‘Secret’ wordy ways to boost your business

It’s surprising how few businesses realise the business-boosting benefits of recruitment.

A typical job ad will probably be seen by hundreds of people; many of whom might not have heard of the company before.  They’re not just potential recruits, they’re potential customers.

If more businesses understood that, they’d write better ads. 

Ads that clearly explain, in a warm and likeable way, what the company does and who their customers are.  What they’re like to work with, what the job involves, and what you’d get in return for doing it.

(If we could ban tired phrases like “fast-paced environment” and “competitive salary”, so much the better).

They’d also make sure every application receives a response.  Which brings me to the first ‘secret’ wordy way to boost your business.

Acknowledge every job application… in a way that makes YOU stand out

As a formerly frazzled HR manager whose sole responsibility it was to vet pile after pile of CVs, I understand when businesses say they’re “too busy” to reply to individual job applications.

But you can – and should – acknowledge them.

Just set up a dedicated email address for job applications, then craft an automatic response that genuinely thanks each person for taking the time to apply.  If you’re only contacting successful applicants, say so, along with a date by which they can expect to hear from you.

Job-hunting can be a disheartening experience.  So a kind and considerate message means candidates will be more likely to think well of your business, whether they’re successful or not.  It might even turn some of those candidates into customers.

Give good out-of-office

I’ve written about this before: out-of-office email replies are a criminally under-used way to make you and your company memorable.

(Just ask Ryan Reynolds).

All you have to do is swap “I will have limited access to emails” (I never properly understand this phrase – are you reading messages or not?) for something with a little more personality.

Done well, your out-of-office reply could start an interesting conversation, make someone laugh, or even inspire a share or two.

Humanise your website’s About page  

It’s useful to think of your website as showcasing your company’s what, why, where, how, and who.  Each page should have a main focus.

For example: your homepage is all about the what.  Your services page drills down into the how.  Your About page describes the who and why.

Browsers click on About pages because they’re curious about the people behind the company.  So here’s your opportunity to stand out from the crowd of “passionate” business owners who “enjoy spending time with friends and family.”

Adding a few quirky, comment-able facts will show your human side and help people remember you.  If you work in an intimidating profession (accountancy, law, manning a doctor’s reception), so much the better.  By talking about your love of cryptic crosswords or ‘90s romcoms, you’ve offered potential customers an easy way to start a friendly conversation.

If you’d like some help finding more wordy ways to boost your business – or simply make the most of these ones – then you know where I am.