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SEO was ‘THE’ thing companies wanted ten years ago. Then Google went off the wall with multiple updates and challenges to the SEO community and the shift in focus for many moved to social media.
And now more SEO conversations are happening again as companies look for different ways to stand out in their market as we all use Google as our answer to any service or product-related question we have.
So, let’s talk about SEO and what you need to consider in the recruitment space.
According to the most recent data from February this year, there are approaching two billion websites, though they aren’t all active; Surprisingly less than twenty per cent are 🤔
Remember websites are full of pages and according to Tilburg University’s research, there are nearly 5 billion active web pages now online.
Of course, they aren’t all recruitment websites though it gives you an idea of the competition to have your page and websites rank above all others.
The argument as to whether recruitment and staffing companies should use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a complex one with valid points on all sides.
On one hand, SEO makes your website more visible and therefore easier for potential clients and candidates to find you online.
Yet SEO isn’t easy.
While it can increase visibility and bring in more leads, it can also be a huge challenge for smaller companies to stand out.
Let me give you an example.
I have just Googled Engineering Jobs and page one is dominated by adverts from Total Jobs, Google Jobs, Indeed, Reed, and CV Library.
There were also another 1,820,000,000 search results displayed with that term 🤦♀️
Ummm……. Competitive, isn’t it?
All huge players with a budget much bigger than yours who you just can’t compete with.
Making sure your website is found when people search for your company is step one and that you have content related to recruitment hiring and careers in the sector you serve will help your website appear are key steps.
So, here are several things you can do to improve your chance of getting found online.
SEO and a Well-Structured Website
Make sure your website is user-friendly and optimized for search engines. This includes having a clear structure, and well-written content that has relevant keywords added on every page.
Some navigation bars are confusing. Make it very easy for people to find what they want and have a clear value proposition front and centre on your home page; so, when people land on your page they stay; something Google monitors.
Your website should also load quickly and be mobile-friendly, as more people are accessing the web from their mobile devices. User experience is everything.
SEO Can Help Candidates and Clients
Fact: Candidates are searching for jobs and content to help them either build their careers or help them get an interview.
Clients are looking for ideas on building teams and searching for specific recruiters who can help them find candidates.
Make sure on your website you have specific words and phrases on pages that will help. This is why it is so useful to have a blog on your website. The more pages you have, the more chances you have of your website and all its pages being found online.
Whoever builds your recruitment website needs to have a way for you to add relevant keywords and phrases because this is how Google can find you in the first place.
Let me clarify.
Imagine having a filing cabinet with multiple folders. To find what you are looking for each folder needs to be labeled correctly. If every folder says ‘folder’ it’s hard to find what you are looking for, logical right?
Yet I still see many websites online and the home page is called ‘home page’ rather than the company name.
For instance.
Acme Recruitment |Engineering Jobs in Carlisle
Is a much more descriptive phrase that says what the page is about and more likely to be ranked by Google and be found by your candidates and clients than, ‘home page’.
Use Local SEO Phrases and Words
If you run a local recruitment company, it’s essential to optimize your site for local search results. This can be done by creating a Google My Business page, adding your business to local directories, and using location-specific keywords.
I shared an example before about engineering jobs. Be more specific and optimize (add words and phrases) with local words. For example, engineering jobs in Carlisle.
Do You Need to Outsource SEO?
Outsourcing SEO? As a micro or small SME recruitment company, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Head over to Google and tap in a few classic keywords into the Google incognito window which gives you a true indication of the competition you will have.
Of course, make sure you leverage Google Jobs so your roles appear and get as many Google reviews as you can.
The truth is you don’t have the budget of Total Jobs or Indeed.
A good SEO company’s fees start in the thousands, and it will take time. There are so many other things you can do with that money.
Plus, so many other ways you can improve SEO on your website yourself.
Thanks
Denise
P.S. Have you checked out Superfast Circle? As part of your membership, we share several strategies that will help you make more placements. To find out more book a call with us here.
