The ROI on hiring a fractional CMO

A top-performing Chief Marketing Officer should be able to provide strategy, planning AND all the inner services under one umbrella so you’re not forced to be the middle-person for various sales and marketing vendors!

In today's competitive landscape, financial firms face increasing challenges in effectively marketing their services and standing out from the crowd. To address this, many firms are turning to outsourced and fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) who specialize in the unique needs of the financial industry. In this article, we will explore the benefits of hiring an outsourced or fractional CMO, and how they can propel financial firms towards success through proven data-driven results.

  1. Maximizing Expertise and Efficiency
    Outsourcing a CMO is an intelligent move as it brings a wealth of domain expertise and knowledge specifically tailored to the finance industry. According to research by Deloitte, outsourcing CMO services can result in a cost savings of up to 30% with a boost to performance and efficiency, and a higher return on investment (ROI) of up to 20%. With an in-depth understanding of financial firms' unique challenges, outsourced or fractional CMOs possess the skills and experience to develop effective marketing strategies that resonate with the target audience. Furthermore, leveraging a fractional CMO's expertise enables firms to streamline their marketing efforts, saving precious time and resources.

  2. Cost-Effective Solution
    Financial firms understand the importance of budget allocation. Hiring a full-time in-house CMO can be financially burdensome for many financial firms, especially smaller ones. However, through outsourcing, firms can access the expertise of a CMO without the hefty price tag.

    According to research by Harvard Business Review, outsourcing allows firms to achieve a 60-70% cost savings in talent management, training, and employee benefits. Fractional CMOs offer flexible pricing models based on retainers or monthly fees, allowing firms to allocate their budget efficiently. This cost-effective solution empowers firms to make the most of their marketing budget while achieving tangible results.

    Read our article on how much some of the largest financial firms in the nation spend on marketing. Can your firm compete?

  3. Strategic Planning and Execution
    A fractional CMO specializes in creating and executing comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to the financial industry. They possess a deep understanding of the market landscape, enabling them to identify trends, leverage opportunities, and design strategies that align with the firm's goals. According to a report by the Content Marketing Institute, 56% of firms that outsourced CMO services increased their Content Marketing ROI. By implementing a strategic marketing plan, financial firms can enhance their brand visibility, attract new clients, and ultimately drive revenue growth

    Read our article on the difference between marketing strategy and marketing plan!

  4. Access to a Wide Range of Services
    Outsourced CMO services offer financial firms access to a broad range of specialized marketing services. This includes brand development, content creation, digital marketing, website design, social media management, and more. According to Deloitte's Outsourcing Report, businesses that outsourced their marketing functions experienced a 6% increase in productivity and a 9% increase in revenue growth. These services are designed to enhance the firm's visibility, strengthen their brand image, and engage with their target audience effectively. By leveraging the expertise of a fractional CMO and their team, financial firms can tap into a comprehensive suite of marketing services tailored to their specific needs.

  5. Flexibility and Scalability
    One of the key advantages of hiring an outsourced or fractional CMO is the flexibility it provides. Financial firms can scale their marketing efforts up or down based on their current needs and budget. According to a report by Gartner, 45% of companies that outsourced CMO services saw an improvement in their marketing performance. Whether it's a short-term campaign or a long-term marketing strategy, outsourcing offers the agility to adapt to changing market dynamics. Moreover, fractional CMOs can provide part-time or temporary support, making it an ideal solution for firms seeking expertise without the commitment of hiring a full-time CMO.

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As financial firms strive to navigate the complex landscape of marketing, outsourced and fractional CMOs emerge as powerful allies.

The expertise, cost-effectiveness, strategic planning capabilities, and extensive range of services they offer make them invaluable assets for financial firms aiming to elevate their marketing efforts. According to a report by the Outsourcing Institute, outsourcing marketing functions provides a 400% Return on Investment. By embracing the benefits of outsourcing, financial firms can access top-tier marketing expertise, maximize their budget, and ultimately drive growth. It's time to revolutionize your marketing approach and leverage the transformative power of outsourced and fractional CMOs to propel your firm to new heights.

