Case Study: Increased “Near Me” Rankings Across 20+ Keywords in 6 Months in San Jose
In 2025, a clinic in San Jose partnered with Goforaeo to improve “near me” visibility across Google Search and Google Maps for multiple service terms. The clinic name is anonymized due to an NDA, and metrics below come from Google Search Console, Google Business Profile insights, GA4, call tracking, and local rank tracking for the dates listed.
Snapshot of Results
Timeframe: April 22, 2025 to October 22, 2025
Location: San Jose, California
Before vs after results:
- “Near me” keywords improved (tracked): 22 keywords moved up meaningfully
- Top 3 map pack placements: 3 to 17 tracked “near me” terms
- Page 1 organic rankings: 6 to 24 tracked “near me” terms
- GBP discovery searches: 1,900 to 6,800 per month
- GBP impressions: 26,300 to 97,500 per month
- GBP actions: 360 to 1,280 per month (calls, directions, website clicks)
- Calls from Maps + organic: 46 to 162 per month
Context and Starting Point
“Near me” rankings are driven by relevance, proximity signals, and trust. In San Jose, competition is heavy and small gaps in categories, services, or citations can prevent a clinic from showing consistently. At the start of the project, the clinic appeared for a few branded and low competition terms, but “near me” coverage was thin and unstable.
We also saw that when the listing did show, actions were not as strong as they should be. That usually means the profile lacks clarity or depth. So the plan focused on improving both visibility and engagement.
Measurement Setup and Tracking
We cleaned tracking first so improvements could be verified. We also built a rank tracking set specifically for “near me” terms and monitored map pack movement across multiple points in San Jose.
What we tracked
- Local rank tracking for 20+ “near me” queries across San Jose
- GBP insights for discovery searches, impressions, actions, calls, directions
- Search Console for “near me” queries, landing pages, CTR, and indexing
- GA4 for organic landing page engagement and conversion events
- Call tracking for inquiry attribution where possible
What Was Holding “Near Me” Rankings Back
We audited GBP, citations, and the website together. The clinic was credible, but the signals were not consistent or complete enough to compete across many “near me” variations.
Key issues found
- Categories were not aligned to highest demand “near me” services
- Service list in GBP was incomplete and missing descriptions
- Business description did not reinforce specialties clearly
- Photos were outdated and posting cadence was inconsistent
- Citations had NAP formatting issues and a few duplicates
- Service pages were thin and not mapped to near me intent
- Internal linking did not prioritize high intent pages
- Titles and meta descriptions were generic, lowering CTR
Strategy Overview
We used a three lever system that usually moves “near me” rankings quickly and keeps them stable.
Workstreams
- Expand relevance and query coverage in GBP and on site pages
- Strengthen trust and consistency via citations and entity signals
- Improve engagement signals through content, photos, posts, and reviews
- Support everything with technical cleanup and conversion improvements
Google Business Profile Rebuild
We treated GBP like the main landing page. The goal was to widen query matching and improve actions so rankings held once they improved.
What we changed in GBP
- Updated primary and secondary categories using demand and competitor benchmarks
- Expanded services with short descriptions written in natural search language
- Improved business description with clear service positioning and booking steps
- Added appointment URL with UTM tracking for attribution
- Started weekly posts around availability, insurance, seasonal issues, and services
- Implemented a photo plan: exterior, interior, staff, and service context photos
- Cleaned attributes and ensured hours were accurate and consistent
Citation Cleanup and NAP Consistency
For “near me” rankings, trust consistency matters. We cleaned up business details across major platforms so Google saw one consistent entity.
What we fixed
- Standardized business name, address, and phone formatting everywhere
- Updated hours, URL, and appointment links where inconsistent
- Removed duplicate listings and merged profiles where possible
- Added a small set of niche citations competitors had
Website Improvements That Supported “Near Me” Rankings
The website helped reinforce the services shown on GBP and improved organic page 1 positions. We avoided thin location spam and focused on service clarity and local context.
On site updates
- Expanded core service pages with symptoms, who it’s for, and when to book sections
- Added FAQ blocks based on Search Console “near me” queries
- Strengthened internal linking into priority services
- Improved titles and meta descriptions to increase CTR
- Added LocalBusiness and FAQ schema where eligible
- Improved mobile speed through image compression and script cleanup
- Updated contact page with clearer directions, parking notes, and booking steps
Reviews and Engagement System
Reviews and engagement matter in local packs. We improved review velocity and response consistency with a compliant workflow.
What we implemented
- Review request workflow tied to patient follow ups
- Consistent response cadence with human sounding replies
- Weekly posts and photo updates to keep engagement signals steady
- Simple conversion cues inside GBP like appointment links and service clarity
Tools Used
Google Business Profile insights, Google Search Console, GA4, call tracking, Looker Studio, BrightLocal or Whitespark, Screaming Frog, PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse.
Timeline With Dates, Monthly Numbers, and Natural Notes
April 22 to April 30, 2025
We completed the audit, cleaned tracking, applied quick GBP fixes, and started citation cleanup on the highest impact directories.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~26,300
- GBP discovery searches: ~1,900
- GBP actions: ~360
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~3
May 2025
We rebuilt GBP categories and services, added descriptions, and started weekly posts and fresh photos to expand query coverage.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~38,700
- GBP discovery searches: ~2,700
- GBP actions: ~480
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~6
June 2025
We strengthened service pages and internal linking, continued citation cleanup, and improved titles and meta for CTR.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~52,600
- GBP discovery searches: ~3,800
- GBP actions: ~660
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~9
July 2025
We expanded FAQs using live query data, improved conversion flow on top pages, and launched a review workflow for steady trust signals.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~67,900
- GBP discovery searches: ~4,900
- GBP actions: ~840
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~12
August 2025
We doubled down on services gaining traction, refined service descriptions, and maintained posting and photo cadence for stability.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~80,400
- GBP discovery searches: ~5,900
- GBP actions: ~1,020
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~15
September 2025
We refined pages based on query movement, strengthened internal linking into highest intent services, and maintained review responses to protect gains.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~90,900
- GBP discovery searches: ~6,400
- GBP actions: ~1,160
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~16
October 1 to October 22, 2025
We focused on stability, kept GBP engagement consistent, and optimized conversion paths for mobile users to increase actions per impression.
Month end metrics:
- GBP impressions: ~97,500
- GBP discovery searches: ~6,800
- GBP actions: ~1,280
- Top 3 map pack “near me” terms: ~17
Before and After Proof Summary
“Near me” rankings improved because GBP services and categories became complete, citations became consistent, and the website reinforced the same San Jose intent. Engagement stayed strong due to steady posts, photos, and review workflows, which helped map pack positions hold.
- GBP discovery searches: 1,900 to 6,800 per month
- GBP impressions: 26,300 to 97,500 per month
- GBP actions: 360 to 1,280 per month
- Top 3 map pack placements: 3 to 17 tracked “near me” terms
- Page 1 organic “near me” terms: 6 to 24 tracked terms
What Made It Work
The biggest driver was alignment. Once GBP services, citations, and service pages all reflected the same intent, Google matched the clinic to more “near me” searches. Consistent engagement signals helped the clinic keep positions instead of fluctuating week to week.