Why look beyond Contently

Contently offers a comprehensive platform for enterprise content marketing, including a freelance talent marketplace, content workflow automation, and analytics tools. However, organizations may seek alternatives for several reasons. One primary factor is pricing structure, as Contently operates on a custom enterprise model, which may not align with the budget or procurement processes of all companies, particularly mid-market businesses or those with specific project-based content needs. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find the platform's features and cost more suited to larger-scale operations.

Additionally, while Contently provides a robust talent network, some users might prefer platforms offering a broader spectrum of content formats, more granular control over talent selection beyond a curated pool, or direct integration with specific content management systems (CMS) and digital asset management (DAM) solutions. The platform's focus on its proprietary ecosystem might also lead some to explore alternatives that offer greater flexibility in integrating with diverse third-party marketing and analytics tools. Finally, specific feature requirements, such as advanced AI-driven content ideation, a stronger emphasis on SEO optimization within the platform, or more diverse content distribution capabilities, could prompt a search for platforms with different core strengths.

Top alternatives ranked

  1. 1. NewsCred (acquired by Optimizely) โ€” Enterprise content orchestration and planning

    NewsCred, now part of Optimizely's Content Marketing Platform, provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise content strategy, planning, creation, and performance measurement. It is designed to help large organizations streamline their content operations across various teams and channels. The platform facilitates editorial calendar management, content ideation, workflow automation, and asset management, aiming to improve content velocity and consistency. Its integration with Optimizely's broader digital experience platform allows for a more unified approach to content delivery and optimization, particularly for companies focused on personalized customer experiences and A/B testing.

    NewsCred's strength lies in its ability to centralize complex content initiatives, making it suitable for global brands with extensive content needs. It offers tools for managing multiple content types, from articles and blog posts to videos and social media updates, and provides analytics to track content performance against business objectives. This platform is often considered by enterprises looking for an end-to-end content marketing solution that can scale with organizational growth and integrate deeply with other marketing technologies.

    Best for: Large enterprises requiring comprehensive content orchestration, workflow automation, and integration with broader digital experience platforms.

    Explore Optimizely's Content Marketing Platform features

  2. 2. Scripted โ€” On-demand access to professional freelance writers

    Scripted is a content creation platform connecting businesses with a network of vetted freelance writers and content creators. Its primary focus is on providing on-demand access to talent for various content needs, including blog posts, white papers, website copy, and social media content. Scripted differentiates itself through its emphasis on quality control, utilizing a proprietary algorithm to match clients with writers based on industry expertise and content requirements. Clients can browse writer portfolios, request proposals, and manage projects directly within the platform.

    The platform offers different membership tiers, providing varying levels of service and access to talent. It simplifies the process of commissioning content by handling payments, contracts, and revisions, making it a streamlined option for companies without an extensive in-house content team or those needing to scale content production quickly. Scripted is particularly beneficial for businesses that prioritize direct access to a diverse pool of specialized writers and prefer a project-based approach to content creation rather than a full content marketing platform suite.

    Best for: Businesses seeking high-quality, on-demand freelance writing services for specific content projects or recurring content needs.

    Discover Scripted's freelance writer network

  3. 3. ClearVoice (a Fiverr company) โ€” Scalable content creation and talent management

    ClearVoice, now part of Fiverr, offers a content marketing platform that combines a talent network with workflow management tools. It enables businesses to plan, produce, and manage content with the help of professional freelance writers, editors, and strategists. The platform's strength lies in its ability to provide scalable content solutions, from individual articles to comprehensive content strategies, by matching clients with qualified talent based on project requirements and industry expertise.

    ClearVoice features an intuitive content calendar, assignment management, and revision tools to streamline the content creation process. Its integration with Fiverr's extensive freelance marketplace further expands the talent pool available to clients. This platform is suitable for companies that need to consistently produce high-quality content across various formats and are looking for a managed service approach to content creation, where ClearVoice handles talent sourcing, vetting, and project oversight. It bridges the gap between a pure freelance marketplace and a full-service content marketing platform.

    Best for: Companies needing scalable content creation with integrated talent management and workflow, particularly those leveraging a diverse freelance workforce.

    Learn about ClearVoice content marketing solutions

  4. 4. Wpromote โ€” Full-service digital marketing with content integration

    Wpromote is a full-service digital marketing agency that offers comprehensive content marketing services as part of its broader offerings, including SEO, paid media, social media, and email marketing. Unlike pure content platforms, Wpromote provides strategic guidance, content creation, and distribution expertise, often integrating content initiatives with other digital marketing channels. Their approach is data-driven, focusing on developing content strategies that align with overall business objectives and drive measurable results.

    For businesses seeking more than just a content creation tool, Wpromote offers an agency model where content strategy, production, and promotion are managed by a dedicated team of experts. This can be particularly beneficial for companies that lack in-house marketing resources or prefer to outsource their entire digital marketing function. Their services extend to developing content calendars, creating various content formats, optimizing for search engines, and distributing content across relevant platforms, all while tracking performance and providing detailed reports.

    Best for: Businesses seeking an integrated, full-service digital marketing agency that includes strategic content planning, creation, and distribution alongside other marketing channels.

    Explore Wpromote's digital marketing services

  5. 5. Ignite Visibility โ€” SEO-focused content strategy and execution

    Ignite Visibility is a digital marketing agency specializing in search engine optimization (SEO), which heavily influences its content marketing services. They focus on developing content strategies that are designed to improve organic search rankings, drive traffic, and generate leads. Their content offerings include keyword research, content gap analysis, content creation (blog posts, articles, landing pages), and content promotion, all optimized to meet SEO best practices.

