Two Paths, One Goal: Growth
When your startup needs to grow, you’re faced with a key question:
Should I hire a marketing agency—or bring on a CMO?
They both promise results, but their roles couldn’t be more different. At HoundDogDev.tech, we work with startups that have tried both—and we’ve seen what works (and what wastes budget).
This post breaks it down so you can make the smart call for your stage.
💼 What a Fractional CMO Brings
A fractional CMO is a strategic leader who acts like a part-time executive. They build your marketing from the inside out.
They focus on:
- Positioning and messaging
- Defining your ICP and buyer journey
- Prioritizing channels and KPIs
- Overseeing teams and vendors
- Aligning sales and marketing
Think: Chief of marketing strategy, not just someone who runs campaigns.
🏢 What a Marketing Agency Brings
A marketing agency is an external team you hire to execute. They typically specialize in a service—ads, SEO, social media, content—and are great at producing assets.
They focus on:
- Delivering content, campaigns, creatives
- Running ads, managing platforms
- Executing direction you provide
- Scaling known systems
Think: Tactical firepower, not strategic leadership.
🔍 So… Which One Do You Actually Need?
| You Might Need a CMO If… | You Might Need an Agency If… |
|---|---|
| You don’t have a clear GTM strategy | You already have one and need scale |
| No one owns messaging or positioning | You need help producing content or ads |
| Your growth has plateaued | Your funnel works—you want more traffic |
| You’re prepping for a raise | You need fast delivery (e.g., blog/ads) |
💡 The Hybrid Option That Works
In many cases, the best combo is both:
- Fractional CMO sets strategy, owns KPIs, and leads vision
- Agency executes on campaigns, content, and deliverables
That’s why HoundDogDev offers OnDemandCXO services—so your CMO can lead the work while tapping into our team or working with your favorite agency.
“Our CMO from HoundDogDev set the plan. Our agency finally had direction. For once, everyone was rowing in the same direction.”
— SaaS Founder
💰 The Cost Comparison
| Role | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-Time CMO | $15,000+ (plus benefits) |
| Fractional CMO | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Marketing Agency | $2,000–$10,000 |
Hiring both = still often cheaper than one full-time executive.
✅ Final Take: Strategy First, Execution Second
If you’re not sure what’s broken—or where to grow—start with strategy.
That’s the CMO’s domain.
Once that’s clear? An agency can become your best asset.
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