, you get flexible support that fits your needs. Whether you need just a few hours of guidance or more hands-on help, you only pay for the expertise you require. This makes it a smart option for businesses that want strong marketing leadership and fresh ideas without extra overhead.

Read: What Does the Chief Marketing Officer Do? Essential Duties Explained

4. Right Side Up

Right Side Up is a premium growth marketing agency that offers a flexible solution for companies that need everything from top-level strategy to extra help from experienced marketers.

Their process involves getting to know your company inside and out, crafting a plan, and then curating a marketing team to match your specific needs. They rely on a unique tech system to thoroughly vet talent—every expert is checked multiple times to guarantee a perfect fit.

Right Side Up moves impressively fast. Unlike the traditional 8-week hiring process, this agency suggests a candidate or a full marketing team in just 2 days and has them onboard within 2 weeks. 

You also don’t have to worry about long-term contracts or inflexible arrangements as you can easily scale up hours or adjust the team as your needs change. 

💡 Not sure what a fractional marketing consultant actually does? This guide breaks down their role, responsibilities, and when to bring one on.

5. GrowTal

GrowTal makes finding top-tier marketing talent simple and risk-free. Through a quick 2-minute questionnaire, they connect you with a handpicked expert from their network of rigorously vetted professionals.

Whether you need a fractional paid search marketer, copywriter, social media marketer, UX designer, or brand consultant, GrowTal helps you find the perfect fit for your marketing team.

Once you’ve made your pick, you can work with them on a risk-free trial basis. If you’re not satisfied with your match, GrowTal will replace them immediately with a new marketer at no cost to you.

6. Authentic Brand

Authentic Brand offers flexible and strategic marketing leadership with a proven system for businesses that need top guidance without the full-time cost. 

They match you with experienced fractional Chief Marketing Officers who have a proven track record of using the agency’s specialized system called Authentic Growth™ Methodology to drive growth and build strong marketing strategies.

After a brief intake survey and a quick meeting, they connect you with a leader who fits your business model, goals, and culture—often in just a few days. With Authentic Brand, you tap into a community of seasoned fractional CMOs who work as an extension of your team, providing the strategic direction you need to succeed.

💡 Considering a fractional marketing director? Learn what they bring to the table—and how to hire the right one for your team.

7. Digital Authority Partners

Digital Authority Partners (DAP) is a dynamic digital marketing agency that also offers fractional marketing solutions. Their expertise spans every stage of a product’s life—from ideation and go-to-market strategy to ongoing support—ensuring that organizations of all sizes and stages can thrive in the digital space. 

Digital Authority Partners’ digital marketing services include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click management, demand and lead generation, design, and analytics. 

Beyond marketing, this agency also offers fractional executive services by supplying interim, part-time, or fractional C-suite expertise. This includes roles such as CEO, COO, CTO, CIO, and Marketing Director. These seasoned professionals not only plan but also implement and scale your vision, making sure to execute marketing strategies on time, within budget, and with meaningful outcomes.

Why do traditional marketing agencies fail growing businesses?

Traditional marketing agencies have long been the default for many businesses that want to bring in external talent to supplement their in-house teams. However, as the business landscape evolves, the limitations of this model become increasingly clear. 

I spoke to Arvind Rongala, the CEO of Edsteller, about why he switched from a traditional agency to a fractional one. The first issue he mentioned is the rigidity of fixed retainer fees and bundled service packages that don’t adjust well to evolving business needs. This structure often means that companies pay for services they don’t use, which leads to inefficient spending and budget constraints. 

“The traditional agencies offered a mansion-sized solution when we needed a single room,” says Arvind. “Unnecessary service fees inflated our budget while diminishing our agility. Our 2021 campaign required an $80K retainer, which resulted in just 12% leads.”

The prospect of spending a ton of money without getting a good ROI is not one any business is willing to entertain, let alone a growing business.

Arvind also mentioned how traditional agencies often struggle with slow decision-making due to complex internal hierarchies and bureaucratic processes. This sluggish pace hampers the agency’s ability to quickly pivot marketing strategies in response to fast-changing market conditions. 

