1. Hours of Work: A digital marketing freelancer usually works as per the project requirement, it could be per hour rate or project-based. A fractional digital marketing director works on a reduced schedule such as five to ten hours per week, or a few days per month, dividing their time between multiple clients​.

2. Level of Responsibility: A freelancer may only be responsible for executing projects as per instruction, while a fractional digital marketing director carries richer responsibilities like setting strategy, driving growth, managing contractor relationships, building and training teams, and more.

3. Decision-Making Capabilities: A digital marketing freelancer might not be involved in the decision-making process of the company - they can suggest, but the final decision usually lies with the company's higher management. A fractional digital marketing director is likely part of key business decisions within their marketing scope.

4. Strategy Development: While freelancers might just implement strategies handed to them or offer tactics, a fractional digital marketing director can develop long-term marketing strategies, assessing company needs and designing processes to enhance the brand.

5. Experience and Expertise: A fractional digital marketing director is usually someone who has more experience and holds executive-level expertise. They bring a strategic approach and leadership experience to the growth of the business. Freelancers are usually experts in the execution of certain tasks or strategies.

6. Reporting: Freelancers report to the person who hires them, possibly a project manager or the business owner. A fractional digital marketing director is part of the executive team, reporting directly to the CEO or business owner.

7. Hiring Purpose: A freelancer is mostly hired for specific tasks and short-term projects. A fractional digital marketing director is hired when the company is not yet ready for a full-time director but requires the skills and expertise, thus hiring the professional for a portion of their time.

8. Long-Term Involvement: Freelancers may not have a long-term involvement with a company once the project is finished. Meanwhile, a fractional digital marketing director is more likely to have long-term involvement, as they handle broader strategies spanning across a longer timespan.

A digital marketing freelancer and a fractional digital marketing director both provide digital marketing services, but they differ in several key aspects, including their roles, responsibilities, and the level of involvement with the client's business. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Scope of work:
2. Digital marketing freelancer: Typically focuses on specific tasks or projects, such as content creation, social media management, SEO, or PPC campaigns. They are hired for their expertise in a particular area of digital marketing.

3. Fractional digital marketing director: Takes on a more strategic role, overseeing the overall digital marketing strategy and managing multiple aspects of the marketing plan. They act as a part-time marketing director, guiding the company's marketing efforts and ensuring alignment with business goals.

4. Level of involvement:

5. Digital marketing freelancer: Usually works on a project-by-project basis and may not be deeply involved in the client's overall business strategy. They focus on delivering specific deliverables within a set timeframe.

6. Fractional digital marketing director: Has a more comprehensive understanding of the client's business and is involved in long-term planning and strategy development. They work closely with the client's team and may participate in regular meetings and decision-making processes.

7. Leadership and management:

8. Digital marketing freelancer: Generally works independently and may not have direct reports or management responsibilities. They are responsible for their own work and deliverables.

9. Fractional digital marketing director: Often takes on a leadership role, managing and coordinating the work of other marketing team members or external agencies. They may be responsible for hiring, training, and overseeing the performance of marketing staff.

10. Strategic vs. tactical focus:

11. Digital marketing freelancer: Primarily focuses on executing specific tactics and delivering results within their area of expertise. They may not be involved in high-level strategic planning.

12. Fractional digital marketing director: Balances strategic planning with tactical execution. They develop and refine the overall digital marketing strategy, set goals and KPIs, and ensure that all marketing efforts align with the company's objectives.

13. Commitment and availability:

14. Digital marketing freelancer: May work with multiple clients simultaneously and have varying levels of availability. They are typically hired for short-term projects or on an as-needed basis.

15. Fractional digital marketing director: Commits to a longer-term relationship with the client, often working a set number of hours per week or month. They are more readily available to the client and may be considered a part of the company's leadership team.

16. Cost and investment:

17. Digital marketing freelancer: Usually charges by the hour, project, or retainer. Their rates may be lower than those of a fractional director, as they are focused on specific tasks rather than overall strategy.
18. Fractional digital marketing director: Typically commands a higher rate due to their strategic expertise, leadership role, and deeper involvement in the client's business. However, their cost is often lower than hiring a full-time marketing director.

In summary, a digital marketing freelancer is best suited for businesses that need help with specific digital marketing tasks or projects, while a fractional digital marketing director is ideal for companies that require strategic guidance and leadership in their overall digital marketing efforts.