Search Engine Optimization FAQ

What, exactly, is a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) audit?

Search Engine Optimization audits, when done properly, are in-depth reviews of websites to determine what changes can be made to improve the page rankings in organic web searches. During the technical review, your SEO consultant will create a report covering a variety of topics, including: Google Analytics, Site Security, Proper Schema, Page Titles, Images missing ALT text, Headings, Meta Descriptions, Character lengths of various elements (yes, this stuff can be hurting your site), and, so much more.

Who can benefit from an SEO audit?

Anyone with a website who wants more visitors or customers can benefit from it. However, when thinking about search engine optimization, think of it more as a lifestyle than an event. There are many moving parts when it comes to SEO, not just an audit. We would be happy to meet with you and discuss all the different elements and how we can help your business or blog.

OK, you have performed my SEO audit. Now, what do I do?

In SEO audits prepared by us, we list recommendations on moving forward to improve your site’s rankings. In the audit, we spell out where we can help address issues that need to be corrected and where you will need further technical assistance from your web developer. A sampling of what we look at can be reviewed in the very first question on this page.

I am a new blogger, why should I care about a Search Engine Optimization audit at this point?

This is an easy one to answer: To improve your organic search rankings. The easier it is for people to find you via search engines, like Google, the better the chances are they will become visitors to your site. It is a good idea to work with an SEO consultant from the very beginning to gain insights into how page title URLs should be structured; how long blog titles should be; have Google Analytics connected with your site; and so much more. Google continues to update and tweak its search algorithm, and having a good relationship with an SEO consultant can be beneficial.

I have seen on the Internet people claiming they can get my site on Google’s first page of search results. Can the recommendations from your SEO audit get me a top ranking?

In a word, “No.” There is no way anyone can guarantee your site will be on the first Google page. However, following the recommendations will improve your organic rankings. If anyone is guaranteeing you a first-page ranking, I would be very cautious of entering into an agreement with that person or firm.

I just want to promote my business with my website. Why are you recommending I have a blog.

As for starting a blog, Google rankings like sites with blogs. Additional pages give people more of an opportunity to find you. I once encountered a business website with a handful of pages and no keywords. Unless you searched for the specific name of the business, it would be hard to locate it via a Google/Yahoo/Bing search. If the business had blog posts related to problems his customers want solved, it would have provided more opportunities for web searches to find the site. A blog creates more pages with more words, thus it results in more indexed pages and more keywords. It creates more hooks in which to catch a visitor.

In the SEO audit you did for my site, you recommended I add a blog. I don’t have the time or the ability to do one. What should I do?

There are several options you have available. Wooster Media Group provides blogging services at an additional cost. Do you have someone in your business who you can trust to come up with routine blog posts covering relevant topics in your industry? This is vital to provide information that is helpful and not just selling your services and products.

I have looked over the recommendations in the SEO audit you presented. Why didn’t my web developer let me know these SEO issues are hindering my search results?

It takes different skills and abilities to conduct an audit than it does to develop and maintain a website. It is not fair to think a web developer will be able to stay on top of all that is changing in the landscape of search engine optimization. At Wooster Media Group, we focus on SEO audits and content creation (blog posts, videos, whiteboard animations, ebooks and email newsletters to name a few), but web development or design is not our area of expertise.

I already use an SEO plugin on my WordPress site. Why should I invest in an SEO audit?

We use SEO tools, too. SEO plugins help ensure each blog post becomes optimized for searches. However, the best plugins will not give you an in-depth, “under-the-hood” look at your website. They serve a purpose that is useful, but they are not the be-all and end-all of optimizing a website. You will have no idea if you have issues with headers, ALT text on photos, how fast your page loads and so much more. These plugins serve a limited scope.

Do you have a question?

If there is something not addressed here, please send a question via our Contact page.