Contently vs Semrush: Complete Comparison 2025
Choosing between Contently and Semrush can be challenging. Both are solutions, but they have distinct differences. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze features, pricing, and use cases to help you make the best decision.
An enterprise content marketing suite that combines a CMP platform (planning, workflows, governance, ROI analytics) with a creator marketplace plus services (strategy, managing editors). It also offers LLMO/AI Search (audit + content + analytics) and an AI Studio with multi-agent workflows to produce fact-checked, compliant content.
- Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
- Citation and source tracking
- Sentiment analysis
An all-in-one marketing suite focused on SEO and competitive intelligence: keyword research, competitor analysis, technical audits, rank tracking, backlinks, content workflows, reporting, and newer 'AI visibility / AI search' modules (e.g., AI Visibility Toolkit, AI Search Visibility Checker).
- Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
- Google AI Overviews tracking
- Brand mention tracking
Key Features Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of features offered by each platform:
| Feature | Contently | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-platform AI tracking (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini) | ||
| Citation and source tracking | ||
| Sentiment analysis | ||
| Competitive benchmarking / Share of voice | ||
| Actionable recommendations | ||
| AI content optimization suggestions | ||
| AI content writer/generator | ||
| Team collaboration / Workspaces | ||
| SSO / Enterprise security | ||
| Mission Control CMP: cross-functional calendars, campaign centers | ||
| Brand governance + Tone Analyzer (brand voice controls) | ||
| ROI analytics: Content Value Tracker + Performance Analytics | ||
| AI Studio: multi-agent orchestration (research -> draft -> fact-check) | ||
| Creative Marketplace: vetted creator network (writing/design/video) | ||
| Google AI Overviews tracking | ||
| Brand mention tracking | ||
| AI visibility score/metrics | ||
| Automated reporting | ||
| API access | ||
| Keyword research | ||
| Website/technical audit | ||
| Free plan available |
Pricing Analysis
Contently is more affordable at $0/month, offering a 499.95 dollars savings compared to its competitor.
Pros and Cons
Contently
- Enterprise-ready governance: workflows, approvals, and ROI analytics to run a real content factory
- Hybrid model (platform + managing editors + creator marketplace), strong fit for regulated/sensitive content
- End-to-end lifecycle coverage: ideation -> production -> compliance -> distribution -> measurement (including PDF + ops efficiency)
- LLMO/AI Search offering included: not just writing, but measuring and steering AI visibility/citations
- Hard to map to your pricing model (often annual + services + content volume): typically quote-based
- Broad suite: if you only want 'GEO monitoring', onboarding can feel heavier than a pure tracker
- Platform + services positioning: some outcomes may depend on the level of managed support (editors/consulting)
Semrush
- Very broad coverage: one platform for most SEO workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting)
- Agency/team-friendly: multi-projects, reporting, exports, templates
- Strong competitive intelligence datasets (domain/keyword/backlink research)
- Growing 'AI search / AI visibility' layer (dedicated toolkit + free checker/benchmarks)
- Rich ecosystem (App Center, add-ons, API by plan) to fit into a marketing stack
- Modular pricing: multiple toolkits/add-ons and plan limits can make total cost grow quickly
- Packaging changes over time (e.g., newer bundles like Semrush One), so comparisons require a clear scope
- Steep learning curve: very feature-dense UI and many reports
- AI visibility features may sit outside the core SEO toolkit (dedicated toolkit), adding extra cost/ops
Best Use Cases
Each platform excels in different scenarios:
ContentlyBest for
- 1Enterprise Content/SEO teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove ROI
- 2Regulated brands (finance/healthcare/etc.): produce fact-checked, compliant content with editorial governance
- 3PMM/Growth: scale comparison pages/FAQs/TOFU and improve visibility in AI Overviews / LLMs
- 4Agencies: standardize production + reporting + client workflows (and staff via the marketplace)
- 5Enablement/Docs marketing: measure and optimize engagement on PDFs (whitepapers/case studies)
SemrushBest for
- 1Full-stack SEO operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking
- 2Competitive analysis: who ranks, for what, with which pages and strategies
- 3Content teams: topic ideation/briefs and optimize existing content with recommendations
- 4Agencies: client reporting standardization (dashboards, exports, templates) and multi-project management
- 5AI search/GEO: benchmark AI-answer visibility, track prompt-level visibility, and find optimization opportunities
Feature Comparison
| Criteria | Contently | Semrush |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ||
| Starter Price | - | $139.95/mo |
| Standard Price | - | $249.95/mo |
| Pro Price | - | $499.95/mo |
| Number of Features | 14 | 12 |
Conclusion
Both Contently and Semrush are excellent solutions. Contently is ideal for enterprise content/seo teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove roi, while Semrush excels at full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Contently or Semrush?
It depends on your specific needs. Contently is better for enterprise content/seo teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove roi, while Semrush excels at full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Consider your priorities and budget before making a decision.
Is Contently more expensive than Semrush?
Contently is more affordable at $0/month, offering a 499.95 dollars savings.
What is the main difference between Contently and Semrush?
The main difference lies in their focus. Contently offers Citation and source tracking, while Semrush stands out with Google AI Overviews tracking. Contently targets enterprise content/seo teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove roi, whereas Semrush is designed for full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking.
Which one is easier to use for beginners: Contently or Semrush?
Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly. Contently enterprise-ready governance: workflows, approvals, and roi analytics to run a real content factory, while Semrush very broad coverage: one platform for most seo workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting). We recommend trying the free version of each to see which interface suits you better.
Which offers the best value for money: Contently or Semrush?
Contently offers the most competitive pricing at $0/month. However, the best value depends on which features you actually need. If you require multi-platform ai tracking (chatgpt, perplexity, claude, gemini), Contently might be worth the investment. For multi-platform ai tracking (chatgpt, perplexity, claude, gemini), Semrush could be the better choice.
Can I switch from Contently to Semrush easily?
Yes, migrating between Contently and Semrush is generally possible. Most platforms offer export features that allow you to transfer your data. We recommend exporting your content before switching and checking the import options available on the new platform.
Which is better for small businesses: Contently or Semrush?
For small businesses, Contently at $0/month is often the most practical choice due to budget constraints. However, Contently excels at enterprise content/seo teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove roi, while Semrush is ideal for full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. Consider your specific business requirements before deciding.
Are there free alternatives to Contently and Semrush?
Both Contently and Semrush offer free plans with limited features. These free versions are great for testing or light usage. For more advanced needs, the paid plans unlock additional features and higher usage limits.
Can I use both Contently and Semrush together?
Yes, many users combine both tools to leverage their unique strengths. Contently can handle enterprise content/seo teams: run cross-team programs (calendar, briefs, approvals) and prove roi, while Semrush takes care of full-stack seo operations: keywords -> technical audit -> on-page -> backlinks -> rank tracking. This approach can maximize productivity if budget allows.
What are the pros and cons of Contently compared to Semrush?
Contently's strengths include enterprise-ready governance: workflows, approvals, and roi analytics to run a real content factory, but it has limitations like hard to map to your pricing model (often annual + services + content volume): typically quote-based. Semrush offers very broad coverage: one platform for most seo workflows (technical, content, backlinks, competitive, reporting), though modular pricing: multiple toolkits/add-ons and plan limits can make total cost grow quickly. The best choice depends on which trade-offs matter most to you.
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