Climbing the Ranks: Why Patience Pays Off in Local SEO

At Accelerate Marketing, we are committed to making sure our strategies match your goals. One of the biggest lessons in SEO is that patience and consistency deliver the most powerful results.

Background

In late May 2024, a plumbing company partnered with Accelerate Marketing for a 3-month project to improve their online visibility and local search performance. At the time of onboarding, their website was already ranking well for primary business-critical keywords. However, warning signs were clear:

  • Secondary keywords were slipping in rankings.

  • Local Pack coverage (visibility on Google Maps/GBP results) was limited.

  • GBP rankings were beginning to decline.

We began officially tracking this client’s data on May 30, with optimization starting in June after onboarding was complete.

Month 1: Starting Point

We tracked 99 keywords across both organic search and GBP:

  • Local Pack coverage: 6% (keywords showing up in Local Pack)

  • Website average position: 21

  • GBP average position: 24

While organic site rankings were healthy, GBP visibility needed improvement—especially for competitive local search terms.

Month 2: Mixed Signals

At the 72-day mark, the data told a split story:

  • Local Pack coverage: Increased from 6% → 10% (+4%)

  • Website average position: Held steady at 21

  • GBP average position: Dropped from 24 → 30 (a loss of 6 spots)

At first glance, the dip in GBP rankings seemed negative. However, deeper analysis revealed the business had already been in a downward trend before we began. What we were seeing was simply the lag effect of turning that momentum around.

Final Month: Strong Recovery

By September 15th—just three months later—the turnaround was dramatic:

  • GBP average position: Improved from 30 → 15 (+15 positions)

  • Local Pack coverage: Grew from 10% → 17% (+7% in just one month, nearly tripling from the starting point)

  • Website rankings: Held steady at 21, maintaining organic competitiveness

Most importantly, the client’s business was showing up in more local searches—at higher positions—and driving measurable growth in calls, leads, and customers.

Why This Matters

In Local SEO, momentum is everything. This case study is a prime example of how consistent, targeted local SEO can reverse negative trends, then build new growth.

When this client came to us, their visibility was declining. In just three months, we not only stopped the drop but also created a powerful upward trajectory in both Local Pack coverage and GBP rankings.

The takeaway? With the right strategy, timeline, and commitment, local SEO will deliver long-term results. Patience and consistency pay off.

Ready to grow your business and see a higher ROI?
👉 Visit www.accelerateyourmarketing.com

Case Studies Accelerate Marketing (4)