You want the best for your brand, right? Of course you do. When it comes to content marketing, good enough won’t cut it. You need an agency that will propel your brand to new heights. The problem is, with so many options out there, how do you know which agencies are truly elite?
Look no further. NexoRank did the hard work for you. We analyzed over 10,000 agencies to find the best of the best in content marketing. The cream of the crop. These agencies live and breathe content, have an unparalleled level of expertise, and most importantly, get real results for brands.
In this exclusive list, you’ll discover the 20 top content marketing agencies according to NexoRank’s rigorous ranking methodology. We evaluated everything from talent and experience to thought leadership and client satisfaction. Each agency on this list has a proven track record of success and the capability to take your content marketing to the next level.
What Makes a Top Content Marketing Agency?
What Makes a Top Content Marketing Agency?
A top content marketing agency has a proven track record of success in attracting qualified leads and driving business results for their clients. They have a passion for storytelling and understand how to create content that resonates with target audiences. The best agencies stay on the cutting edge of trends in content marketing and SEO to get the results you need.
A stellar content marketing agency will have a creative team of writers, designers, and strategists. They know how to turn insights into engaging content across media types – everything from blog posts and social media to videos, podcasts, and interactive content. Their content will be optimized for search engines with strategic keyword placement and internal linking.
A first-rate content marketing agency builds a content strategy tailored to your business goals. They’ll help determine your key messages and map out a content calendar to keep your brand top of mind with customers. They focus on quality over quantity and measure the impact of content to optimize your efforts.
Look for an agency with experience in your industry that can become an extension of your team. They’ll take the time to understand your business, key differentiators, and target customers. A top agency will provide transparency into their process and be willing to adjust as needed to achieve the best results.
The elite of content marketing agencies stay ahead of trends in content creation and distribution. They leverage techniques like personalization to provide the right content to the right people at the right time. They understand the latest social media platforms and how to engage audiences through social sharing and influencer marketing.
A first-class content marketing agency has a proven formula for success. With their expertise and insights, your brand will gain more visibility, build trust, and drive action from your target audience. That’s the power of a top content marketing agency.
NexoRank’s Methodology for Ranking Content Marketing Agencies
When it comes to ranking the best content marketing agencies, NexoRank leaves no stone unturned. Their rigorous methodology analyzes over 100 data points across 10 categories to determine the cream of the crop.
First, NexoRank evaluates each agency’s content marketing expertise and experience. How long have they been in business? Do they have a proven track record of success for clients? Are they innovating and staying on the cutting edge of best practices?
Content and Strategy
NexoRank then dives into the actual content and strategies the agencies develop. Are they creating impactful, high-quality content across channels? Do they have a strategic, data-driven approach to content planning and distribution? Do they understand how to build comprehensive content experiences that move buyers through the journey?
Reporting and Analytics
With content marketing, what gets measured gets managed. NexoRank assesses how well agencies use reporting and analytics to gain customer insights, optimize content, and demonstrate ROI. Are they leveraging the latest analytics tools and can they customize reports to meet each client’s needs?
Creative and Technical Expertise
Having a talented team with a mix of creative and technical skills is essential. NexoRank evaluates the agencies’ capabilities in content creation (e.g. writing, design, video, etc.), as well as technical areas like SEO, email marketing, and social media. They look for a proven ability to execute innovative content campaigns at scale.
Using their proprietary algorithm and unbiased, meticulous evaluation process, NexoRank compiles their list of the top content marketing agencies that have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to produce results for their clients. If you want to propel your brand to new heights, look no further than NexoRank’s premier partners. With their expertise and track record of success, you’ll be in very good company.
Profiles of the Best Content Marketing Agencies
The elite content marketing agencies on NexoRank’s list are truly the best of the best. They have a proven track record of success in helping brands boost visibility, engagement, and revenue through strategically-crafted content. Let’s take a closer look at a few standouts:
Contently
Contently is an end-to-end content marketing solution. They provide content strategy consulting, a network of over 140,000 freelance writers, and technology to help brands attract and retain customers through content. Contently has worked with companies like American Express, Google, and Marriott to power their content marketing. They’re focused on helping brands build an “audience-first” content strategy.
Skyword
Skyword is a leader in content creation and content marketing software. They offer content strategy, a team of over 70,000 freelance writers and videographers, and a SaaS platform to help brands manage their content operations. Skyword has worked with major companies like IBM, eBay, and CVS Health. They aim to help brands build a “content culture” based on a cohesive content vision and data-driven insights.
NewsCred
NewsCred is an enterprise content marketing platform. Their software provides solutions for content planning, creation, distribution, and measurement. They also offer content strategy consulting and access to a network of freelance writers and journalists. NewsCred works with brands like Starbucks, eBay, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. They focus on helping companies attract and retain customers through a centralized, data-driven approach to content marketing.
