How to Avoid Having an Ugly Recruitment Website

Default Author • September 17, 2020

Websites are important for every business. In today’s digital age, having accessible online information is crucial for success. Just having a website isn’t enough, though. What matters is what’s on your website.

Website content needs to be geared toward making the consumer want to interact and engage with it. So, let’s take a look at what not to do when creating an appealing website, and I’ll show you what you should do instead along the way.

You’ve read this far for one of three reasons:

No matter the reason, you’re here for a solution, so let’s dive right in. Before we discuss any more, take a look at this website: http://thebiguglywebsite.com/. Don’t worry, it’s safe for work!

Are your eyes bleeding yet? I wouldn’t blame you.

We know your website can’t possibly look this bad, and we also know that this website is TRYING to look bad. Now, what are the chances you scrolled down to see what was listed on this site? If they gave out a million dollars at the bottom for clicking a link, chances are that you wouldn’t have walked away with a penny.

Why is this? Consumers don’t want to engage with unattractive content. Think of your own website content for a moment. If somebody looked at it and felt the same way you just felt, do you think they would stay and interact with it? Probably not.

Start by thinking of all the things you’ve hated on websites you’ve visited in the past. Chances are, one or more of these was on your list. If they weren’t, they will be now.

1. Ugly domain

Do you find it easier to go back to a website with a simple domain like website.com (an example), or do you prefer to type in randomwebsite123.org/data0=184/net%/ (another example)? You may be saying, “But hey, I just Google the name and click on the link!” Sure that might work for you usually, but would you be happy having to find your favorite and most visited websites by Googling them every single day? You’re better off having a website that people can remember if they choose to. A consumer’s first impression of a website is largely design-related, so don’t you think some of the people in that category want to see a neat and tidy domain? Of course they do!

2. Long loading times

I considered leaving a bunch of blank space here so you would have to scroll down and waste your time to prove my point, but I decided to make you read this sentence instead.

Consumers hate waiting. This is the digital age of instant information. It takes consumers only a split second to form an opinion about your website. That tiny amount of time shouldn’t be spent on a blank loading screen! Even worse than that, if there is a long loading time every time a consumer tries to interact with your website or navigate the different pages, they are going to get increasingly annoyed.

Here is the worst case scenario: You have a consumer who is ready to buy from your online shop, they start gathering up products into their cart, then they get fed up with waiting and instead buy from your competitor. Want to avoid the tragedy? Keep it fast!

3. Complicated or overwhelming interface

Does your website have too many buttons on it? Are people being bombarded with information? People are being trained to ignore huge amounts of website content due to websites crawling with ads. Keep it simple and focus on important topics or focal points that they can engage with. With plenty of consumers abandoning a site due to poor design, you can’t afford to hide your crucial information in text-garbage. Don’t lose consumers because they can’t find where you hid the crucial information on your jumbled page.

4. Automatic music or videos

Many people listen to music while they work or surf in their free time. If you’ve ever noticed a little speaker icon on the right side of your internet tabs, it means that sound is coming from that page. Many people’s first instinct is to kill that tab because it’s forcing disruptive sound onto their experience, and autoplaying audio or visual content can cause valuable consumers to leave your site.

If you have videos on your main page, great! Just make sure you let people click the play button on their own. At the very least, it will give consumers a chance to silence their other music and video sources before they listen.

5. Website doesn’t scale

Do you always look at a website on your computer, or do you sometimes use your phone or tablet? Don’t you hate it when you’re interacting with website content on your phone and you have to scroll all the way to the right to read the full line and then scroll all the way back for the next line? It’s terrible! Make sure your website bends and twists to fit every screen—this is called responsive web design, and it’s very important. If people don’t realize your website actually operates differently on their smaller screen, you’ve done something right.

Your website content is one of your most important marketing tools. Whether or not people engage can mean the difference between one dollar and one million dollars in revenue. It’s worth it to take the time to make your website beautiful.

