> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cmoalliance.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The CMO Framework - URL: https://www.cmoalliance.com/the-cmo-framework/ - Published: 2025-09-17T14:04:48.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-09T08:40:47.000Z - Description: Explore the CMO Framework: a step-by-step guide to building, learning, retaining, and growing as a modern marketing leader. - Author: CMO Alliance - Tags: Guides, Leadership, Marketing Strategy, Templates and frameworks The role of the Chief Marketing Officer has never been more dynamic or more *demanding*. Today’s CMOs and aspiring marketing leaders must balance strategy with execution, creativity with analytics, and long-term vision with short-term results. To succeed, you need more than just great campaigns; you need a structured way to build, learn, retain, and grow. The **CMO Framework** is designed to guide you through every stage of marketing leadership. It highlights the critical areas you need to master, from laying the foundation of your strategy and team, to continuously learning from the market, to retaining both customers and talent, and finally, scaling your impact and growth. Each stage is paired with practical resources to help you take action right away. 0:00 /1:01 1× [Download the framework](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nfld4ycammldjlqcxlvck/CMO%5Fframework%5Fgraphic%5FColourv4.png?rlkey=1s9gfrc9f5x5q4ual0zsirg80&st=3s1s0s4l&dl=0) ## **What is the CMO Framework?** The CMO Framework is a four-stage model that gives marketing leaders a reliable way to build strategy, sharpen execution, and scale their impact over time. Most CMOs don't struggle for lack of ideas, but they struggle because they're doing things out of order. Campaigns launch without a real strategic foundation, customer insights get missed, retention becomes an afterthought, and growth hits a wall because the groundwork was skipped. The CMO Framework solves that by giving you a single system to follow so you can lay the right foundation, keep learning as you go, protect the revenue you've already earned, and grow with real intention. | Stage | What It Covers | Core Outcome | | ------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | Build | Strategy, tech stack, ICPs, messaging, channels, dashboards, processes, and team structure | The systems and clarity that make everything else possible | | Learn | Insights from competitors, campaigns, customers, and data | A strategy that never stands still | | Retain | Team motivation, customer loyalty, and sustained brand awareness | Protecting and compounding the value you've already built | | Grow | Customer base expansion, lead generation, CLTV, and revenue | Multiplying results while staying ready for what's next | ## **Who is this CMO Framework for?** The CMO Framework is flexible enough to adapt to any business model or leadership level, but it delivers the most value for: - **First-time CMOs.** Gain immediate structure during your first 90 days. The CMO Framework helps you sequence priorities fast so you don't have to build an approach under pressure. - **Scaling marketing leaders.** Transition smoothly from hands-on execution to executive leadership. The CMO Framework gives your growing team a repeatable system that doesn't rely entirely on you. - **Aspiring CMOs & VPs.** Prepare for the top seat before you’re accountable for it. The CMO Framework provides a clear picture of what total marketing leadership actually looks like. - **B2B marketing leaders.** Navigate long sales cycles and complex buying teams. Use our CMO Framework to strengthen your insights and protect customer relationships for the long haul. - **B2C marketing leaders.** Higher-volume, higher-velocity markets put more weight on the Build and Growth stages. This CMO Framework helps systemize your channels and messaging so you can scale efficiently. - **CMOs navigating a transition**. Audit a new role or company quickly. The CMO Framework lets you quickly map what’s working, what’s broken, and what to rebuild first. ## **1\. Build** This is where you lay the groundwork. Strategy, technology, ICPs, messaging, channels, dashboards, processes, and team structure – all the elements that set the stage for successful marketing live here. Without them, growth becomes guesswork. With them, your efforts become scalable and repeatable. **In short:** Build the systems and clarity that make everything else possible. [Building resilience: 5 ways to lead teams through changeHow do you keep a team focused when the industry is shifting? Master the “Before, During, and After” of resilient leadership in this guide.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--59d7c51f-a272-4f0e-874c-f788ee48c082.png)CMO AllianceLaura Goldstone![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Building-resilience-5-ways-to-lead-teams-through-change-abf497b1-1c16-40f4-a070-6e02925f76be.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/leading-resilient-teams-amid-industry-changes-and-nurturing-trust-before-change-arises/) [How to build an experiential marketing strategyLearn how to craft an experiential marketing strategy that transcends the transactional and transforms ordinary interactions into extraordinary memories.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--ebba47a1-9833-4dba-b3ae-ac680970ff81.png)CMO AllianceCharley Gale![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/build-an-experiential-marketing-strategy--1--bfcd79d6-d506-4726-8e13-93a1c5bfbc95.