Performing a Basic Website Audit
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will guide you through the process of performing a basic website audit, focusing on SEO aspects.
Introduction
A website audit is essential to identify SEO and performance-related issues that can impact user experience and search engine rankings. The following process will help you diagnose possible issues on a website.
Recommended SEO Extensions
Install the following SEO extensions for your browser to assist in the website audit process:
SEO Pro Extension
Redirect Path
Lighthouse Mobile Test
Keywords Everywhere
Website Audit Process
Step 1: Visit the Website
Open the website you want to audit in your browser.
Step 2: Check Metadata with SEO Pro Extension
Click the SEO Pro Extension (maple leaf icon) and evaluate the following:
Is metadata present or missing?
Is the canonical tag matching?
Are Web Vitals good or bad?
Is the language tag present?
Step 3: Assess Website's Headings
Click the 'Headings' tab in the Detailed SEO Extension and assess:
Are headings present?
Do they make sense structurally?
Are any heading levels duplicates, skipped, or out of order?
Step 4: Analyze Website's Status and Redirects
Click the 'Status' tab in the SEO Pro Extension OR use the Redirect Path extension:
404 code indicates the website is not online
A single 301/302 redirect is fine
Multiple redirects in a row should be addressed
Step 5: Examine Schema
Click the 'Schema' tab in the SEO Pro Extension:
Is structured data present?
If there's content, it's a positive sign
If no content is present, it's an issue
Step 6: Conduct Lighthouse Test
Open an incognito window (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N), right-click anywhere on the page, and access Lighthouse via Inspect > Overflow Menu > Lighthouse:
Run a Mobile Lighthouse Test
Screenshot the results for reporting purposes
Step 7: Analyze Performance with GTmetrix
Go to GTmetrix.com:
Run a test on the website
Compare the results against the Lighthouse Test
Use the 'Waterfall' tab to pinpoint slow-loading files
Screenshot the results for reporting purposes
Step 8: Document Findings
Compile and organize the findings to create a comprehensive report of the website audit.
Step 9: Implement Suggestions and Monitor Results
Work with the client or web developer to implement the recommended changes and monitor the website's performance to measure the impact.
