Contently: A Comprehensive Content Marketing and Freelancing Platform

In the world of content marketing, one name that has been making waves for a while now is Contently. Founded in 2011, this platform has quickly established itself as a go-to for marketers looking to create and distribute high-quality content that engages their target audience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Contently has to offer and why it’s worth considering for your next content marketing campaign.

What is Contently?

At its core, Contently is a content marketing platform designed to help businesses create and distribute high-quality content that resonates with their target audience. The platform offers a range of tools and features that make it easy to plan, create, and distribute content across various channels. Whether you’re looking to create blog posts, social media updates, or videos, Contently has everything you need to streamline the process and ensure your content is of the highest quality.

Key Features of Contently

One of the standout features of Contently is its content creation workflow. The platform offers a streamlined process that allows marketers to plan, create, and distribute content all from one central location. The workflow is designed to be collaborative, allowing teams to work together on content creation projects and easily track progress along the way.

Another key feature of Contently is its content analytics dashboard. This feature provides real-time data on how your content is performing, including metrics like engagement, views, and shares. This data can help you identify what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to make informed decisions about your content marketing strategy.

Finally, Contently offers a robust content distribution network. The platform makes it easy to distribute your content across various channels, including social media, email, and other websites. This ensures your content reaches your target audience, no matter where they are online.

Why Choose Contently?

There are many reasons why Contently has become such a popular choice for content marketers. First and foremost, the platform is designed with the user in mind. The streamlined workflow, real-time analytics, and easy content distribution all make it easy to create and distribute high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

Additionally, Contently offers a range of pricing plans to fit any budget. Whether you’re a small business just getting started with content marketing or a large enterprise looking to scale your efforts, there’s a plan that’s right for you. And with 24/7 customer support, you can rest assured that you’ll always have help when you need it.

1. Create a Content Strategy: Before you start using Contently, it’s important to have a clear content strategy in place. This means identifying your target audience, understanding their needs and pain points, and determining the types of content that will resonate with them. Use this information to create a content calendar that outlines what content you’ll create and when it will be published.
2. Set Up Your Account: Once you have a content strategy in place, it’s time to set up your Contently account. Sign up for an account and choose a pricing plan that suits your needs. You’ll also need to connect your social media accounts and any other channels you plan to distribute content through.
3. Plan Your Content: Use Contently’s content creation workflow to plan and create your content. This workflow is designed to be collaborative, so you can easily work with your team to create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
4. Use Analytics to Measure Success: Contently offers a powerful analytics dashboard that provides real-time data on how your content is performing. Use this data to identify what’s working and what’s not, and make changes to your content strategy as needed.
5. Distribute Your Content: Once your content is created, it’s time to distribute it across various channels. Contently makes it easy to distribute your content across social media, email, and other websites, ensuring your content reaches your target audience.
6. Engage with Your Audience: Finally, it’s important to engage with your audience to build relationships and encourage loyalty. Use Contently’s engagement features to respond to comments and messages, and participate in online conversations related to your content.

1. Essential Plan: This plan starts at $500 per month and includes access to Contently’s content creation workflow, distribution tools, and analytics dashboard. It also includes support for one user and up to 10 pieces of content per month.
2. Professional Plan: This plan starts at $1,000 per month and includes access to all the features included in the Essential Plan, as well as support for up to five users and up to 50 pieces of content per month. It also includes access to Contently’s marketplace, which connects businesses with freelance writers and other content creators.
3. Enterprise Plan: This plan is designed for larger businesses with more complex content needs. It includes access to all the features included in the Professional Plan, as well as support for unlimited users and content pieces. It also includes dedicated account management and custom reporting.

Contently also offers custom pricing plans for businesses with unique needs. To get a quote, you can contact Contently’s sales team directly.

In addition to these pricing plans, Contently also offers a free trial that provides access to some of the platform’s features. This can be a great way to test out the platform and determine if it’s the right fit for your business before committing to a paid plan.

Contently is primarily a content marketing platform that offers a suite of tools for businesses to create, manage, and distribute content. However, Contently does offer some features that can be used as a portfolio website.

For example, if you’re a freelance writer or content creator, you can create a Contently portfolio that showcases your work and makes it easy for potential clients to discover and hire you. The platform also allows you to customize your portfolio with your own branding and design.

However, it’s worth noting that Contently is not designed specifically as a portfolio website, and it may not offer all the features and customization options that dedicated portfolio platforms do. If your primary goal is to showcase your work as a content creator, you may want to consider using a dedicated portfolio platform in addition to or instead of Contently.

1. Create a Contently account: If you don’t already have a Contently account, you can sign up for free on the Contently website.
2. Set up your profile: Once you have an account, you can set up your profile by adding your bio, photo, and other relevant information.
3. Add your work: To create a portfolio, you’ll need to add samples of your work to your Contently profile. You can do this by linking to articles or other content that you’ve published online, or by uploading files directly to Contently.
4. Customize your portfolio: Contently allows you to customize the look and feel of your portfolio to match your personal branding. You can choose from a variety of templates and color schemes, and add your own logo and other branding elements.
5. Share your portfolio: Once your portfolio is set up, you can share it with potential clients by sharing the link to your Contently profile or embedding your portfolio on your own website or social media profiles.

By creating a portfolio on Contently, you can showcase your writing skills and experience to potential clients and make it easy for them to discover and hire you for their content needs.

