Are you struggling to scale high-quality content for your enterprise marketing strategy? Finding it challenging to connect with your audience through compelling storytelling that drives real business results? If you’ve ever battled content creation bottlenecks, uncertain ROI, or difficulty finding expert creators who truly understand your industry, you’re not alone. Enterprise content marketing is complex, and without the right tools and talent, it can feel like you’re spinning your wheels despite significant investment.

Introduction to Contently

What is Contently and its Purpose?

Contently is an end-to-end content marketing platform specifically designed for enterprise brands. Founded in 2010, Contently combines cutting-edge technology with a marketplace of vetted creative talent to help large organizations produce high-quality content at scale while measuring and optimizing performance.

Unlike basic content management systems or freelancer marketplaces, Contently functions as a comprehensive solution that addresses the entire content lifecycle – from strategy and planning to creation, distribution, and performance analysis. The platform’s core purpose is to empower brands to tell stories that build meaningful relationships with their audiences while driving measurable business results.

Contently’s mission statement puts it simply: they aim to help brands create content people actually care about. This philosophy underpins their technology and talent network, focusing on quality storytelling that cuts through the noise of today’s saturated digital landscape.

Who is Contently Designed For?

Contently is specifically tailored for enterprise-level organizations with sophisticated content marketing needs. Their client roster includes Fortune 500 companies and leading brands across various industries, including:

• Financial services (American Express, JPMorgan Chase)
• Technology (Google, IBM, Salesforce)
• Healthcare & pharmaceuticals (Bayer, Eli Lilly)
• Retail & consumer goods (Walmart, Marriott)
• Manufacturing (GE, 3M)

The platform is particularly valuable for:

1. Content marketing teams managing complex publishing calendars across multiple channels
2. Marketing executives seeking to demonstrate clear ROI from content initiatives
3. Brand managers who need consistent messaging across global markets
4. Enterprise organizations requiring governance and compliance controls

Contently is less suited for small businesses or startups with limited content needs, as its comprehensive enterprise features and pricing are designed for larger operations.

Getting Started with Contently: How to Use It

Getting started with Contently involves a consultative approach rather than a simple sign-up process, reflecting its enterprise focus:

1. Initial consultation: The process begins with a discovery call where Contently’s team assesses your organization’s content needs, challenges, and objectives.
2. Platform demonstration: You’ll receive a customized platform demonstration showing how Contently can address your specific requirements.
3. Implementation and onboarding: Once you’ve partnered with Contently, their team provides comprehensive onboarding that includes:
   • Platform configuration
   • User training
   • Strategy development
   • Talent matching with specialized creators
4. Ongoing support: Contently assigns a dedicated customer success manager who provides strategic guidance and ensures you maximize value from the platform.

The onboarding process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with the platform becoming fully operational once your team is trained and your initial content strategy is implemented.

Contently’s Key Features and Benefits

Core Functionalities of Contently

Contently’s platform offers a robust suite of functionalities designed to streamline the entire content marketing process:

🔹 Ideation and Planning Tools

• Content strategy framework and templates
• Collaborative ideation workspace
• Advanced editorial calendar
• Workflow automation and task management
• Custom approval routing

🔹 Creator Marketplace

• Network of 160,000+ vetted professionals
• AI-powered talent matching
• Specialized expertise across industries
• Global language capabilities

🔹 Content Creation Tools

• Built-in content optimization
• SEO recommendations
• Brand voice analysis
• Compliance and governance controls
• Digital asset management

🔹 Analytics and Reporting

• Content performance tracking
• Audience engagement metrics
• Conversion analytics
• ROI measurement
• Competitive content benchmarking

🔹 Strategic Services

• Dedicated customer success managers
• Content strategy consulting
• Performance optimization
• Training and enablement

Advantages of Using Contently

Contently offers several distinct advantages that separate it from other content marketing solutions:

1. End-to-End Solution: Unlike point solutions that address only creation or distribution, Contently provides a comprehensive platform covering the entire content lifecycle.
2. Enterprise-Grade Technology: The platform is built for complex organizational needs with robust security, compliance controls, and integration capabilities.
3. Premium Talent Network: Access to professionally vetted creators who undergo a rigorous screening process (Contently accepts only about 10% of applicants to their network).
4. Data-Driven Approach: Advanced analytics help optimize content performance and demonstrate clear ROI.
5. Scalability: The ability to efficiently produce content across multiple markets, channels, and languages.
6. Strategic Partnership: Beyond technology, Contently functions as a strategic partner with expertise in content marketing best practices.

Customer testimonials frequently highlight how Contently has helped them increase content production efficiency by 30-50% while improving quality and audience engagement metrics.

