From Zero to Top Rankings
How SEO and Design Boosted
BCG Academy to Top 5 in Local Search
Role: UX Researcher/Designer | Web Developer | SEO/CRO Strategist
Tools: Figma, WordPress, Google Suite, SEMRUSH
The Challenge
BCG Academy had minimal digital presence and relied solely on word of mouth. The school struggled to generate leads and lacked visibility in a highly competitive market.
The Solution
I built a website that aligned with the academy’s vision, enhanced user experience, and improved online discoverability through SEO.
Results at a Glance
⭐ Top 5 Google rankings in local search
📈 +800 monthly organic visitors
👥 30% increase in student sign-ups
My Role in the Project
I collaborated with the academy owner to understand his business goals, target audience, and brand identity. My approach combined UX research, website design, and SEO to deliver a digital presence that would attract new students and build trust.
Research & Strategy
- Performed competitor analysis and keyword research to identify high-value opportunities
- Created user personas and mapped journeys to align the site with student needs
- Defined brand positioning to reflect the academy’s values and stand out locally
Design & Development
- Built a responsive WordPress site with Elementor to improve usability and access
- Established a consistent visual identity with colors, typography, and imagery
- Organized navigation and page structure to guide users toward sign-ups and contact
UX & UI Design
Created detailed user personas and mapped user journeys to guide layout and navigation decisions.
Conducted user testing to identify friction points and refine calls-to-action for a smoother experience
Applied UX and UI principles of hierarchy, clarity, and spacing to improve usability and visual consistency.
SEO & Optimization
- Researched and targeted high-intent local keywords to increase qualified traffic
- Implemented structured data to improve search visibility and local listings
- Created and optimized the Google Business Profile to boost local visibility and inquiries
Results & Impact
The project delivered measurable growth across rankings, traffic, and student engagement.
Top 5 Google Rankings
- Ranked in the Top 5 for key local searches such as jiu-jitsu near me and Brazilian jiu-jitsu Long Beach.
- Optimized title tags, meta descriptions, and Google Business Profile listings to outperform competitors in local search results.
Organic Traffic Growth
- Increased organic traffic from zero to over 800 monthly visitors within six months of launch.
- Strengthened site structure, optimized content, and built local backlinks to improve off/on-page SEO.
Higher Enrollment
- Built pages and CTAs with UX and UI principles of hierarchy, clarity, and intuitive flow that guided visitors toward enrollment.
- Simplified navigation and optimized mobile usability, resulting in consistent increases in inquiries and student sign-ups.
Enhanced Brand Credibility
- Created a unified visual identity with new typography, color palette, and photography that matched the academy’s culture.
- Wrote on-page copy to align messaging with brand values, increasing trust and engagement among prospective students.
Sustained Results
- Integrated Google Analytics 4 and Search Console to track keyword positions, click-through rates, and local engagement.
- Set up an SEO dashboard that tracks and visualizes performance metrics for ongoing visibility and lead generation.
Client Empowerment
- Trained the academy owner to manage WordPress, update class information, and interpret analytics data confidently.
- Provided documentation and workflows to help maintain SEO rankings and manage updates independently.
Hear From the Owner
“I highly recommend Ponce. He did a phenomenal job on both my website and my Google page. Thanks to him, I now have a strong online presence, and people can easily find me when searching for martial arts in my area. He is fast, efficient, punctual, and communicates effectively. You will not be disappointed with his services.“
- John T. @ Owner of BCG Academy
What I Learned
This project was more than just a professional endeavor—it became an opportunity to form a meaningful connection with John, the owner of BCG Academy.
Through our collaboration, I didn’t just build a website; I helped bring his passion to life. Our shared commitment to creating something impactful allowed us to become friends, and I realized how much I value human connection in my work.
The true success of this project wasn’t just measured by traffic growth or increased client leads, but by the positive impact it had on John’s life and his business. Knowing that my work contributed to his dream of expanding the academy’s reach and helping more people was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that design can be a powerful tool—not only for solving business challenges but for building relationships and making a genuine difference in people's lives.