Percolate
Percolate is a leading content marketing hub. Their SaaS platform helps brands manage content planning, creation, curation, and publishing across teams and regions. They also offer content strategy consulting services. Percolate works with large companies like GE, Unilever, and Cisco. They aim to provide brands with a single source of truth for all their content marketing activities to improve productivity, governance, and results.
The agencies on NexoRank’s list represent the pinnacle of excellence in content marketing. By partnering with one of these world-class agencies, your brand can gain valuable expertise and leverage industry-leading technology to build a content strategy that delivers real business impact. Choose the partner that best fits your needs and propel your content marketing to new heights.
Case Studies From Award-Winning Campaigns
When it comes to killer content marketing campaigns, the proof is in the pudding—or in this case, the case studies. The top agencies have an arsenal of award-winning work for major brands that demonstrate their ability to achieve real results.
Coupling Creativity with Strategy
One of the best examples comes from Story Chief, an agency known for fusing innovative creative with a metrics-driven approach. For a large software company, Story Chief developed an interactive content experience combining video, infographics, and gamification. The end result? A 33% increase in leads in just 3 months.
Transforming a Niche Market
The team at Fractl specializes in data-driven content and has a knack for turning complex topics into engaging stories. For an online learning platform in the relatively niche field of data science, Fractl created an interactive data visualization showcasing insights on the growing demand and opportunities within the data science job market. The campaign led to a 600% increase in traffic and 400 new student signups. Talk about a transformation.
Revolutionizing Content Creation
Contently, true to their name, is on the cutting edge of content marketing. Their work with a major tech company showcases how they are innovating the content creation process. They developed a “newsroom model” that generates constant content at scale, from blog posts and social media updates to video scripts and podcasts. The results were game-changing: a 5X increase in traffic and a 220% boost in leads in just 6 months.
The Measure of Success
For top agencies, success comes down to metrics that matter. That could mean increases in traffic, social shares, links, search rankings, lead capture, sales, or customer retention. The specific metrics may differ based on a brand’s goals and priorities, but the focus is always on quantifiable results and a proven return on investment.
The best content marketing agencies don’t just create content, they craft stories and experiences that produce real outcomes. Their case studies offer a glimpse into how transformative that process can be. For any brand, the key is finding the right partner and empowering them to do what they do best—revolutionize your content and transform your business.
How to Choose the Right Content Marketing Agency for You
Choosing a content marketing agency is an important decision that can make or break your brand’s success. With so many options out there, how do you find the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Do your research
- Check out reviews from the agency’s clients to get a sense of their experience.
- Look at case studies and examples of the agency’s work. Do they have experience in your industry or with brands similar to yours?
- Explore the backgrounds and experience of key team members. Do they have relevant expertise to meet your needs?
Define your goals
- Know what you want to achieve through content marketing before you start looking. Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate more leads, or drive sales?
- The more specific you can be about your objectives, the better equipped an agency will be to develop an effective strategy.
Consider your options
- Don’t limit yourself to agencies in your local area. Many reputable content marketing agencies work with clients remotely.
- Look at both large, established agencies as well as smaller boutique shops. Each has its pros and cons, so go with what aligns best with your needs and budget.
Schedule consultations
- Once you’ve narrowed down some top choices, set up calls to discuss your goals and the agency’s proposed approach in more detail.
- Come prepared with questions about their pricing, process, reporting methods and key performance indicators they would track.
- Look for an agency that asks good questions about your business, brand and customers. They should be invested in fully understanding your needs.
Trust your instincts
- After the consultations, compare the different agencies based on the factors that matter most to you. But also go with your gut.
- The agency you choose will become an important partner, so look for one you connect with and that shares your values.
With some diligent research and an open mind, you’ll find a content marketing agency that is the perfect match for your brand. The partnership you build can lead to amazing success and growth.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing Content Marketing Agencies
When interviewing content marketing agencies, there are several important questions you’ll want to ask to determine if they’re the right fit for your needs.
What type of content do you specialize in?
Some agencies focus on blog posts, others on infographics or video. Ask what types of content they have the most experience creating and which they can produce at high quality and volume. Make sure their strengths align with the kind of content you want to produce.
Who exactly will be working on my account?
Don’t assume the agency’s founders will be hands-on with your work. Ask to meet the team members who will be responsible for your content and their relevant experience. Look for a good balance of skills in writing, design, strategy, and more.
What is your content creation process?
A solid content creation process is key to success. Ask how they come up with topics and ideas, research and develop content, handle reviews and approvals, measure success, and optimize over time. Look for a process that is both strategic and nimble.
