Why DUO?
6 Benefits of Hiring a Fractional Branding or Marketing Officer
Let's be honest: hiring a full-time CBO or CMO is a massive investment that can make you wonder if you're ready for that level of commitment. But what if you could get the strategic brilliance of a C-Level expert without the six-figure salary, the benefits package, and the corner office? Enter the fractional CBO/CMO, the marketing world's best-kept secret that's becoming more and more popular.
What We Do
1
The Truth-Teller You've Been Waiting For
One of the most underrated benefits of bringing in a fractional CBO/CMO? They'll tell you when your emperor has no clothes. Unlike a full-time hire who might worry about job security when challenging the status quo, a fractional Chief brings diverse experience across multiple industries and has zero qualms about delivering objective insights. They've seen what works, what doesn't, and what absolutely needs to change—and they're not afraid to say so.
2
Expert Leadership Without the Sticker Shock
Here's the math that makes business owners breathe easier: a full-time CBO/CMO can cost anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000+ annually when you factor in salary, benefits, bonuses, and equity. A fractional CBO/CMO? You're looking at a sliver of that cost—typically 50-75% less—while still getting C-suite level expertise. They help align your teams, create clear strategy, and ensure accountability without the huge expense.
3
Strategy First, Busy Work Never
Unlike full-time execs who can get sucked into the daily operational vortex, fractional CBO/CMOs maintain laser focus on high-impact initiatives. They're not worried about office politics—they're here to move the needle. As external consultants, they're inherently driven to deliver measurable results because their reputation depends on it. A fractional CBO/CMO takes genuine ownership of your marketing campaigns' success or failure, freeing up your other C-suite executives while ensuring everything from ads to analytics is implemented properly.
4
Flexibility That Scales With You
Growing fast? Entering new markets? Need leadership during a transition but aren't ready to commit to a full-time hire? Fractional CBO/CMOs are especially valuable in these scenarios. They scale up or down based on your needs, whether that's 20 hours a month during slower periods or 60 hours when you're launching something big. Plus, they bring access to a broader network of vetted specialists—when you need a PPC expert or content strategist, they've got connections you can tap into immediately.
5
Quick to Start, Easy to End (If Needed)
Here's the beauty of many fractional Chief arrangements: they're fast to hire and, for those who work without lengthy contracts, there's minimal risk if things don't work out. You're not looking at awkward separation negotiations or severance packages when you're ready to bring on a leader or complete a specific project. They walk in ready to contribute from day one and deliver immediate impact.
6
Building Your Team for the Future
A fractional CBO or CMO doesn't just execute strategy, they elevate your entire team. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on guidance, they boost your marketing department's capabilities. This knowledge transfer continues to pay dividends long after the engagement ends. You're not just getting temporary leadership; you're investing in your team's long-term growth.
Things We Do
Branding
We build brands with clarity and direction. From positioning and messaging to visual identity systems, we help companies define who they are and how they show up in the market. Consistently and strategically.
Strategy
Marketing strategy should guide every decision. We develop brand strategy and growth roadmaps that align leadership, marketing, and sales around clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
Creative & Content
Creative works best when it’s grounded in strategy. We develop content, campaigns, and brand assets that reinforce positioning, strengthen connection, and support long-term growth.
Advertising
Advertising should amplify strategy, not replace it. We plan and manage digital advertising and performance campaigns designed to reach the right audience and drive sustainable results.
Marketing Operations
Strong marketing requires strong systems. We help teams improve marketing operations, internal processes, and cross-department alignment so strategy turns into consistent execution.
The Proof
How I know this works.
How can I be so confident a fractional CBO or CMO might be exactly the strategic partner you've been looking for? Because I've seen it firsthand through successful engagements with clients across diverse industries. See what they have to say:
"Laura was instrumental in the success of our key initiatives to improve merchandising standards while increasing sales and margin. She is creative, passionate, and exhibits a number of great leadership dimensions that speak to her ability to maximize strategic partnerships that drive change and produce results."
- Ron Walters, Albertsons/Safeway
"BAM — You cut through all the fog for me in five minutes. I'm so glad you were there as I was building my business."
- Christian Mueller, Pivotal Basketball
Proven in the Real World.
Our work spans many industries and growth stages, but the outcomes similarly reflect clearer direction, stronger metrics, and teams that know why they’re doing the work.
407%
Annual Rev Increase
15X
Annual ROAS
208%
Email Rev Increase
213%
Ad Rev Increase