Best Content Marketing Software & Platform

Content marketing is a popular concept in the marketing world. As we know, in the current digital age, content is king, and customers can be influenced by relevant content campaigns. 

Content marketing is a holistic strategic marketing thought process that focuses on creating and distributing valuable and consistent content to a clearly defined target group of customers. It enables marketers to promote interesting and engaging content that can add value to readers and help them make the correct purchase decision. 

Most of the best content marketing platforms are comprehensive in nature. This means that they provide end-to-end management of an organization’s content needs. 

Content marketing enables organizations to target their messages to end-users in a better manner and automate the process of distribution. It results in higher lead generation and higher business revenues.

What Is Content Marketing Software?

Content marketing software refers to a type of software or tool designed to assist businesses in planning, creating, managing, and analyzing their content marketing efforts. It provides a centralized platform that enables marketers to streamline various aspects of their content marketing strategy and workflow.

Content marketing involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and engage a target audience. Content marketing software helps businesses execute their content marketing strategies more efficiently and effectively. It typically offers a range of features and functionalities to support the entire content marketing lifecycle.

What Are the Various Benefits of Content Marketing?

Interactive content marketing software is immensely popular amongst business organizations nowadays. Content marketing automation software can drive traffic to your website and help your company gain recognition in a competitive market. Here are some major advantages of best content marketing tools:

1. Better on-site content

   One of the major benefits of content marketing apps is that it ensures your website has brand-relevant data that can target your customer base. This means that your customers will spend more time on your website, and it will lead to an increase in trust. On-site content can help clients understand your products and services better so that they can become life-long followers.

2. High search engine visibility

   It is important to produce content that is visible on the major search engines. Content automation software ensures that your company pages are indexed so that they can rank high in Internet searches. They target long-tail keywords so that users can effectively search for the topics that they require, without any difficulty.

3. Higher social traffic

   Most companies are harnessing the power of social media nowadays. The enterprise content marketing software market is targeting many tools that focus on social media sites so that companies can benefit from higher social traffic. This allows more users to read your blogs, and view images and videos, hence leading to higher customer engagement. A higher number of followers on social media will result in enhanced visibility and more traffic on your social media sites.

4. Increased lead conversion

   Content marketing management tools can be used to engage, inform and interact with existing and potential clients. They help companies pitch their products and services in an effective manner so as to increase sales. Content marketing apps are intelligent tools that can target interested leads and convince them to follow your brand in the long run. This leads to higher business revenues and, ultimately, more profits.

5. Better brand reputation

   The content that a company generates and puts out in the digital space can have a heavy impact on its credibility and brand awareness. Investing in the best content marketing software can enhance brand affinity, and help people to build a positive impression about your brand. When your consumers view well-researched information, they will be inspired by your business values and form a good impression.

6. Reduces marketing costs

   Most organizations spend a chunk of their overall budget on marketing expenditures. Content marketing is a more economical option rather than traditional methods that are resource and labor-intensive. Though the first few months may yield low returns, as content reaches the intended target audiences, businesses will experience a quick return on investment. Hence, companies should leverage the power of content marketing systems to keep costs low and boost revenues.

7. Enhanced customer engagement

   The best part about content marketing automation software is that it ensures that there is a high level of audience interaction. Organizations that use content marketing platforms can put out articles, blog posts, infographics, and videos that engage followers and generate interest in an organization’s brand philosophy.?

How Do Content Marketing Tools Help in Increasing Brand Awareness?

Content marketing is now considered as one of the most effective business strategies to build brand awareness and inspire loyalty amongst customers. Since modern customers rely on digital information to make purchase decisions, the quality and relevance of content can have a major impact on their choices.

Investing in the best content marketing software available in the market will definitely give any organization a major competitive edge. Here are some ways that content marketing can help organizations increase brand awareness:

• Tighten and increase the bond between readers and organizations
• Send more referral traffic to company websites that will ultimately result in higher lead conversion
• Establish a brand as a positive though leader and build trust in content marketing campaigns
• Helps companies to find potential customers on social media so that more people can discover product offerings
• Drives more visibility on search engines by redirecting people to the company website and product pages

What Are the Advanced Features of Content Marketing Systems?

