How a Local Business Used Off-Page SEO to Double Their Traffic

For local businesses, standing out in a crowded online marketplace can be challenging. With limited budgets and resources, it’s easy to feel overshadowed by larger competitors. However, with the right off-page SEO strategies, even a small local business can achieve remarkable results.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how a local business doubled its website traffic using off-page SEO techniques. You’ll learn actionable strategies to boost your website’s rankings, attract more customers, and grow your online presence.

The Challenge: A Local Business Struggling to Compete

Our client, a family-owned bakery in a mid-sized city, was struggling to attract online traffic and foot traffic. Despite having a great product and a loyal customer base, their website was virtually invisible in search results. Their primary challenges included:

• Low Domain Authority (DA): With a DA of 12, they were far behind competitors.
• Limited Backlinks: They had fewer than 20 backlinks, mostly from low-authority directories.
• Low Online Visibility: Their website rarely appeared in local search results.

Their goal was to double their website traffic within 6 months and increase in-store visits.

Our Off-Page SEO Strategy

To help the bakery achieve its goals, we developed a comprehensive off-page SEO strategy focused on building high-quality backlinks, increasing local visibility, and establishing authority. Here’s how we did it:

1. Conducted a Local SEO Audit

We started by analyzing the bakery’s online presence and identifying areas for improvement. This included:

• Reviewing their Google My Business (GMB) listing.
• Analyzing their backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs and Moz.
• Identifying local competitors and their backlink strategies.

2. Optimized Their Google My Business Listing

A well-optimized GMB listing is crucial for local SEO. We:

• Claimed and verified their GMB listing.
• Added high-quality photos of their bakery and products.
• Updated their business hours, contact information, and menu.
• Encouraged satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.

3. Built High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are a key factor in off-page SEO. We focused on earning backlinks from authoritative, relevant websites through:

• Local Directories: Submitted the bakery’s website to niche-specific local directories.
• Guest Blogging: Contributed articles to local blogs and websites, including a backlink to the bakery’s website.
• HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Responded to journalist queries and earned backlinks from local news websites.

4. Leveraged Social Media and Online Communities

Social media played a crucial role in our strategy. We used platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to:

• Share updates, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Engage with followers and build a loyal community.
• Participate in local Facebook groups and forums, providing value and linking to their website when relevant.

5. Created Link-Worthy Content

Content is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. We worked with the bakery to create content that:

• Addressed their target audience’s interests and needs.
• Was shareable and linkable, such as recipes, baking tips, and seasonal guides.
• Included a mix of formats, such as blog posts, infographics, and videos.

For example, we published a blog post titled “10 Tips for Baking the Perfect Cake at Home,” which attracted backlinks from local food blogs and websites.

6. Engaged in Local Sponsorships and Events

To increase brand awareness and earn backlinks, we:

• Sponsored local events, such as farmers’ markets and food festivals.
• Partnered with local charities and organizations.
• Encouraged event organizers to link to the bakery’s website.

7. Monitored and Adjusted Strategies

We regularly monitored the bakery’s progress using tools like Google Analytics, Moz, and Ahrefs. By tracking metrics such as organic traffic, backlinks, and local search rankings, we were able to identify what was working and adjust our strategies accordingly.

Results: Doubling Traffic in 6 Months

After 6 months of consistent effort, the bakery achieved the following results:

• Website Traffic: Increased by 110%.
• Local Search Rankings: Ranked on page 1 for key terms like “best bakery in [city].”
• Backlinks: Earned over 100 high-quality backlinks.
• Domain Authority: Increased from 12 to 28.

These improvements not only boosted their online visibility but also led to a significant increase in foot traffic and sales.

Key Takeaways from the Case Study

1. Optimize Your Google My Business Listing: A well-optimized GMB listing is essential for local SEO.
2. Build High-Quality Backlinks: Focus on earning backlinks from authoritative, relevant websites.
3. Leverage Social Media: Use social media to engage with your audience and promote your content.
4. Create Link-Worthy Content: Invest in creating content that addresses your audience’s needs and attracts backlinks.
5. Engage in Local Sponsorships: Partner with local events and organizations to increase brand awareness.
6. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly track your progress and adjust your strategies based on performance.

Actionable Strategies to Boost Your Off-Page SEO

1. Claim and Optimize Your GMB Listing: Ensure your GMB listing is complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
2. Submit to Local Directories: Submit your website to niche-specific local directories.
3. Create Shareable Content: Focus on creating content that your audience will want to share and link to.
4. Engage on Social Media: Share your content and build relationships with your audience.
5. Participate in Local Events: Sponsor local events and partner with local organizations.
6. Monitor Your Backlink Profile: Regularly audit your backlinks and disavow toxic ones.

Doubling website traffic is achievable for local businesses with the right off-page SEO strategies. By optimizing your Google My Business listing, building high-quality backlinks, and engaging with your local community, you can boost your website’s rankings and attract more customers.

Remember, off-page SEO is a long-term process that requires patience and consistency. Start implementing these strategies today, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your SEO goals.