Blog Your Way to More Contract Placements!

If you spend much time at all on the Internet, you have most certainly heard of blogs and probably even read a few regularly. But have you ever thought about starting one of your own to market your contract staffing services? Maybe you have considered it but discounted the idea because, let’s face it, it sounds like a lot of work. In order to be of any value, you have to post new content on a regular basis, and you’ve got enough on your plate already. Why should you take on the additional responsibility of creating and maintaining a blog?Here are just a few reasons:

• You can set yourself apart from your competition by establishing yourself as an expert in your field or niche.
• You’re engaging in what is termed “inbound marketing,” which means that you’re enticing prospects to come to you for information and guidance when they need and want it instead of reaching out to them through traditional (i.e., costly) “outbound marketing” at a point when they may not be ready or willing to hear about your services.
• You’re increasing your chances for referrals, since prospects are more likely to forward blog posts of interest to their friends and colleagues.
• You’re increasing traffic to your Web site, which in turn will help improve your Web site ranking with the major search engines, which means you are more likely to get found.
• You can establish a relationship with potential clients and contract candidates by allowing and responding to comments on your blog.

Don’t worry if you are not a Pulitzer Prize-caliber writer. The most read blogs are often written in a more casual, conversational tone that comes more naturally to most people. Because of this, it may not take as much time as you think to write new posts. And because you are an expert in your field, you don’t have to spend a lot of time researching topics for your blog. Just tell people what you already know.Just about every recruiting firm has a Web site these days... but not every contract recruiter has a blog. Differentiate yourself from the competition and let the world know that you’re an expert in your niche.