If you’re running a business today, then the following is not news to you: companies have tightened their belts, hiring decisions are slower or even canceled altogether, and budgets are shrinking.

However, a challenging economy doesn’t always mean fewer clients for staffing companies. In fact, with the right strategies, you can still attract new clients and even strengthen relationships with your current ones.

At Abask, we work with staffing companies daily to help them grow their client base—even when times are tough. We’ll break down our five proven strategies to help you do just that.

Let’s dive in!

Specialize in an Industry Niche

One of the best ways to stand out in the staffing world is by narrowing your focus and specializing in a specific industry. When you try to be everything to everyone, it can be hard to cut through the noise. But if you position yourself as the go-to expert for, say, healthcare staffing working with dental offices or IT recruitment offering temp staffing, suddenly you’re playing a different game.

Clients want a staffing partner who gets their industry—someone who understands their specific challenges and knows how to find the right talent to solve them. So, if you’ve got experience in a particular field, lean into it. Highlight that in your marketing, work on your SEO strategy, and consider an ad campaign to boost specific keywords. Use your brand story to show potential clients why your niche knowledge sets you apart.

This isn’t just our experience telling us this, either. A survey from Staffing Industry Analysts found that 62% of staffing firms specializing in specific industries experienced significant growth. That’s not a coincidence. Clients trust experts, especially when the economy is tight, and owners are more cautious with their hiring decisions.

Use Content Marketing to Show Your Expertise

Let’s talk about content marketing. It’s one of the most effective, budget-friendly ways to reach new clients. The idea here is simple: create content that answers your potential clients’ biggest questions, addresses their pain points, and builds trust. You transform yourself from just a staffing company to a resource they rely on for insights and advice.

Think about the issues your target clients are dealing with right now. Maybe it’s how to manage a hybrid workforce, navigate new labor laws, or fill high-demand roles quickly. Whatever it is, write about it. Create blog posts, case studies, or even quick video tips that offer helpful solutions.

And here’s where it gets even better: by optimizing your content for search engines (SEO), you ensure your firm pops up when companies are Googling solutions to their problems. So, not only are you sharing valuable information, but you’re also making sure your brand is visible at the exact moment someone needs a staffing solution.

Yes, content marketing takes time, but it’s worth it. When you consistently provide value, you’re positioning yourself as a thought leader, and when companies are ready to make hiring decisions, they’ll think of you first.

Build Stronger Relationships with Current Clients

It’s tempting to focus all your energy on getting new clients, but don’t overlook the ones you already have. In a tight economy, retaining your existing clients is easier (and cheaper) than finding new ones. Plus, happy clients are more likely to refer you to others or expand their business with you.

So, how do you keep those relationships strong? Use your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Highlight the way in which you’re different. Offer extra value. Maybe you offer a specific onboarding program, maybe you provide monthly reviews, or maybe you give discounts for loyal clients. The more you can help them solve their problems, the more they’ll see you as a trusted partner, not just a vendor.

Also, keep the lines of communication open. Check in regularly—don’t wait until they come to you with an issue. Share industry updates that matter to them, bring them coffee once a month, or even just ask how things are going. When clients feel like you’re invested in their success, they’re far less likely to jump ship when the going gets tough.

Step Up Your Digital Marketing Game

You can’t ignore digital marketing—especially when everyone spends more and more time online. If you want to attract new staffing clients, you need to make sure your online presence is sharp.

Start with your website. Is it easy to navigate? Is it also easy to navigate on mobile devices? Does it clearly explain the services you offer and the industries you serve? Are you showcasing client testimonials and success stories? Finally, and most overlooked, is your website adding value? If your website isn’t working hard to convert visitors into leads, it’s time for a refresh.

Then, think about how you’re reaching potential clients online. Social media, email marketing, and pay-per-click ads (like Google Ads) can all be incredibly effective. But here’s the secret sauce: automation. With the right marketing automation tools, you can set up systems that follow up with leads, nurture relationships, and keep potential clients engaged without lifting a finger.

Learn about how we grew a staffing firm’s LinkedIn following by 115.322% in a year here!

Automation doesn’t just save you time—it makes sure no potential client slips through the cracks. It’s like having an extra set of hands working around the clock to help you grow your business.

Partner with a Marketing Agency

Ok, listen. We understand that we just went through a lot of tasks your way to make your marketing strategy work better for you. Running a staffing company is a full-time job, obviously, but so is marketing your company. You can find in-house marketing staff, but that comes with SO MANY hidden costs. On top of a base salary, add about 30% to the total compensation package, $12,000 per employee per year for office space and around $4,700 per hire for a new employee. That’s where partnering with a marketing agency (like Abask!) can make all the difference.

When you team up with a marketing agency that knows your industry, you get access to marketing experts who can take the reins on building your brand, driving leads, and helping you stand out in a crowded market. Whether you need a new website, help with SEO or a strategy for lead generation; an agency can free up your time so you can focus on what you do best: grow your staffing company.

The right partner will work with you to create a strategy that fits your unique needs and goals so you can attract more clients—even in a tough economy.

At Abask, we’ve helped countless staffing companies thrive—while saving them money. Learn more about our pricing structure and how we are the key to getting the best marketing talent without the overhead by visiting www.abaskmarketing.com/recruitment-marketing.

Let’s chat about how we can help you get more clients and grow your business. You’ve got the talent—now let’s make sure the right clients know it!