SUCCESS STORIES

Aje: SEO that Fuels Fashion Forward


Aje built its name on statement pieces and standing out. Its website did the opposite: outdated content that missed what shoppers were actually searching for, and a slow-moving process that meant even simple fixes took too long to matter. 
 
StudioHawk rebuilt the site's architecture around real user intent, optimised every major collection page, and cleared the publishing backlog so the brand could finally move as its pace. 
Group 1819 (1)-1
broken_image
107%
Growth in ranking keywords
broken_image
206%
Increase in non-branded traffic
broken_image
31%
Increase in organic traffic
images (11)
data_loss_prevention
Aje is a renowned Australian fashion label celebrated for its bold, contemporary designs and commitment to empowering women through statement pieces. With a strong presence in both retail and eCommerce, the brand caters to a sophisticated audience seeking designer fashion that exudes confidence and individuality.

 


The Need

Aje's reputation was built in stores, but its website wasn't keeping pace. Behind a strong brand sat a site structure and content process that made it hard to compete for the search terms its customers were actually using. 

The key challenges:
  • Content wasn't matching search intent. 
    • Existing collection and category content had been written without the search terms customers were actually using in mind, leaving pages that looked find but weren't built to rank. 
  • Development moved too slowly to keep up.
    • Even straightforward updates were stuck behind a slow dev process, meaning fixes and improvements that should have taken days were taking months. 
    •  Content sat in review for extended periods before going live, breaking the consistency needed to build and hold search rankings. 
  • Publishing bottlenecks stalled momentum.
    •  Navigation and category structure hadn't kept pace with the catalogue, leaving gaps in coverage and no clear path for search engines, or shoppers, to find key collections.
  • The site's architecture wasn't built for scale.  
    • Navigation and category structure hadn't kept pace with the catalogue, leaving gaps in coverage and no clear path for search engines, or shoppers, to find any key collections. 

The Plan

We built a strategy to close the gap between Aje's brand and its digital performance, starting with structure, them building the content and authority to support long-term growth. 
check
Rebuild the site's information architecture
Restructure navigation and introduce long-tail collections that target specific search intent, building topical authority while keeping the experience intuitive for shoppers.
check
Optimise collection pages and internal linking
Align page content, title tags, and meta descriptions with real search intent, then connect collections through contextual internal links to pass authority to priority pages, working around a platform that didn't support link widgets.
check
Fix the technical foundations
Resolve underlying technical issues to give the site a stable base to build on, rather than layering new work over unresolved problems.
check
Build authority through strategic link building
Run an ongoing link-building campaign to lift domain authority and support rankings for the collections the new structure was built around.

The Execution

With the strategy set, we moved through the site in stages: research first, then structure, technical fixes, and authority building, each stage building on the last.
domain
Mapped the architecture around real search demand
Ran a competitor gap analysis and keyword research to identify high-value collections and categories, then used those findings to shape the new IA and mega menu around long-tail intent.
domain
Rewrote and interlinked underperforming collection pages
Prioritised categories with weak metadata or thin content, rewriting title tags, meta descriptions, and page copy, then wove internal links through the content itself to connect related collections and pass authority across the new structure.
domain
Resolved technical issues and rebuilt the publishing workflow
Fixed broken links, improved schema, and built an HTML sitemap to speed up crawling and indexation, new pages were being indexed within days of launch. Alongside this, introduced a workflow where Aje approved drafts and StudioHawk handled publishing directly, clearing a backlog that had been stalling momentum.
domain
Ran an ongoing link-building campaign
Delivered fresh link-building pushes every 2 to 3 months, directing authority to key collection pages and compounding the gains from the technical and content work.
download (1)
data_loss_prevention
Long-tail collections built into the navigation, not just the URL. 
 
The rebuilt mega menu breaks each top-level category (like Clothing) into the specific collections shoppers actually search for, Dresses, Knitwear, Denim, Matching Sets, and more, rather than leaving them buried in a flat category list.  It's the IA work from The Plan made visible: structure built around real search intent, not just how the catalogue happened to organised internally. 

bolt
The Execution
To boost Aje’s organic search visibility, we started by revamping their website's information architecture. This included a thorough competitor gap analysis and strategic keyword research, allowing us to target high-value collections and categories. These areas often lacked optimised metadata or meaningful content, which was hindering their ranking potential.
 
