How to complete an SEO audit of your website

As a website owner, you want your website to rank high in search engine results pages (SERPs). But how do you know if your website is optimised for search engines? This is where an SEO audit comes in.

An SEO audit evaluates your website's search engine friendliness and identifies areas for improvement. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to completing an SEO audit of your website.

Why is an SEO Audit Important?

An SEO audit is crucial because it helps you identify any issues that may be hindering your website's performance in search engine rankings. By conducting an SEO audit, you can improve your website's visibility, traffic, and, ultimately, conversions.

SEO Audit Checklist

Before we dive into the steps of conducting an SEO audit, let's go over a checklist of items you should include in your audit:

• Keyword research and analysis

• On-page optimisation (title tags, meta descriptions, headings, etc.)

• Technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendliness, crawl errors, etc.)

• Backlink analysis

• Content analysis

• Local SEO (if applicable)

• Social media presence

• Analytics and tracking

Now, let's get into the steps of conducting an SEO audit.

Step 1: Keyword Research and Analysis

Keyword research is the process of identifying the keywords and phrases that your target audience is using to search for your products or services. This is an essential step in an SEO audit because it helps you understand what keywords you should be targeting on your website.

To conduct keyword research, you can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. These tools will provide you with data on search volume, competition, and related keywords.

Once you have a list of relevant keywords, you can use them to optimise your website's content and meta tags.

Step 2: On-Page Optimisation

On-page optimisation refers to the elements of your website that can be optimised for search engines. These include title tags, meta descriptions, headings, and content.

Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Title tags and meta descriptions are HTML elements that provide search engines with information about your webpage. They also appear in search engine results pages, so it's important to optimise them for both search engines and users.

Make sure your title tags and meta descriptions are relevant and descriptive, and include your target keywords. Keep them within the recommended character limits (around 60 characters for title tags and 160 characters for meta descriptions) and avoid duplicate content.

Headings

Headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) structure your content and make it easier for users to read. They also provide context for search engines to understand your webpage's content.

Make sure your headings are relevant and include your target keywords. Use only one H1 tag per page, and use H2 and H3 tags to break up your content into sections.

Content

Content is a crucial element of on-page optimisation. Make sure your content is high-quality, relevant, and includes your target keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on providing value to your audience.

Step 3: Technical SEO

Technical SEO refers to the technical aspects of your website that can affect its performance in search engine rankings. This includes site speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawl errors.

Site Speed

Site speed is an important ranking factor for search engines. A slow website can lead to a poor user experience and lower search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to analyse your website's speed and make improvements if necessary.

Mobile-Friendliness

With the majority of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, it's essential to ensure that your website is optimised for mobile. Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test to check if your website is mobile-friendly and make any necessary changes.

Crawl Errors

Crawl errors occur when search engine bots are unable to access certain pages on your website. These errors can negatively impact your website's performance in search engine rankings. Use Google Search Console to identify and fix any crawl errors on your website.

Step 4: Backlink Analysis

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your website. They are an important ranking factor for search engines and can help improve your website's authority and credibility.

Analyse your website's backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs or Moz. Look for low-quality or spammy backlinks and disavow them using Google's Disavow Tool.

Step 5: Content Analysis

Content is important for on-page optimisation, attracting backlinks, and improving your website's authority. Analyse your website's content to ensure it is high-quality, relevant, and engaging.

You can also use tools like BuzzSumo to identify popular content in your industry and use it as inspiration for your content.

Step 6: Local SEO

Businesses with a physical brick-and-mortar location should optimise their website for local searches. This includes creating a Google My Business listing, optimising their website's contact page with their business name, address, and phone number, and getting listed in local directories.

Step 7: Social Media Presence

While social media may not directly impact your website's search engine rankings, it can indirectly affect them. A solid social media presence can help drive traffic to your website and improve your website's authority.

Make sure your social media profiles are complete and up-to-date, and regularly share your website's content on your social media platforms as a way of directing traffic to your site.

Step 8: Analytics and Tracking

Finally, it's crucial to track your website's performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. These tools can provide valuable insights into your website's traffic, user behaviour, and search engine rankings.

Greyhive: SEO Specialists

Are you looking to boost your online presence and attract more customers but think you might struggle to get there on your own? Contact Greyhive, the ultimate marketing agency in Nottingham. Our marketing agency specialises in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and we're here to take your business to the next level. With our proven track record of success, we know what it takes to rank your website higher on search engine results pages, increase organic traffic, and maximise your online visibility.

Here's why you should choose our agency:

• Expertise: Our team consists of seasoned SEO professionals who stay ahead of the curve with the latest SEO trends and techniques.

• Customised Strategies: We develop tailored SEO strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of your business.

• Results-Driven Approach: We are committed to delivering measurable results and increasing your ROI.

• Transparent Reporting: You'll receive regular reports that outline the progress of your SEO.

Completing an SEO checklist to audit your website can seem daunting. Still, by following these steps and using the right tools, you can identify areas for improvement and optimise your website for search engines. Regularly conducting an SEO audit can help you stay on top of any changes in search engine algorithms and ensure your website is always performing at its best. Contact Greyhive, the best marketing agency in Leicester and the East Midlands, today to discuss your website.