There is a huge variety of content marketing apps in the market nowadays. It is important to assess the organization’s business model so that senior management can invest in the best content marketing software. Here are some advanced features that should definitely be part of content automation software:

1. Multisite support

   Nowadays organizations do not use only one main company website for content creation and distribution. It is vital to invest in content management tools that can support online websites, web-based stores, community sites, social media blogs, and local intranets. This will enable organizations to target narrow audiences, and push additional traffic for higher revenues.

2. Multilingual support

   With the spread of globalization, it is very difficult for companies to find a homogenous market or target audience. Hence, most content marketing automation software caters to multiple languages so that users can choose their native language options and read brand content. In fact, some content marketing tools even provide translation facilities so that companies do not lose out on precious customers due to a lack of multilingual support.

3. Built-in SEO tools

   Most search engines have complex algorithms. Hence it is important to get interactive content marketing tools that have built-in search engine optimization. This will help in adding meta-descriptions, long-tail keywords, and page titles that rank high in Internet searches. In-built SEO integration is a must-have feature that can positively impact search engine rankings and drive organic traffic toward any organization.

4. Mobile compatibility

   A good content marketing system should have a mobile responsive design for better flexibility. Since most users nowadays work on their mobile devices, it is important to choose the best content marketing software that is mobile-compatible so that it does not cause any kind of inconvenience to users.

5. Social Media integration

   Social media channels can help marketers interact and interest key audiences. Content marketing apps should have simple social media sharing options and should be able to optimize content for better reader engagement. Best content marketing tools can increase the global reach of your brand content and ensure that it gains large-scale recognition.

6. Analytics

   The enterprise content marketing software market caters to many solutions that help in tracking engagement rates. Managers can track key performance parameters right from the dashboard. This enables organizations to understand which pieces of content are popular with audiences so that the content strategy can be refined for better results.

7. Security control management

   Content marketing software tools should be well-equipped with security measures to prevent data breaches. Most content marketing systems have a number of integrated features, such as password protection, data encryption, and authorized user access controls. This ensures that hackers do not access data and sensitive company information remains safe.

Who Uses Content Marketing Platforms?

Indeed, several professions and organizations interested in content marketing and digital marketing use content marketing platforms. Here are some of the most prominent content marketing platform users:

1. Content managers & editors

   Content managers and editors use content marketing tools to plan, organize, track, and monitor the generation of content. These systems are used by them to manage editorial calendars, interact with writers, evaluate and edit content, and assure timely publishing.

2. Content creators & writers

   Content creators and authors require content marketing platforms. These professionals access assignments, develop and submit content, engage with team members, receive feedback, and track their progress throughout the content creation process using the platforms.

3. Digital marketing agencies

   Digital marketing businesses that provide content marketing services to their clients frequently use content marketing platforms. These platforms assist agencies in streamlining content creation, managing multiple client accounts, tracking campaign results, and providing clients with analytics and reporting.

4. Content strategists

   Content strategists create and execute content strategy using content marketing tools. They use the platforms for audience research, content campaign planning, defining content goals and objectives, and aligning content efforts with overall marketing strategy.

5. SEO professionals

   Content marketing platforms are used by SEO specialists to optimize content for search engines. They use the platforms' SEO features, including keyword research tools, on-page optimization recommendations, and analytics, to ensure that their content is search-engine friendly and produces organic traffic.

6. Social Media managers

   Content marketing tools are used by social media managers to schedule and deliver content across several social media networks. These platforms frequently provide social media management tools such as content scheduling, social media analytics, and engagement tracking, allowing social media managers to distribute and promote content more effectively.

How to Choose the Right Content Marketing Platforms?

When choosing the right content marketing platform for your needs, considering several key factors can help you make an informed decision. Here are some important factors to consider -

1. Usability

   The platform should have a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, making it easy for you and your team to learn and use. Look for platforms with clear workflows, organized dashboards, and straightforward content creation and management features. A platform with a user-friendly interface can save you time and ensure smoother content marketing workflow management.

