How We Achieved 66K High Conversion Organic Monthly Traffic Without a Single Link
In this case study, I will overview how we at Logaster achieved 66,000 in organic monthly traffic across six main languages. After Zenbusiness acquired Logaster, we implemented 301 redirects, explaining the graphics dropdown.
Please check out the result.
I can't show you the conversion graphic, but the conversion was significantly better than typical informational traffic conversion. I will explain why this is the case.
Is it Repeatable?
I understand that reading case studies is about trying to replicate or even improve results. I strongly believe that if you have a SaaS with some authority and trust, you can find a similar gap and repeat this success. I'm not saying it would absolutely not work for a new product, but the results may vary. Also, in my opinion, you should first invest resources and time in getting some mentions on trusted domains and ideally, generate some brand traffic before proceeding.
We implemented this strategy a few years ago, and it continues to yield results. It could perform even better if we continue to work with the content effectively. I will provide comments based on my current experience to make the case even more useful.
Here are the Next 10 Steps that We took to Achieve our Results
1. Formalizing User Profiles
We detailed our users' profiles, needs, and behaviors to address their pain points with the right pages and funnels.
TIP: Before deploying this type of strategy, ensure you can answer these three critical questions: Who are your users? What are they searching for? What pain points do you need to address?
2. SEO Begins:
We started with basic topic (keyword) research using knowledge from the first step. We used the most high-frequency key and researched matching terms. In our case, the users' basic product was the logo as a high-frequency key as well.
From the most common intents we gathered from users, who often have a basic understanding of what they want in their brand logo, we began our analysis.
TIP: Be prepared to invest time in digging deep.
As a result, we identified a few patterns in the keywords or topics that our users searched for:
TIP: Be cautious not to encroach on branded keywords here; the intent might differ, especially regarding conversions. We'll discuss this further in the next step. For clarity, use the parent topic and check the SERP.
After completing this kind of research, we compiled a final list of 400 main topics or keywords.
TIP: Before the era of ChatGPT, research was a different world. Now, I would export the maximum base of keywords and use AI to analyze and format the specific topic list automatically. I've tried this, and with proper setup, it can be very effective.
TIP: Also, you can utilize competitors if they have identified a gap. In our case, we were among the first to discover and cover such a wide range of topics, which is why competitors weren't as useful.
3. Analyzing Keywords for Conversion Potential
We started with the basic logic that a user with specific ideas about what they are searching for has a higher intent for conversion.
For example, when a user searches for a ''logo'', they may have various intents. However, if they search for a specific type such as a ''bear logo'' or a ''dentist logo'', they at least know they need a specific type of logo.
When we analyzed several topics for each pattern group, we found keywords related to logo creation with high conversion intent:
This indicated that a significant portion of users searching these topics are looking to be inspired, obtain ideas, and create logos, thus showing conversion intent.
TIP: Moreover, each pattern group exhibited this intent, which is crucial for understanding not just the conversion intent but also how to create the appropriate landing page (LP) template and content to address user intent.
Our SERP analysis also revealed that the general keywords carried more than just informational intent.
Google adjusts SERPs based on user behavior to include websites that match user needs.
If there are service pages in the SERP that means that part of the users that search keywords need not just information but service, so have conversion intent.
At the time, there weren't many services (like logo makers) at the top of the SERP, making our job easier.
4. Keyword Analysis and Traffic Potential
We obtained a complete list of keywords for each topic using a keyword research tool and removed non-relevant keywords, brands, etc.
Each keyword list showed total value—while some keywords had high values, most had medium or small values. However, most topics had a large number of keywords, resulting in a good total value.
Based on value data and our GSC average CTR we estimated potential traffic for achieving a TOP 3 ranking for each keyword, correlating these figures with data from the SERP.
These estimates were approximate but provided at least a ballpark figure of the total traffic we could achieve for a full cluster of pages in the most optimistic scenario. The figures were compelling.
When closely examined, the screenshots from this case study indicate that, despite their large search volume, most keywords exhibit a low Keyword Difficulty (KD), suggesting minimal competition.
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However, since KD isn't an absolute measure and can be inaccurate, we further analyzed the SERP to gain deeper insights into our competitors and their SEO parameters.
On the screenshots I used before most are the numbers for 2024 and the competition now is more difficult but still, for those topics is not high.
Our analysis showed that the situation often aligned with our findings:
Given our brand's reputation and our understanding of the competition, we recognized that we had a decent chance of achieving top rankings even without link-building efforts.
TIP: While a trusted website or brand typically has an advantage, success highly depends on the specific field. You can always select the topics you're most likely to succeed with.
5. Return on Investment (ROI)
We had the conversion numbers for every funnel step for informational traffic that we had on articles and the conversion from commercial traffic that we got on the main commercial pages. So based on those numbers and estimated traffic, we got the potential number, like new accounts, other steps, and payments. Based on the average check and LTV we get the potential revenue that we can get in an optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic scenario.
We calculated potential traffic estimates for an optimistic scenario but also prepared more realistic estimates for TOP 5 positions and a pessimistic one for TOP 10.
We had data on conversion rates at every funnel step for informational traffic from articles and commercial traffic from our main commercial pages. Using this data and the estimated traffic, we calculated potential metrics like new accounts and payments. Based on the average check and Lifetime Value (LTV) we get the potential revenue that we can get in an optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic scenario.
