From Ranking Struggles to Dominating the Map Pack - Local SEO
Industry
Hospitality
Duration
3 months
Introduction
This case study highlights the power of a well-structured local SEO strategy. Within just 3 weeks, the client achieved massive improvements in visibility and is now positioned strongly for lead generation and sustained local dominance.
Challenge
The client approached me with poor visibility on Google Maps. Their Google Business Profile (GMB) had limited optimization, weak service coverage, and lacked strong local SEO foundations. As a result, the business was barely showing in the top 10 search results outside its immediate area.
Approach
- The “Before” snapshot (August 09, 2025) shows:
- Average Rank: 13.40
- High Rankings (Top 3): 1%
- Mid Rankings (4–10): 45%
- Low Rankings (11–20): 28%
- Out of Map Pack: 26%
Google Business Profile Optimization
Fully optimized GMB listing with targeted keywords.
Added 30+ services with SEO-optimized descriptions.
Chose 3 secondary categories to expand relevancy.
Added detailed FAQs to improve engagement & CTR.
Defined service areas within a 6-mile radius for broader local reach.
Started regular GMB posts for activity signals.
Website SEO Enhancements
- Built 30+ service pages aligned with local SEO structure.
- Created 7 location pages targeting nearby cities/areas.
- Implemented local business schema markup for rich search features.
Content & Engagement
- Ensured keyword-rich, localized descriptions across site & GMB.
- Regular updates and content posting to keep GMB fresh.
The Results
Just After 3 weeks of implementation, the results were dramatic.
The “After” snapshot (August 31, 2025) shows:
- Average Rank: Improved from 13.40 → 8.20
- High Rankings (Top 3): Jumped from 1% → 31%
- Out of Map Pack: Dropped from 26% → 4%
- Significant expansion of green zones (top 3 rankings) across the map grid.
The client went from being barely visible outside their area to dominating across large parts of Stockholm. The business is now appearing in the top 3 local search results for high-intent keywords across multiple neighborhoods.