SEO Case Study: How a Web Design Agency Increased Project Inquiries by 260%
In March 2025, a web design agency in Irvine, California partnered with Goforaeo because their leads were inconsistent and heavily dependent on referrals. Their site looked modern, but it was not visible enough for high intent searches, and visitors were not taking action at the rate they should. They needed steady project inquiries from people actively looking for a web design partner.
From March 4, 2025 to November 28, 2025, we improved technical SEO, rebuilt service pages around real buyer searches, strengthened local visibility in Irvine, and fixed conversion blockers. By the end of the timeframe, organic project inquiries increased from 52 per month to 187 per month, which is a 260% increase, based on GA4 conversions and call tracking.
Campaign Overview: Dates, Timeframe, Location, and What We Measured
This campaign was executed for a web design agency located in Irvine, California. Reporting was tracked monthly across March 2025 through November 2025, with weekly check ins during major launches. We focused on inquiry actions that represent real buying intent, not just traffic.
We measured performance using GA4 events for contact forms, consultation bookings, and phone calls. Google Search Console was used to validate growth in clicks and impressions, and rank tracking was used to confirm movement for competitive service keywords. We also reviewed user behavior to ensure new traffic was turning into real conversations.
Main results by November 2025: Metrics that show real business impact
By the end of November 2025, results were strong and consistent across visibility, traffic quality, and lead volume. These metrics were compared using the same tracking setup, with clean attribution for organic search.
Key outcomes:
- Location: Irvine, California
- Timeframe: March 4, 2025 to November 28, 2025
- Organic project inquiries per month: 52 to 187
- Inquiry growth: 260% increase
- Organic sessions per month: 1,800 to 6,100
- Search Console clicks per month: 950 to 3,780
Baseline Situation: What Was Holding Them Back Before SEO
Before working with Goforaeo, the agency had a strong portfolio and good client reviews, but SEO was not built into the site structure. Service pages were either too broad or too similar to each other, which caused keyword overlap and weak rankings. Several high value searches were sending traffic to pages that were not designed to convert.
Local intent was another missing piece. Buyers searching with city terms like “web design Irvine” or “website redesign Irvine” were not consistently seeing them. The Google Business Profile also lacked strong activity signals, which matters when prospects compare agencies quickly.
The biggest problems we found in early March 2025
We kept the diagnosis simple and practical, because fixing the right basics usually creates the fastest lift. These issues were confirmed through crawl data, Search Console patterns, and user flow checks.
Main blockers:
- Service pages were not clearly mapped to search intent, and some competed with each other
- Internal links did not guide visitors toward high value inquiry pages
- Titles and page topics were not strong enough for competitive terms
- Mobile speed on portfolio pages created drop offs before contact actions
- Local signals were weak across site content and the Google Business Profile
Tracking and Proof Setup: How We Made Data Reliable
Before making big changes, we cleaned tracking so the agency could trust monthly reporting. Many service businesses undercount leads because phone calls, booking clicks, and form submits are not tracked consistently.
We set up GA4 conversions for contact form submissions, calendar booking clicks, and mobile phone-number taps. We also integrated call tracking to label organic calls as inquiries, so lead growth wasn’t inflated or guessed. After this, clear before-and-after proof was possible without messy reporting gaps.
Tools used: The exact stack we relied on
We used a focused set of tools to keep work efficient and reporting clear. Each tool had a job, and we avoided adding tools that would complicate the workflow.
Tools used:
- Google Analytics 4: inquiry conversions, landing pages, assisted paths
- Google Search Console: clicks, impressions, queries, indexing checks
- Google Tag Manager: clean event setup and conversion tracking control
- Screaming Frog: crawl audits, metadata fixes, internal link reviews
- Ahrefs: keyword research, content gaps, competitor benchmarks, link tracking
- PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse: mobile performance improvements
- Looker Studio: monthly dashboard and trend reporting
- Hotjar: scroll depth, click behavior, drop off points
- Google Business Profile tools: local visibility actions and updates
- BrightLocal: citation consistency and local listing support
- CallRail: call attribution and organic call inquiry proof
Strategy: What We Changed and Why It Worked
The approach worked because it was structured and connected. We didn’t publish random blogs and hope something ranked. First, the site was fixed so Google could understand it, then pages were built to match buyer searches, local authority was strengthened, and conversions were improved so inquiries rose along with traffic.
We treated SEO like a lead system. Rankings bring visibility, but service pages and trust elements bring inquiries. When you align these pieces, you get stable month by month growth instead of short spikes.
The four tracks we executed
We followed a clear sequence so each improvement supported the next. This kept the work organized and made monthly results easier to explain.
Core tracks:
- Technical SEO cleanup and clearer site structure
- Service page rebuild based on buyer intent keywords
- Local SEO improvements for Irvine and nearby service areas
- Conversion improvements across contact and booking paths
Technical SEO: Fixing Crawl, Speed, and Page Clarity
In March and April 2025, we focused on removing technical issues that silently block rankings. We found duplicate titles, weak headings, outdated redirects, and internal link gaps. These problems often keep a site stuck on page two, even if the business is excellent.
