From Page 9 to Number 1: SEO Case Study
Achieving top rankings on Google in today's competitive digital landscape requires a strategic and well-executed SEO plan. In this case study, we'll explore how we helped our client, a soy wax candle brand, climb from page 9 to the top result on Google for their most valued search term: "soy wax candle." Our success was driven by a content-first strategy that prioritized quality, relevance, and user experience.
Background
Our client approached us with a significant challenge: their website was buried on page 9 of Google search results for the term "soy wax candle," resulting in minimal organic traffic and poor visibility. The client wanted to increase their online presence, drive more traffic to their website, and ultimately boost sales.
Content-first strategy
Drive traffic with engaging, SEO-friendly content.
Initial Analysis
We began by conducting a thorough audit of the client's website and the existing content. Key findings included:
Low-Quality Content: The existing content was sparse, generic, and lacked depth.
Poor Keyword Optimization: The site lacked proper keyword usage and optimization for "soy wax candle."
Weak Backlink Profile: There were few high-quality backlinks pointing to the site.
User Experience Issues: The website had slow load times and was not mobile-friendly.
Content-First Strategy
Based on our analysis, we devised a content-first strategy to address these issues and improve the site's ranking. Our approach included the following key elements:
1. Comprehensive Keyword Research
We conducted in-depth keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases associated with "soy wax candle." This included long-tail keywords and related terms that potential customers might use when searching for soy wax candles. Our goal was to understand user intent and create content that addressed their needs and queries.
2. High-Quality, Engaging Content
We revamped the client's content strategy to focus on producing high-quality, engaging content. This involved:
Educational Blog Posts: We created a series of informative blog posts on topics such as "The Benefits of Soy Wax Candles," "How to Make Your Own Soy Wax Candles," and "Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: Which is Better?" These posts were optimized for relevant keywords and provided valuable information to readers.
Product Descriptions: We rewrote the product descriptions to be more detailed and compelling, highlighting the unique features and benefits of the client's soy wax candles.
User-Generated Content: We encouraged customers to leave reviews and share their experiences with the candles, which added authentic, user-generated content to the site.
3. On-Page SEO Optimization
We optimized all on-page elements to ensure they were aligned with SEO best practices. This included:
Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: We crafted keyword-rich title tags and meta descriptions for each page to improve click-through rates.
Header Tags: We used header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure the content and make it more readable for both users and search engines.
Internal Linking: We implemented an internal linking strategy to connect related content and help search engines understand the site's structure.
4. Improving User Experience
We addressed the technical issues affecting the site's performance, including:
Page Load Speed: We optimized images, enabled browser caching, and minimized code to improve page load times.
Mobile-Friendliness: We ensured the website was fully responsive and provided a seamless experience on all devices.
Clear Navigation: We simplified the site's navigation to make it easier for users to find the information they were looking for.
ADA Compliance: We partnered with the client’s ADA compliance vendor to ensure the site met the optimal standards for impaired visitors.
5. Building High-Quality Backlinks
We focused on building a strong backlink profile by:
Guest Blogging: We reached out to reputable blogs in the home decor and lifestyle niches to secure guest posting opportunities.
Collaborations and Partnerships: We collaborated with influencers and complementary brands to create content and share backlinks.
Content Promotion: We actively promoted the client's content on social media and through email marketing to increase visibility and attract natural backlinks.
Results
Within six months of implementing our content-first strategy, the client's website experienced a significant improvement in its search rankings:
Top Google Result: The site rose from page 9 to the top result on Google for the search term "soy wax candle."
Increased Organic Traffic: Organic traffic to the site increased by 300%.
Higher Engagement: The average time spent on the site increased by 47%, and the bounce rate decreased by 28%.
Boosted Sales: The improved visibility and engagement led to a 30% increase in sales.
Conclusion
Our content-first strategy proved to be highly effective in transforming the client's online presence and driving significant business growth. By focusing on high-quality, relevant content and optimizing the user experience, we were able to achieve top rankings on Google and deliver measurable results. This case study underscores the importance of a well-rounded SEO strategy that prioritizes content and user experience to achieve lasting success.
