The benefits of an Outsourced Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for financial firms

In the fast-paced world of financial firms, staying ahead of the competition requires a strategic and effective marketing approach. This is where the role of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) becomes indispensable. However, many financial advisory firms are now recognizing the benefits of outsourcing their CMO. In this blog, we will explore how outsourcing a CMO provides financial firms with cost-effectiveness, expertise, scalability, and the ability to stay current with evolving marketing trends.

Cost-Effectiveness:
Hiring a full-time in-house CMO comes with substantial expenses such as recruitment costs, salaries, benefits, office space, and training. A mid-level CMO for a firm can run upwards of $100,000 (not including benefits and paid vacation). But beyond there, the firm is responsible for just as much expenses around design, writing, video production and more.

By outsourcing a CMO, financial firms can significantly reduce these costs. With an outsourced CMO like Select Advisors Institute, businesses pay only for the services they need, allowing for flexibility and scalability without compromising expertise or continuity.

Furthermore, outsourcing a CMO eliminates the risks and expenses associated with turnover and retention.

We wrote further about this in our article!

Access to Expertise and Experience:
Partnering with an outsourced CMO brings immediate access to extensive expertise and experience working specifically with financial firms. These professionals possess a deep understanding of the industry and can offer valuable insights, recommendations, and strategies. By leveraging their knowledge and network, financial firms can enhance their marketing efforts, improve customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge. Additionally, outsourced CMOs often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, opening doors to new opportunities and markets.

Staying Current with Marketing Trends:
The marketing landscape is continuously evolving, with new trends, technologies, and channels emerging frequently. When you have only one or a few people directly on your staff, they are all heavily looking within what’s working for just your firm, with limited time to come up for “air” to learn new trends, experiment with strategies and more.

A successful Outsourced CMO that works with many firms has the benefit of working with multiple firms around various campaigns. This allows the CMO firm to most likely have a lot more data and outside perspective to see what works, what doesn’t.

Outsourcing a CMO guarantees that financial firms remain up-to-date with the latest developments. These professionals evaluate and integrate cutting-edge marketing technologies and tools such as automation, analytics, and CRM systems into business strategies. Furthermore, they provide training and education to internal teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. With an outsourced CMO, financial firms can ensure that their marketing efforts are effective, efficient, and compliant.

Watch our video on marketing compliance rules for financial advisors

Scalability and Flexibility:
The ability to adapt to changing business demands is crucial for financial firms. Outsourcing a CMO allows for effortless scalability and flexibility in marketing resources. During peak seasons or business growth periods, firms can augment marketing activities, and reduce them during slower periods. The pay-as-you-go approach avoids fixed costs and resource constraints, ensuring that financial firms always have the necessary support when required. Outsourced CMOs offer customizable services tailored to specific goals and budgets, whether on a project basis or a retainer basis.


For financial firms seeking to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve business success, outsourcing a CMO offers numerous benefits. From cost-effectiveness and access to expertise, to scalability and the ability to stay current with marketing trends, partnering with an outsourced CMO can be a game-changer. By unlocking the potential of an experienced CMO, financial firms can elevate their brand, attract and retain clients, streamline marketing operations, and remain competitive in a dynamic industry.