We also improved mobile performance because many local searches happen on phones. Portfolio pages had large images that slowed load times, which reduced both rankings and lead actions. After speed and structure fixes, service pages began ranking more consistently.
Technical improvements we implemented
We focused on changes that improve crawl clarity and user experience without requiring a full redesign. This saved time and produced faster momentum.
What we fixed:
- Cleaner titles, meta descriptions, and headings for core service pages
- Redirect chain cleanup and broken link fixes from older URLs
- Internal linking upgrades from portfolio and blog pages to services
- Image compression and load improvements on mobile heavy pages
- Indexing checks and cleanup for thin or duplicate pages
On Page SEO and Content: Building Service Pages That Bring Real Projects
The biggest lift came from rebuilding service pages around real buyer intent. Web design buyers search with clear needs, like “website redesign,” “ecommerce web design,” “Shopify developer,” or “WordPress maintenance.” If your site only has one generic service page, you miss a lot of qualified searches.
We created focused service pages and improved existing pages with clearer proof, clearer process, and stronger calls to action. We also improved portfolio project text so each project supported a related service, instead of sitting as a standalone gallery.
Content changes that improved rankings and inquiry rate
We kept writing simple and natural, because agency sites can easily sound overdone. The focus was clarity, proof, and easy next steps.
Key page improvements:
- Service intent matching: one main page per core service, no keyword cannibalization
- Proof sections: short results highlights, testimonials, and strong portfolio context
- Process clarity: simple steps that reduce uncertainty before contacting
- Inquiry options: contact form, call, and consultation booking, placed naturally
Local SEO in Irvine: Building Trust and Local Visibility
Local SEO mattered because many prospects compare agencies based on city searches. Even when someone searches without a city name, Google often shows local results. If your local presence is weak, you lose visibility to competitors with active profiles and consistent business info.
We updated the Google Business Profile, improved citation consistency, and added real Irvine signals across the website. We also published local content that made sense for the agency, without creating spammy location pages.
Local actions that supported rankings and inquiries
These changes helped the agency appear more often in local results and helped prospects trust them faster. That trust translated into more calls and form submissions.
Local improvements:
- Google Business Profile updates: categories, services, photos, and weekly posts
- Review support: prompts and response process to improve credibility signals
- Consistent listings: corrected NAP details across key directories
- Local relevance: natural Irvine references in service pages and About sections
- Local links: partner mentions and community business references where relevant
Authority Building: Earning the Right Links Without Spam
We did not chase random backlinks, because low quality links can create long term risk. For a web design agency, the best links often come from real relationships, client mentions, and reputable local and industry sources. We focused on links that make sense and support trust.
We also improved how the agency presented case work so it was easier for partners and clients to reference and link to. When your work is easy to cite, link building becomes more natural and less forced.
Link earning approach we used
We kept the strategy realistic and clean, focusing on relevance and trust.
Link sources we targeted:
- Client and partner mention links when appropriate
- Irvine and Orange County business directories with real standards
- Industry blogs and software ecosystem mentions tied to tools used in projects
- Local event and community pages where the agency was actually involved
Month by Month Execution and Monthly Data in 2025
This section shows what we worked on each month and how performance changed. Each month includes the main actions and the measured results for organic sessions, clicks, and project inquiries.
March 2025: Audit, tracking cleanup, quick structural wins
We started on March 4, 2025 with a full crawl, tracking validation, and keyword mapping. Obvious on-page issues were fixed, and internal linking to service pages was strengthened. We also clarified which services needed dedicated pages first based on demand.
Main work completed:
- GA4 and call tracking conversions verified and cleaned
- Crawl audit, metadata fixes, and internal link updates
- Keyword to page mapping for core services and local terms
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 1,800
- Search Console clicks: 950
- Organic project inquiries: 52
April 2025: Service page rebuild and clearer page targeting
In April, we rebuilt the main service pages and removed topic overlap. We strengthened titles, headings, and page structure so each service had a clear purpose. Portfolio pages were also updated to link into relevant services.
Main work completed:
- Rebuilt core service pages and improved page clarity
- Internal links from portfolio pages to matching services
- Title and heading updates for stronger keyword alignment
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 2,100
- Search Console clicks: 1,120
- Organic project inquiries: 63
May 2025: Local SEO foundation and trust upgrades
May focused on local visibility and trust. We optimized the Google Business Profile and fixed inconsistent listings. We also improved key pages that prospects read before contacting, like About, Process, and Contact.
Main work completed:
- Google Business Profile improvements and weekly posts started
- Citation cleanup and local consistency work
- Trust sections added: testimonials, proof points, process clarity
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 2,500
- Search Console clicks: 1,380
- Organic project inquiries: 78
June 2025: Expansion into high intent services and mobile speed improvements
In June, we expanded content for high intent services like redesign and ecommerce. We also improved mobile speed for heavy pages, especially portfolio sections. Faster pages supported better engagement and more inquiry actions.
