Technical SEO Audit Guide: 30 Checks for Clean, Fast Websites

Crawlability & Indexing

• Robots.txt: Allow important paths; block only true admin/system areas.
• Meta robots: Avoid accidental noindex on key pages; use noarchive/nofollow sparingly.
• XML sitemap: Fresh, canonical URLs only; include lastmod.
• Server status: Ensure 200 for indexable pages; fix 3xx loops, 4xx, and 5xx errors.

Site Architecture

• Depth: Keep key content within 3 clicks of the homepage.
• Internal links: Use descriptive anchors; add hub pages for key topics.
• Pagination: Implement rel prev/next alternatives via strong linking patterns; ensure unique page titles and content slices.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide clear trails and Breadcrumb schema.

Core Web Vitals & Performance

• LCP: Prioritize hero content; preload critical resources.
• CLS: Reserve space for media and embeds; stabilize fonts.
• INP: Reduce JS bloat, defer non-critical scripts, minimize main-thread work.
• Cache: Set sensible caching and leverage CDN for static assets.

JavaScript SEO

• Is content visible in the raw HTML? If not, consider server-rendering key blocks.
• Hydration cost: Trim non-essential scripts; avoid render-blocking bundles.
• Use semantic HTML even in client components; keep links as real anchors.

Structured Data

• Article schema for posts; Product schema for offers; FAQ where relevant.
• Organization + WebSite with SearchAction on the homepage.
• Validate with Google’s Rich Results Test; monitor Search Console enhancements.

Internationalization

• Hreflang: Provide pairs/triads for language and region variants.
• Consistent canonicals across variants; avoid cross-language duplication.
• Localize not just language—also examples, pricing, and measurements.

Security & Hygiene

• HTTPS everywhere; fix mixed content warnings.
• Minimal 404s; serve helpful 404 page with key links.
• Remove thin/duplicate pages or consolidate with redirects.

Actionable Audit Workflow

1. Run a crawl (Screaming Frog/ Sitebulb) and export issues by severity.
2. Fix critical blockers (non-200s, accidental noindex, canonical conflicts).
3. Prioritize CWV improvements on top traffic pages first.
4. Add/repair schema and internal links to surface key content.
5. Re-crawl, re-test CWV, and request indexing of key fixes.

Summary

Technical SEO is the backbone of scalable search growth. By methodically addressing crawl, indexation, architecture, vitals, JS, and schema, you enable content and links to perform at their full potential—improving rankings quickly and sustainably.