Main Use Cases and Applications

Contently serves diverse content marketing needs across industries. Here are the primary use cases:

📱 Thought Leadership Programs
Organizations use Contently to establish authority through in-depth articles, white papers, and expert perspectives that position them as industry leaders.

📱 Content Hubs and Publications
Brands build dedicated media properties and publications (like American Express’s Business Class or JP Morgan’s Insights) with Contently managing the entire production process.

📱 Lead Generation Campaigns
Companies create targeted content designed to capture leads and nurture them through the sales funnel.

📱 Brand Awareness Initiatives
Organizations use storytelling to increase visibility and strengthen brand perception among target audiences.

📱 Customer Education
Particularly valuable in complex industries like financial services and healthcare, where educational content helps customers make informed decisions.

📱 Global Content Operations
Multinational corporations leverage Contently to maintain consistent messaging while adapting content for regional markets and languages.

Each use case benefits from Contently’s structured approach to content strategy, creation, and measurement.

Exploring Contently’s Platform and Interface

User Interface and User Experience

Contently’s interface strikes a balance between robust functionality and usability, designed with enterprise teams in mind:

Dashboard Experience
The main dashboard presents a personalized view based on user roles, featuring:

• Prioritized tasks and deadlines
• Content performance metrics
• Team activity feeds
• Upcoming calendar items

Workflow Management
The workflow interface offers:

• Visual pipeline view of content progress
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Color-coded status indicators
• Automated notifications
• Bottleneck identification

Content Editor
The proprietary content editor includes:

• Real-time collaboration capabilities
• Content optimization suggestions
• SEO guidance
• Brand voice analysis
• Asset integration

Analytics Center
The analytics interface provides:

• Customizable reporting dashboards
• Visualization options (charts, graphs, heat maps)
• Exportable reports
• Integration with other marketing platforms

The overall UX design follows enterprise software best practices while incorporating more intuitive elements typical of consumer applications. This creates a professional yet accessible experience that accommodates both power users (like content strategists and editors) and occasional users (such as executives who need to approve content).

Platform Accessibility

Contently prioritizes platform accessibility across multiple dimensions:

Technical Accessibility

• Cloud-based SaaS platform accessible via web browsers
• Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go management
• API capabilities for integration with marketing technology stacks
• SSO (Single Sign-On) support for enterprise security requirements

User Accessibility

• Role-based permissions system
• Customizable user interfaces based on function
• Comprehensive onboarding and training resources
• Multilingual support for global teams

Integration Ecosystem
Contently connects with key marketing technologies including:

• CMS platforms (WordPress, Adobe Experience Manager, Sitecore)
• CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Marketing automation tools (Marketo, Eloqua)
• Analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
• Social media management systems

This integration capability ensures Contently works within existing technology ecosystems rather than creating another silo.

Contently Reviews and User Feedback

Pros and Cons of Contently

Based on aggregated feedback from customer testimonials, case studies, and third-party review sites, here’s a balanced assessment of Contently’s strengths and limitations:

Pros:
✅ Superior Content Quality: Clients consistently praise the caliber of content produced through Contently’s creator network.
✅ Comprehensive Solution: The end-to-end platform eliminates the need for multiple point solutions.
✅ Enterprise Readiness: Robust security, compliance, and governance features meet the needs of large organizations.
✅ Strategic Guidance: The combination of technology and expert consultation helps drive content marketing maturity.
✅ Performance Measurement: Advanced analytics connect content efforts to business outcomes.
✅ User-Friendly Interface: Despite its sophisticated capabilities, the platform remains intuitive for various user types.

Cons:
❌ Price Point: The significant investment may be prohibitive for smaller organizations or those with limited content needs.
❌ Implementation Time: The comprehensive nature means onboarding and full implementation takes longer than simpler tools.
❌ Learning Curve: Teams need to invest time in training to maximize platform benefits.
❌ Limited DIY Options: The consultative approach may not appeal to organizations that prefer more self-service solutions.
❌ Feature Complexity: Some users report occasional overwhelm with the breadth of available features.

User Testimonials and Opinions

Here are representative testimonials from Contently customers across industries:

“Contently has transformed how we approach content marketing. We’ve increased production by 40% while maintaining consistent quality across our global markets. The analytics have been instrumental in demonstrating ROI to our leadership team.”
— Marketing Director, Financial Services Company

“The talent network is exceptional. We’ve found subject matter experts who truly understand our complex industry, which was nearly impossible with general freelance platforms. The efficiency gains in our workflow have been substantial as well.”
— Content Manager, Healthcare Organization

“Implementation required significant time investment, but the Contently team was supportive throughout. Once we were up and running, the platform delivered everything promised. The strategic guidance has been just as valuable as the technology itself.”
— VP of Marketing, Technology Company

Industry analysts also recognize Contently’s market position:

• Recognized in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Content Marketing Platforms
• Named Leader in G2’s Enterprise Content Creation Software category
• Featured in Forrester’s Content Marketing Platforms Wave report

Contently Company and Background Information

About the Company Behind Contently

Contently was founded in 2010 by Joe Coleman, Dave Goldberg, and Shane Snow, who identified the growing need for quality content in digital marketing and the challenges organizations faced in scaling production effectively.

