Similar to maintaining your car, your website also needs regular upkeep. An SEO audit entails a thorough evaluation of your website’s SEO performance. It identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of your site in terms of SEO.

Following the audit, your company receives a set of recommendations. If you’re collaborating with an SEO agency such as Stratedia, we can execute these recommendations on your behalf. Alternatively, if you’re utilizing an SEO audit tool, your team will be responsible for implementing the necessary updates to your website.

While both aim to evaluate your company’s SEO strategy, they operate differently. For many businesses, SEO audit tools, such as our free SEO checker, are effective for assessing the overall SEO performance of a webpage on your site.

However, what sets apart an SEO audit tool from a professional SEO audit?

An SEO audit tool automatically examines a webpage on your site when you input its URL. It then generates a report highlighting the page’s strengths and weaknesses, along with recommendations for enhancing its SEO.

In contrast, a professional SEO audit involves a comprehensive and personalized assessment of your entire website conducted by a skilled team of digital marketers. This is why many businesses opt to utilize SEO audit tools before committing to a professional SEO audit.

Using an SEO checker provides a swift overview of your site’s SEO status. This report can be valuable when explaining to company stakeholders why investing in a professional SEO audit is crucial.

If you’ve experimented with free SEO checkers or explored professional SEO audits, you might have observed both similarities and disparities in their content. Consequently, it’s frequent for companies to inquire, “What does an SEO audit include?

In most instances, an SEO audit typically includes the following components:

Technical Audit:

• A technical audit evaluates your website from a technical SEO perspective. This may involve identifying duplicate content or broken links leading to 404 error pages. Technical audits are a fundamental aspect of SEO audits.

Competitive Audit:

• A competitive audit scrutinizes not only your website but also those of your competitors. Through your SEO report, you’ll receive a comparison chart or scorecard highlighting your site’s strengths and weaknesses. This analysis helps you understand how to enhance your website and outperform your competitors.

Some SEO agencies may offer additional competitor analysis tools. For example, Stratedia provides Semrush, which compares your website with your competitors across various metrics such as keywords, organic traffic, and more. It also offers data-driven recommendations for surpassing your competition.

A content audit involves evaluating the content on your website, encompassing everything from service pages to blog posts. This assessment includes examining aspects such as the optimization of images and title tags, as well as the targeted keywords on each webpage.

A link audit involves scrutinizing your site’s link profile and assessing both the quantity and quality of links pointing to your website. For instance, if your company specializes in food and you’ve published a blog post featuring fall-themed recipes, links from baking, parenting, or healthy eating blogs may have been shared, directing traffic to your post.

A social audit examines your visibility and activity across various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. It evaluates metrics such as shares, comments, and likes on your content. Additionally, this audit assesses your website for the presence of social sharing buttons, which can incentivize users to share your content.

While the specific components of an SEO audit may vary depending on the agency or SEO audit tool, a technical analysis of your website is typically included in almost all cases. This technical analysis serves as the foundation for evaluating your site and devising future strategies.

For optimal results, companies should consider investing in a comprehensive, SEO audit that encompasses:

• Technical Audit
• Competitive Audit
• Content Audit
• Link Audit
• Social Audit

Reviewing every aspect of your website can significantly enhance its performance. For instance, an audit can lead to a faster and better-optimized website. With an improved site and SEO strategy, you can begin ranking for highly competitive keywords within your industry.

Achieving a higher ranking in search results can have far-reaching benefits for your company. Given that 75 percent of users typically stick to the first page of search results, directing a substantial amount of valuable traffic to your website becomes possible. This traffic, composed of users from your target audience, has a greater likelihood of converting, whether through purchasing your product or subscribing to your newsletter.

The impact of increased purchases and leads?

More revenue for your business. With this additional revenue, your company can expand by hiring new team members, establishing a new facility, or even introducing a new product or service. These are the tangible outcomes of investing in a comprehensive SEO audit.

