Textbroker Reviews, Pricing, and Alternatives
In today’s digital age, quality content plays a crucial role in the success of any marketing campaign. As businesses strive to establish a strong online presence, they must create engaging and informative content that resonates with their target audience. This is where skilled writers come into play, as they possess the ability to craft compelling content that not only attracts readers but also drives conversions and boosts brand awareness.
However, finding the right writer for your content marketing strategy can be a daunting task. With the increasing demand for high-quality content, numerous online platforms have emerged to connect businesses with talented writers. These platforms offer a wide range of services, from content creation and proofreading to content strategy consultation.
In this article, we will explore one such platform, Textbroker, and provide an in-depth review of its features, pros, cons, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision when choosing a content writing platform for your business.
Textbroker Overview
Textbroker is a content writing platform founded in 2005 by Jan Becker-Fochler in Mainz, Germany. It was initially launched as a German-language platform but expanded to the US market in 2008. The platform has since grown to become one of the leading content marketplaces, connecting businesses and agencies with a vast pool of freelance writers. Textbroker has its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, and serves clients worldwide.
Services offered by Textbroker
1. Content creation
Textbroker specializes in providing high-quality, custom-written content to meet the specific needs of clients. The platform offers a wide range of content types, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, press releases, social media posts, whitepapers, and more. The content creation process involves clients placing orders with detailed instructions, and writers then produce the content based on these guidelines.
2. Proofreading and editing
In addition to content creation, Textbroker also offers proofreading and editing services. This ensures that the content delivered to clients is not only well-written but also free of grammatical errors and typos. Clients can choose to have their content proofread and edited by Textbroker’s in-house editorial team, ensuring a high level of quality control.
3. Content strategy consultation
Textbroker also provides content strategy consultation services for clients who need assistance in developing a comprehensive content marketing plan. This service includes keyword research, topic ideation, and content planning, helping businesses and agencies create a solid foundation for their content marketing efforts.
Target audience and industries served by Textbroker
Textbroker caters to a diverse range of clients, including small businesses, large enterprises, digital marketing agencies, and e-commerce websites. The platform serves clients across various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, travel, fashion, and more. Textbroker’s vast pool of freelance writers ensures that clients can find writers with expertise in their specific industry or niche, allowing for the creation of highly relevant and targeted content.
Textbroker Reviews
Textbroker has a mixed bag of reviews from its users, with some clients praising the platform for its quality content, quick turnaround time, and reliable customer support. On the other hand, some users express dissatisfaction with the inconsistency in writer quality, pricing concerns, and limited writer selection. This section will delve into the specifics of both positive and negative feedback from clients.
Positive feedback from clients
1. Quality of content
Many clients appreciate the quality of content produced by Textbroker writers, especially those in the higher skill levels. These clients often mention that the articles they receive are well-researched, engaging, and tailored to their target audience. They also appreciate the fact that Textbroker offers a plagiarism check and originality guarantee, ensuring that the content they receive is unique and free from copyright issues.
2. Turnaround time
Textbroker is known for its quick content turnaround time, with some clients receiving their completed orders within just a few hours. This fast delivery is particularly beneficial for businesses with tight deadlines or those in need of urgent content. Many clients appreciate this aspect of Textbroker’s service, as it allows them to keep their content marketing efforts on track without delays.
3. Customer support
Textbroker’s customer support team has received praise from clients for being responsive, helpful, and professional. Clients appreciate the support team’s efforts in resolving any issues or concerns they may have, whether it’s related to the quality of content, writer selection, or billing matters.
Negative feedback from clients
1. Inconsistency in writer quality
One of the most common complaints from Textbroker clients is the inconsistency in writer quality. While some clients receive excellent content from their assigned writers, others report receiving poorly written or inadequately researched articles. This inconsistency can be frustrating for clients who need consistently high-quality content for their marketing efforts.
2. Pricing Concerns
Some clients feel that Textbroker’s pricing structure is not as competitive as other content writing platforms. They argue that the cost per word for top-tier writers is relatively high, especially considering the potential inconsistency in writer quality. Additionally, clients who require large volumes of content may find Textbroker’s pricing less budget-friendly than other options.
3. Limited writer selection
Textbroker’s writer selection process has been criticized by some clients for its lack of transparency and control. Clients are unable to choose their preferred writers directly, and instead, they must rely on Textbroker’s algorithm to match them with suitable writers based on their project requirements. This limited control can be frustrating for clients who have specific preferences or who have worked with exceptional writers in the past and wish to continue working with them.
Features
Textbroker offers a variety of writer categories and skill levels to choose from, ensuring that clients can find writers that best suit their content needs. The platform classifies writers into four categories: 2-star, 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star writers. Each category represents a different level of writing expertise, with 2-star writers being the least experienced and 5-star writers being the most skilled and experienced. Clients can select the desired writer category based on their content requirements and budget.
