For businesses in the Philippines, having a website is not enough—it needs to perform well in search engines to attract the right audience. This is where an SEO audit becomes essential. An SEO audit reviews your website’s design, structure, and performance to identify areas for improvement.
As a web designer in the Philippines, mastering the SEO audit process can help you deliver better results for your clients. This guide explains how to perform an SEO audit step-by-step.
What is an SEO Audit?
An SEO audit is a detailed evaluation of a website’s SEO performance. It checks if the site follows best practices for search engine optimization and identifies technical, content, and design issues that could hurt rankings.
Why SEO Audits Matter for Filipino Businesses
- Improves Online Visibility
Fixing SEO issues helps businesses rank higher on search engines, making it easier for customers in the Philippines to find them. - Enhances User Experience
A well-optimized website is faster, mobile-friendly, and easier to navigate, leading to higher customer satisfaction. - Increases ROI
By identifying and solving problems, businesses can attract more visitors, generate leads, and boost sales.
Steps to Perform an SEO Audit
Step 1: Check Website Speed
Website speed is critical for both SEO and user experience. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test loading times.
- Fixes: Compress images, enable caching, and use a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Step 2: Analyze Mobile-Friendliness
Many users in the Philippines browse websites on mobile devices. Test your site’s mobile responsiveness using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
- Fixes: Use responsive design and optimize touch elements for smaller screens.
Step 3: Review URL Structure
Ensure URLs are clean, descriptive, and keyword-rich. Avoid long or confusing URLs with unnecessary parameters.
- Good URL:
www.example.com/cebu-web-design - Bad URL:
www.example.com/?id=1234
Step 4: Evaluate Content Quality
Check if your content is relevant, unique, and optimized for keywords. Ensure all pages have appropriate headings, meta descriptions, and internal links.
- Fixes: Refresh outdated content, add keywords naturally, and include images or videos for engagement.
Step 5: Inspect Technical SEO
Use tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush to identify technical issues such as:
- Broken links
- Missing meta tags
- Duplicate content
- Slow crawling issues
- Fixes: Resolve errors, add missing tags, and update your XML sitemap.
Step 6: Analyze Backlinks
Backlinks help build authority. Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to check the site’s backlinks. Ensure links come from reputable sources and disavow harmful ones.
Step 7: Review Internal Linking
Check if internal links connect related pages to improve navigation and distribute link authority.
- Fixes: Add internal links in blogs and main pages.
Step 8: Test Security Features
Ensure the website uses HTTPS with an SSL certificate. A secure site builds trust and is favored by search engines.
- Fixes: Install an SSL certificate if it’s missing.
Step 9: Check Analytics Setup
Verify that Google Analytics and Google Search Console are properly set up to track performance.
- Fixes: Add missing tracking codes and monitor key metrics like traffic, bounce rate, and conversions.
Tools for SEO Audits
Web designers in the Philippines can use these tools to make SEO audits easier:
- Google Search Console: For indexing and performance issues.
- SEMrush or Ahrefs: For keyword rankings and backlink analysis.
- Screaming Frog: For technical SEO checks.
- Yoast SEO: For on-page SEO suggestions.
Success Stories: SEO Audits in Action
Case Study: A Boutique Hotel in Palawan
A boutique hotel saw low online bookings despite a beautiful website. After a web designer in the Philippines performed an SEO audit, they discovered:
- Slow page speed
- Missing meta descriptions
- Poor mobile experience
Fixing these issues led to:
- A 20% increase in organic traffic
- Higher rankings for “boutique hotels in Palawan”
Case Study: A Clothing Store in Cebu
An e-commerce store had low sales despite good traffic. An SEO audit revealed broken links and weak internal linking. Fixing these problems resulted in:
- A 15% boost in sales
- More time spent on the website by visitors
Why Filipino Businesses Need SEO Audits
SEO audits are essential for identifying and fixing issues that prevent websites from reaching their full potential. For businesses in the Philippines, an optimized website means:
- Better Local Visibility: Helps attract customers searching for nearby services.
- Stronger Online Presence: Makes the business stand out in competitive industries.
- Higher Conversions: Engages users and turns them into paying customers.
Final Thoughts
An SEO audit is the first step in creating a high-performing website. For web designers in the Philippines, offering SEO audits as part of your services adds value and builds trust with clients.
Whether it’s a small café in Manila, an online shop in Cebu, or a resort in Palawan, a thorough SEO audit ensures the website is ready to succeed. Start auditing websites today to help Filipino businesses grow and thrive online!
