As a reviewer focused on social media management tools, I look for platforms that balance powerful features with ease of use. Having reviewed the public presentations of Closely and contea extensively, I can help you understand which tool fits your specific workflow—and where a more streamlined alternative like PostFlow might be a better fit for creators who prioritize fast content creation.

Emilia Morosini, Chief Content Strategist at PostFlow

Closely

  • Platform: LinkedIn + Email
  • Best For: Outbound sales and lead generation
  • Strength: Multichannel automation with CRM sync
  • Users: Not specified

Starting at $29/month

contea

  • Platform: LinkedIn only
  • Best For: Voice-driven content ideation and posting
  • Strength: Authentic, quick post generation from spoken thoughts
  • Users: Not specified
Looking for a simpler alternative? Try PostFlow for fast LinkedIn post generation. Try out now

At a Glance

Platform Support

Feature Closely contea
LinkedIn Automation Safe automation sequences with human-like behavior and limits Content-focused only, no automation or outreach
Email Outreach Multichannel campaigns integrating LinkedIn and email Not supported
Multi-Platform Publishing LinkedIn and email focus only LinkedIn-only content creation
Voice Input for Content Not supported Voicemail-style answers converted to post drafts

Content Creation

Feature Closely contea
AI-Powered Post Generation Limited to personalization for outreach messages Question-based ideation and AI drafts from voice input
Content Repurposing Not supported From blogs, notes, transcripts into LinkedIn posts
Post Rewriting for Engagement Not supported Rewrite previous posts to improve performance
AI Suggestions for Hooks/CTAs For DMs, InMails, and emails in outreach 20+ to 50+ suggestions for LinkedIn posts

Automation & Outreach

Feature Closely contea
Multichannel Sequences Combining LinkedIn steps and email steps No automation features
Safe LinkedIn Limits Human-like behavior to avoid restrictions Not applicable
Sales AI Agents For lead research, qualification, scoring, and web research Not supported
Unified Inbox For LinkedIn DMs, InMails, and email replies Not supported

Lead Generation & Enrichment

Feature Closely contea
Data Enrichment Verified emails and phones from LinkedIn, Sales Navigator, posts, events Not supported
Lead Qualification & Scoring AI-powered for outbound sales Not supported
CRM Integrations Deep integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, GoHighLevel Not supported
Engagement Capture Via unified inbox and analytics Not supported

Analytics & Reporting

Feature Closely contea
Outreach Analytics Advanced across campaigns, sequences, and teams Not supported
Content Performance Tracking Focus on outreach metrics Learning system refines based on post creation
CRM Attribution Tracks outreach to CRM outcomes Not supported
White-Label Reporting For agencies with custom branding Not supported

Collaboration & Agency Features

Feature Closely contea
Team Management Advanced analytics and team outreach Contea Pro for clients or employees
White-Label Platform Custom domain, branding for agencies Not supported
Client Portals In White-label Unlimited plan Not supported
Conditional Sequence Builder For advanced campaigns Not applicable

Integrations & Extras

Feature Closely contea
CRM Deep Integrations HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, GoHighLevel Not supported
Webhooks For custom integrations Not supported
Content Frameworks Not supported Three frameworks from concise to detailed
Dynamic Pricing Tools Fixed tiers Coupon and referral tracking via script
Need a tool that focuses on fast content creation? PostFlow generates LinkedIn posts in under a minute. Try out now

Pricing Comparison

Closely offers structured pricing starting at $29/month (annual) for sales automation, with tiers scaling by LinkedIn accounts and credits. Contea uses dynamic pricing without a public tier table, making direct comparisons challenging but potentially more flexible for content creators.

Closely

Starter Monthly

$49/month

Solo users starting with basic automation

  • 1 LinkedIn account
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Access to outreach automation and multichannel campaigns

Growth Monthly

$127/month

Small teams expanding outreach

  • 3 LinkedIn accounts
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Bonus 3,000 credits per month
  • Credits usable for approximately 750 emails, 150 phones, or 1,500 AI personalizations

Essential Monthly

$205/month

Growing teams needing more accounts

  • 5 LinkedIn accounts
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Bonus 5,000 credits per month
  • Credits usable for approximately 1,250 emails, 250 phones, or 2,500 AI personalizations

Starter Annual

$29/month

Cost-conscious solo users

  • 1 LinkedIn account
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Access to outreach automation and multichannel campaigns

Growth Annual

$87/month

Small teams on annual commitment

  • 3 LinkedIn accounts
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Bonus 3,000 credits per month
  • Credits usable for approximately 750 emails, 150 phones, or 1,500 AI personalizations

Essential Annual

$145/month

Teams scaling outreach

  • 5 LinkedIn accounts
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • 1 sender equals 1 LinkedIn account plus 1 email inbox
  • White-label included
  • Bonus 5,000 credits per month
  • Credits usable for approximately 1,250 emails, 250 phones, or 2,500 AI personalizations

