Google’s short video explanation of Personalized Search:

Google recently announced some interesting changes to the way they will now present search rankings.  In the past, when searching for a specific keyword, most people would receive very similar page rankings (with a few variances based on location).  Now, Google is personalizing search results based on your own individual search history.

So how does Google Personalized Search Affect Staffing and Recruiting Agencies?
Because of this change, if two people conduct a Google Search for “staffing agencies” or “jobs”, it’s possible they will get different results based on their past search history.  So to ensure your staffing and recruiting firm continues to garner search traffic, it’s very important to continually add fresh and relevant content on a variety of different topics–and quickly!

You should also consider leveraging social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter; and social bookmarking sites like Digg and StumbleUpon to distribute your content and gather more inbound links and traffic to your website.

In the coming months, staffing and recruiting firms that secure a lot of traffic and rank well on Google may begin to solidify their spots within Google rankings.  If a user has visited your website on several occasions, there is a chance that your website will continually land at the top of that individual’s personalized search. 

So, spending some time now aggressively building a library of relevant content on a broad range of employment and HR related topics can pay huge dividends in the long-run.  One great place to start is adding a blog to your corporate website.  It provides an easy and cost effective way to continually add great content to your website. 

Here are a few resources to learn more about Search Engine Optimization, blogging and social media:
SEO 101: Haley Marketing’s Search Engine Optimization Guide
Choosing the Right Keywords for SEO
How to Write Great Staffing Website Content
Tips for Driving Traffic to Your Blog
Why Blogging Makes Sense as a Business Development Strategy
Social Network Branding

And if you don’t have time to blog or participate in social networks, we can do it for you!  View more information about our staffing and recruiting blog and social media package.

I just saw an interesting video from WebProNews that discussed leveraging a company blog as one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available in a down economy.  To paraphrase, the video points out that buyers have less money to spend, so they spend more time researching before making a decision. 

So how can Staffing Firms and Recruiters benefit from a Blog?

A blog can be a great way to proactively manage your online image, and provide both prospects and job seekers a reason to call your firm, above all others.  Here are a few tactical ways you can leverage a blog for your staffing or recruiting firm:

1. Educate prospects on the value of staffing services.  In a down economy, temporary staffing is usually the first thing to be cut–when in reality it can save companies money.  Write blog posts outlining the ways temporary staffing can help trim expenses.
2. Share case studies about how your clients use your services effectively.  Showing examples of the ways other local companies leverage your services is a great way to generate interest.  Highlight specific problems your clients face (i.e. eliminating overhead, improving productivity, meeting fluctuating demand etc.) and outline the ways you help solve those problems.    
3. Announce your “wins”.   In a recession, buying decisions are evaluated much more closely.  Prospects want to work with a winner–a vendor that is thriving despite the recession.  You can use your blog as a way to publicize your success and get people excited about working with you.
4. Recruit elite candidates.  Unemployment is up–which means there are a lot of talented people looking for work.  You have the chance to build a database of truly elite candidates.  Use your blog to discuss your candidate experience and what makes working with your firm special.  Provide tips to help professionals get through layoffs and find work.  Position your firm as a career partner that truly cares about the well being of your people.

Once your company blog is created, the only real expense is time.  And in addition to creating a better online reputation for your staffing or recruiting firm, your blog can also be a great SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tool that helps you climb search engine rankings quickly. 

If you would like to discuss staffing blogs in more detail please feel free to give me a call at 888-696-2900 or email me at bsmith@haleymarketing.com.