Customizable Content Order Templates
Textbroker provides customizable content order templates that allow clients to specify their content requirements in detail. These templates include fields for the title, description, keywords, word count, and other specifications. Clients can also attach files or provide additional instructions to ensure that the writer fully understands their needs. This level of customization helps ensure that the content produced meets the client’s expectations and requirements.
Managed Service Option
For clients who prefer a more hands-off approach to content creation, Textbroker offers a managed service option. With this service, clients can work with a dedicated account manager who will manage the entire content creation process, from selecting the appropriate writer to ensuring that the content meets the client’s specifications. This option is ideal for businesses that do not have the time or resources to manage the content creation process themselves.
API Integration
Textbroker offers API integration, allowing clients to seamlessly integrate the platform with their existing content management systems or other applications. This feature enables businesses to streamline their content creation process and ensure that the content produced is easily accessible and manageable within their existing workflows.
Plagiarism Checks and Originality Guarantee
To ensure that the content produced by its writers is original and free from plagiarism, Textbroker conducts plagiarism checks on all completed content. The platform uses advanced plagiarism detection software to identify any instances of copied or unoriginal content. Clients can be confident that the content they receive from Textbroker is unique and tailored to their specific needs. In addition, Textbroker offers an originality guarantee, ensuring that clients receive high-quality, original content that meets their requirements.
Pros
Textbroker offers several advantages to businesses and individuals looking for content writing services. These advantages make it a popular choice among clients who require high-quality content for their digital marketing efforts.
Access to a large pool of writers
One of the main benefits of using Textbroker is the access to a vast pool of writers. Textbroker has thousands of registered freelance writers from various backgrounds and expertise, making it easier for clients to find a writer who can meet their specific content needs. This diverse pool of writers ensures that clients can find someone with the right skill set and knowledge to create engaging and informative content for their target audience.
Quick content turnaround time
Textbroker is known for its quick content turnaround time, which is essential for businesses that need content promptly. Clients can expect to receive their content within days, if not hours, depending on the complexity of the project and the writer’s availability. This speedy delivery allows businesses to maintain a consistent content schedule and meet their marketing goals.
Flexibility in pricing based on writer skill level
Textbroker offers a flexible pricing structure based on the skill level of the writer. Clients can choose from four different writer categories, ranging from 2-star (basic) to 5-star (professional) writers. This pricing flexibility allows clients to find a writer that fits their budget while still receiving quality content. Clients can also save money by selecting a lower-tier writer for simpler projects and reserving higher-tier writers for more complex or specialized content.
User-friendly platform
Textbroker’s platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for clients to navigate and manage their content projects. The platform allows clients to create and customize content order templates, track the progress of their orders, and communicate with writers directly. This intuitive interface simplifies the content ordering process and ensures a smooth experience for clients.
Cons
Inconsistency in content quality
One of the main drawbacks of using Textbroker is the inconsistency in content quality. While there are undoubtedly many talented and skilled writers on the platform, there are also those who may not meet the desired quality standards. This inconsistency can be attributed to the vast pool of writers with varying levels of expertise and experience. As a result, clients may need to spend more time reviewing and editing the content they receive, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Limited control over writer selection
Another downside to using Textbroker is the limited control clients have over writer selection. While clients can choose from different writer categories based on skill level, they cannot specifically handpick writers for their projects. This lack of control can be a disadvantage for clients who want to build a long-term working relationship with a particular writer or have specific requirements that may not be met by the randomly assigned writer.
Potentially higher costs for top-tier writers
While Textbroker offers flexibility in pricing based on writer skill level, clients who require high-quality content may find themselves paying significantly more for top-tier writers. The cost per word for the highest-rated writers on Textbroker is considerably higher than the lower-rated writers, which can add up quickly for larger projects or ongoing content needs. This can make Textbroker a less cost-effective option for businesses seeking consistently high-quality content without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, while Textbroker provides access to a large pool of writers and offers quick content turnaround times, clients may face challenges with inconsistent content quality, limited control over writer selection, and potentially higher costs for top-tier writers. Businesses considering using Textbroker or its alternatives should weigh these factors against their specific content needs and budget constraints to make the best decision for their content marketing strategy.
Prices
Textbroker offers a tiered pricing structure, which means that the cost of content depends on the skill level of the writer you choose. The platform categorizes writers into four levels: 2-star, 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star. Each level represents a different level of writing skill and expertise, with 5-star writers being the most experienced and proficient.
Cost per word for each writer category
The cost per word for each writer category is as follows:
1. 2-star writers: $0.013 per word
2. 3-star writers: $0.018 per word
3. 4-star writers: $0.024 per word
4. 5-star writers: $0.072 per word
Keep in mind that these prices are for self-service orders, where you create an order and choose the writer level you want. If you want to work with a specific writer, you can use the DirectOrder feature, which allows you to negotiate a custom rate with the writer.
