Curious about what makes an SEO campaign truly successful? We asked 16 experts to share their standout strategies and real-world examples of campaigns that delivered results.
- Focus on Hyper-Local Content
- Implement Topic Cluster Strategy
- Maintain Optimal Link Velocity
- Target Long-Tail Keywords
- Utilize Content Cluster Approach
- Optimize and Update Existing Content
- Migrate and Improve Site Authority
- Use Skyscraper Technique
- Create Comprehensive Content Hub
- Develop Informative Content for Niche
- Optimize Landing Pages for Keywords
- Address Customer Pain Points
- Scale Link-Building Campaign
- Focus on Bottom of Funnel SEO
- Leverage Ahrefs for Keyword Analysis
- Target Low-Competition High-Intent Keywords
Focus on Hyper-Local Content
A gym was getting zero organic traffic. No rankings, no leads, nothing. They were spending $5,000 monthly on ads just to stay open.
Our plan? Create hyper-local content that answered real questions. We:
- Built 95 location-based pages
- Wrote content about local fitness events
- Added pricing and class schedules
- Created before/after member stories
The magic happened when we focused on local terms like: “[city name] gym membership cost,” “best HIIT classes in [city],” and “personal trainer [neighborhood name].”
Results after 24 months:
- $250,000 in trackable organic revenue
- Cut ad spend by 60%
- Ranked #1 for 45 local terms
- Filled morning classes that were empty
The big lesson? Local SEO isn’t about fancy tricks. It’s about answering the exact questions people in your area are asking.
Fun fact: Their most successful page? A simple price comparison with other local gyms. It was honest, clear, and brought in 40% of their leads.
The key? Stop trying to rank everywhere. Own your local market first.
Danny Veiga
Founder, Chadix
Implement Topic Cluster Strategy
Our client was a B2B SaaS company struggling to gain traction for key product pages. Ranking for their core keywords seemed like an uphill battle given the competition.
Our lightbulb moment? Shifting from a keyword-centric to a topic-centric content strategy:
- Instead of focusing on individual keywords, we organized content around broad, interlinked topic clusters.
- Each cluster had a comprehensive “pillar” article, with multiple supporting blog posts, FAQs, and resource pages linking back to it.
- This semantic linking helped establish the pillar page as an authoritative resource for the overarching topic.
The results spoke volumes:
- Organic traffic to the pillar pages increased by 300% within 6 months.
- The site’s domain authority increased by 12 points over the same period.
- Crucially, the pillar pages began ranking for a variety of related keywords, many of which we hadn’t explicitly targeted.
The key to success was understanding Google’s evolution:
- Semantic search: Google now looks at the broader context and meaning of content, rather than just individual keywords. Topic clusters mimic this semantic understanding.
- E-A-T signals: By extensively covering a topic and interlinking relevant content, we demonstrated Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—key ranking factors.
- User intent: Comprehensive, well-organized topic clusters better align with the user’s journey and intent, improving engagement signals that influence rankings.
In essence, this strategy worked because it aligned with how people search and consume information, and how search engines aim to serve the best results.
Brogan Renshaw
Managing Director, Firewire Digital
Maintain Optimal Link Velocity
I successfully managed an SEO campaign for a Hong Kong eCommerce site, achieving a 272% increase in organic traffic in seven months. This achievement was built on a well-planned link-building strategy aimed at maximizing reach, engagement, and long-term search engine authority.
Key Strategies and Tactics for Success
- Optimal Link Velocity: Timing and consistency were the most essential here. I suggested maintaining an optimal link velocity-acquiring links at a steady, natural pace over time instead of building them indiscriminately. Links were placed in quality content, focusing on the first paragraph and key points in the middle. This method boosted click-through rates and enhanced user engagement.
- Balanced Link Distribution: The campaign’s success hinged on a balanced link distribution strategy.
- 60% of links went to blog posts, enhancing topical authority, improving rankings for informational content, and increasing organic traffic.
- 30% of links went to landing pages. This improved the visibility of revenue-generating pages, boosting conversions.
