SEO 2024 audit: boost your web visibility

Summary of points covered

• Definition an SEO audit in 2024
• Reasons regular audits
• Types of audit (technical, content, backlinks...)
• Detailed steps for a complete audit
• Tools essential in 2024
• Mistakes to avoid and practical checklist
• Do it yourself or delegate how to choose

What is an SEO audit in 2024?

When I say SEO audit, I mean a thorough examination of your site's health on the search engines. In 2024, Google is no longer satisfied with keywords. It demands quality, relevance and an impeccable user experience.

Core Web Vitals, EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Reliability) and mobile compatibility have become essential. An SEO audit enables you to identify the obstacles to your visibility, but above all to build a solid strategy, adapted to the times.

Why carry out an SEO audit on a regular basis?

You may be wondering why we keep coming back to this work? At first, I too thought that a single audit was enough. But Google's algorithm is constantly evolving. And your site, too, changes over time.

An audit allows you to adapt your strategy, correct technical errors, improve content, enhance UX, and avoid losing hard-won positions. It helps you stay one step ahead, without chasing after your competitors.

The different types of SEO audit

Technical SEO audit

Here, I make sure that everything to do with site structure works well: loading speed, indexing, architecture, security. A slow or poorly optimized site slows down your SEO.

Semantic audit (content)

Content is the sinews of war. I check that it's relevant, unique, well-structured, and that it really meets the search intent. It's no longer enough to write for Google, you have to write for your visitors.

Backlinks audit

Inbound links are votes of confidence. But they still have to be of high quality. So I evaluate the toxicity, diversity and relevance of backlinks.

Mobile and UX audit

Google now favors mobile-first indexing. A site that isn't optimized for smartphones is bound to lose visibility. So I examine ergonomics, navigation and loading times on cell phones.

Local SEO audit

If you run a local business, it's crucial to appear on Google Maps, to have a well-optimized Google Business listing, and to have customer reviews. This audit is for you.

Key stages of an SEO audit in 2024

• Technical analysis loading times, indexing, 404 errors
• Content analysis keywords, relevance, cannibalization
• Backlink analysis quantity, quality, disavowal
• UX and mobile analysis responsive design, accessibility
• Competitive benchmark Where do your rivals stand?
• Recommendations Prioritize according to impact and resources

I apply these steps systematically. They provide a complete picture of what's going well, and above all of what needs to be improved quickly.

Essential tools for an SEO audit in 2024

You don't need every tool on the market, but some are a must:

• Google Search Console for indexing analysis
• Google Analytics 4 to understand visitor behavior
• Screaming Frog for crawling and analyzing pages
• Semrush / Ahrefs for backlink audits and keyword research
• PageSpeed Insights for technical performance
• OnCrawl or Botify for high-volume sites

Personally, I use several of them to complement each other. Each tool brings a different viewpoint, which is useful for cross-referencing in order to be more precise in my analyses.

Common mistakes to avoid during an SEO audit

I still see a lot of recurring mistakes. Here are a few you should avoid:

• Ignore user data what your visitors do is as important as your content
• Neglecting internal links They help structure navigation and meshing.
• Not prioritizing actions not everything has the same impact
• Focusing solely on technique content remains king

These are often small details, but put together they can make a huge difference.

SEO 2024 audit checklist (PDF download)

I like to have a clear guide at hand. That's why I've come up with an easy-to-follow checklist:

• Test your site's speed
• Analyze your main pages
• Identify zombie pages
• Check your backlinks
• Compare yourself to 3 competitors
• Prioritize each action to be taken

Print it out and tick off as you go along - it's practical, quick and efficient.

SEO audit: do it yourself, use a freelancer or an agency?

Good question. I've tested all three solutions. If you're just starting out, calling in a professional will save you precious time. But it comes at a cost.

Do it yourself? Yes, if you like learning, testing and have the time. A freelance is a good compromise: expertise, flexibility, and often more affordable rates than an agency.

It all depends on your budget, but above all on your objective. Do you want to learn or simply delegate?

Final tips for getting started

An SEO audit isn't just a status report. It's a strategic springboard for getting your site off the ground. Take the time to do it seriously, to document each step, and above all, to act on it.

In 2024, SEO rewards regularity, relevance and anticipation. Be rigorous, stay curious, and you'll see the results follow.