Main work completed:
- New and improved pages for high intent service searches
- FAQ additions based on real buyer questions
- Speed improvements for mobile performance and image load
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 3,100
- Search Console clicks: 1,750
- Organic project inquiries: 96
July 2025: Topic clusters and authority building begins
July focused on supporting content that helps service pages rank. We created related pages that answered common buyer questions and linked them back to services. We also began consistent outreach for local and industry mentions.
Main work completed:
- Supporting pages for buyer questions and comparisons
- Stronger internal linking across service clusters
- Outreach for relevant mentions and local authority
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 3,700
- Search Console clicks: 2,120
- Organic project inquiries: 115
August 2025: Conversion improvements across contact paths
In August, we focused on getting more inquiries from the traffic we already earned. We simplified contact flows, improved call to action placement, and strengthened proof near inquiry points. Hotjar data helped identify where users hesitated.
Main work completed:
- Contact form simplification and clearer inquiry prompts
- Proof placement improvements near conversion points
- Behavior review using Hotjar scroll and click tracking
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 4,300
- Search Console clicks: 2,540
- Organic project inquiries: 132
September 2025: Competitive rankings improve and more pages drive leads
September showed visible ranking lifts for competitive service terms. We refreshed key pages, improved internal linking again, and refined content to match search intent more precisely. More pages began driving leads, reducing dependence on a few URLs.
Main work completed:
- Content refresh for top landing pages and service pages
- Improved internal links and clearer call to action flow
- Query alignment updates based on Search Console data
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 4,900
- Search Console clicks: 2,950
- Organic project inquiries: 150
October 2025: Nearby market support and portfolio SEO upgrades
In October, we expanded coverage carefully into nearby areas the agency actually serves. We also upgraded portfolio SEO by adding stronger project descriptions and linking projects to the right services. This improved relevance and helped capture industry specific searches.
Main work completed:
- Location support pages built with real service coverage logic
- Portfolio project text updates for better search relevance
- Continued local activity and link earning
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 5,400
- Search Console clicks: 3,320
- Organic project inquiries: 170
November 2025: Consolidation, pruning, and stable inquiry flow
In November, we focused on stability. We pruned thin content, strengthened top performers, and refined reporting to show exactly what pages drive inquiries. The agency entered a steady lead flow stage, where monthly performance became more predictable.
Main work completed:
- Thin page cleanup and stronger page focus
- Content updates for top ranking service pages
- Reporting improvements and local trust maintenance
Monthly results:
- Organic sessions: 6,100
- Search Console clicks: 3,780
- Organic project inquiries: 187
Before vs After Proof: March 2025 vs November 2025
The clearest proof is monthly project inquiries from organic search because it reflects real sales conversations. In March 2025, the agency received 52 organic inquiries. In November 2025, they received 187 organic inquiries, which equals a 260% increase.
Supporting proof confirms this was not a fluke. Organic sessions grew from 1,800 to 6,100, and Search Console clicks grew from 950 to 3,780. That pattern aligns with stronger rankings across multiple service pages, not just one lucky keyword.
Why This Worked: The Simple Explanation
This campaign worked because we focused on high intent service searches and built pages that match them. Web design buyers usually have a clear problem and a clear budget range in mind, so they search with intent. When your service pages match those searches, you attract better leads, not just more visitors.
It also worked because we treated conversion as part of SEO. Faster mobile pages, clearer trust signals, and cleaner inquiry paths increased the number of visitors who took action. That is why inquiries rose steadily, even when traffic growth was gradual month to month.
The biggest drivers behind the 260% inquiry increase
These were the strongest levers that kept showing up in the data. Each one supported the next, so results compounded over time.
Main growth drivers:
- Focused service pages that match buyer intent keywords
- Better internal linking that guides visitors toward inquiry actions
- Stronger local trust through Irvine signals and GBP activity
- Faster mobile experience, especially for portfolio heavy pages
- Proof and clarity placed near contact points to reduce hesitation
What We Would Do Next After November 2025
If the agency wanted to keep scaling, the next phase would focus on expanding into industry specific pages and improving conversion rate further. Many web design agencies can grow faster by specializing landing pages for industries they already serve, like healthcare, real estate, or ecommerce brands.
We would also continue updating key service pages monthly based on Search Console query data. Small updates like fresh examples, updated proof, and clearer FAQs often keep rankings stable and improve lead quality without needing big new content every week.
A realistic next phase plan
This keeps growth steady without overcomplicating execution.
Next phase actions:
- Publish 2 industry specific service pages per month, based on real past projects
- Refresh 4 top landing pages monthly using Search Console query insights
- Continue GBP posting and review momentum to strengthen local trust
- Run small inquiry flow tests, like CTA placement and form length changes
Final Summary
This Irvine web design agency partnered with Goforaeo in March 2025 and built a stable organic inquiry engine by November 2025. Monthly organic project inquiries increased from 52 to 187, delivering a 260% increase with clear proof in GA4, Search Console, and call tracking.
The growth came from technical cleanup, stronger service pages, better local visibility in Irvine, clean authority building, and conversion improvements that made it easier for visitors to reach out.