A full-time marketing hire can often cost six figures before they’ve written a single post. A freelancer costs less – but disappears the moment the project ends. So which one actually helps to grow your business?
 
The answer depends on one question most business owners never stop to ask: are you trying to buy time back, or are you trying to buy growth?
 
There’s a third option most owners never get pitched: fractional marketing. A team of specialists working inside your business part-time, for less than either extreme. Here’s how all three actually stack up, and how to tell which one fits where your business is right now.

The three options, fast
Full-time hire. One person, on your payroll, dedicated to your business. You get consistency and full ownership of institutional knowledge. However, you also carry the full cost, the full risk, and the full gap if that person leaves.
 
Freelance contractor. One person, hired for a defined project or task. Fast to bring on, easy to scale down. But you’re usually buying execution, not strategy – and when the contract ends, so does the expertise.
 
Fractional team. A team of specialists, working inside your business part-time, for an ongoing retainer. You get strategy and execution together, without a single point of failure and without a full-time salary with benefits.

A full-time marketing manager runs $85,000 to $130,000 in base salary, but the fully-loaded costs, including benefits, payroll taxes, tools, and the 60 to 120 days it takes to reach full productivity, actually push that closer to $110,000 to $155,000 a year. That’s before factoring in what happens if the hire doesn’t work out.
 
Freelance rates vary widely, from $50 to $300 an hour depending on experience and specialty, with most businesses landing around $75 an hour or a $3,000 to $20,000 monthly retainer. That flexibility is real. So is the tradeoff: you’re typically paying for hands and execution, but not a strategy.
 
Fractional marketing sits between the two. Big Deal Company typically contracts within a range of $500 to $5000 a month depending on the scope of the work and contract, well below what a full-time hire costs and without the ramp-up time. Our team-based model provides more bang for your buck, since you’re not paying for one person’s calendar. Instead, you’re getting a full team’s worth of expertise for one retainer.           

The four questions that actually decide it

1. Do you need someone to execute a plan, or build the plan? If you already have a strategy and just need hands to run it, a freelancer can work. If you don’t have a plan, or the current plan isn’t working, you need someone thinking about the business, not just posting for it.
2. Is the need constant or seasonal? A one-time campaign or a busy season points toward a freelancer or a project-based engagement. Marketing that runs all year points toward a full-time hire or a fractional retainer.
3. What happens if this person quits in 60 days? With a solo hire, freelance or full-time, the honest answer is usually “we lose everything with them.” A team model doesn’t carry that same risk.
4. Are you trying to buy time, or buy growth? If the real problem is “I’m out of hours in the day,” a freelancer can solve that. If the real problem is “we’re not growing,” that’s a strategy gap, and a freelancer alone rarely closes it.

​Where BIG DEAL Company fits
BIG DEAL Company has been Colorado’s fractional marketing and events team since 2006 – a 14-person team, not a single hire, brought in for the price of one. Clients have seen real results from this model. In past contracts, our team doubled an organization’s revenue in its first year as their marketing and development partner.
 
The team-based structure means the accountability of a full-time hire, the flexibility of a freelancer, and none of the single-point-of-failure risk of either. And while BIG DEAL is based in the Front Range, but the team supports clients well beyond  – including businesses and organizations in Arizona, California and Iowa.
 
Three options, three different cost structures. But there’s really only one question underneath all of it: does your business need hands, leadership, or both, right now? Get that answer right, and the budget decision mostly makes itself.
 
If you’re still weighing it, a second opinion helps more than another spreadsheet. Get in touch with BIG DEAL Company for a straight read on what fits your business – no pressure, no script.

FAQ
How much does fractional marketing cost compared to hiring in-house?
Fractional marketing typically runs a fraction of a full-time hire’s fully loaded cost - no salary, benefits, payroll tax, or six-figure risk if the hire doesn’t work out. Most small-business-tier retainers land well below the $110K-$155K a full-time marketing manager costs annually.

What’s the difference between a fractional marketing team and a freelancer?
A freelancer is usually one person hired for a defined task or project – execution, not strategy. A fractional team brings multiple specialists working together under one retainer, covering both the strategic planning and the work itself.

Is fractional marketing only for large companies?
No. Fractional marketing was built for businesses that need senior-level strategy but aren’t ready for a full-time executive salary. It’s most common among small and mid-sized businesses trying to bridge that exact gap.

How do I know if I need a freelancer or a full fractional team?
If the need is a single, defined project with a clear end date, a freelancer usually covers it. If the need is ongoing – ongoing strategy, ongoing execution, or both – a fractional team avoids the gap that opens up when a single contractor’s engagement ends.

