Attainment vs Fractional CMO
Fractional CMOs give you strategy. We give you strategy + execution + development + AI automation. One team builds and runs everything.
Book a Discovery CallThe Key Difference
Attainment
Strategy + Full Execution Team
We build your strategy AND execute it. Campaigns, landing pages, integrations, AI automation. You get results, not a plan you have to implement yourself.
- Strategy + execution in one team
- Development and AI automation included
- We do the work, you see results
Fractional CMO
Strategic Guidance Only
Fractional CMOs provide senior-level strategic guidance and oversee your marketing function. Great if you have a team, need less if you don't.
- Strategy and oversight only
- You hire and manage execution team
- Dev and automation cost extra
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Attainment | Fractional CMO |
|---|---|---|
| What You Get | Strategy + full execution team (marketing, dev, AI automation). We build and run everything. | Strategic guidance and oversight. You (or your team) execute the plan. |
| Execution | Included. We build campaigns, landing pages, integrations, and AI systems. | Not included. Fractional CMOs advise and manage, but don't do the hands-on work. |
| Team Structure | Complete team: strategist, marketers, developers, AI automation specialists. | One senior strategist. You hire/manage the execution team separately. |
| Development | Included. Custom integrations, landing pages, dashboards, and AI systems built in-house. | Not included. You hire developers or agencies separately for custom work. |
| AI Automation | Core offering. We deploy AI to handle calls, emails, data entry, and repetitive work. | Not typically offered. Fractional CMOs focus on strategy, not operational automation. |
| Scope | Two pillars: Grow Revenue + Lower Costs. Marketing AND operational efficiency. | Marketing strategy only. Operations and cost reduction are separate. |
| Pricing Model | Project-based or retainer. Includes strategy, execution, development, and optimization. | Monthly retainer for strategic hours. Execution team and tools cost extra. |
| Best For | Businesses that need results, not just advice. Owner-operators who want complete execution. | Businesses that have execution teams but need senior strategic guidance. |
When to Choose Each
Choose Attainment If:
- You need execution, not just strategic advice
- You don't have an in-house marketing team
- You need development and AI automation
- You want to lower operational costs while growing
- You prefer one team over managing multiple vendors
Choose a Fractional CMO If:
- You have a marketing team that needs senior guidance
- You only need strategy and oversight
- You can hire and manage execution vendors
- You don't need development or AI automation
- You want flexibility to change execution partners
Why Businesses Choose Attainment Over a Fractional CMO
Fractional CMOs are great if you have a team. But most owner-operated businesses don't. They hire a Fractional CMO expecting growth, but realize they still need:
- Someone to execute the strategy (hire an agency or build a team)
- Developers for custom integrations and landing pages
- Operations help to handle increased demand
- More time to manage all these vendors
They choose Attainment because they want strategy AND execution in one partner.
Why Our Model Works Better
We include Fractional CMO-level strategy in every engagement. But we don't stop there:
1 Partner
Instead of CMO + agency + dev shop
2 Pillars
Grow revenue + lower costs
0 Vendors
To manage and coordinate
Ready for strategy AND execution?
Book a Discovery Call. We'll show you exactly how we can build and run your growth system while you focus on running your business.