By Shazamme System User June 22, 2025
We Just Broke Our Industry-Leading Core Web Vitals Record – 82%! A Deep Dive Into Our Latest Performance Enhancements We’re proud to share an exciting performance milestone: 82% of all websites built on our platform now pass Google’s Core Web Vitals assessment—a record-breaking achievement that reflects our continued investment in performance optimization and modern web standards. What Are Core Web Vitals? Core Web Vitals are a set of performance metrics defined by Google that measure real-world user experience across three key areas: Loading performance (Largest Contentful Paint – LCP) Interactivity (First Input Delay – FID) Visual stability (Cumulative Layout Shift – CLS) Passing Core Web Vitals means a website loads quickly, responds fast to user input, and doesn’t shift or jitter as it loads—making for a smooth and frustration-free user experience. What’s Behind the 82% Pass Rate? This milestone didn’t happen by chance. Our engineering and platform teams have rolled out several advanced technical improvements that directly contribute to this success. Here’s what’s new: ? Smarter Caching We’ve implemented an enhanced caching strategy that significantly reduces load times. Pages are now cached more intelligently—balancing freshness with speed—ensuring visitors experience faster page loads without sacrificing content accuracy. ? Back-Forward Cache (bfcache) Support We now support bfcache, a browser-level optimization that allows users to navigate back and forward between pages almost instantly. This improvement enhances the browsing experience by reducing perceived wait time and increasing session fluidity . ⚡ Performance-First Build Enhancements The platform’s build system has been optimized with a strong focus on real-user performance metrics. Updates include: Smaller JavaScript bundles for faster execution Image optimization through next-gen formats like WebP Prioritized loading for critical above-the-fold content Lazy loading for non-essential assets These changes ensure faster loading experiences across desktop and mobile environments. What This Means for You As a client using our platform, here’s what you can expect: Improved SEO potential due to better Core Web Vitals scores Higher user engagement from faster, smoother interactions Reduced bounce rates thanks to quicker load and response times Future-proof performance as browsers and algorithms evolve We take care of these technical optimizations behind the scenes so you can focus on delivering great content and user experiences. What’s Next? Our work doesn’t stop here. We are continuously testing, refining, and deploying backend improvements to ensure your websites stay ahead of performance standards. Expect more updates focused on accessibility, responsiveness, and technical SEO in the coming months. Thank you for building with us—and here’s to even faster, more optimized sites ahead!
June 22, 2025
AEO for Recruitment Websites: What Is Answer Engine Optimization? As job seekers increasingly turn to AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews to find opportunities, traditional SEO is no longer enough. Welcome to the era of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) —a strategic approach that ensures your recruitment website gets found and featured in AI-generated responses. In this guide, we’ll explain what AEO is, why it’s crucial for recruitment sites, and how to optimize your job listings and content for visibility in the age of AI. What Is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)? Answer Engine Optimization is the process of structuring and writing your content in a way that helps AI-based answer engines understand, extract, and display it as direct answers to user queries. Unlike traditional search engines that rank and list multiple results, answer engines aim to give users an immediate answer —often from a single source. This includes showing job postings, company info, or application tips directly in search summaries or AI chat responses. Why AEO Matters for Recruitment Websites Here’s why recruitment website owners should care: Job seekers now use AI tools to search for roles, companies, and hiring advice —not just search engines. Answer engines pull from websites that provide clean, clear, and structured information. Your visibility depends on how well AI tools can understand your job listings and content. In short, optimizing your site for answer engines helps your job postings reach more candidates, faster —without relying on paid job boards. How AI-Powered Answer Engines Work These engines extract answers from well-structured, high-quality content. They analyze your: Job descriptions Hiring guides and FAQs Company profiles Schema markup and page structure The better your content is organized and formatted, the more likely AI tools are to present it as a trusted source in response to job-related queries. AEO Tips for Recruitment Website Owners Here’s how to optimize your site for answer engines: 1. Use Clear Job Titles and Descriptions Avoid vague titles. Use commonly searched roles like “Marketing Coordinator” or “Warehouse Assistant,” and include required skills, location, salary (if possible), and benefits clearly. 2. Structure Your Pages with Schema Markup Use JobPosting schema on every job listing. This helps AI tools and search engines understand that your page contains a job opportunity, its details, and how to apply. 3. Create FAQ Sections Answer common questions like “What is the application process?”, “Is remote work available?”, or “How long does hiring take?” These are the types of queries AI tools prioritize. 4. Include Company Profiles and Culture Pages Highlight workplace culture, diversity, values, and benefits in structured formats. AI engines prefer detailed, people-focused content when summarizing employers. 5. Optimize for Natural Language Write content as if you're answering someone’s question. For example: “What does a warehouse assistant do?” “How do I apply for a marketing job in Manchester?” This helps your site appear in AI-generated results for those queries. Benefits of AEO for Recruitment Sites Implementing AEO can: Increase organic visibility in AI summaries and answer boxes Drive more qualified traffic to job listings and hiring pages Reduce dependency on third-party job boards Position your brand as a trusted employer Final Thoughts  The job search journey is changing. Candidates now ask AI tools for recommendations, company insights, and application guidance. If your recruitment website isn’t optimized for these answer engines, you’re missing out on a powerful source of organic traffic. With AEO, you ensure your site doesn’t just show up—it shows up with the right information, in the right place, at the right time. Now is the moment to future-proof your recruitment strategy.