2. Value for dollar($)

   Evaluate the platform's pricing structure and determine if it aligns with your budget and expected return on investment. Consider the features and capabilities offered in different pricing tiers and assess if they meet your specific content marketing requirements. Look for platforms that offer a good balance between cost and functionality, providing the features you need without unnecessary extras.

3. User Interface (UI)

   The platform's user interface should be visually appealing and well-designed for users. A clean and intuitive UI can enhance your productivity and overall user experience of platform. Look for platforms that provide customizable dashboards, easy-to-understand analytics, and a visually pleasing environment that aligns with your preferences and brand aesthetics.

4. Integrations

   Consider the platform's ability to integrate with other tools and systems you already use or may need in the future. Integration capabilities allow for seamless data sharing, streamlined workflows, and increased efficiency. Check if the platform integrates with your existing content marketing systems, marketing automation tools, CRM software, analytics platforms, or social media management tools. The availability of integrations can enhance your content marketing capabilities and ensure a cohesive marketing technology stack.

List of 7 Top Content Marketing Tools with Pricing, Pros & Cons

Name	Free Trial	Demo	Starting Price
HubSpot	14-days	Yes	Starting price at $45/month
Semrush	7-days	Yes	Starting price at $99.95/month
Ahrefs	7-days	Yes	Starting price at $99/month
ClearVoice	14-days	Yes	Starting price at $99/month
StoryChief	14-days	Yes	Starting price at $140.00/month
Kapost	N/A	Yes	Starting price at $3500.00/month
Ceros	N/A	No	Custom Pricing

Discover the 7 top content marketing tools that enable businesses to create, manage, and optimise their content strategies. Below is the list of top-picked content marketing tools.

1. HubSpot

One of the world’s most widely used inbound marketing tools; HubSpot can help organizations structure and distribute their content effectively. Marketers can create quality content that is relevant to their brand, and distribute their content down the marketing funnel through customized applications.

Hubspot is extremely user-friendly and is an intelligent content marketing platform that can enable companies to target their audience base in the digital space.

Features

• Social media scheduling and monitoring
• Email marketing and automation
• Analytics and reporting
• CRM integration for lead management
• Landing page and form creation

Pros

• All-in-one platform for content creation, SEO, social media, and more.
• Robust analytics and reporting features to track content performance.
• Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM for lead management.
• User-friendly interface with a wide range of customizable templates.

Cons

• Customization options may require technical expertise or developer assistance.
• Some users may find the reporting and analytics interface overwhelming.

Pricing

• Starter - $45/month billed annually
• Professional - $800/month billed annually
• Enterprise - $3,200/month billed annually

2. Semrush

Semrush Content Marketing Tool is an all-inclusive platform that assists organizations in optimizing and streamlining their content marketing activities. It includes tools for content production and optimisation, topic research, competitor analysis, and content performance tracking. Users can use Semrush to find relevant keywords, analyze content gaps, and monitor the influence of their content on search engine results.

Features

• Keyword research and analysis
• Competitor analysis and benchmarking
• Content optimization suggestions
• Backlink analysis and auditing
• Social media tracking and management
• PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising research and optimization
• SEO content templates and topic research

Pros

• Comprehensive SEO toolkit for keyword research and competitive analysis.
• Detailed analytics and reporting on content performance and organic search.
• Social media management features for tracking and engaging with the audience.
• PPC advertising research and optimization capabilities.
• Backlink analysis tools to improve SEO authority and rankings.

Cons

• Higher pricing plans may not be suitable for smaller budgets.
• Limited social media management features compared to dedicated tools.

Pricing

• Pro - $99.95/month billed annually
• Guru - $191.62/month billed annually
• Business - $374.95/month billed annually

3. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a comprehensive content marketing tool that offers a wide range of features designed to optimize and improve your content strategy. It is widely regarded as one of the leading SEO and digital marketing tools available in the market. Ahrefs provides valuable insights and data-driven solutions to help businesses enhance their online visibility, drive organic traffic, and outperform their competitors.