Managed service pricing
Textbroker also offers a managed service option for clients who need more comprehensive support for their content projects. With the managed service, Textbroker’s team will handle the entire content creation process, from developing a content strategy to managing the writers and editing the content. The managed service pricing starts at $2,500 per month, with additional fees for content creation based on the writer skill level you choose.
Comparison to industry standards
Textbroker’s pricing structure is competitive when compared to other content writing platforms. While the cost per word for 5-star writers is on the higher end of the spectrum, the rates for 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star writers are affordable for businesses with tight budgets.
It is important to note that the quality of content can vary significantly between different writer levels, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate skill level for your content needs. In general, Textbroker’s pricing structure allows businesses to find a balance between content quality and cost, making it a viable option for a wide range of content marketing budgets.
Top Textbroker Alternatives
Article Market
Article Market is a popular freelancing platform that connects businesses with a vast pool of freelancers, including content writers. Upwork offers a variety of services, such as blog writing, copywriting, technical writing, and more. Clients can post job descriptions, receive proposals from freelancers, and choose the most suitable writer for their project.
Pros and cons
Some of the advantages of Article Market include a large pool of freelancers, the ability to review freelancer profiles and ratings, and a secure payment system. However, the platform has some drawbacks, such as high fees for freelancers, which may result in higher project costs, and potential difficulties in finding the right freelancer among the numerous proposals.
Pricing
Article Market operates on a bidding system, with freelancers proposing their rates for each project. Clients can also set a budget for their project. Upwork charges a 3% payment processing fee on the total amount paid to freelancers.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that offers a wide range of services, including content writing. Freelancers, known as “sellers,” create “gigs” showcasing their skills and services. Clients can browse through these gigs and choose the most suitable one for their needs.
Pros and cons
Fiverr’s pros include a vast selection of freelancers, a user-friendly platform, and competitive pricing. However, the platform’s cons include potential inconsistency in content quality and the need to spend time searching through numerous gigs to find the right freelancer.
Pricing
Fiverr operates on a fixed-price model, with freelancers setting their prices for specific services. Prices can range from $5 to several hundred dollars, depending on the freelancer’s expertise and the complexity of the project. Fiverr charges a 5% service fee on all purchases.
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is an online marketplace that connects businesses with freelancers, including content writers. Clients can post projects, receive bids from freelancers, and choose the most suitable candidate for their project. The platform offers various writing services, such as article writing, blog writing, copywriting, and more.
Pros and cons
Freelancer.com’s pros include a large pool of freelancers, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly platform. However, the platform’s cons include potential inconsistency in content quality and the need to spend time reviewing numerous bids to find the right freelancer.
Pricing
Freelancer.com operates on a bidding system, with freelancers proposing their rates for each project. Clients can also set a budget for their project. The platform charges a 3% project fee on the total amount paid to freelancers.
ProBlogger Job Board
The ProBlogger Job Board is a platform where businesses can post job listings for content writers. The platform is specifically designed for the blogging and content writing niche, attracting experienced and skilled writers.
Pros and cons
The ProBlogger Job Board’s pros include a targeted pool of experienced writers, a simple posting process, and a one-time fee for job listings. However, the platform’s cons include limited freelancer profiles and the need to manage the hiring process independently.
Pricing
The ProBlogger Job Board charges a flat fee of $70 for a 30-day job listing.
Contently
Contently is a content marketing platform that connects businesses with a curated network of professional writers, editors, and content strategists. The platform offers services such as content creation, editing, and strategy consultation.
Pros and cons
Contently’s pros include access to a vetted network of high-quality writers, a dedicated account manager, and a comprehensive content management platform. However, the platform’s cons include potentially higher costs compared to other alternatives and a more complex onboarding process.
Pricing
Contently operates on a custom pricing model, with costs depending on the client’s content needs and the scope of the project. Clients can request a quote by contacting Contently directly.
Final Thoughts
Textbroker is a content writing platform that offers a variety of services, including content creation, proofreading, editing, and content strategy consultation. The platform features a large pool of writers with different skill levels, customizable content order templates, managed service options, API integration, and plagiarism checks to ensure originality.
The pros of using Textbroker include access to a vast pool of writers, quick content turnaround time, flexibility in pricing based on writer skill level, and a user-friendly platform. However, some cons include inconsistency in content quality, limited control over writer selection, and potentially higher costs for top-tier writers.
Textbroker is a reliable platform for businesses seeking content writing services, especially if they require a large pool of writers and a quick turnaround time. However, businesses should also consider the platform’s limitations, such as inconsistent content quality and limited control over writer selection.
For businesses that prioritize writer selection and a more personalized approach, platforms like Upwork or the ProBlogger Job Board may be better alternatives. On the other hand, businesses looking for more specialized content and additional services like content strategy consultation might find Contently to be a better fit.
Ultimately, businesses should carefully evaluate their content needs and weigh the pros and cons of each platform before making a decision. By considering factors such as content quality, pricing, turnaround time, writer selection, and additional services, businesses can find the best content writing platform to meet their unique requirements.