Understanding Low Search Rankings: A Case Study on Local SEO for Stained Glass Services
Greetings, SEO enthusiasts! Today, I want to share an intriguing case that highlights the challenges some businesses face in achieving optimal visibility in search engine results. Despite having solid on-page optimization and a robust local presence, one stained glass service based in Portland is experiencing frustratingly low rankings for critical keywords related to their niche.
A Closer Look at the Strategy
The business owner has effectively implemented various SEO best practices. They’ve targeted a mix of long-tail and short-tail keywords, such as “Stained Glass Portland” and “custom stained glass windows Portland.” Furthermore, their content strategy encompasses multiple blog posts and an FAQ page tailored to answer potential customer queries, optimizing for Google’s suggested searches.
The technical side appears sound as well. Page loading speed is impressively low at 2.2 seconds, which is crucial for image-heavy websites. The site is also structured with properly defined header tags (H1-H6), and proper alt text for images. Tools like SEO Frog have been utilized to address any identified issues, ensuring the website is as optimized as possible.
On the local front, the business maintains a consistent presence across various directories, including the Better Business Bureau and numerous local guides, reinforcing the importance of NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency for local SEO. Additionally, the business ranks impressively at position 2-3 for Google My Business (GMB) in their area, showcasing that they are doing something right.
The Ranking Dilemma
Yet, despite these efforts, the business struggles with search rankings, landing at positions 40-50 for the crucial search phrases “Stained Glass Portland” and “Portland Stained Glass.” This paradox is particularly perplexing given the belief that these terms are the most significant for their target audience.
Seeking Insights
This leads us to a crucial question for all SEO professionals and enthusiasts alike: what could be hindering this business from climbing the search rankings? Are there overlooked aspects to consider, or perhaps external factors affecting visibility that haven’t been addressed?
If you have any insights or see potential issues when reviewing the site, your feedback would be invaluable. It’s possible that a fresh pair of eyes can identify something critical that has been missed!
Join the Discussion
As we venture into this discussion, I encourage all readers to reflect on their own SEO journeys. Have you faced similar challenges in ranking for primary keywords? What