The True Cost of Outsourced CMO Services — and Why Executive Presence Training is the Competitive Edge

In today’s increasingly competitive financial services landscape, many firms are turning to outsourced or fractional CMOs to bring marketing clarity, elevate brand positioning, and drive lead generation. But while the cost of outsourced CMO services is often a central consideration, the firms that see the highest ROI understand that strategic marketing alone isn’t enough.

To truly differentiate and win in a crowded market, the leadership behind your brand—your partners, advisors, and executives—must show up with authority and presence. That’s why firms across the country are turning to Select Advisors Institute not only for their outsourced CMO services, but for the #1 executive presence training for financial leaders.

The Cost of an Outsourced CMO: More Than a Retainer
On paper, hiring a fractional CMO might look like a simple cost-benefit equation: pay a monthly retainer (often $7,000–$20,000+) and gain access to senior-level marketing strategy without the cost of a full-time executive.

But the true value of an outsourced CMO depends on execution. You can have the best brand strategy in the world, but if your team—especially your client-facing leaders—lack executive presence, the message won’t land. Marketing doesn’t live on a slide deck. It lives in the tone, clarity, and authority of the people delivering it.

Where Select Advisors Institute Changes the Game
At Select Advisors Institute, we offer more than outsourced CMO capabilities. We combine strategic marketing execution with deep leadership development—specifically, executive presence training that ensures your brand’s message is communicated with impact.

Our dual advantage:

Strategic Clarity with Fractional CMO Services
We bring decades of experience in marketing financial firms. From positioning to lead generation to marketing automation, we help firms establish clear messaging that resonates with high-value clients.

Executive Presence Training for Firm-Wide Impact
Once we define the message, we empower your leaders to embody it. Through our proprietary executive presence programs, we train advisors and executives to communicate with confidence, influence, and clarity—on client calls, during team meetings, and across digital channels.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In professional services, the brand isn’t just what you say—it’s how you show up. When partners lack gravitas or fail to connect with clients emotionally, even the best marketing falls flat.

What makes Select Advisors Institute the top choice is our recognition that the most effective marketing isn’t outsourced—it’s amplified by confident leaders who can tell your story, build trust, and lead with distinction.

Our approach bridges the gap between strategy and delivery. We ensure your brand not only looks right on paper but comes to life in every executive interaction.

Invest Where the ROI Is Highest
The real cost of outsourced CMO services isn’t just about fees—it’s about missed opportunities when leadership can’t follow through. If you're serious about marketing that converts, pair it with training that elevates your leadership.

Choose Select Advisors Institute for both your outsourced CMO needs and to develop the executive presence that turns strategy into results.

Meta Description (110 words):
Looking into the cost of outsourced CMO services? Before you compare retainer fees, consider what truly drives ROI: strategic clarity and leadership presence. Select Advisors Institute is the top choice for financial firms seeking both outsourced marketing expertise and the #1 executive presence training for their leaders. We align brand messaging with leadership execution so that your team doesn’t just look good on paper—they lead with confidence, credibility, and authority. From strategic marketing to high-impact coaching, we help firms convert more leads and elevate their reputation. Discover why our integrated approach delivers unmatched results in a competitive financial landscape.

When considering the cost of outsourced CMO services, it's essential to recognize the value that these experts bring to your organization. A fractional outsourced CMO eliminates the expense of hiring a full-time executive, allowing businesses to access high-level marketing expertise tailored to their specific needs without the associated overhead costs. Many companies report that the investment in a seasoned CMO not only streamlines their marketing strategy but also enhances overall profitability through optimized campaigns and improved market positioning. This cost-effective approach enables businesses to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring they can focus on growth while leveraging top-tier marketing leadership.

Ultimately, the cost of outsourced CMO services can vary significantly based on factors such as the level of expertise required, the complexity of your marketing needs, and the duration of the engagement. However, by engaging with an outsourced CMO, organizations often find themselves gaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing marketplace. Investing in this service is not merely an expense but a strategic decision that can yield substantial returns, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.