This post is about the latest statistics recruiters must understand to improve their digital marketing strategies.

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

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

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

On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will come into effect, requiring websites and digital services to meet accessibility standards across the EU. This means agencies working with European clients—or those with global audiences—need to ensure their sites comply. Non-compliance could result in legal penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage. To learn more about EAA compliance, check out this guide written by our partners, AudioEye. But accessibility isn’t just a regulatory issue—it’s a fundamental human right. The United Nations has declared accessibility a human right. As such, web design agencies and designers must ensure that their creations are accessible to all. This is not only the right thing to do but also protects clients from lawsuits for failing to provide accessible online experiences. And yes...that happens. Between 2017 and 2024, over 4,000 lawsuits were filed annually against companies for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) non-compliance, according to reports from Accessibility Works and Clockwork Design Group. In 2024 alone, more than 4,000 lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts, continuing a consistent trend of high litigation volumes. While high-profile suits like those against Domino's, Fox News, Hasbro, Target, and even Beyoncé get all the attention in the media, 77% of the lawsuits in 2023 were actually filed against businesses doing less than $25 million in revenue. And, according to the Bureau of Internet Accessibility, the average settlement cost is roughly $25,000. As an agency, it's your responsibility to make sure your clients are aware of and meet these requirements. If a client has to pay $25,000 to settle an accessibility lawsuit, they're going to be looking for someone to blame. And guess who that's going to fall on? In today's article, we'll give you a complete checklist to run through when handling web accessibility for your clients. A deeper dive into web accessibility We know YOU already know what web accessibility is. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made it this far as an agency owner. That said, you have an additional responsibility to educate your clients on the importance of web accessibility and how it impacts their business. Web accessibility = "the ability to access" for everyone. Having an accessible website is about providing equal access and opportunity to people with physical and situational disabilities. It also extends to those with socio-economic restrictions on speed and bandwidth and people who prefer mobile devices over desktops and vice-versa. It doesn't just benefit people with disabilities . While features for auditory support or color contrast may be meant for users with disabilities, things like mobile optimization and clear navigation benefit everyone. Your clients' sales are on the line . According to the World Health Organization,1.3 billion people around the world experience a significant disability. Without an accessible website, as many as 1 in every 6 site visitors won't even have the opportunity to become customers. Failing to meet accessibility requirements costs them dearly . Not only will your clients potentially face lawsuits and settlements, but they'll also lose credibility and trust from customers if their website is inaccessible. When you factor in lost sales, diminished public image, and potential lawsuits, you're looking at a six-figure loss. Why is website accessibility so important for agencies? As an agency, it's your responsibility to make sure your clients are aware of and meet W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2). In addition to showing you care about creating inclusive online experiences, building accessible websites for your clients ensures they aren't at risk of legal action per the ADA. By extension, it shields your business from the potential legal consequences of delivering work that isn't in compliance with accessibility standards. If a client has to pay $25,000 to settle an accessibility lawsuit, they're going to be looking for someone to blame. And guess who that's going to fall on? (We’ll give you a hint, it’s you…) By prioritizing web accessibility for your clients, you can: Market your sites as "accessible" to future clients Enhance the user experience and maximize conversions Protect yourself and your clients from accessibility-based lawsuits Improve SEO performance through accessibility features Boost your agency's reputation and credibility You'll also be able to create new revenue streams for your clients. By making websites accessible, agencies help their clients reach a broader audience, including the estimated 25% of the US population with disabilities, who hold significant spending power. In the US alone, this group has discretionary spending around $175 billion. And for your agency, offering web accessibility services (e.g., accessibility audits, consulting, and remediation) allows you to diversify, differentiate, and provide additional value to clients. You can charge for these separately or bundled with other offerings. Be prepared to answer clients' questions regarding accessibility. Certainly, some of your current and future clients will ask about what you're doing to make sure their site is accessible. They'll want to know things like: The # of critical accessibility errors currently live on their site The tools you use to assess the UX for accessibility errors Which accessibility standard(s) your team evaluates against (A, AA, or AAA) How you approach web accessibility when designing an eye-catching website Your process for creating accessible content (alt text, captions, transcripts, etc.) How do you monitor accessibility over time How you collect and incorporate feedback from various user groups into future UX iterations Clients want to know that accessibility isn't a one-time consideration for your team. Demonstrating an effective mechanism for incorporating user feedback and designing for diverse needs and personas will put you ahead of 90% of the web design agencies out there. Be prepared to explain the importance of accessibility to clients who object. Of course, creating an accessible website can sometimes be more expensive. And if you're selling an accessibility package on top of your standard services, they might not see the real value in spending the extra money. They might say something like: "Nobody's ever complained about our site before." "People with disabilities don't buy what we sell." "We don't have the resources for this right now." "It's just going to make our site look boring." "We already use an AI-powered overlay." Clients who don't know the facts might make assumptions about their customers or how accessibility impacts their business. In reality: Most people aren't going to tell the site owner their site's inaccessible. They'll just leave. Or, the site could be so inaccessible nobody can even reach the "Contact Us" page or email form. Blind people might not purchase flying lessons for themselves, but they might for a friend. The potential loss from an accessibility lawsuit is significantly higher than the cost of creating an accessible site. And if they're an ecommerce client, they're disproportionately at risk. You can make a site accessible without changing the core design. According to UsableNet's abovementioned report, there were 414 lawsuits filed against companies using overlays or active widgets. The legal aspect: accessibility guidelines, regulations, and standards The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were first introduced by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative in 1999 with WCAG 1.0. This early version provided 14 guidelines based on fundamental principles of accessible design, such as providing text alternatives for non-text content and using colors that do not rely on color alone for meaning. Since then, WCAG has undergone several updates, and multiple other legal documents have been introduced to regulate website accessibility. Let's dive in. