Whitey - 6:19 am on Aug 20, 2012 (gmt 0)

Specifically, has anyone in a crowded space ( such as real estate, travel, restaurants , finance etc ), that's worked their butt's off for over 18 months; spent $10,000's of dollars with top consultancy , benchmark UI improves, social and full unique / useful content additions, achieved vast improvements in metrics and seen, against expectations, no Panda breaking.

It's understood brand stands out in the SERP's and gives a free ride, but was wondering if anyone has a view on what can be done successfully or has been achieved ... or are some crowded space verticals just locked out. ( frustrated )

Positive and objective contributions welcome.