Question 1

What is a fractional marketing manager?

Accepted Answer

A fractional marketing manager is an experienced marketing professional who works with your business on a part-time basis, providing the strategic leadership and hands-on support of a marketing manager without the cost of employing one full-time.
Unlike a consultant who simply provides advice, a fractional marketing manager can become an extension of your team — developing the strategy, managing campaigns, coordinating suppliers and helping make sure your marketing actually gets done.

Question 2

Does my business need a fractional marketing manager?

Accepted Answer

A fractional marketing manager is ideal for businesses that know they need more structured marketing but aren't ready to employ a full-time marketing manager.
You might benefit if:You are running the business and don't have time to manage your marketing.You have someone doing your social media but no one overseeing the overall strategy.You are spending money on marketing but aren't sure what's actually working.You have multiple agencies or suppliers but no one coordinating them.Your business is growing and your marketing needs have become more complex.You need senior marketing expertise but don't need someone five days a week.You have an internal team that needs direction, support or additional expertise.You need help with a specific marketing project or period of growth.
Growth Quarters works particularly well with small and medium businesses that need an experienced marketing person who can think strategically, take ownership and get things done.

Question 3

What does a fractional marketing manager do?

Accepted Answer

The role can vary depending on the business, but a fractional marketing manager can effectively become your outsourced marketing manager. They can manage the marketing function, not necessarily do every task personally.
This can include:Developing and managing your marketing strategyCreating annual and promotional marketing plansManaging campaigns and promotionsSocial media strategy and managementEmail and SMS marketingWebsite and ecommerce optimisationDigital advertisingCustomer loyalty and retention programsBrand managementContent planningMarketing reporting and performance trackingManaging external agencies and suppliersCoordinating marketing projectsSupporting internal teamsIdentifying opportunities for growth.
The key difference is that you don't just receive a marketing plan — someone helps make the plan happen.

Question 4

What does a fractional marketing manager cost?

Accepted Answer

Growth Quarters works on a flexible weekly support model rather than a traditional agency retainer. Packages currently range from approximately 5 hours per week through to one or more days per week, depending on the level of marketing leadership and execution your business needs.We recommend the level of support based on what you need your marketing manager to own, rather than simply selling you a set number of hours.
At Growth Quarters, support is structured around the amount of time and involvement your business needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all agency retainer.
Our current options include:Marketing Partner – approximately 5 hours per weekFor businesses that need experienced marketing guidance, planning and targeted support.Fractional Marketing Manager – approximately 10 hours per weekFor businesses that need someone more actively involved in managing their marketing strategy, campaigns, channels and suppliers.Growth Partner – 1+ day per weekFor businesses looking for a more embedded marketing leadership role with greater strategic and hands-on involvement.
The right level depends on your goals, internal resources and how much of the marketing function you want Growth Quarters to take ownership of.

Question 5

Fractional marketing manager vs agency – what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

A marketing agency is generally engaged to provide specific marketing services. A fractional marketing manager is there to oversee the marketing function as a whole.

Agency: "Here's the service we're delivering."Fractional manager: "Here's what the business needs its marketing to achieve."
A full-time marketing manager is employed by your business and is generally available five days a week. That can be the right solution for a larger business with a substantial ongoing marketing workload.
A fractional marketing manager provides the same type of strategic leadership and expertise on a part-time basis.
This can give a growing business access to an experienced marketing manager without taking on the full salary, superannuation, leave, equipment and other employment costs associated with a full-time role.
It also means you can scale the level of support as your business changes.
For many small and medium businesses, having an experienced marketing manager for one or two days a week can be far more practical than trying to fill a five-day role.

Growth Quarters can work alongside existing agencies and suppliers rather than replacing them.

Question 6

How many hours do you need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want your marketing manager to take responsibility for.
As a guide:Around 5 hours per week can work well if you need strategic direction, planning, advice and support but have someone internally handling much of the day-to-day execution.
Around 10 hours per week is more suitable if you want someone actively managing your marketing, campaigns, digital channels, suppliers and projects.
1+ day per week can suit businesses that want a more embedded marketing leadership role and greater responsibility for strategy and execution.
The important question isn't simply "How many hours do I need?" It's "What do I need my marketing manager to own?"
Growth Quarters can help determine the right level of support based on your business, goals and existing team.

Question 7

What does Growth Quarters actually manage?

Accepted Answer

Growth Quarters provides a combination of marketing strategy, leadership and hands-on execution.
Depending on your needs, this can include:
Strategy & planningMarketing strategies, annual plans, promotional calendars, budgets, campaign planning and growth opportunities.
Digital marketingSocial media, digital advertising, email marketing, website optimisation, ecommerce and digital customer journeys.Campaigns & promotionsPlanning, coordinating and managing campaigns, promotions, launches, seasonal activity and local marketing initiatives.Customer & loyalty marketingCustomer retention, loyalty programs, email/SMS communications and strategies designed to increase repeat business.
Brand & contentBrand management, content planning, creative direction and ensuring your marketing is consistent across channels.
Projects & suppliersManaging websites, designers, agencies, developers, printers and other marketing suppliers so you don't have to coordinate everything yourself.
Reporting & optimisationTracking what is working, identifying opportunities and using results to continually improve your marketing.
Most importantly, Growth Quarters isn't simply there to tell you what you should do. The aim is to provide an experienced marketing resource who can develop the strategy, take ownership and help get it done.
That means you can focus on running your business while knowing your marketing has someone experienced behind it.

GROWTH QUARTERS™

Fractional Marketing Manager - FAQs