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/how-to-build-an-experiential-marketing-strategy-examples-inside/) [Messaging cheat sheet | Free downloadYour shortcut to messaging that lands![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--117f7d06-6e03-4c8c-aade-a04a5cffc5aa.png)CMO AllianceRichard King![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Messaging-cheat-sheet-8aabeaa0-a057-42d1-af2c-ed0739187739.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/messaging-cheat-sheet-framework/) [Building a data-literate marketing teamCarlota Feliu Argila, Head of Marketing at HP, shares the 6 principles she uses to ensure her team can harness data with confidence.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--3e7b262f-ead4-43bb-bf8d-0f43afbc9882.png)CMO AllianceCarlota Feliu Argila![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Building-a-data-literate-marketing-team-By-Carlota-Feliu-----HP-aba325e9-9d38-400b-8b42-475d33b1d5d7.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/building-a-data-literate-marketing-team/) [B2B brand strategy: Key tactics to revive and re-evaluate itKeeping your brand relevant and impactful today means hitting pause every now and then and taking a good, honest look at your strategy.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--ee4cfbe1-eeb3-4f6c-9492-2a4a85e25259.png)CMO AllianceCarley Gauthier![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--18--8e256438-2425-43be-bf7d-0b29797ba04a.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/b2b-brand-strategy-key-tactics-to-revive-and-re-evaluate-it-2/) [Value proposition template (and example) | Free downloadCraft clear and compelling statements that communicate the benefits of your products or services.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--271.png)CMO AllianceRichard King![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Marketing_Template_Framework_Tiles--600-x-315-px---17-.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/value-proposition-template-and-example-framework-2/) [From data to action: The CMO playbookData is valuable only when it translates into actionable insights. Many CMOs today are data-rich and information-poor.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--272.png)CMO AllianceAudrey Masset![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--8--4.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/from-data-to-action-the-cmo-playbook/) [Download the framework](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nfld4ycammldjlqcxlvck/CMO%5Fframework%5Fgraphic%5FColourv4.png?rlkey=1s9gfrc9f5x5q4ual0zsirg80&st=3s1s0s4l&dl=0) --- ## **2\. Learn** Marketing is never static. The leaders who thrive are the ones who stay curious, analytical, and reflective. This stage is about uncovering insights from competitors, campaigns, customers, and data – then using those insights to sharpen your approach. **In short:** Keep learning so your strategy never stands still. [CMO Insights Report 202650 CMOs on what changed in 2026: hiring criteria, AI adoption, ROI pressure, and brand vs. performance. Download the free report.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--1c6c7d0e-598e-4056-8c86-ee706de51ab6.png)CMO AllianceContent Team![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_CMO_Insights_Report_2026_Supporting-Assets_v3_Meta-1-d746dbe3-b28c-4a65-bd11-7269551c3002.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/cmo-insights-report-2026/) [What types of email campaigns are your competitors running?Find out the email campaign trends your competitors are using in 2026 to drive B2B engagement and conversions.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--e64cce02-2c79-4676-a1c6-1c9e03434cba.png)CMO AllianceCharley Gale![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/email-campaigns-in-2026-1-e267d310-e35e-4b03-b58d-3997f0825f43.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/what-types-of-email-campaigns-are-your-competitors-running/) [B2B campaign tracker templateOne tracker for leads, MQLs, SQLs, conversions, and pipeline.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--e750e318-2116-4876-9c7f-abddd8446855.png)CMO AllianceAmelia Wilson![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/B2B-campaign-tracker-4fe4a2c8-3c31-42e4-a336-658505256522.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/b2b-campaign-tracker-template-framework/) [Turning MarOps planning into your competitive advantageMastering the art of planning and implementation in marketing operations isn’t about finding the perfect framework or the latest tool…![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--a0e69eda-cb82-4e97-9c2a-62b5f4b8a7b9.png)CMO AllianceAna Panizo Neary![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--35--23ed552a-d1aa-420d-a246-e39c846e6eb2.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/turning-marops-planning-into-your-competitive-advantage/) [Competitive benchmarking framework and template | DownloadA structured guide to understanding and implementing benchmarking practices, specifically in a product marketing context.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--270.png)CMO AllianceRichard King![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Marketing_Template_Framework_Tiles--600-x-315-px-.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/competitive-benchmarking-template-framework/) [How I learned to lead: Honest management lessons from a CMOReal, practical leadership lessons from a CMO who went from first‑time manager to leading 57 people. Tips on feedback, empowerment, recruitment, and team culture.