Alexis Kestler
As a fellow content marketing geek, I know how crucial it is to have a steady stream of well-crafted, engaging content. But consistently producing enough high-quality content to fuel your strategy is tough. This is why more brands are seeking help from professional content writing services.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dig deep on the ins and outs of content writing services. I‘ll share my insights as an experienced content strategist on everything from the benefits and potential pitfalls to navigating the crowded marketplace of providers.
Let‘s start with a look at what content writing services are all about.
What Exactly is a Content Writing Service?
A content writing service employs professional writers to create well-researched, strategic content customized to your brand, audience, and goals. Top agencies have teams with deep expertise across all types of content.
Some examples of content you can get created include:
- Blog articles
- Social media posts
- Webpage content
- Landing pages
- Email newsletters
- eBooks
- Case studies
- Video scripts
When you partner with a content writing service, you‘ll go through a process of briefing them on your target audience, brand voice, topics, keywords, and content guidelines. Their writers will then produce custom content designed specifically for you.
Pricing is often based on a per word model, though monthly subscriptions and content packages are also common. For example, a 500-word blog post from a top-tier writer usually ranges from $80 to $150.
The Key Benefits of Using Content Writing Services
There are quite a few compelling reasons to consider outsourcing some or all of your content production. Here are some of the main advantages:
Access to Expert Writers
Top-notch content writing services employ very skilled writers. These pros have levels of expertise that are hard to match with in-house resources. They also specialize in content strategy, writing optimized and persuasive copy, and working across diverse content types.
Save Time
Handing off content creation frees you up to focus on high-value tasks like content strategy, promotion, and campaign management. This streamlines operations and saves countless hours vs. trying to do everything in-house.
On-Demand Scaling
With an outsourced team, you can easily scale content production up and down as campaigns and seasons dictate. Adapt quickly to surges in demand or dial back during slower periods.
Wider Content Variety
A key benefit of using content writing services is gaining access to writers skilled in every content format you may need – from blogs to social media threads to videos. This versatility can be hard to find with in-house resources.
Improved Search Rankings
Well-crafted, strategic content targeted at the right keywords gives your content and pages a boost in search rankings. This leads to more organic traffic and conversions over time.
Brand Building
Compelling, consistent content helps you better attract, engage, and convert your target audience. This strengthens brand affinity and loyalty over time.
What Are the Potential Downsides?
While using professional content writing services has many upside, there are a few potential risks to look out for as well:
Costs Can Add Up
When you pay per word or article, costs scale up quickly, especially if producing a high volume of content. Make sure to get quality content that has impact.
Inconsistent Quality
Not all writers are equal. Without proper oversight, you may see uneven quality from different writers. This can damage your brand consistency.
Communications Issues
Lack of alignment between writers and your expectations can definitely happen. Close collaboration and feedback is crucial.
Less Brand Context
Writers who don‘t immerse themselves in understanding your brand and audience may produce copy that misses the mark.
Variable Turnaround Times
Speed of content delivery can range from 24 hours for rush orders to a week or more depending on writer availability. Plan ahead.
6 Tips for Choosing the Best Content Writing Agency
Picking the right partner to meet your content needs takes research. Based on my experience, here are the most important factors to look at:
Industry Expertise – Find writers well-versed in your niche to create authoritative content that resonates.
Writer Screening – Look for services with rigorous processes to vet writers for skills and subject matter expertise.
Work Samples – Always review content samples from writers to evaluate quality and brand fit.
Communication – Clear channels for collaboration, feedback, and aligning expectations are essential.
Turnaround Time – Evaluate speed of content delivery to ensure it matches your campaign needs.
Pricing Value – Compare rates, subscriptions, and packages across services to maximize budget impact.
Now that we‘ve covered the basics, let‘s explore some of the top content writing services available. I evaluated dozens of providers against the criteria above to highlight the standouts.
12 Leading Content Writing Services Compared
1. Verblio
Verblio touts a community of over 4,500 U.S.-based writers ready to tackle projects in any niche. I like that you can review writer profiles and samples before matching with one.