Freelancers can use Contently to get jobs by taking advantage of the platform’s built-in network of businesses and publishers looking for high-quality content. Here are a few ways to use Contently to find freelance work:

1. Create a strong portfolio: As mentioned earlier, creating a portfolio on Contently is a great way to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and highlights your best work to make a strong first impression.
2. Apply for assignments: Contently’s platform also allows you to browse and apply for freelance assignments posted by businesses and publishers on the platform. You can filter assignments by category, keyword, and other criteria to find opportunities that match your skills and interests.
3. Network with other freelancers: Contently’s freelancer network allows you to connect with other freelance writers and content creators. By building relationships with other freelancers, you can potentially get referrals for new clients or even collaborate on projects together.
4. Participate in the Contently community: Contently also offers a community for freelancers to connect, share tips, and ask for advice. By participating in the community, you can build your reputation and potentially get noticed by businesses and publishers looking for freelance talent.

Overall, freelancers can use Contently as a platform to showcase their skills and connect with potential clients. By taking advantage of the various tools and features offered by the platform, freelancers can increase their visibility and opportunities for freelance work.

1. Access to a network of talented writers: Contently allows businesses to access a network of talented writers with experience in various industries and niches. This means businesses can find the right writer for their specific needs.
2. Easy collaboration: Contently’s platform allows for easy collaboration between writers and clients. Clients can give feedback on drafts and make requests for revisions, ensuring the final product meets their standards.
3. Consistent quality: Contently has a strict vetting process for its writers, ensuring that only high-quality content is produced. This means businesses can trust that the content they receive will be well-written and professional.
4. Comprehensive content marketing solutions: In addition to writing services, Contently also offers a suite of content marketing solutions, including content strategy, distribution, and analytics.

Cons of using Contently for Content Marketing:

1. High pricing: Contently’s services can be expensive, especially for small businesses or those with limited budgets.
2. Limited customization: While Contently offers a range of services, businesses may find that they are limited in terms of customization. The platform operates on a project-by-project basis, which may not work for businesses with ongoing content needs.
3. Not ideal for businesses with in-house content teams: Businesses with in-house content teams may find that Contently’s services are redundant, as they already have writers and editors on staff.
4. Lack of control: Because Contently’s platform operates on a project-by-project basis, businesses may feel that they have less control over the content creation process. While the platform allows for collaboration, the final product is ultimately up to the writer.

Overall, while Contently offers many benefits for businesses looking for high-quality content marketing services, its high pricing and limited customization options may make it less ideal for some businesses. However, for those in need of comprehensive content marketing solutions and access to a network of talented writers, Contently can be a valuable resource.

Pros of using Contently as a freelance writer and journalist:

1. Exposure to potential clients: Contently is a well-known platform used by many businesses and publications to find freelance writers and journalists. Being part of the Contently network can increase visibility and lead to potential job opportunities.
2. Access to high-quality clients: Many of the clients who use Contently are reputable brands and publications, offering the potential for high-quality work and competitive pay.
3. Portfolio management: Contently’s platform allows freelance writers and journalists to easily manage their portfolios, including organizing their work and highlighting their best pieces.
4. Payment processing: Contently handles payment processing, ensuring that freelancers are paid on time and without having to negotiate rates or chase down invoices.

Cons of using Contently as a freelance writer and journalist:

1. High competition: With so many talented writers on the platform, competition for jobs can be fierce. Freelancers may need to have an impressive portfolio and a strong track record to stand out.
2. Limited control over rates: While Contently handles payment processing, it also sets rates for its writers. This may not be ideal for those who prefer to negotiate their own rates or work on a project-by-project basis.
3. Potential lack of diversity in clients: While Contently does have a range of clients, many of them are in the marketing and advertising industries. Freelancers looking for a diverse range of clients and topics may need to supplement their work with other platforms.
4. Platform fees: Contently takes a percentage of the freelancer’s earnings as a platform fee, which may cut into overall earnings.

Overall, while Contently offers many benefits for freelance writers and journalists, its high competition and limited control over rates may not work for everyone. However, for those willing to put in the effort to build a strong portfolio and compete for jobs, Contently can offer exposure to high-quality clients and reliable payment processing.

If you’re a writer looking to succeed on Contently, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Create a Strong Profile: Your profile is your first impression on potential clients. Make sure it’s complete, includes a professional headshot, and showcases your best work.
2. Optimize Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and visually appealing. Highlight your best pieces and include a variety of work that showcases your skills and versatility.
3. Network: Connect with other writers on the platform and participate in Contently’s community forums. This can help you stay up-to-date on industry news and trends, and may also lead to potential job opportunities.
4. Apply for Jobs: Keep an eye out for job postings on the platform and apply to those that match your skills and interests. Make sure your pitch is tailored to the specific job and highlights your relevant experience.
5. Be Professional: Treat your interactions with clients as you would any professional setting. Respond promptly to messages, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly and respectfully.
6. Continuously Improve: Stay up-to-date on industry trends and continuously work to improve your writing skills. This can include taking courses, attending workshops, or seeking feedback from other writers.
7. Market Yourself: Don’t rely solely on Contently to find work. Market yourself on other platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or your own website, to increase your visibility and attract potential clients.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of succeeding as a writer on Contently and building a successful freelance writing career.

Alternative to Contently for your content marketing project