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--be23cf36-0c7d-47c5-98ac-bd6907ac6bae.png)CMO AllianceBryony Pearce![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Honest-management-lessons-from-a-CMO-1-8cc2dfcc-f0e4-4876-a4c8-347602a6e42b.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/from-0-to-57-lessons-learned-from-management/) [Customer journey template | Free downloadMap every step of your customer’s journey and create experiences that drive loyalty and growth.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--268.png)CMO AllianceAmelia Wilson![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Customer-journey--template.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/customer-journey-template-framework-2/) --- ## **3\. Retain** Retention turns good marketing into great business. Whether it’s motivating your team, keeping your customers loyal, or sustaining awareness, this stage ensures the value you’ve created doesn’t leak away. Retention compounds effort, turning short-term wins into long-term momentum. **In short:** Protect and nurture the assets you’ve already built. [How storytelling builds trust and customer loyaltyHow do you build real customer trust in a market full of options? This piece breaks down how storytelling, executive voices, and internal expertise work together to drive loyalty and long-term retention.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--c56f6d34-d385-4d90-84ee-37c26d0493f0.png)CMO AllianceKaren Chalmers![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--11--95c13ce6-57e8-46e1-9c8a-dbb402851507.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/from-storytelling-to-trust-how-brands-build-lasting-customer-loyalty/) [Customer acquisition strategy template | PDF downloadA breakdown of the various factors influencing customer acquisition, such as product features, pricing, benefits, and customer experience.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--441f8b6d-8be9-448c-9dd1-855dcaa33020.png)CMO AllianceJames Shaw![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Marketing_Template_Framework_Tiles--600-x-315-px---1--1-dfcf6ccf-36dc-4d84-907d-4304e5d8f323.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/customer-acquisition-strategy-template-framework/) [How to retain legacy customers while attracting new onesBrands, much like living organisms, evolve over time to adapt to their surroundings, grow, and transform to meet the ever-changing needs of the marketplace.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--7f166cae-cf14-42d1-9250-e1f9f6021d27.png)CMO AllianceIslam Gouda![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--17--8a355842-5bd5-4029-9c02-3dcbe9128f21.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/rebranding-gone-right-how-to-retain-legacy-customers-while-attracting-new-ones/) [Customer churn reduction strategy | PDF templateA strategic guide designed to help you retain customers by lowering churn rates![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--279.png)CMO AllianceAmelia Wilson![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/A-guide-to-churn-reduction-.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/guide-to-churn-reduction-framework/) [Motivating teams to succeed in a world of changeAmy King, CMO at Relias, shares how to build marketing teams that embrace change through trust, motivation, and influence.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--278.png)CMO AllianceAmy King![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Motivating-teams-to-succeed-in-a-world-of-change.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/motivating-teams-to-succeed-in-a-world-of-change/) [Customer feedback questionsA master list of customer feedback questions to help you get the most from customer interactions.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--280.png)CMO AllianceAmelia Wilson![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Customer-feedback-questions.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/customer-feedback-questions-framework/) [AI-powered retention marketing strategiesRetention marketing—focused on nurturing relationships with existing customers—has been revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), enabling brands to go beyond basic customer satisfaction.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--288.png)CMO AllianceIslam Gouda![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/RMA_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--14--1.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/customer-loyalty-through-ai-powered-retention-marketing/) [Download the framework](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nfld4ycammldjlqcxlvck/CMO%5Fframework%5Fgraphic%5FColourv4.png?rlkey=1s9gfrc9f5x5q4ual0zsirg80&st=3s1s0s4l&dl=0) --- ## **4\. Grow** Here, momentum becomes acceleration. Growth means expanding your customer base, generating more leads, boosting CLTV, and driving revenue. But it also means investing in your team, networks, and tech, so you can scale impact without burning out or breaking down. **In short:** Growth is about multiplying results while staying ready for what’s next. [Scaling marketing operations without losing your mind (or your data)Scaling marketing operations takes more than headcount. It’s about process, technology, and talent. Here’s how global leaders structure for growth and overcome real-world challenges.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--350ae853-4ff0-4ca7-8ebe-d85622ca6732.png)CMO AllianceDanielle Balestra![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/MarOps-scaling-lessons-3a6ab8d9-e16c-418f-8ca4-7e32672b9e8f.