Updated: April 7, 2023.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what an SEO audit is, why it’s important, and how it can help improve your website’s search engine rankings.

You will also learn about the SEO audit prices, types, and who to hire to audit your site.

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of this crucial aspect of search engine optimization (SEO) and how it can benefit your website. Let’s dive in!

P.S. This article has been written with the help of ChatGPT.

Who am I to talk about SEO audits?

As an experienced SEO consultant with over 10 years in the field, I am well-qualified to talk about SEO audits.

I have conducted many audits for clients across a range of industries, and I have a deep understanding of the factors that impact a website’s search engine rankings. I know how to identify and address any issues or weaknesses in a website’s current SEO strategy.

Not only am I knowledgeable about the technical aspects of SEO audits, but I am also up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices (check my SEO podcast and my SEO YouTube channel). I have a wealth of experience using the tools and techniques needed to conduct effective SEO audits.

I have a proven track record of success when it comes to improving the search engine rankings of my clients’ websites. By implementing comprehensive and effective SEO strategies, I have been able to help my clients drive more organic traffic to their websites and achieve their business goals.

In short, my extensive experience and expertise make me well-qualified to talk about SEO audits.

What is an SEO audit?

An SEO audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a website’s search engine optimization performance and effectiveness.

It identifies any weaknesses in the website’s current SEO strategy and provides recommendations for improvement.

This includes analyzing a variety of on-page and off-page factors, as well as technical issues that may be impacting the website’s search engine rankings.

The results of the audit are used to develop a plan for addressing any issues and improving the website’s performance in search engine results pages.

Conducting regular SEO audits is an important part of any website’s SEO strategy.

Check this article: How To Do An SEO Audit (190+ Steps)

What is the purpose of an SEO audit?

The purpose of an SEO audit is to assess a website’s current search engine optimization (SEO) performance and identify any areas for improvement.

However, each site and its content is different, so you need to always define a clear purpose behind your audit analysis.

It is important to define the purpose of an SEO audit because it helps to guide the scope and focus of the audit.

By clearly defining the purpose of the audit, you can ensure that the audit is tailored to the specific needs and goals of your website and business.

This can help to maximize the value and impact of the audit by ensuring that the findings and recommendations are relevant and actionable.

Additionally, defining the purpose of the audit can help to align the expectations of all stakeholders, and ensure that everyone is on the same page in terms of the goals and objectives of the audit.

Overall, defining the purpose of an SEO audit can help to ensure that the audit is successful and achieves its intended objectives.

Why is an SEO audit important? Why are SEO audits important?

SEO audits are important for several reasons. Here are some of the key benefits of conducting an SEO audit:

  • Identifying issues and weaknesses: An SEO audit provides a comprehensive evaluation of a website’s search engine optimization performance, allowing website owners and digital marketers to identify any issues or weaknesses that may be impacting the website’s search engine rankings. By identifying these issues and addressing them, website owners can improve their website’s performance in the search engine results pages (SERPs) and drive more organic traffic.
  • Developing a plan for improvement: Once the results of an SEO audit are available, website owners can use them to develop a plan for addressing any issues or weaknesses that were identified. This plan can include revising or updating the website’s content, improving its structure and navigation, acquiring high-quality backlinks, and addressing any technical issues that may be impacting its search engine rankings.
  • Staying up-to-date with industry trends: Conducting an SEO audit allows website owners and digital marketers to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in search engine optimization. This can help to ensure that their SEO efforts are effective and in line with the latest developments in the field.

Check this list: SEO podcasts and SEO YouTube channels to follow

  • Comparing to competitors: An SEO audit can also provide valuable insights into the search engine optimization strategies of a website’s competitors. By conducting an SEO audit on a competitor’s website, website owners can identify their strengths and weaknesses and gain a better understanding of their own website’s position in the market.

Overall, conducting an SEO audit is an essential part of any website’s search engine optimization strategy, as it provides valuable insights and recommendations for improving the website’s performance in the SERPs.

What is included in an SEO audit?

