Strategic Marketing Consultant & Fractional CMO

For founders who want marketing tied to real business outcomes.

Strategic marketing support, designed to match your stage of growth.

Marketing Audit + Direction

Bring precision to your marketing decisions.

This focused evaluation reviews your channels, messaging, and performance, delivering a prioritized action plan that sharpens focus, improves efficiency, and strengthens results.

Get Strategic Clarity

Marketing Strategy + Development

Design the marketing engine behind your next level.

When revenue rises without structure, growth becomes inefficient. This engagement defines your positioning, audience architecture, messaging framework, and execution priorities—aligning marketing directly to business outcomes.

Build the Strategy

Fractional CMO Leadership

Accessible executive marketing leadership embedded in your business.

This partnership embeds strategic direction into your team, guiding execution and aligning performance with growth objectives. It functions as part of your leadership structure, not as an external vendor.

Explore Fractional CMO

What is Marketing Strategy?

Right now, one of the most Googled marketing questions is: “What is marketing strategy?” Which means founders know they need it, they just haven’t been shown what it actually is.

I wrote a full marketing strategy breakdown → Read the full article

Marketing Strategy is about deciding:

Strategy comes first ~

Without marketing strategy, marketing feels random.

Across Cultures

When Latin artist Bad Bunny headlines the 2026 Super Bowl, it’s not just entertainment, it’s a message. Brands can’t afford to stay on the sidelines. Our Across Cultures framework helps you connect authentically with bilingual audiences.

Explore Across Cultures

$3 Trillion

Annual Latino buying power in the U.S.

Axios, 2024

Meet the “Em” Element

I have the heart of a teacher and the mind of a strategist. As a bilingual Fractional CMO and data translator, I simplify marketing so leaders can make confident, growth-driven decisions. My name is Elaine McKnight, and that’s the core of The McKnight Element.

Get To Know Me

Proven Elements of Growth

Drove $107K in new digital revenue in just 30 days by connecting small and medium-sized businesses with targeted advertising strategies.

Explore My Work

An announcement for The Reader Lounge, rebranded to attract more diverse readers, with a call-to-action button to read the full case study.

A woman is giving a presentation to a group of three women in a conference room. The presenter stands near a large screen, speaking to the seated women, who are listening attentively. The table has laptops, papers, and a tissue box.

A woman is giving a presentation in a conference room, standing next to a large screen displaying a spreadsheet with data and charts. Several attendees are seated, watching her, including a man in a maroon shirt and a woman with long blonde hair.

The Chemistry of Collaboration

“Elaine has shown incredible professionalism, care, and ingenuity in evolving our social media and digital presence into rich, robust channels. Thanks to her hard work, we now reach our audiences in new, creative, and more effective ways. She has been essential in helping the State Auditor’s Office fulfill its vision of increasing trust in government.”
- Pat McCarthy, Washington State Auditor
“Elaine is a true friend who listens with care, speaks with insight, and shows up with heart. She’s smart, reliable, and creative, bringing warmth and wisdom to every interaction. Her natural ability to connect with others, paired with her integrity, experience, and follow-through, are the perfect combination for crafting strong relationships and impactful work.”
- Leslie Davenport, Author of All The Feelings Under the Sun
“Within just 30 days of working with Elaine, we secured over $107,000 in new digital business and brought key campaigns to fruition. Her expertise and strategic approach created immediate, measurable impact.”
- Bernie F., The McClatchy Company
“I had the privilege of training Elaine when she first joined PRH, and it was immediately clear she had a curious mind and a talent for asking intelligent, strategic questions. She brought a warm, uplifting energy to our team and excelled at facilitating meaningful connections within the group. Elaine is also an exceptional public speaker, presenting her ideas with confidence, clarity, and flair.”
- Lizzi D., Penguin Random House
“Elaine has been a vital part of our team and an exceptional partner to work with. Her dedication to our mission is unwavering, and her meticulous approach to data analysis has directly contributed to the success of our campaigns. She combines analytical precision with a collaborative spirit, making her an invaluable asset.”
- Caitlin L., Penguin Random House