dice statistics for recruiters
By Nicole May 14, 2025
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By Chloe Wedgewood May 13, 2025
The past few weeks have been jam-packed with conversations - on stages, in boardrooms, over breakfast and even in Ubers - with some seriously smart recruitment leaders. Everyone had bold goals, ambitious plans, and one thing in common: they want their websites, brands, and tech to actually drive results. And while the businesses varied, the questions I kept hearing were almost identical: “How can we make our recruitment website and marketing actually work for us?” “How do we track ROI and know what’s really working?” “What should we be doing today to stand out and grow our brand online?” These aren’t fluffy questions - they’re the signs of a recruitment agency that’s ready to evolve, not just exist. So, here’s what I’ve been sharing with those wanting to stay ahead of the game: 1. Your Website Can’t Be a Static Brochure If your recruitment website still functions like a set-and-forget digital flyer, it’s time to change that—fast. In 2025, it should be your agency’s hardest-working asset. A tool that attracts, converts, and engages 24/7. That means content that speaks to both employers and candidates, job listings that drive SEO, are easy to find and apply to, and a design that reflects who you really are. Plus, if you’re not updating your site frequently, search engines will start pushing you down in rankings—fresh, relevant content is key. With a no-code platform like Shazamme, you're in full control—no dev team needed. 2. You Can’t Improve What You’re Not Tracking It amazes me how many agencies have no clear picture of what’s working on their website. If you’re not tracking engagement, conversions, or even where your traffic is coming from, you're flying blind. Shazamme clients get real-time data and analytics that make it simple to spot what’s working - and what’s not. Because "gut feel" is not a strategy. 3. Your Brand is Your Superpower Let’s stop treating branding like a design exercise. Your brand is your first impression, your value proposition, and your employer story all rolled into one. It’s what makes a client click “book a call” and a candidate hit “apply.” If your brand message is unclear, inconsistent, or uninspiring - fixing it is the fastest way to improve trust and traction online. 4. If You Don’t Know AEO - You are Already Behind Google is changing, and traditional SEO is no longer enough. Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is the future of search. If your website content isn’t structured to provide clear, concise answers to the questions your audience is asking – especially in AI-driven search – you’re invisible where it counts. The smartest agencies are already adapting. Are you? Do you know how? Shazamme can help. The top agencies I see winning aren’t the ones with the fanciest budgets - they’re the ones taking action . They're reviewing their websites monthly. They’re testing new landing pages. They’re measuring campaign results. They're showing up boldly and consistently . So, if you’re asking yourself those same questions and want the tools and strategy to answer them confidently - you're not alone, and you’re in the right place. Subscribe to GRIT – My bi-weekly round-up of recruitment marketing insights, tough truths, and the real-world advice you actually need to grow. Because staying competitive isn’t about having all the answers - it's about asking the right questions, learning fast, and taking action. Want to chat more? Let’s talk! I’m giving away 10 x FREE 30 minute Website Audits. Get live performance insights, competitor comparisons, honest feedback, and a tailored checklist of quick wins — all personalised to your goals. Only 10 spots available – first in, best dressed! Book Now! https://www.shazamme.com/free-30-min-website-audit  You've got this. Nicole
By Chloe Wedgewood May 11, 2025
Slow, Expensive, and Hard to Manage Recruitment Websites driving you crazy? Let’s face it - traditional recruitment websites often feel like they were built during the dial-up era. Slow load times, eye-watering development costs, and content updates that require an advanced degree in HTML (or a very patient IT team). But we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. Recruitment websites can be fast, affordable, and delightfully easy to manage - especially with Shazamme. The Problem with Traditional Recruitment Website Platforms Many traditional website platforms weren’t built with recruiters in mind. They’re generalist tools designed for “everyone,” which means they rarely serve the unique needs of staffing agencies and talent acquisition teams. Want to update a job board layout? That’ll be two tickets to your dev team and a three-day wait. Want to personalise a landing page for a niche campaign? Get ready to wrestle with code. And let’s not forget the cost. Custom development, third-party integrations, and ongoing maintenance can make your website budget look like it’s training for a marathon. The Impact: Candidates and Clients Are Clicking Away Here’s a stat to stress over: 53% of mobile users abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load (Google, 2023). In recruitment, speed isn’t just nice to have - it’s a competitive edge. A sluggish site