In his experience, fractional marketing agencies were more agile and nimble, largely due to their scalable nature. Speaking of the successes Estellar has had with fractional hires, Arvind explains: 

“Fractional expertise enabled us to access specialized LinkedIn Ads skills while saving 40% on costs. Our budget distribution shifted to high-impact channels through fractional hires. A freelance SEO strategist refreshed our content and achieved a 65% increase in organic traffic within six months. Implementing segmented campaigns and using a fractional consultant for email marketing led to a 28% rise in click-through rates. And our ROI jumped from 2:1 to 3.5:1.”

In a market where flexibility, speed, and specialization are key, traditional marketing agencies often fall short of meeting the demands of growing businesses.

Case study: Swyft Filings

Here, at MarketerHire, we were faced with a customer (Swyft Filings) who was experiencing a similar problem with traditional marketing agencies. At the time, Swyft Filings was finding it difficult to scale its paid social media efforts. 

According to Karl Davitt, the company’s VP of Acquisition Marketing, the agency managing its paid social wasn’t growing the channel the way it wanted. So, Karl sought out other alternatives. In the process, he found MarketerHire. 

After hearing glowing reviews from colleagues about us, Karl decided to proceed. We quickly matched Swyft Filings to Jake, M., a paid social media specialist. Jake quickly went to work building a strategy that capitalized on the strengths of Swyft Filings’ social accounts, as well as creating a long-term sustainable growth plan. 

After execution, Jake’s strategies resulted in a 3X increase in profits, which allowed Swyft Filings to scale its social media marketing efforts, eliminate unnecessary spending, and drive growth.

Read: How Swyft Filings Lowered CPA and Boosted Profits 3X

When a fractional marketing agency is the right choice (vs. in-house or full-time hires)

A fractional model can be a cost effective solution when your business needs expert help without the overhead of full-time hires. Imagine hiring a fractional social media marketer to execute Instagram campaigns for a specific amount of time without having to worry about contractual complications, perks, office space, etc.  

Here are a few ways to know when a fractional marketing agency is a better choice than full-time hires: 

  • Cost efficiency. If you’re operating on a tight budget, fractional hires are the way to go. This way, you only pay for the expertise you need, when you need it. The model is flexible, so you can hire or let go of people according to your current demands. 
  • Urgency. If you need to run a campaign urgently, spending eight weeks hiring and onboarding a full-time employee isn’t feasible. With a fractional marketing agency, you can find and hire an expert in as little as a week, and they can hit the ground running with your project. 
  • Expertise. Fractional marketing professionals often work with different companies, so they usually have diverse skills that might be hard to find within your in-house team. So, if there’s a specific skill you need at the moment, a fractional hire is your best bet. 
  • Project duration. If the project you want to execute is short-term, say six months, you don’t need to hire a full-time employee. Fractional marketing professionals, by definition, work part-time, so unless you decide to bring them on full-time (for the foreseeable future), they expect to work on short-term projects.   

That said, here’s a table comparing fractional agencies, in-house teams, and traditional agencies to help you determine the best fit for your business goals.

Fractional Agencies In-House Teams Traditional Agencies
Cost Fractional agencies are cost-effective because you only pay for the expertise you need when you need it. In-house teams involve significant expenses, including salaries, benefits, and recruitment costs, which can strain budgets, especially for small or rapidly growing companies. Traditional agencies often require high retainers or bundled fees, meaning you might end up paying for services that you do not fully use.
Flexibility and Scalability Fractional agencies offer flexible engagement models that allow you to scale services up or down quickly according to your business needs. In-house teams are generally less flexible because hiring or reorganizing staff takes time, and adjusting resource allocation is often a slow internal process. Traditional agencies typically work with fixed service packages, which can make it difficult to adjust quickly to new demands or shifting priorities.
Speed and Agility Fractional agencies can deploy specialized talent almost immediately, ensuring rapid response times and fast project turnarounds. An in-house team may face delays due to internal processes and the need for multiple levels of approval, which can slow down decision-making and execution. Traditional agencies often react slower to market changes or urgent needs due to complex internal structures and standardized processes.
Expertise Fractional agencies provide access to highly specialized professionals across various marketing verticals, including social media marketing, email marketing, brand marketing, SEO, content marketing, UX/UI design, and more. In-house teams are deeply familiar with the company culture and brand, but they might not have the breadth of expertise needed to cover all aspects of modern marketing strategies, particularly in rapidly evolving areas. Traditional agencies offer a broad range of skills, but they may lack the niche specialization that growing businesses require, especially when tackling innovative or highly specific marketing campaigns.
Integration Although fractional agencies bring valuable outside expertise, they might not be fully immersed in your company culture. But if you provide good onboarding and let them work with your in-house team, they’ll be able to produce cohesive work. In-house teams are naturally integrated into your company, with a deep understanding of your internal processes and brand identity. This can lead to highly cohesive strategies that align well with long-term company goals. Traditional agencies may also take time to integrate well with your brand because of standardized processes and multiple client commitments. However, extensive onboarding can ease the integration process.