- 10% of links lead to key pages like “About” and “Contact.” This created a natural link profile and fostered trust with users and search engines.
- Content Quality and Relevance: I worked with authoritative websites in the niche to secure high-quality backlinks. Links were placed in content closely related to the eCommerce site’s offerings, enhancing relevance and improving rankings and user engagement.
- Anchor Text Optimization: Diverse anchor text was essential. I used a balanced mix of branded, generic, and keyword-rich anchors to build a natural backlink profile while focusing on high-priority keywords.
- Continuous Monitoring and Adjustments: I continuously analyzed performance during the campaign to improve tactics. I monitored metrics such as domain authority, traffic sources, and keyword rankings to ensure growth and adapt to changes in search engine algorithms.
In seven months, the site saw:
- 272% growth in organic traffic.
- Improved search rankings for competitive keywords.
Sanjit Sarker
SEO Head, SEO Agency Boston
Target Long-Tail Keywords
One of the most successful SEO campaigns I worked on was for a client in the e-commerce industry, who was struggling to rank for high-competition keywords. Their goal was to increase organic traffic and drive more sales for their seasonal products, but competing with industry giants was a challenge. The key strategy that contributed to the campaign’s success was creating highly targeted, long-tail keyword content paired with strategic on-page SEO and consistent link-building efforts.
I started by analyzing the client’s site and identifying low-hanging opportunities in their niche. Instead of focusing solely on high-volume keywords, we targeted more specific, purchase-intent keywords that competitors had overlooked. We optimized product pages with these keywords, revamped meta tags, and improved internal linking to make navigation seamless for users and search engines. Meanwhile, we prioritized quality backlinks from industry-related sites to strengthen their domain authority. As a result, the client’s organic traffic increased by over 80% in six months, and they saw a significant rise in seasonal sales. This experience underscored the importance of niche targeting and quality over quantity in SEO.
Brandon Leibowitz
Owner, SEO Optimizers
Utilize Content Cluster Approach
Campaign Goal: To drive organic traffic to product pages by ranking for long-tail, highly targeted keywords related to the products.
Key Strategy: The main tactic was a content cluster approach. I created a pillar page targeting a broad, high-value keyword and built a series of supporting blog posts around specific, related long-tail keywords. Each supporting post linked back to the pillar page, strengthening its authority and relevance in the eyes of search engines.
Steps Taken:
- Keyword Research: I identified clusters of long-tail keywords with solid search volume and low competition that fit within our niche.
- Content Creation: We produced high-quality, in-depth guides and blog posts for each supporting keyword, ensuring they genuinely answered user intent.
- Internal Linking: Each blog post linked back to the main pillar page, creating a strong internal link structure that directed authority to the primary page.
- On-Page Optimization: I optimized for SEO basics (meta descriptions, headers, alt tags) and included rich media like images, videos, and infographics to make the content more engaging.
Results: Within six months, organic traffic to the pillar page increased by over 40%, and we saw multiple keywords rank on the first page of Google. The internal link structure and targeted content helped establish authority, making the pillar page the go-to resource on the topic.
Takeaway: The content cluster approach was key. By creating highly relevant, interlinked content around a central topic, we boosted the pillar page’s visibility and built a more comprehensive resource that met various user needs. For others, I’d recommend using this approach if you’re aiming to dominate a specific niche or keyword category—just make sure each piece adds unique value.
Roshan Singh
SEO Executive, Urban Monkey
Optimize and Update Existing Content
I ran a content optimization campaign for a large, established social media SaaS over the course of a year. During that time, I increased pageviews by more than 140% to over 1,068,000 in a year and users by over 24%.
As this business already had hundreds of blog posts, one of the key strategies behind the campaign was ensuring that we’d optimize and update the content that was still relevant and in line with the company’s core offer while pruning what wasn’t. This not only improved the search visibility of the site in its entirety but also increased the brand’s authority in its niche.