can cost you qualified candidates and curious clients faster than you can say “refresh.” Add to that a lack of agility, and you’ve got a digital presence that’s more of a liability than an asset. With evolving job markets and talent demands, agencies need websites that keep up - not ones that hold them back. The Shazamme Fix: Click, Drag, Hire  Enter Shazamme. We designed our platform to tackle these exact challenges. Our click-and-drag website builder is tailored specifically for the recruitment industry. No code. No stress. Just beautifully designed, lightning-fast websites that can be updated in minutes - not weeks. Here’s how we flip the script: Speedy Load Times : Shazamme sites are optimised for performance across devices. Because no one has time for buffering. Drag-and-Drop Simplicity : Want to move a widget? Add a video? Update a blog? It’s easier than making a cup of coffee. Budget-Friendly : Say goodbye to bloated dev fees and surprise invoices. Our flexible pricing models work for firms of all sizes. Built-In Recruitment Features : From AI-powered chatbots to ATS integrations, our platform was made for hiring pros. Let’s Talk Results Clients who switch to Shazamme don’t just get better websites - they get better outcomes. Agencies report: Up to 40% faster page load times 25% increase in time spent on site And, most importantly, more applications and inbound inquiries Oh, and did we mention our customer support team is actually... helpful? With live chat and hands-on onboarding, we’re your recruitment tech sidekick (minus the cape). Final Thoughts Recruitment websites don’t have to be a headache. With the right platform, they can be your strongest digital asset - one that attracts top talent, supports your brand, and scales as you grow. Still stuck with a site that loads slower than a Monday morning? Let’s fix that. Book a free website analysis with Shazamme and see just how simple recruitment websites can be. Because in 2025, “easy to manage” shouldn’t be a dream - it should be your new normal. Think your website isn’t performing at its best potential? Let us tell you what the issue might be. Register for Shazamme’s FREE 30 minute website audit now! http://www.shazamme.com/free-30-min-website-audit
By Chloe Wedgewood May 4, 2025
The past few weeks have been jam-packed with conversations - on stages, in boardrooms, over breakfast and even in Ubers - with some seriously smart recruitment leaders. Everyone had bold goals, ambitious plans, and one thing in common: they want their websites, brands, and tech to actually drive results. And while the businesses varied, the questions I kept hearing were almost identical: “How can we make our recruitment website and marketing actually work for us?” “How do we track ROI and know what’s really working?” “What should we be doing today to stand out and grow our brand online?” These aren’t fluffy questions - they’re the signs of a recruitment agency that’s ready to evolve, not just exist. So, here’s what I’ve been sharing with those wanting to stay ahead of the game: 1. Your Website Can’t Be a Static Brochure If your recruitment website still functions like a set-and-forget digital flyer, it’s time to change that—fast. In 2025, it should be your agency’s hardest-working asset. A tool that attracts, converts, and engages 24/7. That means content that speaks to both employers and candidates, job listings that drive SEO, are easy to find and apply to, and a design that reflects who you really are. Plus, if you’re not updating your site frequently, search engines will start pushing you down in rankings—fresh, relevant content is key. With a no-code platform like Shazamme, you're in full control—no dev team needed. 2. You Can’t Improve What You’re Not Tracking It amazes me how many agencies have no clear picture of what’s working on their website. If you’re not tracking engagement, conversions, or even where your traffic is coming from, you're flying blind. Shazamme clients get real-time data and analytics that make it simple to spot what’s working - and what’s not. Because "gut feel" is not a strategy. 3. Your Brand is Your Superpower Let’s stop treating branding like a design exercise. Your brand is your first impression, your value proposition, and your employer story all rolled into one. It’s what makes a client click “book a call” and a candidate hit “apply.” If your brand message is unclear, inconsistent, or uninspiring - fixing it is the fastest way to improve trust and traction online. 4. If You Don’t Know AEO - You are Already Behind Google is changing, and traditional SEO is no longer enough. Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is the future of search. If your website content isn’t structured to provide clear, concise answers to the questions your audience is asking – especially in AI-driven search – you’re invisible where it counts. The smartest agencies are already adapting. Are you? Do you know how? Shazamme can help. The top agencies I see winning aren’t the ones with the fanciest budgets - they’re the ones taking action . They're reviewing their websites monthly. They’re testing new landing pages. They’re measuring campaign results. They're showing up boldly and consistently . So, if you’re asking yourself those same questions and want the tools and strategy to answer them confidently - you're not alone, and you’re in the right place. Subscribe to GRIT – My bi-weekly round-up of recruitment marketing insights, tough truths, and the real-world advice you actually need to grow. Because staying competitive isn’t about having all the answers - it's about asking the right questions, learning fast, and taking action. Want to chat more? Let’s talk! I’m giving away 10 x FREE 30 minute Website Audits. Get live performance insights, competitor comparisons, honest feedback, and a tailored checklist of quick wins — all personalised to your goals. Only 10 spots available – first in, best dressed! Book Now! https://www.shazamme.com/free-30-min-website-audit  You've got this. Nicole
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