TIP: These numbers are only indicative but provide a range of potential outcomes and can help in pitching the idea to secure investment.
The calculations didn't stop there; to finalize them, we needed to progress to the next steps.
6. Analyzing SERP and Competitor Content
After analyzing the SERP based on top topics from our list, we identified the best competitors with effective page templates and content. While there were not many competitors because we identified the gap early, there were informational pages and more visual resources like Pinterest or Shutterstock that we also used for inspiration.
TIP: Sometimes, competitors don't perform well, and you don't need to learn from them. However, it's important to at least review their strategies. It's beneficial when you can recognize when to adopt their tactics and when to diverge.
We combined various ideas from different competitors and added template elements to better address user intent, which included finding ideas, inspiration, getting tips, and creating a logo.
There were a few versions of the template because we upgraded it a few times, but not globally. I can't find on the Wayback Machine the first version so here is the last upgraded version in Logaster (before acquisition by Zenbusiness). As well as its main structure.
We also showcased examples from popular brands that used main idea elements relevant to an article in their logos to make these examples more relevant and inspiring for the user.
We utilized Call-To-Action (CTA) elements and trust signals to enhance conversions and demonstrate to users that they can trust our service.
Moreover, we displayed logos created on the Logaster platform as examples to motivate users and show them that they can produce something attractive.
Based on our templates, we estimated the time and cost for the development team to implement these designs, as well as the additional time and cost for preparing relevant brand logos examples and Logaster build logos. Some logos were created by users, but others were designed in-house.
We also assessed the costs of content creation for each text, which, although not extensive, needed to be produced and published.
7. Final ROI Calculation and Decision Making
With the revenue potential calculated for all scenarios—good, normal, and bad—and the potential costs evaluated, we understood that even in the worst scenario, the ROI would be approximately 12-16 months. In the best case, it could be as short as 3-4 months after publishing. This optimistic outlook encouraged us to proceed.
TIP: Our potential ROI was favorable, and with a good outlook for the optimistic scenario. Even if your ROI appears less favorable in the short term, remember that building a brand is a long game. It’s essential to consider this broader perspective when making your final decision.
8. Realization, Indexing, and Achieving TOP Rankings
We launched the first 10-20 pages, quickly got them indexed, and were thrilled to see some achieve TOP rankings within hours of publishing. Most of these pages reached the TOP 5, and some even the TOP 3.
We continued to publish regularly, and before completing the first hundred pages, we already had conversion data and initial revenue exceeding our realistic projections.
TIP: We experienced some challenges and changes within our content creation team. Working with freelancers meant we needed to adjust and spend time ensuring they understood the project goals, which initially cost us time and money. Streamlining your process can significantly speed up progress and reduce costs.
9. SEO Snippet, Template, and CTA Optimization
While our initial Click-Through Rate (CTR) from SERPs was not poor, we recognized the potential for improvement. We customized the SEO snippets -titles and descriptions for all pages based on the main topic, adding specific elements like ''dog'' or ''plumber'' to enhance relevance. After several tests and modifications, we identified and adopted the best snippet variation.
We also developed a main page that grouped all tips, improving user navigation and SEO through internal linking.
We experimented with various CTA designs, refining them based on user engagement and conversion data until we found the most effective version.
TIP: This was a personal setback for me. The idea I had created was not implemented due to complexities in development. However, after some time, our competitors adopted it and demonstrated that such a change in the CTA could dramatically enhance our conversion rates.
Here’s what I've been considering, which our competitors eventually realized over time: Creating different logo variants directly on the page and adding the appropriate tags ensures the icons or styles are precisely relevant. This approach also allows users to easily adjust colors, names, and styles on the page before they proceed through the funnel with the logo they truly love.
10. Scaling Horizontally and Vertically
After publishing the first landing pages (LPs) in English, we evaluated the potential for scaling to other languages. We extended our reach to six additional top languages, which was simpler than the initial creation for English-speaking markets due to lower competition and our pre-existing content that only needed translation. This expansion resulted in over 2000 pages.
Regarding vertical scaling, we identified similar opportunities for business cards. Although I left the company before this could be realized, the potential for significant effectiveness was evident.
Final TIP
This case was successful for Logaster and can be for others. Accurate analysis and the right content creation strategy can enhance your brand's credibility, improving your chances of achieving top rankings. While link-building can further boost your efforts, our trusted brand achieved significant results without it.
P.S. We discussed using Sitechecker but found it ineffective due to the costs and complexities of creating content tailored to specific SEO, SERP, and user intent of SEO help needs for businesses.
Co-Founder at StatsDrone / Business Intelligence in affiliate marketing
8moExcellent article. Question: Assuming using Ahrefs, what were you searching for or the feature you were using to get those clusters of logo terms? I'm trying to replicate the same thing so I can quickly learn the branches of search that stem from 'logo'.
Head of SEO & SEO Product Manager at Sitechecker | SEO Consultant for SaaS
8moIt would be nice to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions about the case, I would be happy to answer them.
Marketer @ Sitechecker -> site health & search visibility monitoring for agencies
8moSolid case study, thanks for sharing!