Sofie Couwenbergh
Content Strategist and Writer, Let Me Write That Down for You
One of our recent successful SEO campaigns, which is still ongoing, is for a client called Ferncroft Duct Cleaning.
Ferncroft had a great website built on Wix, so our first priority was to migrate it from Wix to WordPress, which gave us more control over the entire site from a design and SEO perspective.
After the migration, we introduced more service and sector pages to improve internal linking. We also worked on building the overall site authority.
Within a couple of months of improving the overall site authority and internal linking, we also included a few location-based pages.
Ferncroft is now on the first page of Google and in the top 3 results for a range of keywords relevant to their industry.
Since starting this campaign, they went from getting the odd lead via the website to receiving sometimes 2/3 leads per day.
The client is pleased, and we are now looking to improve on what we have achieved so far!
To conclude, the two SEO tactics that helped with this campaign were improving the overall site authority and internal linking.
Ben Hughes
Director, Web Design Essex
Use Skyscraper Technique
We once embarked on a campaign for a client in the highly competitive eCommerce fashion niche. Our primary strategy revolved around the “skyscraper technique”—creating comprehensive, top-quality content that surpassed everything else in the SERPs. We identified highly competitive keywords with good traffic potential and built long-form, authoritative content around them.
Key to the success of this campaign was linking with high-domain authority sites. We prioritized relationship building, which resulted in high-quality backlinks and broadened our client’s exposure. A blending of keyword optimization, in-depth content, and purposeful outreach yielded significant results: a 67% rise in organic traffic and a considerable boost in sales within 6 months. The campaign’s success underlined the importance of quality content, strategic keyword use, and targeted link-building efforts in SEO.
Gianluca Ferruggia
General Manager, DesignRush
Create Comprehensive Content Hub
In one of our most successful SEO campaigns, we focused on creating a comprehensive content hub strategy for a SaaS client. The key tactic was to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords related to their niche and create in-depth, informative articles targeting those keywords.
We also optimized the site architecture to make it more crawlable and user-friendly, improving the overall user experience. Additionally, we implemented a robust internal linking strategy to distribute link equity and boost the authority of key pages.
Through consistent high-quality content creation and strategic optimization, we managed to increase the client’s organic traffic by more than 10 times within a year. The content hub became a go-to resource in their industry, attracting backlinks naturally and solidifying their position as a thought leader.
The key takeaway is that a winning SEO strategy often combines multiple tactics—quality content, technical optimization, and strategic internal linking—working together synergistically to drive outstanding results.
Maurizio Petrone
Founder & CEO, PressHERO
Develop Informative Content for Niche
One of our most successful SEO campaigns revolved around a client in the sustainable food packaging industry. They were launching a new line of compostable food containers and wanted to increase their organic visibility for relevant keywords.
Our key strategy was to create high-quality, informative content that addressed the growing consumer interest in eco-friendly packaging solutions. We developed a series of blog posts, articles, and infographics that explored the benefits of compostable materials, provided tips for sustainable living, and showcased the client’s innovative products.
This content-driven approach not only attracted organic traffic but also established the client as a thought leader in their industry. By consistently publishing valuable and engaging content, we were able to build trust with their target audience and improve their search engine rankings for key terms.
The results were impressive. Within six months, the client saw a significant increase in organic traffic to their website, a boost in brand awareness, and a surge in leads and sales. This campaign demonstrated the power of a well-executed content strategy in achieving SEO success.
David Abraham
CEO, Bluesoft Design
Optimize Landing Pages for Keywords
We once worked with a real estate law firm that was struggling to attract clients online. Their website was buried in search results, and they weren’t generating enough leads to sustain their business. We knew we needed a powerful SEO campaign to boost their visibility and drive conversions.
Our key strategy was landing page optimization. We started by conducting in-depth keyword research to identify the terms potential clients were using to search for real estate legal services. We then revamped their landing pages, ensuring they were optimized for these keywords, provided valuable information, and included clear calls to action. We also focused on improving the site’s overall user experience, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find the information they needed.