They can produce pretty much any type of content format needed. Prices start around $0.04 per word. Volume discounts available.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Blog posts, ebooks, webpages, videos, more
Cost: From $0.04 per word
2. Penji
Penji offers unlimited graphic design and content writing starting at $1,500/mo. They focus primarily on blogs, social media, web pages, ads, product descriptions, and other website content.
Their simple pricing model and fast turnaround times make Penji a great option for startups and mid-size companies needing core content.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Blogs, social, web, ads, product descriptions
Cost: From $1,500 per month
3. Scripted
Scripted provides access to over 10,0000 freelance writers who can cover any writing project and niche. They vet writers and offer money-back guarantees for quality.
Rates start at around $0.05 per word. Discounts offered for larger orders. Scripted is ideal for content volume needs.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: From $0.05 per word
4. ContentWriters
ContentWriters has produced over 150,000 articles, blogs, and other types of content since 2011. They promise 100% original work tailored to your brand and audience.
Packages start at $129 per month for 2 blog posts. Email and social media content packages also available. Great for consistent blog content production.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Blogs, social, webpages, more
Cost: From $129 per month
5. WriterAccess
WriterAccess is one of the largest content companies with over 21,000 freelance writers ready to tackle projects of any size and scope.
They offer content production for businesses across every industry. Price for blog content starts around $0.05 per word. Discounts for larger orders.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: From $0.05 per word
6. BlogScribe
Texas-based BlogScribe offers affordable blog article packages. They focus solely on producing high-quality, SEO-optimized blogs.
Packages start at $149 per month for 4 x 500-word blog articles. All content is well-researched, expertly written, and optimized for your brand.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Blog articles
Cost: From $149 per month
7. Media Shower
Media Shower is an experienced agency providing every type of content production and distribution services. This includes writing, graphics, videos, animations, ads, and more.
They offer end-to-end content strategy, creation, promotion, and performance optimization. Custom content campaign pricing starts at $2,500 per month.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any and all
Cost: From $2,500 per month
8. WebTradecraft
WebTradecraft focuses on content strategy and production for B2B and technology companies. They handle the full spectrum from audits and planning to writing and promotion.
WebTradecraft develops cohesive strategies to fuel consistent brand storytelling and engagement. Custom pricing based on needs.
Industries Served: B2B & Tech
Types of Content: Any
Cost: Custom pricing
9. HourlyContent
HourlyContent offers flexible, hourly-rate access to content writers starting at $55 per hour. You directly manage each writer hired based on need.
They have hundreds of U.S.-based writers across niches ready for on-demand projects. Minimum 2 hour hire. Discounts for longer term deals.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: From $55 per hour
10. ContentFly
ContentFly focuses on producing stellar content for agencies and brands. They partner with top-tier writers to create custom content that engages and converts.
ContentFly offers complimentary audits and strategy to align content with business goals. Packages start at $599 per month for 10 blog articles up to $4,199 for 60 articles monthly.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: From $599 per month
11. Contently
Contently provides both talent management and managed content services. Through their platform, you can find and hire writers as well as outsource complete content production.
They develop performance-focused content strategies and creation workflows fully tailored to each brand. Pricing not publicly listed but reportedly starts around $5,000 per month.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: From $5,000 per month
12. Skyword
Skyword focuses on content marketing strategy and creation for large enterprises. They offer extensive services for planning, producing, optimizing, promoting, and measuring content.
Big brands like Oracle, HP, and Reebok have partnered with Skyword. Custom managed content services pricing.
Industries Served: All
Types of Content: Any
Cost: Custom pricing
Evaluating Your Options
With literally thousands of content writing services out there, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. My advice is to carefully assess providers against your specific needs, goals, and budget to find the best fit.
Factor in elements like turnaround time, content types and formats you need, industries and topics covered, and packages offered.
Also look for services that provide strategic input on optimizing content for impact, not just writing. Content strategy and promotion support are big pluses.
Hopefully this review of top content writing companies provides a helpful starting point to kickstart your research. I aimed to include a broad mix of services varying in industries served, pricing models, and types of content offered.
The right partner depends entirely on your unique requirements and priorities. By taking a methodical approach to comparing providers, you‘ll land on an optimal match that fuels content success long term.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