    For organizations prioritizing organic visibility and inbound marketing, Ignite Visibility provides a strategic partner for content development. They work to understand target audiences and search intent, creating content that not only engages readers but also performs well in search engines. The agency model means clients receive comprehensive support, from initial strategy development to content production and ongoing performance monitoring, making it suitable for businesses looking for an expert-led approach to content that directly impacts their SEO goals.

    Best for: Companies whose primary content marketing goal is to improve SEO, organic search rankings, and inbound lead generation through strategically optimized content.

    Discover Ignite Visibility's SEO and content solutions

  6. 6. NP Digital โ€” Performance-driven content and SEO agency

    NP Digital, founded by Neil Patel, is a performance marketing agency with a strong emphasis on content marketing and SEO. The agency leverages data and analytics to inform content strategies, aiming to deliver measurable results in terms of organic traffic, conversions, and revenue. Their content services encompass everything from detailed content audits and strategy development to content creation, optimization, and distribution across various digital channels.

    NP Digital's approach integrates content marketing tightly with SEO, paid media, and conversion rate optimization (CRO), providing clients with a holistic digital growth strategy. For businesses seeking a partner that can not only produce content but also ensure its performance and impact on key business metrics, NP Digital offers an agency solution. They are particularly known for their expertise in competitive analysis and leveraging insights to create content that stands out and drives tangible business outcomes.

    Best for: Businesses focused on performance-driven content marketing, seeking a unified strategy that integrates content with SEO, paid media, and conversion optimization.

    Learn about NP Digital's performance marketing services

  7. 7. Siege Media โ€” Content marketing and SEO for high-growth companies

    Siege Media is a content marketing agency specializing in content creation that drives SEO results and links. They focus on producing high-quality, engaging content that is designed to attract natural backlinks and improve search engine rankings. Their services include content strategy, content creation (articles, infographics, landing pages), and content promotion, with a strong emphasis on visual content and data-backed insights.

    The agency works with a variety of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them to build authority and visibility online through content. Siege Media's approach is highly analytical, utilizing data to identify content opportunities, measure performance, and refine strategies. For companies that prioritize content as a primary driver for SEO and organic growth, and are looking for an agency that can execute on both content creation and link building, Siege Media offers a specialized solution.

    Best for: High-growth companies prioritizing content marketing for SEO, link building, and increasing organic search visibility through data-driven content creation.

    Explore Siege Media's content marketing and SEO services

Side-by-side

Feature/Platform Contently NewsCred (Optimizely) Scripted ClearVoice (Fiverr) Wpromote Ignite Visibility NP Digital Siege Media
Core Focus CMP, freelance marketplace Enterprise content orchestration On-demand freelance writing Scalable content creation & talent Full-service digital marketing SEO-focused content & digital Performance-driven content & SEO Content marketing for SEO & links
Talent Access Curated freelance network Internal teams, external agencies Vetted freelance writers Freelance network (Fiverr integration) Agency team Agency team Agency team Agency team
Workflow Automation Yes Yes Limited (project management) Yes Managed by agency Managed by agency Managed by agency Managed by agency
Content Analytics Yes Yes No Limited Yes (as part of reporting) Yes (as part of reporting) Yes (as part of reporting) Yes (as part of reporting)
Strategy Development Yes Yes Limited (project briefs) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pricing Model Custom enterprise Custom enterprise Subscription/project-based Custom/project-based Custom agency retainers Custom agency retainers Custom agency retainers Custom agency retainers
Compliance SOC 2 Type II, GDPR Varies by Optimizely product No public claims No public claims Varies by service Varies by service Varies by service Varies by service

How to pick

Selecting the right content marketing solution depends heavily on your specific organizational needs, budget, and desired level of involvement in content production. Consider these factors when evaluating alternatives to Contently:

For large enterprises with complex content needs:

  • If your organization requires an integrated platform for end-to-end content orchestration, including planning, creation, distribution, and advanced analytics, NewsCred (acquired by Optimizely) might be a suitable choice. It's designed for enterprises that need to manage content across various channels and integrate with existing digital experience platforms.
  • If you prioritize a full-service agency approach that can handle global brand strategy, creative campaigns, and content as part of a broader marketing effort, consider agencies like Wpromote or NP Digital. These firms offer strategic guidance and execution across multiple digital marketing disciplines.

For scalable content creation and talent management:

  • If your main challenge is consistently producing high-quality content and managing a diverse pool of freelance talent, ClearVoice (a Fiverr company) offers a platform that combines a talent network with workflow tools. It's ideal for businesses needing to scale content production without building a large in-house team.
  • For businesses specifically looking for on-demand access to professional freelance writers for various content types, Scripted provides a curated marketplace focused solely on writing services. This is beneficial if you have clear content briefs and need to quickly commission articles, blogs, or web copy.

For SEO and performance-driven content:

  • If your primary goal is to improve organic search rankings, drive traffic, and generate leads through content, agencies like Ignite Visibility, NP Digital, or Siege Media specialize in SEO-focused content strategies. They offer expertise in keyword research, content optimization, and link building to maximize search visibility.
  • Consider which agency's methodology aligns best with your performance metrics. NP Digital emphasizes data-driven results across multiple channels, while Siege Media focuses specifically on content for SEO and link acquisition.

Budget and resource considerations:

  • Platforms like NewsCred and Contently typically involve custom enterprise pricing, which may require a significant investment. Evaluate whether a subscription to a platform or engaging a full-service agency aligns better with your budget.
  • Freelance marketplaces like Scripted and ClearVoice often offer more flexible, project-based or tiered subscription pricing, which can be more cost-effective for smaller businesses or those with fluctuating content needs.
  • If you have limited in-house marketing resources, an agency like Wpromote or NP Digital can provide comprehensive support, managing strategy, creation, and distribution. If you have internal content managers but need external talent, a platform with a marketplace might be more suitable.