The 6 things to consider before choosing a content creation platform

All content marketers are familiar with the challenge of creating high volumes of content that is engaging, optimised for SEO, scalable across markets, suitable for re-purposing, drives leads…the list continues. Then, you need to secure approval and actually publish it across different platforms. 

So, it’s no surprise that marketing teams are looking to content creation platforms to help make content production and management more efficient. Many also hope to hire trustworthy, creative freelancers who can act as extra hands. 

But with so many content creation platforms available, how do you find the right one? Luckily for you, we’ve created a handy checklist of things to consider before you purchase a content creation platform.

Let’s get into it.

‍

What is a content creation platform? 
‍

Before we go straight into the checklist, let’s start by defining what we mean by content creation platforms. 

A content creation platform is an online or software tool where your marketing team can easily create, manage, review, and publish content in one collaborative place. 

Some content creation platforms (like Contentoo) also offer access to a talent network of vetted freelancers, helping companies connect with creators worldwide. Read more about the top 11 content creation platforms.

‍

6 considerations before buying a content creation platform 

‍

So, without further ado, here are the top things to consider when choosing the best platform for you and your team. 

1. Define your objectives

Defining your objectives is at the top of almost every list when deciding, but that is for good reason. How can you pick a platform if you don’t know what you need it for? To get started, ask yourself questions like: 

‍

• Do we need help with creating a comprehensive content strategy? 
• Do we lack in-house expertise in optimising content for SEO?  
• Do we need localised content to help us expand into new markets? 
• Do we need extra copywriting support without increasing headcount?
• Or something else?

‍

Choosing the best content creation platform will become much easier once you’ve decided on your goals and objectives. You wouldn’t hire an employee without a job description, so think of your platform similarly. 

‍

Once you’ve clarified your goals, the next step is understanding this technology's role in your content strategy and process.

‍

2. Balance AI and human 

AI in content marketing is here to stay, but you need to decide the right balance for your company. Some content creation platforms are fully AI-powered, others are fully human-powered, and many sit in the middle. 

‍

While AI can certainly help automate workflows and generate ideas, we advise that whatever platform you choose has at least some human involvement. We fully believe people make the best content. AI content can be a lot less compelling.

‍

This is even more important if you’re in technical or niche industries where subject-matter expertise is needed to ideate and develop content. If you’re missing this expertise, your potential customers will notice, and your brand reputation will be damaged. 

‍

3. Determine your non-negotiables 

Next, you need to figure out which capabilities and features of a content creation platform you cannot be without. Whether it's reporting or automation, the list of non-negotiables will differ company by company. 

‍

But since you’re here already, we’ve picked a few non-negotiables you should consider:

‍

• Collaborative: Consider who will be using the platform and how they’ll need to collaborate, including editing, feedback, version control, and file sharing. 

• Automation: Look at the platform’s capabilities to automate simple workflows, which can save hours.  

• Reporting: Double-check the platform, which allows you to easily report on performance, gather insights, and implement changes.  

• Full-service: Think about whether you’re happy to manage different stages of your content marketing separately or prefer an end-to-end content marketing platform. We’d recommend the latter!

‍

4. Assess the talent network 

Speaking of non-negotiables, choose a platform that gives you access to top-tier talent if you are missing in-house expertise or capacity across some areas.

‍

When evaluating a platform’s talent network, consider whether there are plenty of available freelancers who:  

‍

• Have subject-matter expertise or experience in your industry
• Capability to produce your preferred content formats 
• Are native in the languages of the regions where you’re active 
• Have been fully vetted (the most important, in our opinion)

‍

At Contentoo, we’re proud to work with 2,000+ pre-vetted freelancers you can rely on for top-quality, expert content whenever needed. Plus, with our platform, you can manage your freelancers all in one place, from content briefing to approvals to invoicing. 

‍

‍

Once you’ve considered the above, it’s time to work out the costs of each platform so you can find the right pricing model and plan for you. 
‍

5. Understand the costs

Pricing models vary from fixed subscriptions to pay-per-project or pay-per-word. Some companies prefer to pay fixed amounts, while others prefer to pay based on their usage. 

If you choose a variable pricing model, it should be pretty straightforward to calculate your expected costs…as long as you know your objectives.
‍

6. Consider your future plans

It’s easy to focus only on the present moment, but you must also think of how your company plans to expand. Will you be entering new markets? Then, you’ll likely need to localise your content. 

Or are you focusing on scaling up marketing efforts in your current markets? Then, you may need extra content marketing expertise to create high-quality content. 

Either way, consider whether your content creation platform will meet your current and future content needs. Bonus points if the platform offers flexibility to adapt your plan or services over time as your needs evolve. 

‍

So, which content creation platform should you choose? 

‍

Well, we’ll leave that choice up to you. 

But if you’re looking for a content creation platform that helps you connect with pre-vetted freelancers, develop impactful content strategies, publish SEO content, localise and translate content, and more…we’ve got you covered.

Want to know more? Let’s chat about how we can help transform your content creation process.

‍