What happens if my fractional marketing team member leaves?
Nothing. That’s the structural difference.
A fractional team spreads institutional knowledge across multiple people, so the business relationship continues even if one person’s role changes, unlike a solo freelancer or a single full-time hire.

Sources: Salary.com, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, PayScale, and industry rate guides (Talo, MarketerHire, GoFractional, Misnomer), 2026 benchmarks. Ranges reflect national averages and will vary by market, scope, and experience.

As 2025 winds down, we at Big Deal Company are taking a moment to look back on a year packed with excellent partnerships, creative events, and amazing community connections. We’ve learned a lot along the way, from marketing hacks to event design tips, and we’re ready to put all that know-how to work in 2026. Here is our top 10 list of lessons we’re bringing into the new year!

1. Partnership First Mindset
In 2025, Big Deal Company focused on building real partnerships, working alongside clients as strategic partners in communications, events, and nonprofit support—not just as vendors. In 2026, we plan to strengthen this approach with even more teamwork and shared goals.

2. Fractional Support Is Here to Stay
By offering fractional marketing and communications support, we help clients get expert strategy without needing to hire full-time staff. This flexible, effective approach will keep shaping how we serve organizations in 2026.

3. Event Strategy Equals Business Strategy
Our work on big events like NoCoFest showed us that thoughtful event design can shape company culture, boost community involvement, and strengthen brands. We’ll keep using this integrated approach to plan even better events next year.

4. Organic, Human‑First Marketing Works
We’ve learned that making social media feel genuine and relatable is more effective than posting polished ads. This lesson will guide our communications in 2026.
​
5. Community Matters
Our most popular content often highlights local resources, such as Northern Colorado venue guides, and demonstrates the importance of community connections to our business. We’ll continue to focus on regional support and community building in 2026.

6. Thoughtful Experiences Over Templates
Event trends are moving toward immersive, personalized, and community-driven experiences, and we’re on board with this shift. What we’ve learned about micro-experiences and VIP engagement will shape our event designs in 2026.

7. Sustainability & Purpose-Driven Events
Sustainability is now a must in event planning. Our takeaways about eco-friendly practices and values-based programming will guide our work next year.

8. Measurable Impact Over Vanity Metrics
We focus on reporting that connects analytics to real business results, not just likes or impressions. This focus on meaningful KPIs will help us build more innovative strategies in 2026.

9. Continued Learning & Professional Growth
In 2025, we made team development a priority through leadership groups and strategy training. Our commitment to staying ahead of marketing and nonprofit trends will continue to improve what we offer clients next year.
​
10. Smart Use of Tech & Personalization
From event technology to personalized attendee experiences, we see that AI, immersive tools, and customization are becoming essential in 2026. These tech-focused lessons will guide how we plan and market events.

2026 looks like a year full of opportunity, creativity, and growth. By building on these lessons and keeping our focus on partnerships, community, and real results, Big Deal Company is ready to help clients hit new goals and make every event, campaign, and interaction count. As the year unfolds, these insights will keep guiding our strategies to make sure every project makes a real impact.

​As 2025 winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year full of incredible growth, powerful partnerships, and community-driven impact. At Big Deal Company, we don’t just provide fractional marketing and event support. We serve as true business or organizational partners, connectors, and collaborators. From Northern Colorado event planning to nonprofit communications strategy, we’ve been proud to amplify brands and missions that matter!
 
Here’s a look back at the moments, partnerships, and lessons that defined our 2025—and a glimpse into the bold future we’re building for 2026.

Strategic Partnership in Action: Our Fractional Work Highlights
This year, BIG DEAL was honored to support the Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County team—providing communications planning and development strategy that helped elevate their essential mission. This was a prime example of the kind of deeply integrated, mission-aligned work we love doing through our fractional marketing and communications services.
 
We have also supported Ensight Skills Center, and  NOCOAC in a fractional capacity.
 
When clients bring us in, they don’t get just a consultant—they get a committed partner who’s all in on their vision.

​Events That Connected and Inspire

BIG DEAL + BizWest: A Trusted Event Partner
In 2025, we proudly continued our role as the event planning arm of BizWest, helping produce high-caliber experiences that drive business forward in Northern Colorado.

Discovery Day with Blue Federal Credit Union
One of our most inspiring conference collaborations this year was with Blue Federal Credit Union. We worked closely with their team to plan their annual Discovery Day, from crafting the theme to securing keynote speakers and entertainment. It was a powerful reminder of how intentional event design can spark culture, innovation, and community.

