How to Perform an SEO Audit (And Fix the Issues Holding You Back)

Published March 6th, 2025
 

Why Every Website Needs an SEO Audit

If your website is struggling to rank on Google, there are likely hidden SEO issues preventing you from reaching the top. An SEO audit helps uncover these problems so you can fix them and improve your visibility.

An audit examines technical SEO, on-page optimization, backlinks, and content quality to determine what is helping or hurting your rankings. Whether you have a brand-new site or an established one, a well-executed SEO audit is essential for long-term success.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to analyze your website’s SEO health, fix critical issues, and boost your rankings.

 

Step 1 - Check Your Website’s Technical Health


Technical SEO is the foundation of your website’s performance. If search engines cannot crawl and index your site properly, your rankings will suffer.
 

Run a Site Crawl


A site crawl helps identify technical issues like broken links, duplicate content, and slow-loading pages. Use tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or SEMrush to scan your site for errors.

Fixes:
 
  • Repair broken links to improve user experience and SEO.
  • Remove or consolidate duplicate content.
  • Ensure all pages are properly indexed by Google.
 

Improve Website Speed and Mobile Usability


Google prioritizes fast and mobile-friendly websites. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s loading speed and get recommendations for improvement.

Fixes:
 
  • Compress images to reduce load times.
  • Enable caching and minify CSS/JavaScript files.
  • Use a responsive design that adapts to all devices.

For professional website optimization, consider our website creation services to ensure your site is fully optimized for speed and performance.
 

Step 2 - Optimize On-Page SEO


On-page SEO involves optimizing content, meta tags, and structure to improve rankings.
 

Optimize Your Title Tags and Meta Descriptions


Your title tags and meta descriptions should be keyword-rich and compelling to increase click-through rates.

Fixes:
 
  • Ensure each page has a unique title tag with relevant keywords.
  • Write engaging meta descriptions that encourage users to click.
  • Keep title tags under 60 characters and meta descriptions under 160 characters.
 

Improve Content for SEO


Google ranks pages based on content quality and relevance.

Fixes:
 
  • Use long-tail keywords naturally throughout your content.
  • Structure content with H1, H2, and H3 headings for readability.
  • Add internal links to other pages, such as Google Business Profile management for local SEO benefits.
 

Step 3 - Analyze Backlinks and Off-Page SEO


Backlinks are a major ranking factor. The more high-quality sites linking to yours, the more authority your website gains.
 

Check Your Backlink Profile


Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to analyze your backlinks.

Fixes:
 
  • Disavow spammy or toxic backlinks.
  • Reach out to reputable websites for guest posting opportunities.
  • Get listed in local directories to improve local SEO.

If your business needs help building high-quality backlinks, our reputation management services can assist in boosting your online presence.
 

Step 4 - Audit and Optimize Your Google Business Profile


For local businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP) is a game-changer. A well-optimized profile increases visibility in local search results.
 

Check for Completeness and Accuracy


Ensure your GBP profile has up-to-date business information, including your name, address, phone number, and business hours.

Fixes:
 
  • Add high-quality images and videos.
  • Respond to customer reviews to build trust.
  • Post regular updates to keep your profile active.

For expert GBP management, check out our Google Business Profile services to maximize your local reach.
 

Step 5 - Monitor and Track Your SEO Performance


An SEO audit is not a one-time task. Regular monitoring helps you stay ahead of ranking fluctuations and algorithm changes.
 

Use Google Analytics and Search Console


Google’s free tools provide deep insights into how users find and interact with your website.

Fixes:
 
  • Track keyword rankings and traffic trends.
  • Identify pages with high bounce rates and improve engagement.
  • Set up goals to measure conversions and customer actions.

Need professional SEO tracking and optimization? Schedule a call with us to discuss your SEO goals.
 

Final Thoughts & Next Steps


Performing an SEO audit is one of the most effective ways to uncover weaknesses in your website and boost your search rankings. By fixing technical errors, optimizing content, building quality backlinks, and improving your Google Business Profile, you can increase visibility and attract more customers.

If you need help with SEO, website design, or digital marketing, Cannone Marketing offers expert solutions to take your business to the next level.