Typically, a professional SEO audit spans a duration of 30 to 45 days on average. Some agencies offer expedited services that can complete audits within a week or two, albeit often at an additional cost. Alternatively, if you utilize a free SEO checker tool, you can obtain instant results.

The timeframe for an SEO audit also hinges on the size of your website. For instance, auditing a website with 10 to 15 pages might only take a week. However, if your website boasts over 100 pages, the audit process could extend beyond 45 days.

For the most precise estimate, it’s advisable to consult with an SEO agency.

The pricing of SEO audits, ranging from $650 to $14,000, is influenced by several factors in 2024. These factors can stem from both your company and the SEO agency you engage with.

The size of your website is the most significant determinant of SEO audit cost. Larger websites with more pages require more time to assess thoroughly. Consequently, a website comprising 100 pages will incur higher audit costs compared to one with 50 pages.

Attempting to economize by auditing only a portion of your web pages is not advisable. Such a limited audit provides an incomplete picture of your website’s SEO performance and may overlook crucial errors, such as 404 pages.

Depending on your website’s size, you may need to request a customized quote for your audit. For instance, our SEO audits typically cover a specific number of pages. However, for companies with extensive websites featuring hundreds of pages, additional charges on a per-page basis may apply.

The level of experience possessed by your chosen agency also plays a significant role in determining SEO audit pricing.

Working with an experienced agency offers several advantages for your company. You’ll collaborate with a team immersed in SEO practices daily, ensuring that your audit report adheres to industry standards and best practices. This results in an actionable report that can effectively improve your website’s performance.

However, an agency’s level of experience typically correlates with its pricing. Agencies with extensive expertise often command higher rates for their services, reflecting the quality and results they deliver. While the impact of agency experience on SEO audit costs is relatively minor compared to website size, investing in an experienced agency can yield significant benefits for your website’s performance and overall business outcomes.

For instance, an agency may incrementally increase its fees by a few hundred dollars. If you aim to maximize your website’s performance and its contribution to your bottom line, opting for an experienced agency is a worthwhile investment.

When exploring various agency websites, you’ll notice they highlight different aspects of their audit services. Some may emphasize the technical audit, while others may highlight the inclusion of a link audit in their SEO audit offerings.

The components included in an agency’s services also influence the pricing of an SEO audit. For example, an agency that offers a basic technical audit may charge lower rates than one providing a comprehensive technical audit.

Before selecting an agency, it’s essential to review the components included in their audits. Additionally, consider whether they can tailor their services to align with your business needs. At Stratedia, for instance, we customize all our services, including SEO audits and strategies, to suit each client’s unique company, products, and industry.

For optimal results, it’s advisable not to settle for a partial audit. Opting for a comprehensive audit of your website, especially if your last audit was conducted more than a year ago or if you’re overhauling your SEO strategy, can yield significant benefits. While it may entail higher costs, it can have a substantial impact on your company’s success.

The size of an agency can also impact SEO audit costs.

For instance, an agency with a team of 25 members may offer higher prices for its SEO audits compared to an agency with over 500 team members. Why? A smaller agency has a limited work capacity and must maximize its value accordingly.

On the other hand, a larger agency can handle a higher workload due to its larger team. This enables the agency to charge lower rates for its services. However, the experience of the agency can mitigate these reductions in pricing.

While businesses can partner with agencies of any size, there are distinct advantages to collaborating with larger agencies. They often boast greater establishment and experience, guaranteeing clients receive comprehensive and actionable audit reports.

Depending on your business requirements and budget, a small agency may suffice, particularly for startups. However, established enterprises or SMBs may find greater value in partnering with a larger agency.

Similar to other services, you have the option to expedite SEO audits, but it comes at an additional cost. Rush services are discretionary, and if your company is comfortable waiting for the SEO audit report, then this factor may not be a concern.

The extra cost for expedited SEO audits varies depending on factors such as the agency, deadline, and website size. For instance, expediting an SEO audit for a 100-page website could incur double the cost compared to expediting an audit for a 50-page website. Essentially, the faster you require the audit, the higher the expense.

