In this case study, see how we helped CORElevate – a brand-new specialist in hospitality recruitment – go from zero online presence to a thriving LinkedIn community of almost 3,000 in just six months.
About CORElevate
CORElevate is the hospitality recruitment arm of COREcruitment, a long-established UK recruitment agency. While COREcruitment already had a strong reputation across multiple industries, CORElevate launched as a new brand dedicated to the hospitality and QSR sectors.
The team came to Bearhat looking for help with social media. They knew they needed visibility but weren’t sure how to build it. Multiple agencies had pitched expensive, multi-platform packages. Bearhat’s advice was different – to keep it simple, start with LinkedIn, and grow from there.
The Challenge
CORElevate had no digital footprint when we first met. No accounts, no followers, no brand authority.
Like many recruitment businesses launching a new arm, their challenge was ensuring their focus is in the right place – making sure their budget and resources are best utilised. The Director wanted a marketing partner who would help the business grow strategically, and not push unnecessary activities.
LinkedIn was the obvious place to start. Decision-makers in hospitality recruitment are active there. It offered the fastest way to build awareness, credibility, and a pipeline of opportunities.
As the Director later said: “I was chatting to three other people at the same time as you and that stood out for me, not just for thinking about the bank balance but actually hearing my needs – you are awesome!”
Bearhats Approach
Our process was clear and practical.
1. Strategy First
We set business objectives for the first six months and created audience personas to define exactly who CORElevate needed to reach – from hospitality operators to QSR brand leaders.
2. LinkedIn-Specific Marketing Strategy
Instead of spreading thinly across multiple platforms, we designed a plan focused entirely on LinkedIn. The aim was to:
Build a professional company profile from scratch
Publish content that spoke directly to employer and candidate pain points
Grow a following that would build trust and authority
3. Execution & Management
Bearhat took full ownership of the LinkedIn company page. We:
Built the company profile
Created and scheduled regular posts, per the strategy
Reported monthly on performance, identifying which content resonated
Monitored competitor activity to stay ahead
Adjusted the approach based on data
This hands-on management gave CORElevate the freedom to focus on recruitment while knowing their marketing was handled.
"I really like your suggestion regarding LinkedIn. To be honest, you're the only person who has been upfront about focussing on one channel, which I really appreciate. As you can imagine, others tend to promise the world."
The Results
In just six months, CORElevate’s LinkedIn marketing strategy for hospitality recruitment delivered powerful results:
Target smashed: follower growth exceeded the 2,000 target, reaching over 3,000 followers
Brand visibility built from zero: the company went from no online presence to a recognised voice in hospitality recruitment
Engagement established: content reached the right audience, attracting attention from hospitality employers and professionals
What began as a new venture with no visibility quickly became a brand with credibility in its niche.
Why the Marketing Strategy Worked
This project shows the impact of doing less, better:
Focus on the platform that matters most to your audience
Build a clear strategy before jumping into content
Use data and reporting to refine along the way
Prioritise sustainable growth over vanity activity
Instead of random posts across lots of social media channels, CORElevate got a lean, effective LinkedIn marketing system that gave the new brand authority from day one.
Ready to Build Authority Like CORElevate?
If you’re a recruitment business – or any growing SME – and you need a marketing partner who takes the weight off your shoulders, Bearhat can help.
In the meantime, take our Marketing Benchmark Quiz, where you’ll find where your marketing may need some love.
