Case Study: Susan Gravatt
Meet Susan
Susan Gravatt started her blog, Susan Brings Dessert, in 2021, focusing on dessert recipes and baking tutorials for cookies, cakes, and cupcakes.
While maintaining a full-time job, she began taking her blog more seriously in late 2022, aiming to create a better experience for her visitors.
The Challenge
Before her blog audit+coaching call, Susan faced several key challenges:
- Inconsistent Traffic: She struggled with low visitor numbers and couldn’t identify effective ways to improve them.
- Technical SEO Confusion: Basic technical aspects like proper file naming and optimization were unclear.
- Lack of Direction: Without a clear roadmap for improvement, she felt discouraged and uncertain about her blog’s future potential.
“I felt like I was sort of at the end of my rope,” Susan recalls. “It was starting to be discouraging to work on…if I want to do this full-time one day and my numbers are so low and I’m not sure how to change them, where could this even go?”
The Solution
Through a comprehensive blog audit and coaching call, Susan received:
- Step-by-step guidance on search engine optimization (SEO)
- Clear post templates for a better user experience (UX)
- Image optimization strategies
- Strategic content planning approach
The Results
- Traffic Growth: 4x increase in monthly sessions from improving existing content.
- Consistent Newsletter: Successfully maintained regular email communication for months after the audit.
- Increased Confidence: “I feel a lot more confident, like just sharing my website, which I think is huge.”
- Enhanced Enjoyment: “Working on my website now is more fun.”
- Reduced Stress: “I’m not as intimidated…it’s just much better vibes.”
Please note that individual results may vary. Case study details shared with client permission. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Susan’s Key Takeaways
Mindset Shift
- Gained confidence in SEO implementation
- Focused on improving existing content rather than rushing to publish more
Technical Improvements
- Implemented proper image optimization
- Developed structured post templates
- Enhanced website layout and functionality
Strategic Planning
- Adopted a “work smarter, not harder” approach
- Focused on maximizing existing content
- Learned to systemize and send email newsletters consistently
Susan’s Advice for Food Bloggers
- Don’t Wait to Seek Help: “If I could go back in time and do this audit many years ago, I would have…if there’s any area where you feel like you’re lacking in your food blog knowledge, try and find the expert.”
- Focus on Foundation First: “Get all your ducks in a row, and then you can add more ducks…make sure they’re happy before you expand.”
- Don’t Let Perfectionism Hold You Back: “There’s no shame in having a flawed website – no website is perfect out there, so why beat yourself up over it?” She recommends not overthinking it or waiting for your site to be ‘good enough’ for an audit.
Susan’s Audit Testimonial
Susan’s Full Interview
