Finding the best people to join your team can be tough, especially when you’re up against larger corporations and stiff competition. But did you know with a strategic online approach, SMEs can not only compete but also stand out? Here are some simple strategies to enhance your online presence and attract talent.
What is an employer brand?
An employer brand represents a company’s reputation as an employer and its ability to attract and retain high-quality staff. It plays a crucial role in the success and growth of the company.
Why a strong employer brand matters
Reports suggest that 77% of potential employees consider a company’s culture before applying1. The most talented candidates are searching for more than just a job; they are drawn to companies whose values resonate with their own and offer a culture and environment where they can flourish. Your employer brand can effectively project a positive image of your company, reducing recruitment costs by utilizing your website’s job listings page and social media platforms.
Let’s face it, the competition is intense. You’re up against industry giants, both locally and globally. It’s crucial to stand out. Begin with a professional website that is regularly updated and easy to navigate. Keep it concise; lengthy texts no longer hold people’s attention. If you write blog posts, make sure to publish them regularly to avoid having your most recent article be more than a year old.
Choosing the right social media platforms
Your social media presence should reflect your employer brand, focusing on platforms most relevant to your industry. It’s more effective to excel on a couple of platforms than to spread yourself too thin across many.
For industries driven by visuals, like design, art, hairstyling, or catering, Instagram is ideal. If you’re offering consulting services or targeting other businesses (B2B), LinkedIn is preferable. Facebook remains a top choice for promoting your employer brand across various fields. TikTok and Snapchat are ideal for more creative content aimed at the 16-25 demographic.
Use social media to humanize your company by sharing employee stories, celebrating achievements and engaging with your audience. The more authentic and relatable your company appears, the more attractive it will be to candidates who share your values.
Enhance your content with high-quality visuals; evidence suggests that posts accompanied by images perform better. Whether it’s a blog post, a case study, a job listing, an event, or industry news, incorporating visuals can significantly boost engagement.
Your employee ambassadors
Your employees are at the heart of your employer brand. You need to work with them as they are your primary ambassadors. Their pride in working for your company can have a significant impact on their personal networks, both offline and online. Encouraging them to voluntarily share your company’s content can greatly extend your brand’s reach.
Furthermore, an employer brand needs to be established on a strong foundation before it is presented to the external world. A content employee is your greatest advocate, particularly in the age of social media. On the flip side, recognizing and addressing the concerns of dissatisfied employees can foster improvements.
Recruitment strategies have significantly evolved, making it challenging to hire qualified staff. Leverage your online employer brand to attract future employees and influence their perceptions of your company.
A final piece of advice: don’t overlook platforms like Glassdoor, where current and former employees share their experiences. Respond to feedback, both positive and negative, to demonstrate your proactive involvement. Ready, set, build your community!
1 Article Marque employeur sur les réseaux sociaux pour fidéliser et performer, by Altitude Stratégies.