Client: Automotive company
Services: Strategy, SEO
How SEO Made a Major Automotive Company More Discoverable
A major provider of automotive repair software and shop management solutions was looking to improve their organic visibility across the U.S. and Canada. Their mobile-friendly platform helps repair shops streamline diagnostics and daily operations. While the company is part of a larger global organization in the vehicle lifecycle space, their marketing team needed help expanding reach beyond their existing customer base.
THE ORGANIC SEARCH CHALLENGE
Although their website received solid navigational traffic from current users, there was a clear opportunity to grow traffic from potential customers who weren’t yet familiar with the brand. Our goal was to increase organic visibility among independent mechanics and auto shop owners who were actively searching for tools, advice, and information—but not necessarily this company or its direct competitors.
In addition, branded search volume was on the decline. Relying on returning visitors and name recognition wasn’t sustainable. To remain competitive, the company needed a strategy that would capture high-intent, non-branded search traffic.
Key Results
66%
Increase in sitewide organic traffic
1,150%
Increase in monthly clicks
45%
Increase in Top 3 results for new parent keywords
Branded search interest over 12 months
VSSL’S SEO STRATEGY
Our approach focused on reaching new audiences through targeted, non-branded keyword rankings. By identifying topics with strong search demand from mechanics, shop managers, and business owners, we were able to meet users where they were in their journey—searching for diagnostic insights, operational tips, and shop management guidance.
Rather than pushing product messaging, our strategy focused on helpful, relevant content designed to solve real problems. This built trust, authority, and interest—leading to stronger brand awareness and a growing pool of qualified leads.
VSSL’S SEO STRATEGY
Our approach focused on reaching new audiences through targeted, non-branded keyword rankings. By identifying topics with strong search demand from mechanics, shop managers, and business owners, we were able to meet users where they were in their journey—searching for diagnostic insights, operational tips, and shop management guidance.
Rather than pushing product messaging, our strategy focused on helpful, relevant content designed to solve real problems. This built trust, authority, and interest—leading to stronger brand awareness and a growing pool of qualified leads.
THE RESULTS: DRAMATIC GROWTH IN ORGANIC SEARCH
An explosion of blog traffic
Before we began, their blog was not driving leads or awareness. 12 months into this engagement, our content was organically acquiring 2,400 monthly clicks and 185,000 impressions, bringing thousands of new users to the site.
A 66% Increase in Sitewide Organic Traffic
Compared to the previous year, organic traffic rose by 65.73%, climbing to 30,000 monthly clicks and 1.1 million impressions.
Keyword Growth in Competitive Search Categories
In the first year, we helped the site rank in Google’s Top 3 results for 14 new parent keywords (bringing the total to 45). Gains continued across Top 10, Top 20, and Top 100 rankings. The growth-to-decline ratio for tracked keywords was 94 to 16, indicating strong upward momentum.
What’s a “parent keyword”? Whenever we target a keyword phrase, there’s one keyword that acts as the main, overarching term. This parent keyword enables rankings for other keywords in the same group. So, while we only tracked the parent keywords, it’s important to note that this client saw growth for hundreds of other supporting keywords during this timeframe.
BUILDING LONG-TERM SEO SUCCESS
These results reflect just the first 12 months of our SEO engagement. We exceeded our growth targets by 56%, demonstrating the power of a targeted, data-driven SEO strategy. By focusing on high-intent, non-branded keywords, we’ve not only increased visibility but also positioned this client as a trusted resource in the automotive repair industry.
Given the depth of keyword opportunities in this space and the strong search intent behind these queries, we anticipate sustained, year-over-year organic traffic growth. As we continue refining and expanding our strategy, this client is well-positioned to dominate more competitive search terms, attract new customers, and reinforce its topical authority for years to come.