Company Facts:

• Headquarters: New York City
• Leadership: Pearl Collings (CEO)
• Funding: Raised $19.3 million in venture capital from Lightbank, Sigma Prime, Contour Ventures, and others
• Company Size: 100-200 employees

Mission and Values:
Contently’s mission centers on “helping brands create content people actually care about.” This philosophy stems from the founders’ backgrounds in journalism and their belief that marketing content should adhere to similar standards of quality and integrity.

The company’s core values include:

• Storytelling excellence
• Data-driven decision making
• Client partnership
• Creative integrity
• Continuous innovation

Evolution and Growth:
Contently has evolved from its origins as a marketplace connecting brands with freelance writers to become a comprehensive enterprise content marketing solution. Key milestones in the company’s development include:

• 2010: Founded as a freelance marketplace for quality journalism
• 2013: Launched content analytics capabilities
• 2015: Expanded to full content marketing platform
• 2017: Introduced advanced ROI measurement features
• 2019: Enhanced enterprise governance and compliance features
• 2021: Expanded strategic services offerings
• 2022-Present: Continued platform development focusing on AI integration and enhanced analytics

The company maintains its commitment to quality content while embracing technological advancements that help brands create more effective marketing strategies.

Contently Alternatives and Competitors

Top Contently Alternatives in the Market

The content marketing platform landscape includes several alternatives to Contently, each with different strengths and focuses:

1. Skyword – Enterprise content marketing platform with similar full-service capabilities including talent marketplace and content production management.
2. NewsCred/Welcome – Comprehensive marketing orchestration platform that includes content planning and workflow management.
3. Percolate/Seismic – Content marketing platform with strengths in sales enablement and content management.
4. Kapost/Upland – B2B content operations platform focusing on content production and distribution.
5. DivvyHQ – Content planning and workflow platform emphasizing editorial calendaring and team collaboration.
6. Sprinklr – Unified customer experience management platform with content marketing capabilities.
7. Optimizely (Formerly Episerver) – Digital experience platform with content marketing functionality.

For organizations seeking alternatives specifically for talent access, platforms like Scripted or WriterAccess offer specialized writer marketplaces, though without Contently’s comprehensive platform capabilities.

Contently vs. Competitors: A Comparative Analysis

This comparison highlights key differences between Contently and its primary competitors:

Key differentiators for Contently include:

• More rigorous vetting process for creative talent
• Stronger focus on storytelling quality
• More advanced content analytics
• Greater emphasis on strategic services

Competitors may offer advantages in specific areas:

• Skyword: Slightly stronger in multimedia content production
• NewsCred/Welcome: Better integration with broader marketing operations
• DivvyHQ: Simpler, more intuitive planning tools
• Percolate/Seismic: Superior sales enablement capabilities

The best choice depends on an organization’s specific needs, existing technology stack, and content marketing maturity.

Contently Website Traffic and Analytics

Website Visit Over Time

Based on third-party analysis of contently.com traffic patterns:

The company’s content marketing blog, “The Content Strategist,” drives significant traffic to the main site, demonstrating Contently’s own effective use of content marketing principles.

Traffic shows seasonal patterns with peaks typically occurring during:

• Q1 (marketing budget planning season)
• Early Q3 (fall campaign planning)
• Industry conference periods

Geographical Distribution of Users

Contently’s website traffic reflects its market focus with the following approximate geographical distribution:

🌎 North America: 65% (primarily US-based enterprise organizations)
🌍 Europe: 20% (UK, Germany, and France leading)
🌏 Asia-Pacific: 10% (concentrated in Australia, Singapore, and Japan)
🌎 Rest of World: 5%

This distribution aligns with Contently’s enterprise client base and global marketing operations centers.

Main Traffic Sources

Contently’s website traffic derives from diverse channels:

📊 Organic Search: 45% (driven by content marketing terms and branded searches)
📊 Direct Traffic: 25% (indicating strong brand recognition)
📊 Referral Traffic: 15% (from industry publications and partner sites)
📊 Social Media: 10% (primarily LinkedIn and Twitter)
📊 Email Marketing: 5% (newsletter subscribers and nurture campaigns)

The high percentage of organic traffic demonstrates effective SEO and content strategy, while the significant direct traffic indicates brand strength in the enterprise content marketing space.

