Case Study: Ranked “Best Clinic Near Me” in 4 Months in New York
In 2025, a clinic in New York partnered with Goforaeo to rank for high intent searches like “best clinic near me” and related “near me” service queries across Google Search and Google Maps. The clinic name is anonymized due to an NDA, and the metrics below come from Google Business Profile insights, Google Search Console, GA4, local rank tracking, and call tracking for the dates listed.
Snapshot of Results
Timeframe: May 21, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location: New York, New York
Before vs after results:
- Ranking for “best clinic near me” (tracked): ~position 38 to top 3 to top 5 range
- Map pack visibility (tracked): 3 to 13 “near me” and service keywords
- GBP discovery searches: 2,100 to 7,900 per month
- GBP impressions: 41,600 to 128,400 per month
- GBP actions: 620 to 2,140 per month (calls, directions, website clicks)
- Calls from Maps + organic: 74 to 230 per month
- Near me landing page clicks (GSC): 90 to 320 per month
Context and Starting Point
Ranking for “best clinic near me” is harder than typical service keywords because Google leans heavily on proximity, trust signals, and engagement. In New York, competition is intense and map pack positions shift quickly if listings are incomplete or inactive. The clinic had good patient experience, but Google did not have enough strong signals to consistently show it for “near me” discovery searches.
We focused on improving the signals Google uses for these queries: service relevance, entity trust, engagement, and conversion readiness. The work included GBP rebuild, review velocity improvements, citation consistency, and website support pages that reinforced “near me” intent without spam.
Measurement Setup
We cleaned tracking so we could separate organic, Maps, and “near me” performance. We also tracked the keyword in multiple NYC grid points because near me rankings vary by neighborhood.
What we set up
- Local grid rank tracking for “best clinic near me” and top service terms
- GBP insights reporting for discovery searches, impressions, and actions
- GA4 events for call clicks, appointment clicks, form submissions
- Call tracking for source attribution where possible
- Search Console segments for near me clicks and landing pages
- Looker Studio dashboard with weekly notes
Diagnosis: Why the Clinic Wasn’t Ranking for “Near Me”
We audited GBP, citations, and the website together. The clinic was credible, but it was not positioned like a top “near me” result.
Key issues found
- Categories and services weren’t fully aligned with high intent discovery demand
- Services lacked descriptions, limiting query coverage
- Photos were outdated and posting cadence was inconsistent
- Review velocity was slow and responses were inconsistent
- Citations had minor NAP inconsistencies and a couple duplicates
- Website didn’t reinforce local intent strongly enough for key services
- CTAs were not strong on mobile, reducing actions per impression
Strategy Overview
We used a fast four month system designed specifically for “near me” keywords. The work focused on relevance, trust, and engagement, then supported those signals with website improvements.
Workstreams
- GBP rebuild for discovery relevance and conversion clarity
- Citation cleanup and NAP consistency for trust
- Review workflow improvements for velocity and responses
- Weekly posts and photo cadence to improve engagement signals
- Website support pages and internal linking to reinforce local intent
- CTR and snippet improvements for “near me” landing pages
Google Business Profile Rebuild
We treated GBP as the main landing page because “near me” searches are often resolved inside Maps.
What we improved in GBP
- Updated primary and secondary categories based on competitor demand
- Expanded services with descriptions using real search language
- Improved business description with booking steps and services covered
- Added appointment URL with UTM tracking
- Implemented weekly posts for availability, services, and seasonal needs
- Rolled out a photo plan: exterior, interior, staff, service context
- Cleaned Q&A with accurate answers for common booking questions
Reviews and Trust Signals
Near me rankings often move when review signals improve. We increased review velocity in a compliant way and ensured responses were consistent.
Review workflow updates
- Compliant review request process tied to patient follow ups
- Simple scripts for staff to request reviews without pressure
- Response cadence so reviews were acknowledged quickly
- Highlighted service specific feedback in responses where appropriate
Citation Cleanup and Local Consistency
We improved trust by making sure the clinic’s business info matched everywhere. This reduced “entity confusion” and helped map rankings stabilize.
What we fixed
- Standardized NAP formatting and hours across major directories
- Removed duplicates and merged profiles where possible
- Ensured website URL and appointment link matched everywhere
- Updated healthcare specific directories relevant to NYC
Website Improvements That Supported “Near Me” Rankings
We created website support that helps Google connect services to local intent without building thin location spam pages.
On site improvements
- Strengthened core service pages with NYC intent signals written naturally
- Added FAQs based on Search Console “near me” and service queries
- Improved titles and meta descriptions for higher CTR
- Added clear CTAs above the fold and sticky call buttons on mobile
- Improved internal linking from blog and FAQ content into service pages
- Added LocalBusiness and FAQ schema where eligible
Conversion Improvements That Increased Actions
Actions matter because “near me” ranking is influenced by engagement. We improved how quickly users could call or book from mobile.
CRO changes
- Sticky click to call button on mobile
- Appointment CTAs placed above fold and repeated after key sections
- Shorter booking form and clearer confirmation messaging
- Clear hours, address, and parking guidance for NYC visitors
Tools Used
Google Business Profile insights, GA4, Google Search Console, call tracking, Looker Studio, BrightLocal or Whitespark grid tracking, Screaming Frog, PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, Microsoft Clarity or Hotjar, Semrush/Ahrefs.
Timeline With Dates, Monthly Numbers, and Natural Notes
May 21 to May 31, 2025
We completed the audit, cleaned tracking, benchmarked near me grid rankings, and shipped quick GBP fixes for categories, services, and conversion links. Citation cleanup planning and review workflow setup started.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~41,600
- Discovery searches: ~2,100
- GBP actions: ~620
- Calls from Maps + organic: ~74
- Rank position for “best clinic near me”: ~38
June 2025
We rebuilt GBP services with descriptions, implemented weekly posts and photos, and started citation cleanup on the most important directories. Review velocity increased through a compliant follow up process.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~68,900
- Discovery searches: ~3,800
- GBP actions: ~980
- Calls: ~112
- Rank position: ~14
July 2025
We strengthened website service pages and internal linking to support near me intent, added FAQs based on live queries, and improved mobile CTAs to increase action rate. GBP engagement stayed consistent.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~96,400
- Discovery searches: ~5,600
- GBP actions: ~1,520
- Calls: ~170
- Rank position: ~6
August 21 to September 21, 2025
We doubled down on what was ranking, refined titles and snippets for high impression pages, and maintained review responses plus GBP activity to stabilize the near me position. By the end of this period, rankings held in the top range across multiple grid points.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~128,400
- Discovery searches: ~7,900
- GBP actions: ~2,140
- Calls: ~230
- Rank position: top 3 to top 5 range
Before and After Proof Summary
The clinic ranked for “best clinic near me” because GBP was rebuilt for service relevance, citations became consistent, reviews and engagement signals improved, and the website reinforced intent while conversion friction was reduced.
- GBP impressions: 41,600 to 128,400 per month
- Discovery searches: 2,100 to 7,900 per month
- GBP actions: 620 to 2,140 per month
- Calls: 74 to 230 per month
- “Best clinic near me” ranking: ~38 to top 3 to top 5
What Made It Work
Near me rankings are driven by relevance plus trust plus engagement. Once services were fully built out, reviews became consistent, citations were clean, and mobile actions were easy, the listing earned stronger visibility in NYC maps and search.