If you prioritize fast turnaround times for an SEO audit, consider partnering with a larger agency. Their extensive team resources enable them to conduct the audit promptly and implement necessary changes efficiently.

Depending on your deadline, some agencies may decline to accommodate your request. To streamline the process, inform potential agencies of your target date as early as possible. This allows them to assess whether they can meet your deadline and provide you with the associated costs accordingly.

Many agencies that offer SEO audits also provide implementation services. Essentially, the agency delivers its recommendations to your team and then executes the approved changes. This service is particularly valuable for teams unfamiliar with technical SEO, saving them time and effort.

The costs for implementation typically vary widely. For instance, a 100-page website with numerous issues may incur higher implementation costs compared to a similar-sized site with only minor issues. Additionally, the severity and complexity of the identified errors can influence pricing.

Before partnering with an agency for an SEO audit, it’s crucial to discuss their implementation rates. While this may not provide an exact cost, it offers a general understanding of potential implementation expenses and helps determine if it aligns with your budget.

For swift implementation, opt for an established agency with a proficient team. For instance, Stratedia boasts expert digital marketers capable of efficiently updating your website. Consequently, your site can begin performing optimally and driving revenue sooner.

To optimize the performance and effectiveness of your SEO strategy, it’s advisable to conduct SEO audits annually or bi-annually. For larger websites, such as e-commerce sites, experts recommend conducting audits every quarter.

But what if you’re already working with an agency on your SEO efforts?

While you may not require audits as frequently as a company managing its SEO in-house, routine audits still provide value. They enable your business and your account manager to identify areas for improvement, potentially leading to significant enhancements in your online visibility.

Additionally, your company must invest in an SEO audit at the onset of a new digital marketing or SEO strategy. Taking this proactive step ensures that your company, along with your agency, launches the most effective campaign possible.

Businesses invest in SEO audits to improve their SEO performance. Depending on your company’s size, you may handle SEO internally or engage an SEO agency. If you opt for the latter, it’s natural to inquire whether their SEO services encompass an audit.

In most scenarios, SEO services kick off with an audit. For instance, when partnering with Stratedia, our SEO team conducts a thorough audit of your site to formulate a personalized, data-driven strategy. We include this as part of your SEO package, at no additional cost.

If your chosen agency does not include an audit in its SEO services or incorporates it as a hidden fee, it’s advisable to seek alternatives. Initiating client relationships in such a manner often foreshadows potential issues down the line.

How much do SEO services cost?

The cost of SEO services typically ranges from $350 to $2000 per month. In contrast, an SEO audit can cost between $650 and $14,000. The benefit of SEO services lies in the ongoing enhancements your website receives, ultimately leading to improved rankings for high-value keywords.

Therefore, if you aim to enhance long-term revenue, investing in SEO services is often worthwhile.

Contemplating whether to invest in an SEO audit? Despite the potential price tag of up to $14,000, an SEO audit is a valuable investment that offers substantial benefits. Through regular SEO audits and updates to your website, your company stands to gain in numerous ways, including:

SEO audits enable you to identify new avenues for improving the user experience (UX) of your website. For instance, if your website contains numerous broken links leading to 404 errors, it creates a subpar experience for visitors.

A poor UX can significantly impact your business. Surprisingly, nearly 90 percent of consumers opt to shop with a competitor following a negative UX encounter. Consequently, you risk losing valuable potential customers due to issues unrelated to your product or service.

View your SEO audit as an opportunity to elevate the experience for your users. Through the audit report, you can uncover strategies to streamline the process for visitors, facilitating easier engagement with your company and increasing the likelihood of conversions, whether through purchases, inquiries, or other actions.

The top search result garners over 30 percent of all search traffic, underscoring the significance of attaining the number one position. However, achieving and retaining this position requires maintaining a website that adheres to SEO best practices.

This is where routine SEO audits play a pivotal role. Without regular upkeep, your website risks falling behind and potentially slipping from the first page to the second page of search results. It’s noteworthy that only 25 percent of users venture beyond the first page.

