Indeed’s Bold Move: Ending Its Era of Requiring Employers to Pay-Per-Application

In a strategic shift that’s reverberating through the digital recruitment world, Indeed recently took a bold step by ending its pay-per-application (PPA) advertising model. This decision represents a significant turn in Indeed’s approach, pivoting back to the cost-per-click (CPC) model. This move is particularly impactful for small- and medium-sized employers, for whom the CPC model presents a more understandable and manageable advertising strategy compared to the complexities of PPA.

Simplifying Online Recruitment for Smaller Businesses

The PPA model, though innovative, often presented challenges for smaller employers in terms of its complexity and the difficulty in forecasting advertising costs. In contrast, the CPC model is more straightforward, charging employers based on the number of clicks their job listings receive. This simplicity is especially beneficial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources to navigate the more intricate PPA system.

The Appeal of Cost-Per-Click

Indeed’s return to the CPC model is a boon for SMEs seeking clarity and ease in their recruitment efforts. The model allows for better budget control and predictability, crucial factors for smaller businesses operating with more limited resources. With CPC, employers can set a fixed budget and understand exactly what they are paying for – the visibility and engagement with their job ads.

Contrasting with Broader Market Offerings

While Indeed adopts a strategy favoring simplicity, other platforms like College Recruiter continue to offer a range of advertising models, including PPA and CPC. This diversity in the market caters to different employer needs and preferences.

College Recruiter: A Spectrum of Choices

College Recruiter provides a balanced approach, offering both the PPA and CPC models. The platform’s continued support for the cost-per-application (CPA) model serves those who prefer a direct link between ad spend and application volume, while its cost-per-click (CPC) option caters to employers looking for a more straightforward and manageable advertising approach.

The Impact on the Job Advertising Landscape

Indeed’s decision to end its PPA model and revert to CPC is indicative of a trend towards simplification in the online job market, especially for SMEs. This move could signal a broader industry shift, where the focus is on making digital recruitment more accessible and less complex for smaller businesses.