Client: Pigeon Forge Passport
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Retainer Start Date: June 2023

Objective

The goal was to launch a new travel website that would become a trusted resource for tourists visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The site aimed to provide comprehensive information on accommodations, attractions, dining options, and trip planning around the Smoky Mountains region.

Our Approach

1. Site Architecture Design
We developed a clear, SEO-friendly structure that grouped pages by intent and topic, such as Things to Do, Places to Stay, Great Smoky Mountains, and other key categories.

2. Website Setup
The website was built on WordPress with strong emphasis on site speed, crawlability, and technical SEO best practices.

3. Content Deployment
We published optimized landing pages for each major attraction and travel category, ensuring keyword targeting aligned with user intent.

4. Backlink Strategy
Over 250 high-quality backlinks were secured through guest posts, local citations, niche edits, and link partnerships to build authority in the travel niche.

5. Continuous Optimization
The site was monitored closely with ongoing improvements to technical SEO, content optimization, and internal linking.

Results

Organic Traffic Growth: From 0 to 68 monthly visitors within the first year (with consistent growth trajectory).

Domain Rating (Ahrefs): Increased from 0 to 55.

Keyword Rankings: Now ranking for 1,500+ keywords, including competitive terms.

Visibility: Achieved rankings for high-intent, competitive local keywords such as things to do in Pigeon Forge and best restaurants in Pigeon Forge.

Conclusion

In just 12 months, Pigeon Forge Passport evolved from a brand-new domain to a recognized travel resource with strong keyword rankings, growing authority, and a solid SEO foundation to scale further. This case study highlights how strategic site architecture, targeted content, and consistent link building can transform a new website into a competitive player in the travel and tourism industry.