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/scale-your-marketing-operations-without-losing-your-mind/) [Building resilience: 5 ways to lead teams through changeHow do you keep a team focused when the industry is shifting? Master the “Before, During, and After” of resilient leadership in this guide.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--0f548750-a111-42e8-8a1e-72954393c348.png)CMO AllianceLaura Goldstone![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/Building-resilience-5-ways-to-lead-teams-through-change-496f59d5-1858-448e-8b77-df0b9805883a.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/leading-resilient-teams-amid-industry-changes-and-nurturing-trust-before-change-arises/) [The CMO revolution: From cost center to revenue powerhouseThe role of the chief marketing officer (CMO) has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade—and it’s continuing to evolve right before our eyes.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--93c98dcf-5586-466c-849e-f82fd3cbcc8e.png)CMO AllianceAlena Morris![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Website_Article_Images_Author_Highlight--11--63bd8315-63a4-4855-96ff-f1c838ed4ed7.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/from-cost-center-to-revenue-powerhouse/) [10 B2B growth hacking strategies for marketing leadersEffective growth hacking starts with a precise ICP (ideal customer profile), which means getting into things such as what they value, how they make decisions, and what language they use to describe their problems.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--db43ce43-142c-4386-a487-3bde864ae1e4.png)CMO AllianceTeresa Garanhel![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/B2B-growth-hacking-10134136-7d03-425b-a466-9d9a01b28a05.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/b2b-growth-hacking-strategies-for-marketing-leaders/) [Executing marketing that drives sustainable growthIn this conversation, Sushovan Saha (Attentive.ai) shares how marketing has evolved into a core revenue function. He discusses aligning teams, leveraging unconventional channels, and using data to reverse-engineer growth strategies.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--1b03f2bd-ec3b-4358-9b7c-3f76c9d51b98.png)CMO AllianceCecilia Toro![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/CMO_Convo_Podcast_Youtube_Thumbnail_--1--be3370a7-3247-40a4-a66f-c908100735f6.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/driving-sustainable-revenue-growth-in-marketing-video/) [How to get AI to trust and recommend your brandBuyers now ask AI before they ask you. Here’s how AI decides which brands to trust, and the exact steps to get yours cited and recommended.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--bda44e24-51b1-4e68-86dd-0e77fcaecb5a.png)CMO AllianceSteve Kearns![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/cited-by-AI--1--6b22e6df-508b-4542-9d1a-be80a34362e7.png)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/how-to-get-your-brand-cited-by-ai/) [Driving revenue with technical SEOPaul Shapiro, Head of Technical SEO at Shopify takes us through how to drive revenue with technical SEO.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192--1--283.png)CMO AlliancePaul Shapiro![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ff/09/ff09ec2c-5937-45c2-bd7e-bcc809b43924/content/images/thumbnail/RMA_Framework_Tiles_organic-3.jpg)](https://www.cmoalliance.com/driving-revenue-with-technical-seo/) [Download the framework](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nfld4ycammldjlqcxlvck/CMO%5Fframework%5Fgraphic%5FColourv4.png?rlkey=1s9gfrc9f5x5q4ual0zsirg80&st=3s1s0s4l&dl=0) ## **How to use the CMO Framework** The CMO Framework works best when you work through it step-by-step first, then treat it as an ongoing routine. Here’s how to put it into practice: ### Step 1: Audit your Build foundations Start by taking stock of what's actually in place. This includes your strategy, tech stack, ICPs, messaging, channels, dashboards, processes, and team structure. Flag the gaps now. Anything skipped here will only show up as friction down the line, so it pays to be brutally honest with yourself before moving forward. ### Step 2: Run a Learn cycle Once your core is mapped, turn your focus outward. Look at what competitors are pulling off, see what your recent campaigns *actually* delivered, and listen to what your customers and data are trying to tell you. Treat this as a regular pulse check, not a one-and-done research project. ### Step 3: Shore up Retention Look at where value is leaking. You might notice customer churn creeping up, team morale slipping, or brand awareness fading. Pick one or two high-leverage fixes (like customer loyalty efforts or team re-engagement) and plug those gaps first. After all, holding onto what you’ve earned is what funds your future growth. ### Step 4: Plan your Grow initiatives Only push for rapid expansion once your foundations, learnings, and retention are in good shape. Set clear targets for revenue, lead gen, and customer lifetime value, and make sure your team and infrastructure are actually equipped for the push so you don't burn everyone out in the process. ### Step 5: Revisit the cycle quarterly The CMO Framework isn't a one-time audit; it's a loop. Set a recurring check-in (quarterly works well for most teams) to run through the steps again. As your foundation evolves and new insights come in, your retention and growth priorities will naturally shift, too. [Download the framework](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nfld4ycammldjlqcxlvck/CMO%5Fframework%5Fgraphic%5FColourv4.png?rlkey=1s9gfrc9f5x5q4ual0zsirg80&st=3s1s0s4l&dl=0)