"What topics do you include in your report? My report includes on-page SEO, keyword rankings compared to competitors, technical SEO, optimization for local search, citations, and backlink analysis. I'm interested in hearing about what others cover in their audits.How do you strike a balance between providing valuable insights without getting too technical, especially for a free audit? I want to be able to present a clear story and highlight areas for improvement on their website without overwhelming myself.
Does anyone have a proven template for conducting local SEO audits that they’d be willing to share?"
A comprehensive local SEO audit should encompass a range of factors, including on-page optimization, keyword analysis, technical SEO, local search optimization, citation management, and backlink analysis. It’s crucial to strike a balance between providing insightful recommendations and avoiding overly technical jargon, particularly when offering free audits.
Here’s a breakdown of key elements to include:
On-Page Optimization:
- Title tags and meta descriptions: Ensure they are relevant, compelling, and include target keywords.
- Header tags (H1-H6): Properly structure content with header tags for improved readability and SEO.
- Content quality and relevance: Assess the quality and relevance of existing content to target keywords and user intent.
- Image optimization: Utilize alt text for images to improve accessibility and SEO.
- Schema markup: Implement schema markup to enhance the visibility of local business information in search results.
Keyword Analysis:
- Target keyword research: Identify relevant keywords and long-tail phrases related to the business and its local market.
- Keyword ranking analysis: Compare the business’s current keyword rankings with competitors.
Technical SEO:
- Website speed and performance: Analyze website loading speed and identify any performance bottlenecks.
- Mobile responsiveness: Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless user experience across devices.
- XML sitemap: Confirm a valid XML sitemap exists and is submitted to search engines.
- HTTPS security: Ensure the website uses HTTPS for secure connections.
Local Search Optimization:
- Google My Business (GMB) profile: Review the accuracy and completeness of the GMB profile, including business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and photos.
- Local citations: Identify and manage citations across various online directories to ensure consistency in business information.
- Geo-targeting: Ensure website content and keywords are optimized for the local market.
Backlink Analysis:
- Backlink profile: Analyze the quantity and quality of backlinks pointing to the website.
- Backlink diversity: Assess the diversity of backlink sources and identify opportunities to acquire backlinks from relevant websites.
Template for Local SEO Audits:
A structured approach using a template can streamline the audit process and ensure consistency. Here’s a suggested template:
- Introduction: Briefly describe the purpose of the audit and outline its scope.
- Business Overview: Gather basic information about the business, including industry, target audience, and local market.
- On-Page Optimization: Analyze on-page elements and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Keyword Analysis: Identify target keywords and analyze their current ranking.
- Technical SEO: Assess technical factors affecting website performance and SEO.
- Local Search Optimization: Evaluate the business’s presence in local search results and recommend optimizations.
- Backlink Analysis: Analyze backlinks and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Recommendations: Summarize key findings and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
- Conclusion: Briefly restate the key takeaways and emphasize the potential benefits of implementing the recommendations.
Remember: When presenting the audit, focus on highlighting the most significant areas for improvement and the potential impact of implementing the recommendations. Emphasize the benefits to the business, such as increased visibility, website traffic, and ultimately, more leads and customers.