Read: Marketing Freelancer, Agency or Full-Time Hire: Which Is for You? [Quiz]

Where to go for the best fractional marketing hires

Fractional marketing agencies are redefining the way businesses access top-tier talent, providing specialized skills on demand without the hefty price tag of traditional agencies or the long-term commitment of full-time hires. 

If you’re looking to explore this hiring model, look no further than MarketerHire. Our platform stands apart by rigorously vetting marketing experts and matching them with your specific needs, whether you're looking for a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, a social media specialist, or even a product marketer. 

Unlike conventional agencies that offer cookie-cutter solutions, MarketerHire’s model emphasizes flexibility, speed, and personalized service, ensuring you get the right fractional marketing expertise exactly when you need it. 

If you’re ready to find out how MarketerHire can help you find top-tier fractional talent, schedule a call with us today.

Althea StormAlthea Storm
Althea Storm is a freelance Content Marketer who has written 300+ expert-backed and data-driven articles, eBooks, and guides for top software companies like HubSpot, Thinkific, Wiza, and Zapier. When Althea’s not producing top-notch content, you’ll find her deeply engrossed in a novel or painting.
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7 Best Fractional Marketing Agencies in 2025

For many companies, an in-house marketing team or a one-size-fits-all agency simply doesn’t cut it anymore. These work models often come with high costs, slow turnarounds, or a lack of specialized skills needed to thrive in fast-paced industries.

That’s where fractional marketing agencies come in. These agencies offer expert guidance on a part-time basis. They provide the agility and deep industry know-how that businesses need without requiring a costly, long-term commitment.  

In this article, I’ll cover what a fractional marketing agency is, why hiring one can be beneficial for your business, what to look out for when choosing one, and some astounding fractional marketing agencies you can choose from in 2025.

What is a fractional marketing agency?

A fractional marketing agency is a team of experienced marketing pros who work with clients on a part-time or project basis. Instead of hiring full-time staff or paying the steep fees of a full-service agency, an agency like this gives you access to seasoned experts who focus on your specific needs for as long as you need them to.

Companies often turn to fractional marketing agencies when their in-house teams don’t have all the specialized skills required to tackle new challenges or when traditional agencies offer one-size-fits-all solutions that miss the mark. Fractional agencies step in to provide targeted support for things like digital marketing strategies, creative campaigns, content development, and more, all without long-term commitment or high overhead. 

This flexible model helps businesses manage their budgets while gaining access to specialized skills and fresh perspectives that can spark innovation and drive business growth.

Read: How Fractional Recruiting Can Transform Your Workforce 

Benefits of using a fractional marketing agency

From cost-effectiveness to reduced risk, here are 7 benefits of using a fractional marketing agency:

  • Cost-effectiveness. By hiring a fractional marketing agency, you only pay for the expertise you need when you need it. This helps you avoid the high costs of maintaining an in-house marketing team or the (oftentimes). You can then funnel those resources into other parts of the business or count them as profit. 
  • Flexibility. Fractional marketing agencies work on a part-time or project basis, which allows you to scale services up or down depending on your current needs. This flexibility also means that you can choose whether to pay fixed salaries or opt for long-term contracts.
  • Access to specialized talent. Fractional marketing agencies bring together experts from different marketing verticals—digital, creative, strategy, and analytics. This diverse skill set means you gain access to top-tier talent that might be too expensive or impractical to hire full time.
  • Fresh perspectives. An external team can offer insights that an in-house crew might miss. Because of their experience working with different brands, these agencies can spot untapped opportunities, identify inefficiencies, and introduce innovative ideas that help your business stand out in a crowded market.
  • Speed and agility. Working with a fractional agency can mean quicker turnaround times for you. The teams usually have streamlined processes and focused expertise that allow them to drive growth quickly.
  • Scalability. As your business grows, so do your marketing needs. A fractional marketing agency can adjust its level of involvement to match your business growth, helping you scale your marketing initiatives without the headache of recruiting or downsizing staff.
  • Reduced risk. With a marketing team of seasoned professionals guiding your strategy, you lower the risk of costly mistakes. A fractional agency’s experience in handling various market challenges often means they are better equipped to navigate pitfalls and steer your marketing efforts in the right direction.

Read: 4 Strategies to Assemble a Marketing Dream Team

What to look for in a fractional agency

There are dozens of fractional marketing agencies in the market, all professing to be the best one for your needs. If you want to know for sure which one is best for you, here are some things to look for:

1. Flexibility and contract structure

A good fractional marketing agency can adapt to your business needs as they change. So, look for one that offers adjustable service plans, so you can scale your marketing team up or down easily. 

Review their website carefully—do they offer monthly retainers, project-based fees, or performance-based incentives? If that information isn’t on their website, be sure to ask during your initial call with them. 

A clear and adaptable contact helps prevent surprises and ensures you only pay for what you need. This is especially important if you only want to test the waters with a new approach before committing fully.

2. Specialization and expertise

When assessing an agency, pay attention to its area of expertise. Does the agency have experience in your industry or with the specific marketing strategies you require? Specialized skills can be the difference between a generic campaign and a comprehensive marketing strategy that truly resonates with your target audience. 

Ask for examples of the agency’s work that highlight their deep knowledge in areas like digital marketing, creative content, or marketing analytics. These case studies/portfolios can provide insight into how their expertise has translated into the success of other clients.

Also, check for client testimonials on their website and other software review sites that support the agency’s claims.

3. Communication and transparency

Clear communication is vital when working with an external team because you have to make sure they are as familiar with your processes as your in-house marketing team is. 

A top-notch fractional marketing agency typically holds meetings with you to learn about your company. And during your working relationship with them, they provide regular progress updates and detailed reports that explain which marketing initiatives are working and which aren’t. 

They also typically have a dedicated point of contact or account manager who can answer your questions and relay feedback promptly. This transparency is key to ensuring your marketing efforts stay on track.

💡 Learn how fractional recruiting can transform your workforce by helping you scale smarter and stay agile without overcommitting.

4. Technology and data-driven approach

Modern marketing thrives on data collated, stored, displayed, and distributed through specific tools, such as:

  • Customer relationship Management (CRM) tools (HubSpot, Salesforce) for storing client information and building strong relationships with customers;
  • Marketing automation tools (Keap, Marketo) to streamline and automate repetitive tasks like sending emails, posting on social media, and nurturing leads;
  • SEO tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush) to help you optimize your site’s content and technical configuration so you can rank high on search engine results pages;
  • Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Kit) to create, design, send, and track email campaigns to large audiences;
  • Analytics platforms (Google Analytics, built-in social media analytics) to track your campaign performance and identify patterns, trends, and insights to inform decision-making.

This is not an exhaustive list, but they’re the most common types of platforms agencies use. So, during your initial call, ask the agency what tech stack it uses for marketing operations and to track data. 

An agency that bases its marketing strategies on clear metrics and data insights can quickly pivot when needed, ensuring that your campaigns are both efficient and effective.

7 top fractional marketing agencies to consider

Now that you know the value of a fractional marketing agency and what to look for when hiring one, it’s time to explore some top agencies you can consider:

1. MarketerHire

While MarketerHire is not a fractional marketing agency in the traditional sense of the term, we do connect you with pre-vetted fractional marketing talent from top-tier companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Netflix. 