Here are some examples of the elements that may be included in an SEO audit:

  • On-page factors: These are factors that are within the control of the website owner and are directly related to the content and structure of the website. Examples of on-page factors that may be included in an SEO audit include the quality and relevance of the website’s content, the presence and use of keywords, the organization and navigation of the website’s pages, and the presence of on-page optimization elements such as meta tags and alt text.

Read the article: On-Page SEO Checklist

  • Off-page factors: These are factors that are external to the website and are not directly under the website owner’s control. Examples of off-page factors that may be included in an SEO audit include the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to the website, the website’s presence on social media and other online platforms, and the website’s overall online reputation and authority.
  • Technical factors: These are factors related to the technical aspects of a website, such as its loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and the presence of any errors or issues that may be impacting its search engine rankings. Examples of technical factors that may be included in an SEO audit include the website’s coding and structure, its use of redirects and other technical elements, and the presence of any technical issues that may be hindering its search engine performance.

Read this article: 15+ Technical SEO Issues (Examples)

  • Performance in search engine results pages: An SEO audit may also include an evaluation of a website’s performance in the search engine results pages (SERPs), including its position for relevant keywords, the click-through rate of its search engine listings, and the overall level of organic traffic it receives.

Overall, the specific elements that are included in an SEO audit will depend on the goals and needs of the website being audited, as well as the resources and expertise available.

A comprehensive SEO audit may include a broad range of elements, while a more targeted audit may focus on a specific aspect of a website’s search engine optimization performance.

The important thing is to conduct an audit that is thorough and effective, and that provides valuable insights and recommendations for improving the website’s search engine rankings and driving more organic traffic.

Check this article: 99+ SEO Audit Mistakes

What types of SEO audits are there?

There are several different types of SEO audits, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of a website’s search engine optimization performance.

Here are some examples of the types of SEO audits that are commonly conducted:

  • On-page SEO audit: This type of audit focuses on the content and structure of a website, and evaluates factors such as the quality and relevance of the website’s content, the organization and navigation of its pages, and the presence of keywords and other on-page optimization elements.
  • Off-page SEO audit: This type of audit evaluates the factors that are external to a website, such as the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to the website and the website’s presence on social media and other online platforms.
  • Technical SEO audit: This type of audit focuses on the technical aspects of a website, such as its loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and the presence of any errors or issues that may be impacting its search engine rankings.
  • Competitor SEO audit: This type of audit involves conducting an SEO audit on a website’s competitors in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses and gain insights into their SEO strategies.
  • Full SEO audit: This type of audit involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of a website’s on-page, off-page, and technical SEO performance, as well as its overall performance in search engine results pages.

Overall, the type of SEO audit that is conducted will depend on the specific needs and goals of the website being audited, as well as the resources and expertise available.

In what format can an SEO audit be delivered in?

An SEO audit can be delivered in a number of different formats, depending on the preferences of the person or business requesting the audit.

Some common formats for delivering an SEO audit include:

  • A written report: An SEO audit report is a document that provides a detailed analysis of a website and its performance in search engines. The report typically includes an overview of the audit findings, as well as specific recommendations for improvement.
  • A presentation: Some SEO consultants or agencies may deliver an SEO audit as a presentation, either in person or online. This can be a useful format for presenting the audit findings and recommendations to a group of stakeholders.
  • A web-based dashboard: Some SEO audit tools or services offer a web-based dashboard that allows users to access audit results and recommendations online. This can be a convenient way to view and track the progress of the audit over time. These audits are performed by tools so you need to be careful about them!
  • A one-on-one consultation: In some cases, an SEO consultant may deliver the audit results and recommendations through a one-on-one consultation. This can be a useful format for discussing the audit findings in detail and providing personalized advice and guidance.

Who should you hire to do an SEO audit?

When it comes to hiring someone to conduct an SEO audit, it’s important to choose someone who has the necessary expertise and experience.

Ideally, you should look for an SEO consultant or specialist who has a proven track record of success in conducting SEO audits and improving the search engine rankings of websites.