Custom

Custom

Large teams or enterprises

  • Custom number of LinkedIn accounts
  • Unlimited email accounts
  • Custom monthly bonus credits
  • Unlimited campaigns across LinkedIn and email
  • Conditional sequence builder and multichannel campaigns
  • Smart Inbox, team management, and advanced analytics
  • CRM integrations and webhooks
  • White-label with custom domain, colors, and logo

White-label Unlimited

$999/month

Agencies with multiple clients

  • Unlimited seats for agency clients
  • Complete platform customization with logo, colors, and custom domain
  • Client portal access and branded reporting
  • Admin dashboard and team management
  • White-label support under your brand
  • No per-seat fees, no usage caps, no setup costs

contea

Want simpler pricing? PostFlow offers straightforward plans focused on fast post creation. Try out now

Feature Deep Dive

Content Creation Capabilities

Closely

Strengths
  • AI personalization for outreach messages (DMs, InMails, emails)
  • Limited to sales-focused content, not general posting
Workflow

Define campaign → AI generates personalized messages → Integrate into sequences

contea

Strengths
  • Question-based ideation tailored to expertise and audience
  • Voice input via voicemail-style for authentic drafts
  • 20+ to 50+ AI suggestions for hooks, metaphors, CTAs
  • Three post frameworks (concise to detailed)
  • Repurposing from blogs, notes, transcripts; post rewriting
  • Learning system refines questions over time
Workflow

Answer questions via voice → AI generates draft → Add suggestions/edit → Finalize and publish

Contea is purpose-built for efficient, voice-driven LinkedIn content creation, ideal for creators seeking authenticity and speed. Closely supports content only in the context of sales outreach personalization, lacking tools for general post ideation or repurposing. Choose Contea for branding and engagement content; Closely for sales messaging.

Closely AI personalization for outreach

Outreach & Automation

Closely

Strengths
  • LinkedIn automation sequences with safe limits and human-like behavior
  • Multichannel campaigns (LinkedIn + email)
  • Sales AI Agents for research, qualification, scoring
  • Conditional sequence builder (Custom plan)
  • Unified inbox for replies
Limitations
  • No content scheduling or posting automation
  • Focused on outbound, not inbound engagement

contea

Strengths
  • Streamlined workflow for post generation, but no scheduling
  • Pro workflow for client/employee posts
Limitations
  • No automation for outreach, sequences, or multichannel
  • Manual publishing to LinkedIn

Closely dominates in sales automation with robust LinkedIn and email sequences, AI agents, and safety features, making it essential for outbound teams. Contea offers no automation beyond content generation, focusing on creation rather than execution. For automated prospecting, Closely is superior; for quick content prep, Contea suffices.

Lead Generation & Enrichment

Closely

Strengths
  • Data enrichment with verified emails/phones from LinkedIn sources
  • Exports from Sales Navigator, posts, events
  • AI-powered lead research, qualification, scoring
  • Deep CRM integrations for attribution
  • Advanced outreach analytics
Workflow

Enrich prospects → Build sequences → Automate outreach → Track in CRM → Analyze results

contea

Strengths
  • Indirect support via engaging content to attract leads organically
Limitations
  • No direct lead gen, enrichment, or CRM tools
  • Focus on content, not prospecting

Closely provides comprehensive lead generation tools including enrichment, AI qualification, and CRM sync, tailored for B2B sales. Contea supports lead attraction through better content but lacks any direct prospecting features. Closely is the clear choice for sales-driven lead gen; Contea aids inbound via branding.

Closely data enrichment and AI agents

Analytics & Reporting

Closely

Strengths
  • Advanced outreach analytics across campaigns, sequences, teams
  • CRM attribution for pipeline impact
  • White-label branded reporting for agencies
  • Unified inbox insights
Limitations
  • Focused on outreach metrics, not content engagement

contea

Strengths
  • Learning system that refines content ideation based on usage
  • Post rewriting informed by engagement (manual)
Limitations
  • No dedicated analytics dashboard or reporting
  • Relies on LinkedIn native metrics

Closely offers deep, sales-oriented analytics with CRM integration and white-label options, perfect for measuring ROI on outreach. Contea provides basic, iterative learning for content improvement but no robust reporting. For sales tracking, Closely excels; for content iteration, Contea's system is sufficient but limited.

Closely advanced outreach analytics
Prefer a streamlined tool? PostFlow focuses purely on creating great LinkedIn content quickly. Try out now

Use Case Comparison

Outbound Sales Team

Closely 🏆

Excellent

Multichannel automation, AI personalization, enrichment, and CRM integrations streamline prospecting and follow-up.

Best Plan: Growth Annual ($87/month)

Score: 10/10

contea

Poor

No outreach or lead gen features; content focus doesn't support sales sequences.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 2/10

LinkedIn Content Creator

Closely

Fair

Limited to outreach content; lacks ideation, voice input, or post frameworks.

Best Plan: Starter Annual ($29/month)

Score: 4/10

contea 🏆

Excellent

Voice-first ideation, AI drafts, and repurposing enable quick, authentic posts.

