Technical SEO can be complex, and using the right tools can make all the difference. What are your go-to tools for conducting a thorough website audit, and how do you prioritize the issues you uncover?
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In my view, auditing a website for technical SEO is all about using the right tools to uncover issues and then prioritizing fixes based on their impact. Here’s how I approach it and the tools I rely on:
Google Search Console:
For me, this is the first stop. It helps me identify indexing issues, crawl errors, and any manual penalties. According to my understanding, it’s essential to keep an eye on the performance report to spot trends and fix drops in clicks or impressions.
Screaming Frog SEO Spider:
I use this tool to crawl websites and get detailed insights about broken links, duplicate content, redirect chains, and more. It’s like having a magnifying glass for your site structure.
Semrush or Ahrefs:
As per my experience, these tools are fantastic for identifying backlinks, broken external links, and overall site health. They also provide valuable insights into keyword rankings and competitor analysis.
PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse:
For me, these tools are non-negotiable when it comes to performance optimization. They help me identify speed issues, Core Web Vitals problems, and mobile-friendliness concerns.
GTmetrix:
I often cross-check performance metrics with GTmetrix to ensure I have a complete picture of the site’s loading speed and areas needing improvement.
Sitebulb:
As per my understanding, this tool provides a visual and in-depth technical SEO audit. I like how it makes complex data easier to analyze and prioritize.
Ahrefs Webmaster Tools:
I use it to check broken pages, identify orphan pages, and ensure the site’s structure aligns with SEO best practices.
Google Analytics:
While not a traditional audit tool, I look at the behavior flow and exit pages to understand user experience issues.
When it comes to prioritizing issues, I focus on what impacts crawlability, indexing, and user experience the most. For example, if I find a noindex tag on a crucial page or major speed issues, I address those first.
In my view, tackling the high-priority items that directly affect rankings and user satisfaction yields the best results. Auditing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process for me. I adapt my approach based on the site’s size, goals, and the issues uncovered during the audit.