Overview
This case study highlights how SimplyMedia helped a growing sporting goods e-commerce brand significantly increase organic traffic, domain authority, and AI search visibility using a strategic HARO link building campaign.
To protect client confidentiality, private identifiers have been removed. All metrics reflect real performance tracked via industry-standard SEO tools.
Client Snapshot
- Industry: Sporting Goods / E-Commerce
- Engagement Start: February 2025
- Package Size: 7 to 10 links per month (Starter Package)
- Primary Goal: Increase brand authority and organic growth in a competitive sports market without any paid ads.
Starting Point (February 2025)
At the start of the engagement, the brand had solid traction but limited authority compared to larger competitors in the sports space.
- Organic Traffic: 14,658
- Domain Rating (DR): 37
SimplyMedia Strategy
Because this client was on a smaller package, precision mattered more than volume.
Early Challenge
We initially faced difficulty landing placements due to the product-focused positioning. Once we adjusted our approach and found stronger editorial angles, link velocity increased significantly.
What Changed
- Expanded the topics we pitched beyond product-specific angles
- Increased direct outreach to journalists
- Focused on the broader sports category instead of just the product itself
- Strengthened the credentials of the persona that we were using to pitch as
This shift allowed the brand to enter wider industry conversations and secure placements in major publications.
Notable Media Placements
The campaign resulted in links from high-authority publications, including:
- Yahoo
- MSN
- NewsBreak
- The New York Times
- Hootsuite
- The Washington Post
- HubSpot
- Forbes
These placements strengthened both SEO authority and brand recognition within the sports industry.
Results (Current)
Despite operating on a smaller monthly package, the results were substantial.
SEO Growth
- Organic Traffic: 30,264 (+106% increase)
- Domain Rating (DR): 46 (+8 DR points)
Why This Worked
This campaign succeeded because we:
- Adjusted positioning to align with what journalists actually wanted
- Leveraged broader industry angles instead of narrow product pitches
- Combined HARO responses with direct journalist outreach
- Focused on consistent authority growth over time
Even at 7–10 links per month, strategic placements compounded into meaningful organic gains.
Key Takeaway
With the right positioning, even a smaller HARO package can drive significant authority growth.
This case study shows how SimplyMedia helps e-commerce brands:
- Increase organic traffic sustainably
- Strengthen domain authority
- Build real brand credibility in competitive industries
