Pilates on the Bay: Dominating Brisbane's Bayside Search Results
How a targeted Google Business and Local Search strategy led to a #1 ranking and a 500% increase in calls from new clients.
THE CHALLENGE
Invisible to Local Searchers
Despite being a fantastic studio, Pilates on the Bay was virtually invisible on Google Maps and local search results. When potential clients in neighbouring suburbs searched for 'pilates near me', competitors appeared first, capturing all the high-intent traffic.
Key Pain Points
- Not appearing in the top 3 'Map Pack' for key search terms.
- Low volume of phone calls from new clients.
- Outdated information on their Google Business Profile.
- A small number of reviews, with some being negative.
- Losing ready-to-buy customers to local competitors.
THE SOLUTION
Local Search Optimisation Engine
We implemented a comprehensive strategy to establish Pilates on the Bay as the top local authority in their service area. This involved a complete overhaul of their Google Business Profile (GBP), a systematic plan for generating positive reviews, and on-page SEO to signal local relevance to Google.
GBP & Foundation Audit
2 WeeksWe conducted a full audit of their existing GBP, identifying all missing information and optimization opportunities. We also audited their website for local SEO signals and built a list of key local search terms.
Optimization & Content Strategy
4 WeeksWe completely rebuilt their GBP, adding services, high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and started a regular posting schedule. We also created a simple, automated system to request reviews from happy clients.
Authority Building & Monitoring
6 WeeksWe built citations on key local directories and optimized their website's location pages. We continuously monitored their search rankings, GBP insights, and competitor activity to maintain the top position.
Technologies & Tools Used
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
GBP Overhaul Complete
The Google Business Profile was fully optimized with new photos, services, FAQs, and business information, immediately improving its health score.
Review Engine Launched
The automated review request system went live, resulting in a steady stream of new 5-star reviews from recent clients.
#1 Ranking Achieved
Through consistent GBP posts, new reviews, and on-page optimizations, the studio achieved and maintained the #1 spot in the local map pack for their primary search term.
THE RESULTS
Dominating the local search results transformed their Google listing from a simple directory into their most powerful client acquisition channel.
Google Business Profile Performance
Views on Google Maps
Phone Calls from GBP
Website Clicks from GBP
Reputation & Ranking
Average Google Rating
Total Google Reviews
Ranking for 'Pilates Wynnum'
"Our phone started ringing more than ever, with people saying 'I found you on Google.' We went from being invisible online to the first name people see when they search for Pilates in our area. It's been a complete game-changer."
KEY LEARNINGS
Your GBP is Your Second Homepage
Treat your Google Business Profile with as much care as your website. For local searchers, it's often the first and only thing they see.
A Steady Stream of Reviews is Your Best SEO
Consistently getting new, positive reviews sends the strongest possible signal to Google that you are a relevant, high-quality local business.
Consistency is Key
Regularly posting updates and photos to your GBP shows Google that your business is active and engaged, which helps maintain top rankings.
WHAT'S NEXT
Now that the primary search terms are secured, the focus can shift to capturing a wider range of local search queries.
- Create blog content targeting specific local search queries (e.g., 'prenatal pilates Manly West').
- Build out service pages on the website for different class types, optimized for local search.
- Run Google Local Service Ads to appear even above the organic map pack results.
READY FOR YOURTRANSFORMATION?
Let's discuss how we can create similar results for your business.