Frequently Asked Questions about Contently (FAQs)

General Questions about Contently

Q: What makes Contently different from freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr?
A: Unlike general freelance marketplaces, Contently offers a comprehensive enterprise content marketing platform with a carefully vetted network of professional creators, workflow management, strategy services, and advanced analytics. The focus is exclusively on content marketing for large organizations rather than general freelance work.

Q: Is Contently suitable for small businesses?
A: Contently is primarily designed for enterprise organizations with substantial content needs. Small businesses typically find the investment and feature set more aligned with larger operations. For smaller companies, solutions like WordPress with freelancer relationships may be more appropriate.

Q: How long does implementation typically take?
A: Full implementation of Contently generally takes 2-4 weeks, including platform configuration, user training, and initial strategy development. More complex enterprise deployments with custom integrations may require additional time.

Feature Specific Questions

Q: Can Contently integrate with our existing CMS and marketing tools?
A: Yes, Contently offers integration capabilities with major CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Experience Manager), marketing automation tools (Marketo, HubSpot, Eloqua), CRM systems (Salesforce), and analytics platforms. Custom integrations are available for enterprise clients.

Q: Does Contently support multilingual content creation?
A: Yes, Contently’s talent network includes creators fluent in multiple languages, and the platform supports content planning and production in various languages. This is particularly valuable for global brands managing content across different markets.

Q: What types of content can be created through Contently?
A: Contently supports diverse content formats including blog posts, articles, white papers, ebooks, case studies, infographics, video scripts, social media content, and more. The platform is format-agnostic and can accommodate most content marketing needs.

Pricing and Subscription FAQs

Q: Is there a minimum contract length?
A: Contently typically requires annual commitments for platform access, reflecting the strategic nature of content marketing initiatives and the implementation investment. Multi-year agreements may provide favorable terms.

Q: How are content creation costs structured?
A: Content creation costs are separate from platform fees. Clients set their own rates and budgets for individual content pieces, which are paid directly to creators through the platform. Contently provides rate guidance based on industry benchmarks.

Q: Can we trial the platform before committing?
A: Contently typically doesn’t offer free trials due to the implementation requirements, but they provide comprehensive demonstrations and may offer limited pilot programs for enterprise prospects in advanced stages of evaluation.

Support and Help FAQs

Q: What kind of support does Contently provide?
A: All subscriptions include dedicated customer support. Enterprise clients receive a dedicated Customer Success Manager who provides strategic guidance, platform optimization, and ongoing consultation. Technical support is available during business hours with priority response for enterprise clients.

Q: Is training included with the subscription?
A: Yes, initial training is included during onboarding. Additional training for new team members or refresher sessions can be arranged. Enterprise clients receive more extensive training resources and options.

Q: How does Contently help with content strategy development?
A: Contently’s strategic services team works with clients to develop comprehensive content strategies aligned with business objectives. This includes audience analysis, competitive review, content pillar development, and performance measurement frameworks.

Conclusion: Is Contently Worth It?

Summary of Contently’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Key Strengths:

• Comprehensive end-to-end platform covering the entire content marketing lifecycle
• High-quality talent network with rigorous vetting ensures superior content
• Advanced analytics connecting content performance to business outcomes
• Enterprise-grade features including governance, compliance, and security
• Strategic guidance beyond technology helps mature content operations

Notable Limitations:

• Significant investment level makes it inaccessible for smaller organizations
• Implementation requires time commitment for full value realization
• The full-service approach may not appeal to organizations seeking basic solutions
• Some features may go unused by teams with simpler content needs

Final Recommendation and Verdict

Contently represents a premium solution in the content marketing platform space that delivers substantial value to the right organizations. It’s particularly worth the investment for:

✅ Enterprise organizations with complex content needs across multiple channels, markets, or departments
✅ Companies prioritizing quality in their content marketing approach rather than just volume
✅ Marketing teams seeking to mature their content operations and demonstrate clear ROI
✅ Organizations struggling with efficiency in their content production workflows
✅ Brands building serious thought leadership programs requiring specialized expertise

However, Contently may not be the right fit for:
❌ Small businesses or startups with limited content marketing budgets
❌ Organizations with minimal content needs (occasional blog posts only)
❌ Teams seeking a simple, self-service solution without strategic components
❌ Companies without dedicated content marketing resources

The verdict: Contently delivers exceptional value for enterprise organizations serious about content marketing. The combination of platform technology, talent access, and strategic services creates a powerful solution that can transform content operations for large organizations.

For enterprises ready to invest in content as a strategic business driver rather than a tactical marketing activity, Contently offers the comprehensive capabilities needed to execute at scale while maintaining quality and demonstrating results. The platform’s sustained growth and impressive client roster testify to its effectiveness for organizations with the right needs and resources.