If you’re comparing nDash vs. Contently to find the right content marketing platform, it’s the subtle differences that matter most.
Contently and nDash have been leading content marketing platforms for nearly a decade. Both offer enterprise-level client solutions, while nDash prioritizes transparency and direct relationships between brands and freelancers.
First, their similarities:
- End-to-end support for the content lifecycle, including strategy development, planning, and content creation.
- Both offer complimentary services, ranging from design and other tangential services to full white-glove services.
While they offer very similar products and services, they’ve taken significantly different approaches to reach their current position and hold a markedly distinct perspective on the future of marketing.
Contently vs. nDash Platform Features
Google-Powered Analytics for Brands
We’re featuring an analytics capability that pulls data directly from Google, providing brands with deeper insights into their content’s performance following publication. This new dashboard view will include metrics like traffic, engagement, and growth trends. Connecting content production with performance data enables brands to understand what’s working, identify areas for improvement, and refine their content strategies.
Freelancer Pool & Talent Network
- Contently operates a *closed, curated pool of pre-vetted writers, mainly managed by its internal team to match freelancers with brand needs.
- nDash enables brands to browse an open marketplace of writers, assess profiles, review writing samples, and negotiate rates directly. This adds a hands-on element for clients. (Full-service offerings can help simplify this process for brands as needed.)
* In November 2024, Contently privatized or deleted all of its freelancer profiles.
Contently vs. nDash Services Comparison
They’re identical—both offer the ability to have a dedicated team support your marketing efforts. This typically includes strategic guidance, editorial oversight, project management, and coordination with freelance writers.
Contently vs. nDash Cost Comparison
Contently vs. nDash A.I. Usage Policy
Contently is leaning into AI for content creation, potentially as an alternative to subject matter experts. However, nDash is taking the approach of using AI to enable experts, maintaining dependence on their expertise to add unique and unreplicable value to content.
Contently Reviews vs. nDash Reviews
Again, it’s similar, with nDash getting the slight edge, likely due to the small team size, which enables greater customer support and relationship building.
Contently vs. nDash Miscellaneous Differentiators
Ownership
nDash remains owner-operated with no outside investment.
In comparison, Contently was acquired by the private equity firm ESW Capital in late 2024.
“What does ESW Capital do after a sale? How do they operate?
They ruthlessly cut costs, R&D, and employee benefits, and then replace existing employees with overseas contractors. Innovation and growth take a back seat to sheer profitability.” – Colin Keeley, ESW Capital Operating Manual.
Contently’s Controversies
While Contently has built a strong presence in the industry, some past decisions raised concerns within its freelance community. In 2019, a withdrawal fee prompted immediate backlash. In 2023, freelancers were surprised to find that their profiles had been made private or deleted without notification.
The winner?
- Go with Contently if: You need social media integration, SSO requirements for IT, or paid content promotion integration.
- Go with nDash if: You want flexibility, direct writer collaboration, premium editorial quality, an optional fully managed service, and access to a diverse pool of freelancers.
Already using Contently? Interested in switching to nDash?
We’d love to offer our services to help you migrate your account from Contently to nDash. Let’s connect to learn more about your objectives and schedule, and explore how we can support a smooth, collaborative migration.