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About Marc

What I do: Fractional marketing consultant specialising in brand strategy, websites, and content development for growing businesses.

Why fractional: You get strategic marketing expertise when you need it, without the commitment or cost of a full-time marketing director.

How long: Over 20 years working with businesses from the British Heart Foundation and Microsoft to dozens of SMEs across sectors.

Marc Bates_Founder Fractional Marc_Marketing Consultant
About you...

Two types of client:

I work with established businesses that need strategic direction - rebrands, repositioning, and websites that aren't working hard enough. These companies usually have marketing happening, but it needs to be more strategic.

I also work with new and emerging businesses that need everything built from scratch - brand, website, content, design, the lot. These are usually funded startups or new ventures with great ideas but no marketing support. They need help getting their presence right.

Fractional marketing services by Marc Bates at Fractional Marc
About contracts...

Two ways to work together:

Fixed-price projects for defined outcomes - brand development, website builds, repositioning work. We agree the scope and price upfront, then deliver in manageable phases over 6-12 weeks.

Ongoing support on a day-rate basis - as little as one day per month for essential work like social media management, content updates, or staying ahead of AI search and SEO changes. You get strategic marketing expertise when you need it, without full-time commitment.

Origami Energy_Office wall design by Marc Bates at Fractional Marc

My approach

Whether you need a one-off project or ongoing support, I work with you to make sure your marketing works.

Strategy first: Because cosmetic changes don't fix positioning problems. We start by clarifying what we're solving, who needs to hear it, and what makes them care.

Sky Alert Brand and presentation design_by Marc Bates at Fractional Marc

Options, not mandates: There are several ways to tackle most marketing challenges. I show you what I've seen work, we figure out what fits, and move forward from there.

Direct collaboration: I work with you directly, not through account managers. When projects need specialists - video, complex development, events - I bring in trusted partners.

Manageable phases: Most projects run 6-12 weeks with regular check-ins. You see progress throughout. Every project includes a post-launch review - partly to see what worked, partly because there's always something to learn.

Powerpoint presentations as part of content creation services by Marc Bates

Marc provided a no-nonsense approach to content development. He always recommended straightforward and practical solutions that aided functionality and audience comprehension. He presented technical detail in a way that was clear and easy for our customers to access, and offered a very cost-effective service."

 

George Stavrinidis, CEO

Background

Before going solo in 2014, I spent 20+ years in publishing and content production. I've worked with organisations including the British Heart Foundation, the Department for Education, Microsoft, the Institute of Design, and  Pride London

 

Plus dozens of SMEs across professional services, tech, manufacturing, food production, and hospitality.

I started in advertising at East Midlands Newspapers and Emap, and studied Design at Winchester School of Art.

Social media management by Marc Bates at Fractional Marc

AI search & SEO

Search is changing. AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI overviews reward substance over gaming the system. This means:

  • Clear expertise matters more than keyword stuffing.

  • Genuinely helpful content gets surfaced and cited.

  • Strong brand positioning helps AI understand what you actually do.

 

I build sites that answer real questions, demonstrate expertise, and position you clearly — the fundamentals that work for both traditional search and AI-powered discovery.

Stop playing SEO games_by Marc Bates at Fractional Marc

Article: Stop playing SEO games: Why AI search rewards substance over tricks

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