You can find fractional marketing roles like email marketer, content marketer, SEO marketer, social media marketer, paid search marketer, brand marketer, and even Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) on our platform. 

Each applicant goes through a rigorous screening method where they have to prove their expertise and show that they’re capable of driving results. We only accept 1% of hundreds of monthly applicants, so you can rest assured that whoever we connect you with has a proven track record of success. 

No matter your hiring needs, we aim to match you with a qualified candidate in as little as 48 hours. It might sound too good to be true, but to allay your doubts, we offer a two-week free trial period to ensure the match is perfect. 

Most companies hire the first person we match them with, but sometimes, the first match falls through. If this happens, we offer a free rematch to ensure you get paired with the best fit. 

If you’re looking to save costs without compromising quality, we can also connect you with offshore talent pre-vetted by industry leaders—saving up to 70% compared to similar US-based resources. 

💡 Explore why fractional marketing is the present and future of marketing, and how it’s reshaping the way brands grow in today’s landscape.

2. GrowthAssistant

GrowthAssistant gives you access to trained, full-time offshore marketing assistants (also called Growth Assistants) who can handle manual tasks for campaign management, design, and reporting, freeing up time for your core in-house staff to focus on strategy. 

GrowthAssistant reportedly only hires 1 out of 400 applicants, which underscores their commitment to quality work. They also handle the sourcing, interviewing, and vetting processes, to match you with the right candidate in just two weeks. And when they do, you get the chance to save up to 70% of costs compared to entry-level US talent. 

For a simple monthly fee—most roles are around $3,000 per month—you get someone who works in your time zone, joins meetings, and uses the same tools as your full-time marketing team. And if you need more than one fractional Growth Assistant, this platform can help you scale easily. 

3. CMOx

According to Glassdoor, the average total pay of a Chief Marketing Officer in the U.S. is $327,131 per annum, which is a lot of money. However, with CMOx, you don’t have to spend that much to get a good marketing leader for your business. 

As you might’ve guessed, CMOx connects you with a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer who can create and execute a full-scale marketing plan without the high costs that come with hiring a full-time executive. This CMO will handle everything from setting long-term goals to managing day-to-day marketing operations and ensuring your marketing efforts stay on track.

With CMOx, you get flexible support that fits your needs. Whether you need just a few hours of guidance or more hands-on help, you only pay for the expertise you require. This makes it a smart option for businesses that want strong marketing leadership and fresh ideas without extra overhead.

Read: What Does the Chief Marketing Officer Do? Essential Duties Explained

4. Right Side Up

Right Side Up is a premium growth marketing agency that offers a flexible solution for companies that need everything from top-level strategy to extra help from experienced marketers.

Their process involves getting to know your company inside and out, crafting a plan, and then curating a marketing team to match your specific needs. They rely on a unique tech system to thoroughly vet talent—every expert is checked multiple times to guarantee a perfect fit.

Right Side Up moves impressively fast. Unlike the traditional 8-week hiring process, this agency suggests a candidate or a full marketing team in just 2 days and has them onboard within 2 weeks. 

You also don’t have to worry about long-term contracts or inflexible arrangements as you can easily scale up hours or adjust the team as your needs change. 

💡 Not sure what a fractional marketing consultant actually does? This guide breaks down their role, responsibilities, and when to bring one on.

5. GrowTal

GrowTal makes finding top-tier marketing talent simple and risk-free. Through a quick 2-minute questionnaire, they connect you with a handpicked expert from their network of rigorously vetted professionals.

Whether you need a fractional paid search marketer, copywriter, social media marketer, UX designer, or brand consultant, GrowTal helps you find the perfect fit for your marketing team.

Once you’ve made your pick, you can work with them on a risk-free trial basis. If you’re not satisfied with your match, GrowTal will replace them immediately with a new marketer at no cost to you.

6. Authentic Brand

Authentic Brand offers flexible and strategic marketing leadership with a proven system for businesses that need top guidance without the full-time cost. 

They match you with experienced fractional Chief Marketing Officers who have a proven track record of using the agency’s specialized system called Authentic Growth™ Methodology to drive growth and build strong marketing strategies.