We prioritised mapping underperforming categories, creating tailored keyword strategies, and crafting engaging content. Our approach included optimised meta titles and descriptions and a robust internal linking structure to connect related collections and enhance topical authority.
 
On the technical SEO side, we addressed foundational issues like broken links, implemented schema improvements, and developed an HTML sitemap to enhance crawlability and indexation. These fixes provided a strong base and delivered quick wins, with new pages being indexed just days after launch.
 
One challenge was the client’s backlog in reviewing and publishing content. We introduced a streamlined workflow where Aje approved content drafts, and the StudioHawk SEO team handled the publishing process directly. This collaboration allowed us to publish high volumes of content swiftly, building on the momentum created by technical improvements.
 
To further support growth, we executed a strategic link-building campaign, updating efforts every 2–3 months to drive authority to key collection pages. This cohesive approach resulted in higher keyword rankings, increased visibility, and sustainable performance improvements for the site.
 
chart_data
The Results
Aje’s SEO success speaks for itself: a 31% boost in organic traffic, a 206% rise in non-branded traffic, and 107% growth in ranking keywords. The collections pages saw a 128% keyword increase and 30% more engaged sessions from shoppers.
 
These results highlight how a tailored strategy and technical precision transformed Aje’s digital presence, driving real results for their e-commerce powerhouse.
aje_stats_1
check_circle
Overall website performance - 12 months:

 

31.04% increase in organic search traffic across the whole website (brand + non-brand queries)


44.05% increase in organic search visibility


aje_stats_2
check_circle
 
Non-branded queries performance - 12 months:
 

60.77% increase in non-branded traffic over the last 12 months


check_circle
Conclusion
Aje's journey with StudioHawk showcases the power of a well-rounded eCommerce SEO strategy tailored to tackle challenges head-on. By transforming their information architecture, refining content for user intent, and addressing technical roadblocks, we set the foundation for long-term success.
 
The results speak volumes: skyrocketing non-branded traffic, substantial keyword ranking growth, and a revenue increase. This client story is a testament to the impact of blending creativity and adaptability to achieve outcomes for an iconic eCommerce brand.
We've been working with StudioHawk for the past 18 months and have seen remarkable growth in our organic traffic and new user acquisition. Our organic sessions have increased significantly, alongside improved search engine rankings and overall site engagement. We've relied on their expertise to prepare for key events, optimize daily operations, and tackle large-scale site projects. They have become a crucial partner in driving our long-term organic growth.
Rhyanna Cardillo
eCommerce Project Manager - Aje + AJE ATHLETICA
BOOK A FREE SEO & AI CONSULTATION

Ready to grow faster with SEO & AI Search?

Sign up for your FREE SEO & AI Masterplan to uncover hidden 
growth opportunities for your business.
check
In-depth SEO & AI audit
Uncover weaknesses and opportunities to overtake the competition and gain market share
check
Expert traffic analysis
Discover quick wins to boost 
your visibility for your most valuable search terms
check
Custom SEO & AI roadmap
Get clarity and confidence with an SEO & AIstrategy aligned with your goals, industry, and unique challenges
Enter your details to book a FREE consultation with our master SEO & AI craftsmen.
(No middlemen. No juniors. We promise.)

Award-Winning SEO Agency

We may be 'Humble Hawks,' but we're also proud of our team's achievements! Your business deserves to partner with an award-winning SEO agency. 

awards section (2)
awards section (3)-1
1
3
2
4
9
6
10
7
5
8
These awards aren’t just trophies gathering dust—they’re recognition of our innovative approach to SEO. Instead of following the crowd, we rewrite the rules, rethinking how SEO agencies can thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
google-partner As a Google Partner Specialist and a proud Board Member of the Australian Web Industry Association, we’re committed to leading the industry with integrity, creativity, and results.
Hey there! It looks like you're browsing a different region’s site. We’ve got teams across the globe - choose the right one for you: