The recruiting industry is no different than any other in that now more than ever it exists largely within a virtual environment. Consider the variety of resources you access daily to assist in your recruiting efforts, whether it is email, social media or other digital services. Your business undoubtedly relies greatly on a variety of digital platforms. While some may be reluctant to accept this transition, history is already littered with examples of once thriving businesses that are failing or have already failed due to their inability to adapt. Consider the collapse of Blockbuster in the wake of Netflix, or the number of brick-and-mortar businesses that have died on the vine in the shadow of Amazon. These defunct businesses serve as grim reminders that industries that fail to compete early and effectively on this digital landscape will find themselves starved for business in a drought left by their competitors.

What is a digital ecosystem and why should it be diverse?

A digital ecosystem is the network of virtual platforms and services that coexist to support a virtual habitat. The term ecosystem is not an arbitrary choice. In biology, the success of an ecosystem is largely reflected in that system’s diversity. Diversity provides a multitude of different organisms and microenvironments, which increase the probability of success of at least some of the aspects of said system. This logic applies almost impeccably with one’s digital presence. Having a variety of platforms on which to conduct business increases the odds of your success. While this does not mean to imply that each component of the ecosystem will thrive, the more components that are being utilized promote a greater chance of survival to the overall ecosystem.

The 6 components of your digital ecosystem

For a the digital ecosystem of a recruitment website to be completely functioning, there are 6 components that should be considered:

1. The company website:  This is considered the heart of the ecosystem that serves to power all other components. The strength of the ecosystem relies heavily upon the strength of your website. Considering as of 2016, approximately a third of recruiters in the U.S. did not have a functioning website, this is an area that competitors can quickly gain an advantage.
2. Applicant Tracking Systems:  These systems are vital platforms that increase the efficiency and legitimacy of a recruiting firm’s virtual presence. Combined with custom-made integrations, an ATS can enrich your ecosystem by providing you with quick search access to relevant candidates.
3. Social Media:  A presence on relevant social platforms such as LinkedIn has become increasingly obvious. In fact, there are more recruiters with a social media presence than have functioning company websites. This implies an opportunity for those recruiters whose social media profiles connect to a well-designed and high-functioning website.
4. Search Engine Optimization:  Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, represents the greatest opportunity for recruiting and staffing agencies to separate themselves from their competitors. With less than 10 percent of agencies incorporating SEO, the firms that utilize this component will be ones first noticed by clients who go to Google or other search engines when they look for recruitment services.
5. Content marketing:  Content marketing represents offerings such as blogs or e-books that allow firms to provide information to their audience. Not only are these excellent ways to provide a service to potential readers, but it also keeps your agency’s name in the mind of prospective clients and candidates.
6. Mobile Computing:  Mobile platforms are perhaps the largest gap in the ecosystem as it relates to connecting with others. Some sources suggest that as much as 90 percent of job searches are done entirely on mobile platforms such as phones or tablets. Compare this with the fact that only 15 percent of recruiting firms have a fully-functioning mobile site, and it is clear how important this component is to the overall health of the ecosystem. Mobile users are also more demand of efficiency and connectivity, which makes responsive website design essential to the sustainability of the ecosystem.

How to maximize your ecosystem

The importance of a dedicated web design firm that understands the unique demands of your industry is vital in getting the most out of your digital ecosystem. With your time being at a premium, a dedicated firm can take the most time-consuming elements of website management and transform them into what makes your website most effective. From initial design, which includes desktop and mobile versions, to the incorporation of applicant tracking systems and SEO, the aspects of website maintenance that cause many firms to stagnate can propel your virtual presence when developed and managed by a dedicated design company.

Adam is a copy writer, content specialist and editor with Recruiters Websites, a web design firm specializing in websites for the recruiting and staffing industry.