Best Plan: Standard (dynamic pricing)

Score: 10/10

Building Personal Brand on LinkedIn

Closely

Poor

Sales-focused; no tools for engaging, non-sales content creation.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 3/10

contea 🏆

Excellent

Question-based ideas, voice input, and frameworks help consistent, voice-authentic posting.

Best Plan: Pro for advanced workflows

Score: 9/10

Agency Offering Sales Outreach Services

Closely 🏆

Excellent

White-label platform, unlimited seats, custom branding, and team management for client campaigns.

Best Plan: White-label Unlimited ($999/month)

Score: 10/10

contea

Fair

Pro workflow for client posts, but no white-label or outreach automation.

Best Plan: Pro (dynamic)

Score: 5/10

Solo Founder Scaling Prospecting

Closely 🏆

Excellent

Affordable starter plan with automation, enrichment, and AI to replace SDR hiring.

Best Plan: Starter Annual ($29/month)

Score: 9/10

contea

Good

Content creation aids visibility, but no direct prospecting tools.

Best Plan: Standard

Score: 6/10

Consultant Repurposing Content for LinkedIn

Closely

Poor

No repurposing or general content tools; outreach only.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 2/10

contea 🏆

Excellent

Repurposing from blogs/transcripts, voice input for quick adaptation.

Best Plan: Pro

Score: 10/10

B2B Marketer Running Multichannel Campaigns

Closely 🏆

Excellent

LinkedIn + email sequences, AI personalization, and analytics for integrated campaigns.

Best Plan: Essential Annual ($145/month)

Score: 10/10

contea

Poor

LinkedIn content only, no email or multichannel support.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 3/10

Expert Who Dislikes Typing/Writing

Closely

Fair

AI personalization helps with messages, but no voice or ideation for broader content.

Best Plan: Starter

Score: 5/10

contea 🏆

Excellent

Voice-first workflow turns spoken thoughts into posts, avoiding typing.

Best Plan: Standard

Score: 10/10

Small Team Needing CRM Integration

Closely 🏆

Excellent

Deep integrations with major CRMs ensure seamless data flow and attribution.

Best Plan: Growth

Score: 10/10

contea

Poor

No CRM or integration features.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 1/10

Agency Creating LinkedIn Content for Clients

Closely

Fair

White-label for outreach, but limited content tools.

Best Plan: Custom

Score: 6/10

contea 🏆

Good

Pro workflow for client posts, voice input for efficiency, but no full agency management.

Best Plan: Pro

Score: 8/10

Founder with Limited Time for Outreach

Closely 🏆

Excellent

Automation and AI agents handle prospecting, freeing time for core business.

Best Plan: Starter Annual

Score: 9/10

contea

Good

Quick 5-minute posts via voice, but manual publishing.

Best Plan: Standard

Score: 7/10

Thought Leader Needing Consistent Posting

Closely

Poor

No posting or content consistency tools.

Best Plan: Not suitable

Score: 2/10

contea 🏆

Excellent

Ideation questions and learning system promote regular, relevant posting.

Best Plan: Pro

Score: 10/10

Still deciding? PostFlow offers a simple, focused approach to LinkedIn content creation. Try out now

Pros and Cons

Closely

Pros

  • Comprehensive multichannel automation for LinkedIn and email
  • Safe LinkedIn practices with human-like behavior and limits
  • Powerful AI for personalization, lead research, and scoring
  • Deep CRM integrations ensure seamless sales pipeline sync
  • Unified inbox simplifies reply management
  • Flexible tiers with annual discounts for value
  • White-label options ideal for agencies

Cons

  • Complex interface for basic users
  • High pricing for solo or casual use
  • No focus on content creation or posting
  • Requires time to configure advanced features
  • Limited to outbound sales, not inbound or branding

contea

Pros

  • Voice-first workflow for fast, authentic content creation
  • Question-based ideation keeps ideas flowing
  • AI suggestions enhance engagement with hooks and CTAs
  • Repurposing tools save time on existing content
  • Multiple post frameworks suit different styles
  • Pro mode supports client work efficiently

Cons

  • LinkedIn-only, no multichannel or automation
  • Opaque dynamic pricing complicates decisions
  • Voice input may not suit all users
  • Limited info on Pro features and limits
  • No analytics, integrations, or lead gen
Want the best of both worlds? Try PostFlow for fast content creation without the complexity. Try out now

Final Verdict

Closely and Contea target different LinkedIn use cases: Closely for automated sales outreach with AI and CRM depth, Contea for voice-driven content to build engagement and brands. Closely suits outbound teams; Contea fits creators seeking efficiency in posting.

Select Closely for sales automation and lead generation on LinkedIn/email. Opt for Contea if your goal is fast, voice-based content creation for branding. For a hybrid approach, use both: Contea for posts to attract leads, Closely for outreach conversion.

Overall Scores

Closely

4.5 / 5.0

Lead Generation: 10/10

Content Creation: 4/10

Agency Features: 9/10

Value: 8/10

contea

4.4 / 5.0

Lead Generation: 3/10

Content Creation: 10/10

Agency Features: 5/10

Value: 7/10

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