The Ultimate SEO Checklist For 2024

Understanding search engine optimization (SEO) can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This ultimate website SEO audit checklist for 2024 breaks down the key steps to improve your visibility in search results.

Whether you are new to SEO or looking to buy domain name and hosting for your website, this guide will help you tackle the most important elements.

Website SEO Audit Checklist: SEO Foundation

Before going into complex strategies, make sure you have the basics covered:

1. Set Up Essential Tools

• Install Google Analytics to track website traffic.
• Configure Google Search Console to monitor search performance.
• Set up Bing Webmaster Tools for visibility on Microsoft’s search engine.

2. Choose Your Target Keywords

• Find relevant keywords with Google Keyword Planner.
• Look for less competitive long-tail keywords.
• Consider search intent behind keywords (informational, navigational, transactional).

3. Optimise Your Website Structure

• Create a clear, logical site hierarchy.
• Use descriptive URLs with keywords when possible.
• Implement XML sitemaps to help search engines crawl your site.

Website Audit Checklist: On-Page SEO

Once your foundation is set, it’s time to optimise individual pages:

1. Craft Compelling Titles And Meta Descriptions

• Include target keywords in title tags (ideally near the beginning).
• For every page, provide unique, detailed meta-descriptions.
• Keep titles under 60 and descriptions under 160 characters.

2. Use Header Tags Effectively

• Structure content with H1, H2 and H3 tags.
• Include keywords in headers in a natural manner.
• Ensure only one H1 tag per page.

3. Optimise Images

• Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names.
• For accessibility and SEO, use alt text to describe images.
• Compress images to improve page load speed.

4. Create High-Quality, Original Content

• Write for your audience first and then for search engines.
• Include target keywords naturally throughout the text.
• Aim for comprehensive coverage of topics (long-form content often performs well).

Technical SEO Checklist

A website audit checklist should include these technical aspects:

1. Improve Site Speed

• Compress images and minify code.
• Enable browser caching.
• Use a content delivery network (CDN), if appropriate.

2. Ensure Mobile-Friendliness

• Use responsive design for all devices.
• Check your site with Google’s mobile-friendly test tools.
• Optimise for mobile page speed.

3. Implement Schema Markup

• Use structured data in your content.
• Focus on relevant schema types for your industry (e.g., product, recipe, FAQ).
• Test implementation using Google’s Rich Results Test.

4. Fix Technical Errors

• Identify and resolve broken links.
• Eliminate duplicate content issues.
• Ensure proper canonical tags are in place.

Website Audit Checklist: Link Building

Quality backlinks remain a crucial ranking factor. Here is a checklist for the same:

1. Create Linkable Assets

• Develop original research, infographics, or tools.
• Produce comprehensive guides on industry topics.
• Share unique data or insights others will want to reference.

2. Reach Out to Relevant Websites

• Find opportunities for guest posting.
• Suggest updates to existing content that could include your link.
• Build relationships with influencers in your niche.

3. Monitor Your Backlink Profile

• Regularly check for new links using tools like Ahrefs or Moz.
• Discard toxic backlinks that could harm your site.
• Seek to diversify your link sources.

Website Audit Checklist: Local SEO

For businesses with physical locations:

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

• Claim and verify your listing.
• Keep information accurate and up-to-date.
• Encourage and respond to customer reviews.

2. Ensure Nap Consistency

• Keep your phone number, address and name consistent throughout the web.
• Submit your business to relevant local directories.

Conclusion

By following this website SEO audit checklist, you will be well on your way to improving your search engine visibility in 2024.

Regularly revisit these steps and stay informed about algorithm updates to maintain and grow your organic search presence.