Features

• Keyword research and analysis
• Backlink analysis and monitoring
• Content gap analysis
• SEO site audit
• Content explorer

Pros

• Extensive database for comprehensive keyword research and analysis.
• Advanced backlink analysis to identify link building opportunities.
• Content gap analysis to identify areas for content improvement.
• User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and visualizations.

Cons

• Pricing plans may be expensive for small businesses or beginners.
• Limited social media management features compared to dedicated tools.

Pricing

• Lite - $99/month
• Standard - $179/month
• Advanced - $399/month
• Agency - $999/month

4. ClearVoice

This is one of the best digital content marketing software platforms that is suited not only for corporate organizations, but also for freelance editors, journalists, and writers. ClearVoice can help online media companies manage their sales and marketing campaigns as it has a vast array of professional features.

It has a multi-faceted editing application that allows team members to edit work in real-time efficiently. ClearVoice has a minimalist interface that ensures that users can track the progress of content campaigns, and gather all data in a unified place.

Features

• Content creation and collaboration
• Workflow and project management
• Content calendar and publishing
• Talent marketplace for finding freelance writers
• Content performance tracking and analytics

Pros

• Streamlined content creation and collaboration workflows for teams.
• Talent marketplace for finding and hiring qualified freelance writers.
• Content calendar and publishing tools for efficient content management.
• Analytics and performance tracking to measure content effectiveness.

Cons

• Limited integration options with certain CMS platforms and marketing tools.
• Marketplace fees may increase the overall cost of hiring freelance writers.

Pricing

• Starting price at $99.00/month
• Free Trial Available

5. StoryChief

StoryChief is a powerful content marketing tool that simplifies the process of creating and distributing interactive content. With its user-friendly interface, teams can seamlessly collaborate and review each other's work.

The software's standout feature is the ability to organize content into campaigns, providing a clear overview of each story's performance. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or publisher, StoryChief's intuitive design and extensive publishing capabilities make it an essential tool for streamlining your content marketing efforts.

Boost your content's reach and effectiveness with StoryChief's comprehensive suite of features.

Features

• Content collaboration and approval workflows
• Multi-channel content distribution and scheduling
• SEO optimization and readability analysis
• Content performance tracking and analytics
• Social media publishing and monitoring
• Integrations with various CMS (Content Management Systems)

Pros

• Multi-channel content distribution and scheduling for wider reach.
• SEO optimization and readability analysis to enhance content visibility.
• Real-time collaboration and commenting features for efficient teamwork.

Cons

• The free plan has limitations in terms of user access and features.
• Limited advanced SEO optimization features compared to specialized tools.

Pricing

• Starting price at $140.00/month
• Free Trial Available

6. Kapost

Kapost is a leading content marketing tool designed to help businesses streamline their content creation and distribution processes. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Kapost enables content marketing team to collaborate efficiently and manage the entire content lifecycle.

From ideation to publication, Kapost provides a centralized platform for planning, creating, and measuring the success of content campaigns. Its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities allow marketers to track content performance and make data-driven decisions. 

With Kapost, organizations can optimize their content strategies, increase productivity, and drive meaningful results in their content marketing efforts.

Features

• Content planning and calendar management
• Workflow and task management
• Content collaboration and approval processes
• Analytics and performance tracking
• Content asset management and version control

Pros

• Comprehensive content planning and calendar management capabilities
• Workflow management features for streamlined content production
• Integration with CRM and marketing automation platforms for enhanced efficiency
• Content performance tracking and analytics to measure ROI

Cons

• Initial setup and customization may require technical expertise or assistance
• Some users may find the interface less intuitive compared to other tools

Pricing

• Starting price at $3500.00/month
• No Free Trial Available

7. Ceros

Ceros is an innovative experiential content marketing tool that has become highly sought after in the industry. With its cloud-based canvas and interactive components, Ceros empowers marketers to create immersive content that drives user engagement through two-way interaction.

This platform offers a diverse range of editing and publishing capabilities, allowing users to create captivating content such as landing pages, blogs, and websites that attract a wider readership. With Ceros, marketers can unlock the potential of interactive storytelling, delivering memorable experiences that resonate with their audience and leave a lasting impact.

