So, you’ve decided to take on the Herculean task of conducting your own website audit for search engine optimisation (SEO)… The thing is, performing an SEO site audit is crucial to the success of your website. It helps you identify issues and opportunities for improvement, so you can optimise your site and climb up those search engine rankings.

But, let’s face it, conducting a website audit can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the search engine optimisation game. There are so many different factors to consider, and it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid some common mistakes and make the most of your audit.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common mistakes to avoid when performing an SEO site audit and offer some witty advice along the way so you can optimise your website and climb up those search engine rankings. 

Mistake #1: Not having a plan

Ah, the classic mistake of jumping into a site audit without a plan. It’s like jumping out of a plane without a parachute – sure, it might seem like a good idea at the time, but it’s not going to end well. Not having a plan is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to website audits. Without a plan, you’ll likely miss important factors, waste time on irrelevant elements, and end up feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

So, what’s the solution? Develop a plan! Set specific goals, create a checklist of elements to review, and establish a timeline. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay organised, focused, and efficient. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail, and in the world of search engine optimisation, that means you’re planning to be an internet ghost. So, take the time to create a plan, and you’ll be well on your way to SEO success.

Mistake #2: Ignoring technical SEO issues

Technical SEO issues – the bane of many a site audit. Ignoring technical SEO issues is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. These issues can include things like broken links, slow page loading times, and poor mobile responsiveness – all of which can hurt your search results.

Take the time to identify and address these issues, even if it means getting your hands dirty with some coding or website maintenance. Ignoring technical issues is like ignoring the sound of your car engine when it’s making a strange noise. Eventually, it’s going to break down on you, and you’ll be stuck on the side of the search engine highway, watching your competitors zoom past you.

Mistake #3: Neglecting keyword research

Keyword research is the backbone of any successful search engine optimisation strategy. Neglecting it is like trying to win a game of chess without knowing how the pieces move – you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Neglecting keyword research is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. It can result in targeting the wrong keywords, missing out on opportunities to rank for high-volume keywords, and ultimately, losing out on valuable traffic.

So, what’s the solution? Do yourself a favour and invest some time in keyword research. Take the time to identify the keywords that are relevant to your business and optimise your content around them. It’ll pay off in the long run and help you drive targeted traffic to your site. 

Mistake #4: Focusing too much on rankings

Rankings are the ultimate carrot that all SEO enthusiasts chase. Focusing too much on rankings is like focusing too much on the frosting and neglecting the cake underneath… Sure, the frosting might be tasty, but without a solid foundation, it’s all going to fall apart. 

Focusing too much on rankings is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. It can lead to neglecting other important factors, like user experience and content quality, in favour of simply achieving higher rankings.

Take a step back and refocus your efforts on creating high-quality, valuable content and providing a great user experience. After all, isn’t that what search engine optimisation is all about – making your website the best it can be for your audience? 

Mistake #5: Overlooking content optimisation

Content optimisation is the bread and butter of any successful SEO strategy. Overlooking it is like trying to build a house without any bricks – you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Overlooking content optimisation is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. 

It can result in poor search engine rankings, a lack of engagement from your audience, and ultimately, losing out on valuable traffic. So, take the time to ensure your content is optimised for your target keywords and structured in a way that’s easy for both search engines and users to understand. It’ll pay off in the long run and help you stand out from the crowd. 

Avoid these SEO mistakes

Well, there you have it, the most common mistakes to avoid when conducting an SEO site audit… From not having a plan to overlooking content optimisation, each mistake can have serious consequences for your search engine rankings and your overall online presence.

Just remember to focus on creating high-quality content, providing a great user experience, and optimising for your target keywords. And don’t forget, search engine optimisation is an ongoing process, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see immediate results. Keep chipping away, and you’ll get there eventually. And if you’re not sure where to start, we can help.