ClearVoice and Upwork are both prominent platforms when it comes to content marketing. They each have a ton of writers and experts in different niches.
But, some essential differences can make or break your content outsourcing success.
In this article, we’ll review each platform’s main features and discuss their pros and cons. Then, we’ll help you determine which is right for you.
What is Upwork?
Upwork was also founded in 2013 due to a merger between Elance and Odesk. We’ll say it — Upwork is likely the nation’s most widely recognized freelance job board. Upwork offers:
- A huge database of freelance content creators (free for brands to access)
- An emphasis on ease and speed — “Post a job today, hire tomorrow” is the main message
- Enterprise-level managed solutions (for an upgrade)
The freelancers on Upwork work on a project-by-project basis. You post your job, and then Upwork’s freelancers apply for it. Roles you can fill via Upwork’s freelancer network include:
- Development and IT
- Design and Creative
- Finance and Accounting
- Sales and Marketing
- Writing and Translation
- Admin and Customer support
Regarding its number of freelancers, Upwork doesn’t disclose that platform. We’ve seen estimates varying from 3.7 million to 16 million. This lack of transparency may be due to the unvetted nature of the platform. Upwork is well-known for being full of new content creators who take work for rock-bottom rates. Remember the adage, you get what you pay for — there’s an element of that at play here.
How does it work?
Upwork also doesn’t vet its freelancers. Anyone can create a profile and offer freelancing services via the platform. There are some wonderful, talented freelancers on Upwork, but since everyone is accepted to freelance there, there are also many who are… not a good fit for your project.
That requires more research on your part to find the good ones. There are filters to narrow candidates down to niche, business needs, and pay rate, and check for testimonials and client recommendations. But yes, it’s up to you to sift through the results.
Unless: Upwork clients can upgrade to the Enterprise Suite to gain access to what the platform calls “expert-vetted” freelancers in these subject areas: web, mobile, software development, design, creative, sales, and marketing. So, if you’re not finding who you need with your free search, you can upgrade to find pro-level subject matter experts.
What is ClearVoice?
ClearVoice manages major content initiatives at an enterprise scale.
Through our platform and managed content services, we become an extension of your team. The goal? To create high-quality, compelling content that:
- Propels you up the search rankings
- Engages your audience better
- Builds brand awareness and credibility
- Drives leads and conversions
How do we do that?
- End-to-end managed content solutions (meaning we provide you with content strategy and creation teams)
- A talent network of specialized freelance writers and content creators
- Streamlined workflows and AI tools
Our vast network of top-tier freelancers is at the heart of our managed content creation. Our freelance content creators are thoroughly vetted and must apply to be accepted to the platform. We identify and accept applicants based on their skill level, credentials, and experience.
How we work
Our service doesn’t just give you access to freelancers. When you need content created, one of our Customer Success Managers presents you with a list of ClearVoice freelancers who match your needs. You may review their online portfolios and pick whom you want to create the content. You can also “favorite” freelancers and save them for future assignments.
Our vast network of experts can fill content roles from:
- Content strategist
- Writer
- Editor
- SEO specialist
- Graphic designer
- Videographer
- Photographer
And we can produce anything from:
- Articles and blog posts
- eBooks and white papers
- Web copy
- Videos
- Ad and email copy
- Case studies and customer success stories
- Landing pages
- Social posts
- Infographic and motion graphics copy
- Product descriptions
- Press releases
If you need content strategy services as well, we can help. Content strategists devise high-level, data-informed content roadmaps based on your objectives and customers’ needs. ClearVoice’s content strategy services include:
- Comprehensive keyword portfolio
- Competitive analysis
- Persona development
- Content audit and gap analysis
- Technical SEO audit
- Web page optimization
- Content roadmap
ClearVoice vs. Upwork
Upwork
Pros
- Large freelancer database
- Budget-friendly
- Wide range of content types and services
- Easy to use
- Quick turnarounds
Cons
- Lack of transparency
- No vetting process
- No holistic services
- No management services unless you upgrade
- Takes time to pick the right freelancers yourself
ClearVoice
Pros
- Content quality assurance
- End-to-end solutions
- Content strategy services
- Robust additional services
- Strong management service
- Curated freelance network
- Wide variety of content types
Cons
- Potentially higher cost, depending on the project
Who is Upwork best for?
Upwork is an excellent choice for running a small and growing business or a one-person startup. It will likely take some time to sift through the results and gather a reliable freelance team, whereas with ClearVoice, we do all that for you. But if budget is a roadblock for you, you may be better off with Upwork.
At the end of the day, Upwork is good if you’re looking for a less complicated content plan (or no plan at all) or a one-off “I need this written ASAP” project.
Who is ClearVoice best for?
ClearVoice is better for midsize to enterprise-level clients who want strategic and unified content marketing services. We’re more of a curated, holistic service that balances content creation and strategy. We pride ourselves on being an end-to-end content creation solution that guides you from ideation to distribution.
Bottom line, ClearVoice is best for brands looking for a partner to help them create high-quality content with high-performing results.
FAQS
Q: What is the main difference between ClearVoice vs. Upwork?
A: ClearVoice is a curated, quality-focused platform offering end-to-end content creation and strategy services. Upwork is a large freelancer marketplace with a wide range of options but varying quality levels.
Q: How does ClearVoice vet its freelancers, and why is this important?
A: ClearVoice thoroughly vets freelancers based on skill, credentials, and experience, ensuring high-quality content. This vetting process is crucial for maintaining content quality and reliability.
Q: Can I get enterprise-level/managed content services via Upwork?
A: Yes, Upwork can provide you with a Solutions Architect who will develop a talent solution customized to your needs and goals. Strategy and success services that Upwork can provide include most of the same ones ClearVoice has.
Q: What content types can Upwork produce?
A: Upwork covers almost all content types. If you need it produced for your content marketing efforts, an Upwork freelancer can most likely complete the project.
Q: How do I know which service is right for me?
A: It depends on what you need. If you need more help, connect with us; we’re happy to discuss it.
Which Content Partner is Right for You?
Picking your content partner is a crucial decision. You have to have all the facts. We hope this detailed breakdown brought you some clarity. Both companies are great. It just depends on what you and your company need.
If you still need help with your decision, ClearVoice has got you covered. Connect with one of our specialists, and we’ll see if our services are right for you.
