anyone actually increasing website traffic organically successfully?

It works, it's just slow and boring, which is why every article tries to sell you a shortcut. What's worked on client sites: - fix anything technical that stops pages being indexed first - rewrite the pages already ranking 5-20 so they actually answer the query better - one or two genuinely useful pieces a month instead of five thin ones - internal links from the pages that get traffic to the ones you want to grow Give it 3-6 months before you judge it. Set that expectation with the client early.