Some factors to consider when looking for someone to conduct an SEO audit include:

  • Their level of expertise and experience: It’s important to choose someone who has a deep understanding of the various factors that impact a website’s search engine rankings, and who has experience conducting SEO audits for a variety of websites.
  • Their knowledge of industry trends and best practices: An effective SEO audit should be based on the latest industry trends and best practices. Make sure that the person you hire is up-to-date on these trends and knows how to apply them in the context of an SEO audit.
  • Their ability to provide clear and actionable recommendations: The results of an SEO audit should be presented in a way that is clear and easy to understand, with actionable recommendations for improvement. Make sure that the person you hire is able to provide this type of guidance.
  • Their availability and responsiveness: An SEO audit can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to choose someone who is available and responsive to your needs. Make sure that the person you hire is able to work with you to conduct the audit in a timely and effective manner.

Overall, choosing the right person to conduct an SEO audit is an important decision. Take the time to carefully research and compare potential candidates, and choose someone who has the expertise and experience to provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving your website’s search engine performance.

How much does an SEO audit cost?

The cost of an SEO audit can be in the thousands of dollars because it is a very thorough and detailed process.

An SEO audit involves thoroughly reviewing and analyzing a website to identify any potential issues or opportunities for improvement. This can include things like analyzing the website’s structure and content, as well as its performance in search engines.

Additionally, an SEO audit often requires specialized knowledge and expertise, which can be costly to hire. In some cases, an SEO audit may also require the use of specialized tools and software, which can add to the cost.

The exact cost of an SEO audit will depend on the specific needs of your website and the services included in the audit. However, the cost is an investment in the long-term success of your website, and can potentially lead to increased traffic and revenue.

Ultimately, the cost of an SEO audit will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the website and the level of detail and analysis required.

How long does it take to perform an SEO audit?

This, unfortunately, depends.

The amount of time it takes to perform an SEO audit can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the website and the level of detail and analysis required.

An SEO audit can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete. For a small, straightforward website, an SEO audit might take just a few hours to complete, while a larger, more complex website could take several days to thoroughly review and analyze.

Additionally, the amount of time it takes to complete an SEO audit can also be affected by the level of expertise and experience of the person or team conducting the audit. An experienced SEO specialist will likely be able to complete the audit more quickly than someone who is new to the field.

How often should you do an SEO audit?

The frequency of SEO audits will depend – AGAIN – on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the website, as well as the rate of change and growth of the business or organization.

In general, however, it is recommended to conduct an SEO audit at least once per year. This can help ensure that any potential issues or opportunities for improvement are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

For larger websites or businesses with a high rate of change or growth, it may be necessary to conduct an SEO audit more frequently, such as every six months or even quarterly.

Additionally, it can be helpful to conduct an SEO audit any time there are significant changes or updates to the website, such as the launch of a new product or service, or a redesign of the site.

Check the article: Website Redesign SEO Checklist

Unlock the full potential of your website with a professional SEO audit from a trusted expert

As a highly experienced SEO consultant with over 10 years of experience and more than 250 successful website audits under my belt, I would like to encourage you to consider getting an SEO audit from me.

By conducting an SEO audit of your website, I can identify any potential issues that may be holding your site back from achieving its full potential.

I can also identify opportunities for improvement and growth, and develop a plan to help your website achieve its goals.

With my extensive experience and expertise in the field of SEO, I am well-equipped to provide valuable insights and recommendations to help improve your website’s performance.

So why not take the next step and get an SEO audit from a trusted and experienced professional like me? It could be the best decision you make for your website.

Request an individual quote or get more information

Olga Zarr is an SEO consultant with 10+ years of experience. She has been doing SEO for both the biggest brands in the world and small businesses. She has done 200+ SEO audits so far. Olga has completed SEO courses and degrees at universities, such as UC Davis, University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins University. She also completed Moz Academy! And, of course, has Google certifications. She keeps learning SEO and loves it. Olga is also a Google Product Expert specializing in areas, such as Google Search and Google Webmasters.