Case Study: How We Increased a Local Retailer's Online Sales by 150%

When Main Street Boutique came to us, they were struggling. Despite 15 years of success as a brick-and-mortar retailer, their online presence was failing to generate meaningful revenue. Six months later, their online sales had increased by 150%. Here's how we made it happen.

The Challenge

Main Street Boutique (name changed for privacy) is a women's clothing and accessories retailer in central Pennsylvania. The owner, Sarah, had launched an e-commerce website three years prior, but it was underperforming dramatically:

Online sales represented less than 5% of total revenue

The website was slow, outdated, and difficult to navigate

They ranked on page 3+ for relevant search terms

Cart abandonment rate exceeded 80%

Mobile users had an especially poor experience

Sarah knew she needed to improve her digital presence but wasn't sure where to start. With limited budget and no in-house technical expertise, she needed a partner who could deliver results efficiently.

Our Strategy: Website Redesign + SEO + PPC

After a thorough audit, we developed a three-pronged approach to transform Main Street Boutique's online presence.

Phase 1: Website Redesign

The existing website was the biggest barrier to success. We redesigned it from the ground up with a focus on:

Mobile-first design: 70% of their traffic came from mobile devices

Streamlined checkout: Reduced from 5 steps to 2

High-quality imagery: Professional product photos that showcase the merchandise

Trust signals: Reviews, security badges, and clear return policies

Speed optimization: Page load time reduced from 8 seconds to under 2

Phase 2: SEO Optimization

With a solid website foundation, we implemented a comprehensive SEO strategy:

Keyword research targeting local + product terms ("women's boutique Lancaster PA")

On-page optimization for all product and category pages

Google Business Profile optimization for local visibility

Content creation: style guides, seasonal lookbooks, and fashion tips blog posts

Technical SEO fixes: site structure, schema markup, and Core Web Vitals

Phase 3: Targeted PPC Campaigns

To drive immediate traffic while SEO built momentum, we launched strategic paid campaigns:

Google Shopping ads featuring bestselling products

Retargeting ads to recover abandoned carts

Local search ads targeting nearby shoppers

Social media ads on Facebook and Instagram

Implementation Timeline

We executed the strategy over 90 days:

Weeks 1-4: Discovery, audit, and design phase

Weeks 5-8: Website development and testing

Weeks 9-10: Launch, SEO implementation, PPC campaign setup

Weeks 11-12: Optimization based on initial data

Throughout the process, we maintained close communication with Sarah, providing weekly updates and adjusting based on her feedback and priorities.

The Results: 150% Sales Increase

Six months after launch, the numbers told a compelling story:

Online revenue: Increased 150% compared to the same period last year

Organic traffic: Up 200% with page 1 rankings for 15 target keywords

Cart abandonment: Reduced from 80% to 45%

Mobile conversion rate: Improved by 175%

Average order value: Increased 22% with improved cross-selling

Return on ad spend: 4.2x for PPC campaigns

Online sales now represent 18% of total revenue and growing—a transformation from the struggling 5% just months earlier.

Key Takeaways for Other Businesses

Main Street Boutique's success offers lessons for any local business looking to improve their digital presence:

Foundation first: No amount of marketing can overcome a poor website experience

Mobile matters: Your site must work flawlessly on phones

Local + digital: Local businesses can compete online with the right strategy

Patience pays: SEO takes time, but the results are worth the wait

Data drives decisions: Continuous optimization based on real user behavior

Is Your Business Ready for Transformation?

Main Street Boutique's story isn't unique—it's repeatable. With the right strategy and execution, any local business can dramatically improve their online performance.

At Effertz Co., we specialize in helping Pennsylvania businesses like yours achieve digital success. Contact us for a free consultation and let's discuss how we can write your success story.