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (1998) Not long after WCAG 1.0 was released in 1999, the US government passed Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible. Section 508 standards were refreshed in 2017 to incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level AA criteria, aligning federal requirements with widely recognized web accessibility standards. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) While HIPAA primarily addresses the privacy and security of health data, its implications for web accessibility center around ensuring that electronic healthcare records and other online health information services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, under broader non-discrimination policies. WCAG levels: A, AA, AAA WCAG 2.0 guidelines are categorized into three levels of conformance to help organizations meet the needs of different groups and situations: Level A (minimum level): The most basic web accessibility features must be implemented. Failing to satisfy this level would make it difficult for many people with disabilities to access the content. Level AA (mid-range): Addresses the biggest barriers for disabled users, and is generally aimed at improving accessibility for all. It is also the level most often referenced in legislation and policies. Level AAA (highest level): The most complex level of web accessibility, level AAA improves the experience for users with a wider range of disabilities. This level is not required by most policies but is good practice to aim for if possible. POUR principles WCAG 2.0, released in 2008, introduced four key principles under which accessibility should operate: the POUR principles. This update expanded the guidelines to encompass all digital content and was structured around testable criteria, making it easier to implement and verify. The POUR principles outline four essential criteria to consider for accessibility: Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can easily see. Operable: UI components and site navigation need to be functional and easy to operate. Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. Robust: Content must be well-written and structured enough that a wide variety of users and assistive technologies can interpret it correctly. WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 each introduced specific improvements to the existing web accessibility guidelines to better address emerging needs, especially as digital technologies evolved. WCAG 2.1 enhancements Released in June 2018, WCAG 2.1 added 17 additional success criteria to WCAG 2.0. Key enhancements included: Mobile accessibility: New guidelines were introduced to improve access for mobile and touch-screen device users. This includes making functions accessible from a keyboard and ensuring that users can use devices in any orientation (portrait or landscape). Low-vision support: Improvements were made to support users with low vision, such as requirements for text spacing and non-text contrast, which help ensure legibility and readability. Cognitive disabilities: New criteria aimed to help users with cognitive, learning, and neurological disabilities, offering more ways to find content and making it easier to use inputs other than keyboard. WCAG 2.2 additions The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or WCAG 2.2 were officially published as a W3C Recommendation on October 5, 2023. This update fine-tuned user interactions and contexts that were not fully addressed by WCAG 2.1. It added nine more success criteria to further support users with cognitive and learning disabilities, as well as users with low vision. Key introductions included: Findable help: This criterion requires that help be available on a website, such as human contact information, self-help options, and automated help, which is especially beneficial for users who may struggle with navigation or complex information. Consistent help: Ensuring that help options are available consistently across different web pages. Accessibility of personal information: Guidelines that help users with cognitive disabilities by simplifying the process of entering personal information and correcting mistakes. ADA compliance The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all public entities and businesses that serve the public must be accessible, including online resources. This act covers a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Websites must be designed to provide equal access and equal opportunity for people with these disabilities. European Accessibility Act (EAA) As mentioned earlier in this article, the EAA will come into effect on June 28, 2025, and requires websites and digital services to meet accessibility standards across the EU, representing a significant milestone in digital accessibility legislation across the European Union. This comprehensive directive requires websites, mobile applications, eCommerce platforms, and digital services to meet specific accessibility standards. The EAA mandates that digital products and services be designed to be more accessible to people with disabilities, covering a wide range of digital technologies. Organizations must ensure their digital offerings are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, aligning closely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. Non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties and legal consequences, making it crucial for businesses operating in or serving EU markets to prioritize digital accessibility. The complete website accessibility checklist for agencies 1. Ensure color contrast ratios. Color contrast ratio refers to the difference in light between text (or graphical elements like icons) and its background. High contrast makes content more readable for those with visual impairments, including people with color blindness or deteriorating vision conditions. To meet WCAG AA, the contrast ratio should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, graphics, and UI components (like form input borders). Our platform has recently introduced a built-in Color Contrast Ratio checker within the website builder. Located in the color picker of text elements, this feature provides instant feedback with a failed (red X) or passing score of AA or AAA, allowing agencies to verify color contrast without leaving the editor, and design with color contrast in mind from the start. Tips: When designing elements like buttons or graphical controls, test the foreground/background on those elements before implementing them on the website. Ensure that contrast remains sufficient even in dark mode or high-contrast settings, as some users may rely on these for better visibility. 2. Make sure your client’s website is keyboard accessible. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize keyboard accessibility as part of the "Operable" principle, which mandates that all web functionalities must be accessible by keyboard alone.  This allows anyone who can't use a mouse — due to physical disabilities, visual impairments, simply not having one, or personal preference — to navigate and interact with site content. Users should be able to navigate menus, activate links and buttons, fill out forms, and use custom interactive widgets without a mouse.