These days, you rarely have to wonder if it’s a good idea to do business with a company, because you can read first-hand experiences on review sites like Yelp. In fact, many people swear by these sites and use them as their sole decision-making basis.
If your staffing firm doesn’t have a presence on these sites, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. People may be interested in working with you, but hesitate because they want to read reviews first. It’s important to build a network of brand advocates to write the positive reviews that drive business into your firm.
5 Ways to Build Brand Advocates
and Generate Positive Reviews
Use the following five techniques to turn your clients and candidates into brand advocates:
Treat Everyone with Respect
No one wants to work with a recruiter who isn’t nice to them and doesn’t believe in their potential. Treat all candidates with the same level of respect you would like to receive. Promptly return all messages and provide regular updates on where they stand in the interview process. Remember it’s no fun being left in the dark — especially when your future is on the line.
Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep
You may not be doing it on purpose, but when you make big promises to candidates, they take you seriously and get their hopes up. If you’re constantly dreaming big, but unable to make things happen, you’re setting people up for disappointment. If a candidate can’t trust their recruiter, they’re not going to continue the relationship.
Ask for Feedback Regularly
Let candidates know you care about their opinions by regularly asking for feedback. Your perception of the level of service you’re providing candidates with may not match theirs, so it’s important to check-in and see where you’re exceling and where there’s room for improvement.
Take Complaints Seriously
It may sting for a bit when a candidate provides you with negative feedback, but it’s important to use their criticisms to make improvements. You can turn even the most unsatisfied candidate into a brand advocate by showing them you took their comments seriously and used them to make a change for the better.
Encourage People to Share their Experience
Many satisfied candidates would be more than happy to write a review for you on sites like Yelp, but it may not occur to them to do it on their own. Let people know which review sites you have an active presence on and ask them to share their experience.
Looking for a partner to assist in managing your contingent workforce?
Contact ECS. Since 2000, we’ve been helping clients and recruiters manage their Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, Clerical & Administration and some Engineering & Architecture contract staffing engagements.
