An SEO audit identifies issues harming your search rankings and traffic. Follow this 5-step framework to analyze technical health, content gaps, and backlink quality—then prioritize fixes for maximum impact.
1. Technical SEO Audit: Fix Crawling & Indexing Issues
Technical errors block search engines from accessing your site. Use these tools and checks:
| Tool | Key Metrics |
|---|---|
| Google Search Console | Crawl errors, mobile usability, indexing |
| Screaming Frog | Broken links, duplicate titles |
| SmallSEOTools Speed Test | Load time > 2 seconds |
Critical Checks:
- Mobile-friendliness: Test with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Tool.
- XML sitemap: Submit via Search Console.
- Redirect chains: Eliminate 301 loops.
Example: A broken product page (404 error) found via Screaming Frog was redirected, recovering 12% lost traffic.
2. On-Page SEO: Optimize Content & Keywords
Audit individual pages for relevance and keyword alignment:
- Keyword cannibalization: Use SEMrush to find pages targeting the same keyword.
- Meta tags: Missing titles/descriptions? Use meta tag extractor.
- Content depth: Compare word count to top 10 competitors (1,500+ words ideal).
Pro Tip: Improve underperforming pages with long-form content strategies.
3. Off-Page SEO: Analyze Backlink Quality
Toxic backlinks can trigger Google penalties. Use:
- Ahrefs Backlink Checker: Export links with spam scores > 40%.
- Disavow Tool: Remove harmful links via Google’s disavow portal.
Case Study: Disavowing 87 spammy forum links boosted a site’s DA from 32 to 41 in 3 months.
4. Content Gap Analysis
Identify missing topics competitors rank for:
- Enter top competitors into Ahrefs Content Gap Tool.
- Target low-competition keywords with keyword research tools.
- Repurpose weak content using SEO content templates.
5. Local SEO Audit (For Businesses)
Maximize local search visibility:
- Google Business Profile: Verify NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone).
- Citations: Fix inconsistencies on directories like Yelp.
- Reviews: Respond to all reviews; aim for 4.5+ avg rating.
Local SEO Tools:
Maintenance Tips:
- Run audits quarterly using SEO audit templates.
- Monitor rankings via SmallSEOTools SERP Tracker.
- Fix priority issues within 14 days for fastest recovery.
For deeper insights, explore our guide to technical SEO fixes or 2024 SEO trends.