The results were remarkable. Within a few months, the firm’s website climbed to the top of search results for their target keywords. Their organic traffic increased tenfold, and they saw a dramatic rise in leads and conversions. This success story highlights the power of a well-executed SEO campaign, with landing page optimization as its cornerstone. It’s a testament to the fact that by understanding your audience’s search intent and providing them with valuable content, you can achieve significant business growth.
Michael Lazar
CEO, Content Author
Address Customer Pain Points
Possibly one of the most successful e-commerce SEO campaigns I achieved was with a client that had been quite close to hit high-intent keywords but kept missing out on the punch. For example, we focused on creating a content hub that adapted to more customer pain points and interests as opposed to product-oriented keywords—so this was one of the things. This allowed would-be customers the opportunity to open the door, and it was a clever means of asserting that mighty position in a niche.
We started with initial long-tail keyword research looking for common questions/challenges in the vertical. We were able to cover these questions in guides, how-tos and case studies and found a natural way to drop the relevant keywords into content with real value. The content between these pages was interlinking, making it that much more relevant to search engines and driving multiple page engagement because we had structured it in a hub.
On-page SEO was also prominent within our strategy and optimizing title tags, meta descriptions, and headers by incorporating a target keyword and similar keywords, if needed. Our backlink strategy was the other essential element. We reached out to influencers in the industry and relevant websites, acquiring quality backlinks that aided the content hub with some authority.
Fast forward three months and organic traffic was obviously up, with keyword rankings rising through the ranks on all our target keywords and many relevant terms. It ultimately improved the clients overall organic traffic by more than 60% and even contributed to a 30% increase in conversions directly thanks to all the trust and authority we had built through value based content.
Darryl Stevens
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Scale Link-Building Campaign
I’ve run large-scale link-building campaigns for big enterprise clients. Doing this on behalf of an agency meant that I had to scale our team and the client’s team rapidly to fulfil the volume of links we needed to achieve.
I recorded my methodologies for conducting a link-building campaign, from prospecting for good domains, to outreach, to getting the articles written, edited, and published. I was left with a library of step-by-step training materials and templates that anyone could use and understand.
Yes, the link-building methodologies were good. But what really set this campaign apart was the ability to scale a team rapidly to achieve large-scale results.
Here are some recommendations to help do this:
- Make a step-by-step process to break the training into sections instead of one very long video.
- Provide links to all the templates needed alongside the video or in the comments.
- Use Loom, Zoom or any other free screen recording software.
Will Rice
SEO & Marketing Manager, MeasureMinds Group
Focus on Bottom of Funnel SEO
We focused on the bottom of funnel SEO for six months, raised our domain score from 22 to 34, and booked over $100,000 of business directly from SEO. There were two key actions we took. First, we planted seeds by guesting on dozens of business podcasts, which generated high-quality links back to our website. Secondly, we created pages for keywords with low volume that we could win. Finally, we onboarded a technical SEO expert who was in charge of improving the speed of our site.
Robert Brill
CEO, Brill Media
Leverage Ahrefs for Keyword Analysis
When we launched our new website, we took the opportunity to completely revitalise our SEO strategy.
A key tactic that contributed to its success was leveraging tools like Ahrefs to guide our copywriting. We took time to analyse relevant keywords, search volume, and competition, which allowed us to craft the site’s content so it could align precisely with the terms and phrases that our target audience actively searches for. This tailored approach helped us boost organic visibility and drive more qualified traffic to the site, resulting in an increase in engagement, impressions, CTR, and exposure to our brand visibility.
Jordan Dennison
Digital Marketing Executive, Growthlabs
Target Low-Competition High-Intent Keywords
One effective example could be a campaign aimed at improving organic search visibility for a niche ecommerce website. The key strategy involved extensive keyword research to target low-competition, high-intent keywords relevant to the audience. A content marketing approach focused on producing informative blog posts, combined with strategic internal linking and backlink building from authoritative sites, contributed to a noticeable increase in organic traffic and conversions.
Hemanshu vadodariya
Blogger, JHK infotech
