What is a fractional content manager and why do you need one?
Let’s set the scene. You’re running a business. It might be a start-up, a small but mighty team, or a one-person band. You’ve got a great product or service that you’re really proud of, a growing to-do list, and a social media calendar that’s emptier than a Friday afternoon office. You know content is important, but honestly, who’s got the time for all of that?
This is where a fractional content manager comes in. They’re your part-time content guru, strategic thinker, and all-round lifesaver. Let’s find out a bit more about who they are, what they do, and why you need them to save your business.
Who (or what) is a fractional content manager?
Imagine a content manager. Now, shrink them down to part-time hours but keep all their skills, creativity, and strategy intact. That’s a fractional content manager. They’re not a permanent employee, but they’re more committed than your average freelancer. They work with you for a set number of hours a week (or month), slotting seamlessly into your team without you needing to roll out the red carpet (or the payroll benefits).
It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to bring in serious content expertise without the faff of hiring full-time. The perfect mix of commitment and convenience.
What does a fractional content manager do?
Honestly? Heaps of stuff. They’re not just posting their every thought on LinkedIn or banging out a few blogs for good measure. Oh no. A good fractional content manager comes with a game plan. Here’s some of the things they could do for you:
Content strategy: They’ll figure out what to say, where to say it, and how often you need to say it to make your audience love you.
Content creation: Blogs, emails, social posts, emails, memes (yes, memes count) – they’ve got you covered.
Content management: Scheduling, posting, tweaking, tracking. They’ll take the chaos and turn it into calm.
Analytics and optimisation: They’ll tell you what’s working, what’s not, and how to make it better. Data-driven decisions? Yes, please.
Brand consistency: Your tone of voice, your visual style, your vibes – they’ll make sure it’s all singing from the same hymn sheet.
They’re like a content-powered Swiss Army knife.
Why do you need one?
I hate to break it to you, but in this day and age, content isn’t optional. It’s how you connect with your audience, humanise your brand, build trust, and ultimately, sell your stuff. But creating and managing content takes a heap of time, and a heap of expertise. It’s not something that ChatGPT can plough out (or at least, certainly not effectively). And let’s be honest, you’ve already got enough on your plate.
Here’s where a fractional content manager can help:
1. You don’t have time
Your calendar is already bulging at the seams, and writing blog posts or scheduling tweets isn’t making the cut. A fractional content manager takes that burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on running the show.
2. You don’t have the budget for full-time staff
Hiring a full-time content manager can feel like a luxury, especially when you’re just starting out. Fractional content managers give you all the benefits of a pro without the hefty price tag.
3. You’re not a content expert
Look, no one’s expecting you to be a content wizard. That’s what this person is for. They know the latest trends, best practices, and how to get your message across without sounding like a robot.
4. You don’t want to manage a team
Managing people takes time, energy, and sometimes, a small miracle. Fractional content managers are self-sufficient. No hand-holding required.
5. Your content is inconsistent (or non-existent)
One post here, a blog there, a six-month gap in between. Sound familiar? A fractional content manager brings consistency. They’ll make sure your content game is always on point.
Why are they perfect for small or start-up businesses?
Small and start-up businesses are in a unique position. You need to make noise, but you don’t have endless resources. Your fractional content manager can give you:
Flexibility: Need them for five hours a week? Done. Twenty hours a month? No problem. They’ll work around you.
Affordability: You get big agency brains without the big agency fees.
Efficiency: They’ve got the experience to hit the ground running, with no training or onboarding faff.
Scalability: As your business grows, they can grow with you. Need more hours or a bigger strategy? They’ve got it covered.
Strategy: They’re not just doers; they’re thinkers. They’ll help you prioritise what matters most.
why you need a fractional content manager yesterday
In a world where content is king, queen, and everything in between, having a fractional content manager in your corner can make an absolutely huge difference. They’ll save you time, stress, and money, all while making your brand shine brighter than your competitor’s LinkedIn posts.
So, if your content strategy currently consists of winging it and hoping for the best, it’s time to call in the pros. Your future self (and your audience) will thank you.
How do you find a great fractional content manager?
Now that you’re sold on the idea, how do you actually find one? Well, you’ve already found one—you’re reading this! With over 15 years of experience creating content for businesses of all shapes and sizes, I know what it takes to make your brand stand out.
Here’s what to look for (and what I bring to the table):
Gets your brand: I’ll take the time to understand your tone, audience, and what makes your business tick.
Has a portfolio: I’ve got tonnes of examples to share—blogs, social posts, scripts, emails—you name it. Just ask, and I’ll show you what’s possible.
Communicates well: You’ll never be left wondering where things stand. I’m proactive, responsive, and all about making life easy for you.
Fits your budget: Whether you need a little help or a lot, we can tailor the work to suit your needs and wallet.
You could search LinkedIn, scroll through freelance platforms, or rely on good old-fashioned word of mouth—but since you’re already here, why not drop me a message?