Features

• Interactive content creation and design
• Animation and interactive components
• Cloud-based canvas for content editing
• Real-time collaboration and commenting
• Publishing and sharing of interactive content

Pros

• Animation and interactive components to captivate the audience
• Cloud-based canvas for easy content editing and collaboration
• Real-time commenting and collaboration features for seamless teamwork
• Metrics and analytics to measure and optimize content engagement

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for mastering the interactive content creation tools.
• Limited options for managing and analyzing user-generated content.

Pricing

• Custom pricing
• No free trial available
• Demo is available

Challenges of Content Marketing Software

While content marketing software provides numerous benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common challenges associated with content marketing software:

1. Complexity and feature overload

   Content marketing software often comes with a multitude of features and functionalities, which can make it overwhelming for users, especially those who are new to the platform. The abundance of options and tools can lead to confusion and hinder the effective utilization of the software. Users may struggle to navigate through the interface, understand the purpose of each feature, and determine which features are most relevant to their specific needs.

2. Data management and privacy

   Content marketing software collects and stores a significant amount of data related to content performance, audience behavior, and other marketing metrics. Ensuring proper data management and privacy protection is crucial to comply with regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act).

3. Continuous updates and maintenance

   Content marketing software needs to be regularly updated to incorporate new features, fix bugs, address security vulnerabilities, and stay aligned with evolving industry standards. However, frequent updates and maintenance can be a challenge for both software vendors and users.

4. Content quality and relevance

   Content marketing platforms can assist with content creation, optimization, and distribution, but ensuring content quality and relevance remains a challenge. While the software can provide insights and recommendations, it ultimately relies on the expertise and judgment of content creators and marketers to produce high-quality, engaging content.

5. User adoption and collaboration

   Implementing content marketing software across an organization requires user adoption and collaboration from various teams involved in content creation, distribution, and analysis. Resistance to change, lack of understanding, and siloed workflows can hinder the successful implementation and utilization of the software.

Latest Trends in Content Marketing Software

The field of content marketing software is evolving, and various trends have developed recently. Here are some of the most recent content marketing software trends:

1. AI-powered Content Creation and Optimization

   Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more crucial in content marketing software. AI-powered solutions help in the generation of content ideas, the creation of automated content, the optimization of content for search engines, and the overall performance of content. M algorithms are used in these technologies to analyze data, spot trends, and generate data-driven recommendations, allowing marketers to create more engaging and effective content.

2. Content Personalization and Targeting

   Personalization has emerged as a critical component of content marketing. Content marketing software now includes elements that allow marketers to provide personalized content experiences to their audiences.

   Marketers can modify content depending on user preferences, behavior, and demographics using data analysis and segmentation. This strategy boosts engagement, customer experience, and conversion rates.

3. Visual and Interactive Content Capabilities

   In content marketing, visual and interactive content formats such as films, infographics, quizzes, and interactive landing pages have grown in popularity.

   Content marketing software adapts to these media by offering tools for creating, managing, and analyzing visual and interactive content. Marketers can use these qualities to engage their audiences with interesting, immersive experiences.

4. User-generated Content Management

   User-generated content (UGC) has evolved into an important asset for content marketing strategy. UGC management and exploiting tools are being added to content marketing software.

   These technologies aid in the curation, moderation, and presentation of user-generated information such as reviews, testimonials, and social media posts in order to boost brand legitimacy and increase community participation.

Average Pricing Cost of Content Marketing Software

The pricing cost of content marketing software can vary significantly depending on the specific tool and the features included. However, to provide a general overview, here are the average pricing ranges for content marketing software:

• Basic plans: $10 to $100/month for limited features, suitable for individuals and small businesses.
• Mid-tier plans: $100 to $500/month with advanced features like collaboration and analytics for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Enterprise plans: $500 to several thousand dollars/month for comprehensive features, customization, and support, aimed at larger businesses with complex needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best content marketing software depends on your business's specific needs and goals. It's important to consider factors such as usability, features, integration capabilities, and value for the price. Conducting thorough research, reading customer reviews, and trying out demos or free trials can help you make an informed decision.

Remember, the best content marketing software is one that aligns with your content strategy, streamlines your workflows, and helps you create and distribute high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.