Kiwi Businesses Live or Die by Google— How Healthy Is Your Presence?
Case Study: Skopik – Smart Home Automation Company
Skopik is a smart home automation and AV solutions company based in Grafton, Auckland, serving both residential and commercial clients. Despite offering a high-value, future-focused service, Skopik was largely invisible online before optimisation — with almost no keyword presence and minimal visibility in Google Maps and Search.
The Challenge
- No online visibility: In 2019 and 2020, Skopik had zero rankings across tracked keywords (positions 1–50).
- Low engagement: The Google Business Profile was barely driving calls, clicks, or direction requests.
- Unrealised potential: Demand for “home automation” searches in Auckland was growing, but Skopik wasn’t appearing in front of that audience.
“Once he did the audit and the redesign of our website, we’ve been at number 1,2, or 3 for the last year, which again is just incredible”
Strategy Implemented
Google Business Profile Optimisation
- Complete rebuild of the GBP listing with optimised service categories, keywords, and geo-optimised descriptions.
- Weekly posts to keep the profile fresh and active.
- Photos added to boost visibility and engagement.
Keyword Expansion
- Tracked and targeted high-intent terms like “smart home automation”, “home automation companies near me”, and “home automation installer Auckland”.
- Built local authority with consistent improvements in the Maps 3-Pack rankings.
GeoGrid Domination
Expanded presence across Auckland with top rankings (positions 1–2) covering nearly the entire central and south Auckland area.
THE CHALLENGE
- No online visibility: In 2019 and 2020, Skopik had zero rankings across tracked keywords (positions 1–50).
- Low engagement: The Google Business Profile was barely driving calls, clicks, or direction requests.
- Unrealised potential: Demand for “home automation” searches in Auckland was growing, but Skopik wasn’t appearing in front of that audience.
“What I like most about working with Burt is that he is very honest, he’s very direct. He says this is what I’m gonna do, and goes out and does it. And like I said, our rankings have been one, two or three for the last year, which is just amazing”
Strategy Implemented
Google Business Profile Optimisation
- Complete rebuild of the GBP listing with optimised service categories, keywords, and geo-optimised descriptions.
- Weekly posts to keep the profile fresh and active.
- Merchant photos added to boost visibility and engagement.
Keyword Expansion
- Tracked and targeted high-intent terms like “smart home automation”, “home automation companies near me”, and “home automation installer Auckland”.
- Built a local authority with consistent improvements in the Maps 3-Pack rankings.
GeoGrid Domination
- Expanded presence across Auckland with top rankings (positions 1–2) covering nearly the entire central and south Auckland area.
Results
Visibility
- 2019–2020: 0 keywords ranking in the top 50.
2021:
- 4 keywords ranking #1.
- 3 keywords ranking #2–5.
- Consistent presence in the Google Maps 3-Pack for “home automation company” across Auckland.
Engagement:
Search & Map Views:
- 2019–2020: 1.9k (Maps), 1.4k (Search).
- 2020–2021: 10.2k (Maps), 3.2k (Search).
- Growth: +444% on Maps, +140% on Search.
Business Contacts:
- Directions: ↑ from 51 → 231 (+353%).
- Phone calls: ↑ from 10 → 43 (+330%).
- Website visits: ↑ from 90 → 228 (+153%).
- In one quarter alone (Mar–Jun 2021), Skopik generated 225+ leads (calls, directions, site visits).
Keyword Rankings (Highlights)
- “Smart home automation” – #1
- “Home automation companies near me” – #1
- “Home automation” – #1
- “Smart home automation installers Auckland” – #3
- “Smart home companies near me” – #4
GeoGrid Coverage
- July 2021: 90% of central Auckland searches showed Skopik in the top 1–2 spots.
- Extended dominance into South Auckland with consistent top 5 rankings.
Business Impact
Skopik went from being invisible online to dominating Google Maps for their niche.
This local visibility translated into dozens of new calls, enquiries, and direction requests every month, helping Skopik secure more residential and commercial automation projects.
The company now has a sustainable, lead-generating digital asset that positions them as the go-to provider for home automation in Auckland.
Conclusion
This case study proves the power of Google Business Profile optimisation for niche service providers. With the right keyword targeting, content updates, and GBP management, even companies starting with zero visibility can achieve Page 1 dominance and turn search visibility into measurable business growth.