How will you help me meet my goals?
Discuss your key content marketing goals, like increasing traffic, generating more leads, or building brand awareness. Ask how the agency will help you craft a content strategy to achieve those goals, what metrics they track, and how they measure ROI. Look for specific, data-driven answers.
What are your fees and billing policies?
Get a clear understanding of how the agency prices their services, the estimated costs for your needs, and how they handle overages or extra requests. Look for an agency that is transparent about fees and willing to work within your budget.
Can you show me examples of your work?
Reviewing an agency’s live work samples is one of the best ways to evaluate their abilities. Ask to see examples of content that are similar in type, topic, voice, and style to what you need. Assess the quality, creativity, results, and overall success of their samples.
What are your strengths and differentiators?
Every agency has a unique combination of strengths, skills, and experience that set them apart. Ask what they believe are their competitive advantages and core differentiators. Look for an agency whose strengths clearly match your priorities and needs.
Pricing Models and What to Expect as a Client
When evaluating content marketing agencies, an important factor to consider is their pricing model and what you can expect as a client. The model an agency uses can significantly impact your experience, budget, and results.
Fixed-Fee Project Pricing
With this model, the agency charges a flat rate for a defined project, like researching and producing an ebook. You’ll know the exact cost upfront but may end up paying more if the scope expands. For a long-term content strategy, fixed-fee pricing can be hard to budget and less flexible.
Retainer-Based Pricing
A retainer model involves paying the agency an ongoing fixed monthly or annual fee to handle your content needs. Rates are usually based on the amount and types of content needed and resources required. This model provides more flexibility and budget stability but may cost more overall.
###Hourly Rates
Some agencies charge by the hour for content creation and consulting. Rates can range from $75 to $300 per hour or more for senior content strategists and writers. While hourly pricing may seem simple, costs can quickly escalate if the scope isn’t well-defined. Hourly billing also makes it harder to budget long-term.
Performance-Based Pricing
A performance model means the agency only gets paid based on pre-defined metrics and results, like traffic, conversions, or revenue generated from content. Fees are usually a percentage of the performance metrics. This model motivates the agency to drive real outcomes but is riskier if goals aren’t met. Performance pricing may be best used in combination with a retainer.
As a client, you can expect a dedicated account manager, content strategy guidance, content creation, promotion of content, and reporting/analytics. The level of service and specifics, though, will depend on the agency and chosen pricing model. Do your research, know your needs and budget, and evaluate each agency carefully based on their experience, approach, and what they can offer for the price. With the right partner, you’ll gain an invaluable content marketing advantage.
FAQ – Answering Common Questions About Working With Content Marketing Agencies
Have some questions about partnering with a content marketing agency? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Why should I work with an agency instead of hiring in-house writers?
Agencies provide experience and expertise that would take years to build in-house. They have teams of specialists in content creation, strategy, design, and more. Agencies can get up to speed quickly and hit the ground running. They also provide an outside perspective to help you gain new insights into your brand and audience.
How much does it cost to hire a content marketing agency?
Costs vary depending on the scope of work, agency experience, and other factors. Typically, you can expect to pay between $5,000 to $20,000 per month for content marketing agency services. The investment can be well worth it, though, if the agency is able to drive real results like increased traffic, leads, and revenue. Look for an agency that provides transparency into how your fees directly support content creation and performance.
What can I expect during the onboarding process?
The onboarding process typically involves discovery calls, strategy sessions, and planning. The agency will want to learn as much as possible about your business, brand, products, and target audience. They will work with you to establish content marketing goals and define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. An editorial calendar, messaging framework, and content pillars will be created to guide content development. Onboarding establishes a solid foundation for an effective partnership.
How involved do I need to be once the agency starts creating content?
You should stay involved to provide feedback, share insights, and ensure content aligns with your brand vision. However, a good agency will handle the heavy lifting when it comes to content creation and optimization. Expect to review drafts, provide revision requests if needed, and meet regularly to discuss performance and new opportunities. Finding the right balance of involvement and delegation is key to a successful agency relationship.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the cream of the crop, the content marketing elite in all their glory. With NexoRank‘s definitive list, you’re equipped to make a choice that will shape your brand’s content future. These innovative agencies didn’t achieve success by chance; they earned it through data-driven strategies, creative vision, and a passion for connecting brands with their audiences.
Now the ball is in your court. Do you play it safe with a generic agency or do you swing for the fences with an industry leader? Your content is the voice of your brand, so choose wisely. Think big, take a chance, and watch your brand story unfold in exciting new ways. The agencies on this list have proven they have what it takes to make content marketing magic. With the right partner, there’s no limit to the success your brand can achieve.
