Case Study: Moved a Rehabilitation Center from Page 5 to Page 2 in 2 Months in Denver
In 2025, a rehabilitation center in Denver partnered with Goforaeo to move core rehab keywords from page 5 to page 2 in a short window. The center name is anonymized due to an NDA, and the metrics below come from Google Search Console, GA4, rank tracking, Google Business Profile insights, and call tracking for the dates listed.
Snapshot of Results
Timeframe: July 9, 2025 to September 9, 2025
Location: Denver, Colorado
Before vs after results:
- Average position for core rehab terms: ~46 to ~15 (page 5 to page 2)
- Page 2 keyword count (tracked): 2 to 11
- Clicks to rehab pages (GSC): 45 to 160 per month
- Impressions to rehab pages (GSC): 1,400 to 5,200 per month
- Calls + inquiries from organic: 6 to 18 per month
- GBP actions: 90 to 250 per month
- Map visibility (tracked): 1 to 5 rehab related keywords
Context and Starting Point
Denver rehab searches are competitive and trust heavy. People searching for rehab and recovery services want clear answers fast, and Google tends to favor brands that look reliable, consistent, and specialized. At the start, the center had a website and a listing, but the site was not organized in a way that helped Google understand services clearly. Pages were thin, internal links were weak, and the rehab offering was not explained in a structured way.
Because we only had two months, we focused on changes that move rankings quickly. That meant fixing intent match, improving page structure, strengthening internal linking, and tightening local trust signals.
Measurement Setup
We cleaned tracking and built a short sprint dashboard so movement was visible week to week. We tracked rankings daily for core terms and measured page performance in Search Console.
What we set up
- Search Console segmentation for rehab pages and rehab queries
- Rank tracking for Denver rehab keywords and variations
- GA4 events for call clicks, appointment clicks, and form submissions
- GBP insights monitoring for actions and discovery behavior
- Looker Studio reporting with weekly notes
Diagnosis: Why Terms Were Stuck on Page 5
We compared the center’s pages with what was ranking in Denver. The issue was not one thing, it was missing depth and unclear structure.
Key issues found
- One general rehab page tried to cover too many programs
- Missing pages for core program types and rehab variations
- Little content that answered patient questions and next steps
- Weak internal linking and poor crawl paths into rehab pages
- Titles and meta descriptions didn’t match high intent rehab language
- Trust signals were scattered and not placed near CTAs
- GBP services were incomplete and not aligned to site wording
- Slow mobile templates increased drop off
Strategy Overview
We used a fast moving sprint strategy built around four levers: rebuild the main rehab page, add supporting program pages, strengthen internal linking, and improve local trust alignment.
Workstreams
- Rehab service page rebuild for Denver intent
- Program pages and FAQ expansion for topical depth
- Internal linking improvements to pass authority into rehab pages
- GBP and citation alignment for trust and relevance
- Snippet updates to improve CTR and reduce mismatch clicks
- Conversion improvements so page 2 traffic still produced calls
Main Rehab Page Rebuild
We rebuilt the primary rehab page to behave like a decision page. The goal was clarity: what programs exist, who they are for, what happens next, and how to contact the center.
What we improved on the main page
- Clear above the fold positioning with Denver context and booking options
- Sections for the main rehab programs offered
- “Who it’s for” and “when to call” blocks based on real intent
- What to expect: intake, evaluation, program timeline
- Insurance and admission guidance where appropriate
- FAQs pulled from Search Console and competitor SERP patterns
- CTA improvements: call now, request assessment, directions
Supporting Program Pages to Build Relevance Faster
To move from page 5 to page 2 quickly, we needed more than one page. We created program specific pages so Google could rank the center for more precise rehab intent, and those pages strengthened the main rehab page.
Program pages built or expanded
- Outpatient rehab program page
- Inpatient rehab overview (if offered)
- Physical rehabilitation program page
- Post injury rehab support page
- Therapy and evaluation services page
- “What rehab looks like” expectations page
Each page included clear next steps and linked to the main rehab page, while the main page linked back, creating a clean topical cluster.
Internal Linking That Accelerated Movement
Internal linking is a fast lever because it helps Google discover and prioritize pages. We made sure rehab pages were not isolated.
Linking changes shipped
- Added rehab links into main navigation or homepage sections where relevant
- Added related services blocks and program links across rehab pages
- Linked from blogs and resource pages into the rehab cluster
- Improved anchor text so it matched rehab intent naturally
- Reduced orphan pages and fixed broken links
Local SEO and Trust Alignment
Even if rankings are not map pack only, local trust signals influence performance. We improved GBP and citations quickly so the entity looked consistent across the web.
Local work completed
- Expanded GBP services with short descriptions aligned to rehab programs
- Updated categories and attributes based on demand
- Added appointment URL with UTM tracking
- Cleaned top citations for consistent NAP and hours
- Added local signals on pages naturally (Denver area wording)
- Added LocalBusiness and FAQ schema where eligible
CTR and Snippet Improvements
In page 4 to page 6 territory, CTR is often low because snippets look generic. We rewrote titles and metas to align with rehab intent and make the result clearer without over promising.
Snippet work
- Titles updated to match rehab program intent and Denver relevance
- Meta descriptions clarified services and next steps
- FAQ headings designed to win expanded results where possible
- Improved breadcrumbs for clearer SERP display
Conversion Improvements for Early Traffic
Even page 2 traffic can generate leads if the page is conversion ready. We improved conversion flow so early ranking wins produced calls.
CRO updates
- Sticky click to call button on mobile
- CTAs above the fold and after program sections
- Shortened inquiry form for assessment requests
- Added trust cues near CTAs: credentials and process clarity
- Clear “what happens next” after form submission
Tools Used
Google Search Console, GA4, Google Business Profile insights, call tracking, Looker Studio, Screaming Frog, PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse, rank tracking via Semrush/Ahrefs, Microsoft Clarity or Hotjar, BrightLocal or Whitespark.
Timeline With Dates, Monthly Numbers, and Natural Notes
July 9 to July 31, 2025
We audited the rehab SERP landscape in Denver, rebuilt the primary rehab page, and shipped fast technical fixes that improved crawl and mobile speed. We also cleaned up GBP services and started internal linking into the rehab cluster so Google could discover and prioritize those pages.
Month end metrics:
- Avg position (core terms): ~46
- Rehab page impressions: ~1,400
- Rehab page clicks: ~45
- Calls + inquiries: ~6
- GBP actions: ~90
August 1 to September 9, 2025
We launched supporting program pages, expanded FAQs, improved titles and meta descriptions for CTR, and strengthened internal linking so authority flowed into the main rehab page. We also tightened local trust signals through citation consistency and kept GBP activity steady to support visibility.
Month end metrics:
- Avg position: ~15
- Impressions: ~5,200
- Clicks: ~160
- Calls + inquiries: ~18
- GBP actions: ~250
Before and After Proof Summary
Rankings improved quickly because the main rehab page was rebuilt for intent, supporting program pages increased topical depth, and internal linking helped Google prioritize the rehab cluster. Local alignment reduced trust friction, and snippet improvements increased the quality of clicks.
- Avg position: ~46 to ~15
- Clicks: 45 to 160 per month
- Impressions: 1,400 to 5,200 per month
- Calls + inquiries: 6 to 18 per month
What Made It Work
The two month lift came from focusing on fast levers that matter most: page structure, internal linking, and clear local trust signals. We didn’t try to do everything. We did the things that move rankings quickly, then made sure the pages could convert the early traffic that arrived.