After a brief intake survey and a quick meeting, they connect you with a leader who fits your business model, goals, and culture—often in just a few days. With Authentic Brand, you tap into a community of seasoned fractional CMOs who work as an extension of your team, providing the strategic direction you need to succeed.

💡 Considering a fractional marketing director? Learn what they bring to the table—and how to hire the right one for your team.

7. Digital Authority Partners

Digital Authority Partners (DAP) is a dynamic digital marketing agency that also offers fractional marketing solutions. Their expertise spans every stage of a product’s life—from ideation and go-to-market strategy to ongoing support—ensuring that organizations of all sizes and stages can thrive in the digital space. 

Digital Authority Partners’ digital marketing services include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click management, demand and lead generation, design, and analytics. 

Beyond marketing, this agency also offers fractional executive services by supplying interim, part-time, or fractional C-suite expertise. This includes roles such as CEO, COO, CTO, CIO, and Marketing Director. These seasoned professionals not only plan but also implement and scale your vision, making sure to execute marketing strategies on time, within budget, and with meaningful outcomes.

Why do traditional marketing agencies fail growing businesses?

Traditional marketing agencies have long been the default for many businesses that want to bring in external talent to supplement their in-house teams. However, as the business landscape evolves, the limitations of this model become increasingly clear. 

I spoke to Arvind Rongala, the CEO of Edsteller, about why he switched from a traditional agency to a fractional one. The first issue he mentioned is the rigidity of fixed retainer fees and bundled service packages that don’t adjust well to evolving business needs. This structure often means that companies pay for services they don’t use, which leads to inefficient spending and budget constraints. 

“The traditional agencies offered a mansion-sized solution when we needed a single room,” says Arvind. “Unnecessary service fees inflated our budget while diminishing our agility. Our 2021 campaign required an $80K retainer, which resulted in just 12% leads.”

The prospect of spending a ton of money without getting a good ROI is not one any business is willing to entertain, let alone a growing business.

Arvind also mentioned how traditional agencies often struggle with slow decision-making due to complex internal hierarchies and bureaucratic processes. This sluggish pace hampers the agency’s ability to quickly pivot marketing strategies in response to fast-changing market conditions. 

In his experience, fractional marketing agencies were more agile and nimble, largely due to their scalable nature. Speaking of the successes Estellar has had with fractional hires, Arvind explains: 

“Fractional expertise enabled us to access specialized LinkedIn Ads skills while saving 40% on costs. Our budget distribution shifted to high-impact channels through fractional hires. A freelance SEO strategist refreshed our content and achieved a 65% increase in organic traffic within six months. Implementing segmented campaigns and using a fractional consultant for email marketing led to a 28% rise in click-through rates. And our ROI jumped from 2:1 to 3.5:1.”

In a market where flexibility, speed, and specialization are key, traditional marketing agencies often fall short of meeting the demands of growing businesses.

Case study: Swyft Filings

Here, at MarketerHire, we were faced with a customer (Swyft Filings) who was experiencing a similar problem with traditional marketing agencies. At the time, Swyft Filings was finding it difficult to scale its paid social media efforts. 

According to Karl Davitt, the company’s VP of Acquisition Marketing, the agency managing its paid social wasn’t growing the channel the way it wanted. So, Karl sought out other alternatives. In the process, he found MarketerHire. 

After hearing glowing reviews from colleagues about us, Karl decided to proceed. We quickly matched Swyft Filings to Jake, M., a paid social media specialist. Jake quickly went to work building a strategy that capitalized on the strengths of Swyft Filings’ social accounts, as well as creating a long-term sustainable growth plan. 

After execution, Jake’s strategies resulted in a 3X increase in profits, which allowed Swyft Filings to scale its social media marketing efforts, eliminate unnecessary spending, and drive growth.

Read: How Swyft Filings Lowered CPA and Boosted Profits 3X

When a fractional marketing agency is the right choice (vs. in-house or full-time hires)

A fractional model can be a cost effective solution when your business needs expert help without the overhead of full-time hires. Imagine hiring a fractional social media marketer to execute Instagram campaigns for a specific amount of time without having to worry about contractual complications, perks, office space, etc.  