​Brand Elevation in Action: Fundraising with Heart
BIG DEAL was thrilled to support both Donna’s Law Colorado and Saint Transportation. With Donna’s Law, we helped build awareness and raise funds for this important legislation, and Saint Transportation enlisted our help to run their first-ever end-of-year fundraising campaign.
 
Our work helped align messaging, strategy, and storytelling to increase visibility and donor engagement. Supporting important causes with strong communications is central to our mission—and these collaborations reminded us how much a clear voice and strategic planning can move the needle!

NoCoFest: An Event with BIG Heart
If 2025 had a defining moment for our event team, it was NoCoFest—a massive community celebration and fundraiser that tested and showcased our full event planning capabilities. From complex permitting to coordinating vendors and programming, this was our most challenging project—and also our most rewarding!
 
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been invited back for NoCoFest 2026, where we’ll bring the same heart and hustle to a new venue and refreshed mission. It’s partnerships like this that fuel us.

​Deepening Roots in Northern Colorado
BIG DEAL continues to grow its presence across Northern Colorado, and our new partnerships with NoCoFest, as well as our work with the new owners of the Promenade Shops at Centerra on their annual Halloween event, have helped solidify our role as a trusted event strategist in the region. We love helping our local communities shine, and our commitment to building meaningful relationships with regional leaders and organizations has never been stronger!

Learning, Leading, and Looking Ahead
2025 wasn’t just about supporting others—it was also about investing in our team. Professional development was a major focus for us this year:

• Christine, our CEO, was accepted into Colorado’s Tourism Leadership Development Cohort
• Christine is also an advisor to Destination Colorado
• Carrie, our CCO, graduated from the Institute for Leaders in Development
• Our many team members completed courses and webinars to stay sharp on the latest marketing and nonprofit strategy trends

These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence, relevance, and service. We believe that by continually investing in ourselves, we become better partners for our clients.

What’s Next for 2026?
Looking ahead, we’re excited to:

• Launch a more formalized nonprofit consulting arm with services spanning communications, grant writing, fundraising strategy, and event planning.
• Partner with more businesses and mission-driven organizations on national and local conferences, retreats, and planning events
• Continue our mission to be true partners—not just vendors—by deeply embedding in the missions of the brands we support

If your organization is looking to elevate your message, plan an unforgettable event, or develop a communications strategy that connects with your audience, we want to be part of your journey.

Let’s Make Big Things Happen in 2026
We believe your success is our success. As we close out 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible organizations we’ve supported—and energized for what’s ahead.
 
Ready to collaborate in 2026? Let’s talk strategy, planning, and impact.
Schedule a Discovery Call: 970-613-1455
 
FAQs
Q: What does “fractional marketing and communications support” mean?
A: Fractional support means you get access to our experienced marketing and communications professionals on a part-time or project basis—without hiring full-time staff. We work as embedded partners, helping with strategy, execution, and growth based on your needs.
 
Q: What types of organizations do you typically work with?
A: We support a diverse mix of nonprofits, small-to-midsize businesses, regional organizations, municipalities, and event-based clients. In 2025, we partnered with entities like Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County, Blue Federal Credit Union, and Donna’s Law.
 
Q: Can you help with event planning outside of Northern Colorado?
A: Yes! While we’re proudly based in Northern Colorado and deeply embedded in the local scene, we’re also equipped to plan and support conferences, retreats, and events nationwide.
 
Q: What makes Big Deal Company different from a traditional marketing agency?
A: We act as strategic partners, not just vendors. That means:

• We integrate with your team
• We help shape both strategy and execution
• We focus on long-term impact and relationship-building, not just short-term campaigns

 
Q: How do I know if fractional support is right for my business or nonprofit?
A: If you:

• Need high-quality marketing or comms support but aren’t ready to hire full-time
• Want strategic direction with execution power
• Need help navigating fundraising, brand visibility, or event planning

…..then fractional support might be perfect for you. Let’s chat to explore fit.
 
Q: Do you offer event planning for internal company events or retreats?
A: Absolutely. We help companies and nonprofits plan everything from internal planning retreats and “Discovery Days” to large-scale public events. Our goal is to create experiences that are intentional, inclusive, and aligned with your brand or mission.
 
Q: How can I work with Big Deal Company in 2026?
A: We’d love to connect! You can:

• Schedule a Discovery Call: 970-613-1455
• Reach out via our contact page

We’re booking now for fractional projects and event planning into Q1 & Q2.