Best for
RetainerHave a team, need guidance
ProjectKnow what to build
FractionalNeed leadership, testing fit
AIFind it, prove it, scale it
Compare models
Not sure which service fits?
Compare the engagement models, including the AI path, to find the right fit.
Strategic Retainer
Advisory and coaching for teams that need strategic guidance
- Monthly strategy sessions
- Frameworks and playbooks
- Leadership coaching
- Month-to-month commitment
$5K–$9K/monthSee the retainer →
Project-Based
Fixed-scope delivery for specific initiatives with clear outcomes
- Defined deliverables
- 3–6 month timeline
- You own everything forever
- Built for launches
$60K–$120KSee the project →
Fractional CMO
Hands-on leadership to manage teams and own execution
- Full team management
- 20–40 hours a week
- Board-level reporting
- 3–12 month engagements
$9K–$20K/monthSee the CMO role →
Growth, rewired by AI
Growth, Rewired by AI. Find it, prove it, scale it.
- Readiness audit in 2 weeks
- Pilot against agreed KPIs
- Audit and pilot bundle, $14–17K
- Engine, enablement, or interim lead
From $6KSee the AI path →
Side by side
| Feature | Strategic Retainer | Project-Based | Fractional CMO | AI offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Have a team, need guidance | Know what to build | Need leadership, testing fit | Find it, prove it, scale it |
| Time | About 8–12 hrs/month | Full engagement | 20–40 hrs/week | 2 weeks, then 4–6 weeks |
| Commitment | Month-to-month | 3–6 months | 3–12 months | 6–8 weeks for the entry bundle |
| You own | Frameworks | Everything | Co-ownership | Ranked roadmap, then the workflow |
| Pricing | Monthly retainer | Fixed project fee | Monthly retainer | $6k fixed, then the range |
| Team | Coaching only | Project-specific | Full ownership | Training, or interim lead |
| Execution | Advisory | Full delivery | Full execution | One use case against agreed KPIs |
| Planning | Monthly sessions | Project-specific | Quarterly OKRs | Ranked roadmap |
| Board | Deck review | Project updates | Full reporting | Agreed KPIs |
| Minimum | Month-to-month | Full project scope | 3 months | The audit |
Time
RetainerAbout 8–12 hours a month
ProjectFull engagement
Fractional20–40 hours a week
AI2 weeks, then 4–6 weeks
Commitment
RetainerMonth-to-month
Project3–6 months
Fractional3–12 months
AI6–8 weeks for the entry bundle
You own
RetainerFrameworks
ProjectEverything
FractionalCo-ownership
AIThe workflow and the playbook
Pricing
RetainerMonthly retainer
ProjectFixed project fee
FractionalMonthly retainer
AIFixed audit, then a range
Execution
RetainerAdvisory
ProjectFull delivery
FractionalFull execution
AIOne use case against agreed KPIs
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about our engagement models
How do I know which engagement model is right for my company?
The right model depends on your current stage and needs. Choose Strategic Retainer if you have an existing team that needs guidance and frameworks. Choose Project-Based if you have a specific initiative with clear deliverables (like a rebrand, launch, or playbook). Choose Fractional CMO if you need hands-on leadership to manage your team and own execution day-to-day. During our discovery call, we'll assess your situation and recommend the best fit.
Can I switch between models as my needs change?
Yes. Many clients start with one model and transition to another as their business evolves. For example, you might begin with a Project-Based engagement to build foundational playbooks, then move to a Strategic Retainer for ongoing coaching, or upgrade to a Fractional CMO when you're ready to scale execution. We'll work with you to ensure smooth transitions.
What happens if the engagement isn't working out?
Strategic Retainer: Month-to-month with 30-day notice. Project-Based: Fixed scope with milestone-based payments—you can pause after any milestone. Fractional CMO: 3-month minimum commitment, then month-to-month with 60-day notice. We prioritize fit and results, so if it's not working, we'll have an honest conversation about adjustments or offramps.
How much time commitment is required from my team?
Strategic Retainer: ~2-4 hours/month (one strategy session + async Slack). Project-Based: ~5-10 hours/month (kickoffs, reviews, and collaboration). Fractional CMO: ~4-8 hours/month from leadership (weekly syncs + strategic reviews), plus coordination with your marketing team. The goal is high leverage, not high meetings.
Do I need an existing marketing team to work with you?
Strategic Retainer: Yes, you need at least 1-2 marketers to implement the frameworks. Project-Based: No—we deliver everything, though having a team helps with handoff. Fractional CMO: Ideally yes (1-3 people), but we can help you hire and build the team if you're starting from scratch. We'll assess your current setup during discovery.
What's included in the monthly retainer vs. what costs extra?
Included: Strategic guidance, frameworks, execution oversight, monthly/weekly sessions, Slack/email access, and reporting. Not included: Paid media spend, third-party tools/software, design/development work, content creation at scale, or hiring/recruiting. If you need additional execution support (like freelance designers or agencies), we can recommend partners or manage them on your behalf within the engagement.
How quickly can we start, and when will we see results?
Start time: Typically 1-2 weeks after agreement (depending on onboarding complexity). Results timeline: Strategic Retainer shows impact in 30-60 days (better decisions, clearer frameworks). Project-Based delivers in 3-6 months (complete playbooks). Fractional CMO drives measurable results in 90-180 days (pipeline growth, team performance). Quick wins happen early, but sustainable growth takes quarters, not weeks.
What's the difference between coaching and full ownership?
Coaching (Strategic Retainer): We provide frameworks, strategic direction, and advice—your team executes. Think advisor or consultant. Full Ownership (Fractional CMO): We make decisions, manage your team, own the roadmap, and drive execution ourselves. Think acting CMO or VP Marketing. The key difference is decision-making authority and execution responsibility.