Here are a few ways to know when a fractional marketing agency is a better choice than full-time hires: 

  • Cost efficiency. If you’re operating on a tight budget, fractional hires are the way to go. This way, you only pay for the expertise you need, when you need it. The model is flexible, so you can hire or let go of people according to your current demands. 
  • Urgency. If you need to run a campaign urgently, spending eight weeks hiring and onboarding a full-time employee isn’t feasible. With a fractional marketing agency, you can find and hire an expert in as little as a week, and they can hit the ground running with your project. 
  • Expertise. Fractional marketing professionals often work with different companies, so they usually have diverse skills that might be hard to find within your in-house team. So, if there’s a specific skill you need at the moment, a fractional hire is your best bet. 
  • Project duration. If the project you want to execute is short-term, say six months, you don’t need to hire a full-time employee. Fractional marketing professionals, by definition, work part-time, so unless you decide to bring them on full-time (for the foreseeable future), they expect to work on short-term projects.   

That said, here’s a table comparing fractional agencies, in-house teams, and traditional agencies to help you determine the best fit for your business goals.

Fractional Agencies In-House Teams Traditional Agencies
Cost Fractional agencies are cost-effective because you only pay for the expertise you need when you need it. In-house teams involve significant expenses, including salaries, benefits, and recruitment costs, which can strain budgets, especially for small or rapidly growing companies. Traditional agencies often require high retainers or bundled fees, meaning you might end up paying for services that you do not fully use.
Flexibility and Scalability Fractional agencies offer flexible engagement models that allow you to scale services up or down quickly according to your business needs. In-house teams are generally less flexible because hiring or reorganizing staff takes time, and adjusting resource allocation is often a slow internal process. Traditional agencies typically work with fixed service packages, which can make it difficult to adjust quickly to new demands or shifting priorities.
Speed and Agility Fractional agencies can deploy specialized talent almost immediately, ensuring rapid response times and fast project turnarounds. An in-house team may face delays due to internal processes and the need for multiple levels of approval, which can slow down decision-making and execution. Traditional agencies often react slower to market changes or urgent needs due to complex internal structures and standardized processes.
Expertise Fractional agencies provide access to highly specialized professionals across various marketing verticals, including social media marketing, email marketing, brand marketing, SEO, content marketing, UX/UI design, and more. In-house teams are deeply familiar with the company culture and brand, but they might not have the breadth of expertise needed to cover all aspects of modern marketing strategies, particularly in rapidly evolving areas. Traditional agencies offer a broad range of skills, but they may lack the niche specialization that growing businesses require, especially when tackling innovative or highly specific marketing campaigns.
Integration Although fractional agencies bring valuable outside expertise, they might not be fully immersed in your company culture. But if you provide good onboarding and let them work with your in-house team, they’ll be able to produce cohesive work. In-house teams are naturally integrated into your company, with a deep understanding of your internal processes and brand identity. This can lead to highly cohesive strategies that align well with long-term company goals. Traditional agencies may also take time to integrate well with your brand because of standardized processes and multiple client commitments. However, extensive onboarding can ease the integration process.


Read: Marketing Freelancer, Agency or Full-Time Hire: Which Is for You? [Quiz]

Where to go for the best fractional marketing hires

Fractional marketing agencies are redefining the way businesses access top-tier talent, providing specialized skills on demand without the hefty price tag of traditional agencies or the long-term commitment of full-time hires. 

If you’re looking to explore this hiring model, look no further than MarketerHire. Our platform stands apart by rigorously vetting marketing experts and matching them with your specific needs, whether you're looking for a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, a social media specialist, or even a product marketer. 

Unlike conventional agencies that offer cookie-cutter solutions, MarketerHire’s model emphasizes flexibility, speed, and personalized service, ensuring you get the right fractional marketing expertise exactly when you need it. 

If you’re ready to find out how MarketerHire can help you find top-tier fractional talent, schedule a call with us today.

Althea Storm
about the author

Althea Storm is a freelance Content Marketer who has written 300+ expert-backed and data-driven articles, eBooks, and guides for top software companies like HubSpot, Thinkific, Wiza, and Zapier. When Althea’s not producing top-notch content, you’ll find her deeply engrossed in a novel or painting.

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