Consider SEO audits as routine maintenance for your site. They aid in sustaining or enhancing your website’s ranking in search results, thereby attracting more valuable traffic to your website. This influx of traffic leads to the next benefit of SEO audits.

Keywords play a crucial role in SEO, which is why SEO audits scrutinize your company’s keyword strategy. These audits analyze the keywords your website ranks for in search results and evaluate the site traffic generated by those keywords.

Based on the findings of your SEO audit, your team can identify the most valuable keywords in your strategy. The audit report also offers insights into the performance and effectiveness of these keywords. For instance, you may discover that while your website ranks well for a particular keyword, it fails to generate significant traffic. In such cases, optimizing for a different keyword that attracts more valuable traffic may be more beneficial.

By targeting high-value keywords in your SEO strategy, you can attract more valuable traffic to your website. With an increase in high-quality traffic, you have the opportunity to improve your conversion rates, thereby driving more revenue for your company.

An SEO audit empowers your business to enhance its online visibility in search results. By analyzing your keyword strategy, the audit provides valuable insights into your most and least effective keywords, as well as identifies new keyword opportunities.

By realigning your SEO strategy to focus on high-value keywords, you can improve your ranking in search results for these keywords. For instance, if your business offers roofing services for homeowners, targeting keywords like “roofers in Connecticut” can be highly beneficial.

Achieving a presence on the first page of search results for such keywords enables you to attract valuable traffic to your website. This is due to the strategic targeting of high-value keywords relevant to your business and audience, coupled with the increased visibility garnered by appearing on the first page of results.

It’s important to note that a significant majority, 75 percent, of users tend to remain on the first page of search results. Therefore, optimizing your website’s visibility on this page can substantially enhance its exposure and potential for attracting relevant traffic.

SEO forms the bedrock of a competitive and results-oriented digital marketing strategy. This underscores the importance of an SEO audit, which can unveil improvements not only for your SEO efforts but also for related tactics. By identifying a range of enhancements for your online strategy, you can maximize its effectiveness.

For instance, an SEO audit scrutinizes the title tags of your web pages, which is closely tied to content marketing. As a quick refresher, title tags serve as the title of your webpage in search results. In the example below, you can observe the title tags highlighted in yellow, such as “Roofing Maintenance – Commercial Business.”

A title tag serves the dual purpose of capturing the attention of your audience and compelling them to click through to your website. Moreover, from an SEO standpoint, it should include the keyword targeted by the webpage. This highlights the essential synergy between content marketing and SEO. While the primary goal is to create valuable content for users, it’s equally important to optimize it for search engines to ensure that users can easily discover and access that content.

By developing a more comprehensive digital marketing strategy that integrates both content marketing and SEO, you can effectively enhance your investment and achieve a higher return on investment.

As company teams evolve, it’s not uncommon for SEO strategies to encounter challenges. For instance, the addition of new team members who lack an understanding of SEO principles may lead to the creation of unoptimized content or the adoption of ineffective SEO practices. In some cases, this can even result in the abandonment of SEO efforts altogether.

These actions can significantly impact the health of your website’s SEO.

By conducting an SEO audit, your team can receive a comprehensive assessment of your current SEO status. Furthermore, it provides detailed recommendations for remedying and enhancing your SEO practices. This empowers your company to initiate corrective measures and begin driving tangible results from your SEO efforts.

Speed is paramount for both SEO and user experience. A slow website not only struggles to achieve a high ranking on search engine results pages but also fails to retain users, as over 80 percent of users expect a website to load within three seconds. If it doesn’t meet this expectation, users are likely to abandon the site.

An SEO audit offers the advantage of evaluating your website’s speed and identifying opportunities for improvement. Enhancing your site’s speed can have a significant impact on your company’s performance, as even a one-second improvement can lead to a seven percent increase in conversions.

Several recommendations for speeding up your site include compressing images, optimizing HTML structure, and adjusting server configurations. These improvements often require collaboration with your in-house or agency’s development team.

By achieving a faster website, your company can unlock greater revenue potential from online channels.