9.0 KiB
9.0 KiB
Content Optimization Audit Checklist
SEO Technical Analysis
Keyword Optimization
- Primary keyword identified - Single focus keyword with search volume
- Primary keyword in title - Appears naturally in page title
- Primary keyword in H1 - Used in main heading without stuffing
- Primary keyword in first paragraph - Mentioned within first 100 words
- Primary keyword density - 1-3% throughout content
- Semantic keywords integrated - Related terms used naturally
- Long-tail variations included - Multiple keyword variations covered
- Keyword cannibalization avoided - No competing internal pages
Meta Tags and Structure
- Title tag optimized - 50-60 characters, compelling and keyword-rich
- Meta description written - 150-160 characters, includes CTA
- H1 tag unique - One H1 per page, different from title tag
- Heading hierarchy logical - H2, H3, H4 used in proper order
- URL structure clean - Short, descriptive, includes target keyword
- Schema markup implemented - Structured data for rich snippets
- Canonical tags set - Avoid duplicate content issues
- Open Graph tags - Social media sharing optimization
Content Structure
- Word count appropriate - 1,500+ words for competitive topics
- Content depth sufficient - Comprehensive coverage of topic
- Subheadings frequent - Every 300-400 words maximum
- Bullet points used - Break up dense text blocks
- Internal links included - 3-5 relevant internal links
- External links added - 1-2 authoritative external sources
- Table of contents - For long-form content (1,500+ words)
- FAQ section included - Addresses common user questions
Readability and User Experience
Readability Metrics
- Flesch Reading Ease - Score of 60+ (standard to easy)
- Grade level appropriate - 8th grade or below for general audience
- Average sentence length - 15-20 words maximum
- Paragraph length optimal - 3-4 sentences maximum
- Transition words used - Smooth flow between ideas
- Active voice preferred - 80%+ active voice usage
- Simple vocabulary - Avoid jargon unless necessary
- Personal pronouns - Use "you" to engage readers
Visual Hierarchy
- Scannable format - Easy to skim and find information
- Whitespace utilized - Adequate spacing between elements
- Font choice readable - Clean, web-safe fonts
- Font size appropriate - 16px minimum for body text
- Line height optimal - 1.5-1.6 for body text
- Contrast sufficient - WCAG AA compliance (4.5:1 ratio)
- Mobile responsive - Readable on all device sizes
- Loading speed fast - Under 3 seconds load time
Engagement Elements
- Introduction compelling - Hook within first 2 sentences
- Value proposition clear - What reader will gain
- Story elements included - Narrative structure where appropriate
- Examples provided - Concrete illustrations of concepts
- Data and statistics - Credible numbers to support claims
- Images optimized - Relevant, high-quality, fast-loading
- Alt text written - Descriptive alt tags for all images
- Video content considered - Multimedia for complex topics
Conversion Optimization
Call-to-Action (CTA) Elements
- Primary CTA above fold - Visible without scrolling
- CTA text action-oriented - Strong verbs (Download, Start, Get)
- Value proposition in CTA - What user receives
- CTA color contrasts - Stands out from background
- Multiple CTAs strategically placed - Throughout content
- CTA relevance maintained - Matches content topic
- Urgency or scarcity included - When appropriate and honest
- CTA button size adequate - Easy to click on mobile
Trust and Credibility
- Author bio included - Establishes expertise and authority
- Publication date visible - Shows content freshness
- Last updated date - Indicates content maintenance
- Sources cited - Links to authoritative references
- Social proof added - Testimonials, reviews, or case studies
- Contact information accessible - Easy to find company details
- Privacy policy linked - Builds trust for data collection
- Security badges displayed - For e-commerce or lead gen
Persuasion Framework
- Problem identification - Clearly states user pain point
- Solution presentation - Offers clear resolution
- Benefits over features - Focuses on user value
- Objection handling - Addresses common concerns
- Social proof integration - Customer success stories
- Risk reversal offered - Guarantees or free trials
- Scarcity or urgency - Limited time or quantity (when true)
- Clear next steps - Obvious path forward for user
Platform-Specific Optimization
Blog Post Checklist
- Category assigned - Proper blog categorization
- Tags added - Relevant topic tags (5-10 maximum)
- Featured image set - Eye-catching, relevant thumbnail
- Social sharing buttons - Easy sharing options
- Related posts suggested - Keep readers engaged
- Comment section enabled - Encourage engagement
- Email capture included - Newsletter signup opportunity
- Print-friendly format - Clean printing layout
Landing Page Checklist
- Single focused goal - One primary conversion objective
- Navigation simplified - Minimal distractions
- Headline benefit-focused - Clear value proposition
- Subheadline supporting - Elaborates on main benefit
- Hero image relevant - Supports main message
- Form fields minimal - Only essential information
- Progressive disclosure - Complex forms broken into steps
- Thank you page optimized - Next steps after conversion
E-commerce Product Pages
- Product title descriptive - Includes key features/benefits
- High-quality images - Multiple angles, zoom functionality
- Detailed description - Comprehensive product information
- Specifications listed - Technical details in scannable format
- Customer reviews displayed - Social proof and ratings
- Related products shown - Cross-selling opportunities
- Stock status clear - Availability information
- Shipping information - Costs and delivery times
Content Performance Metrics
SEO Metrics to Track
- Organic search rankings - Position for target keywords
- Organic traffic volume - Sessions from search engines
- Click-through rate - From search results to page
- Bounce rate - Percentage leaving immediately
- Time on page - Average engagement duration
- Pages per session - Content stickiness measure
- Internal link clicks - Related content engagement
- Featured snippet capture - Position zero achievements
Engagement Metrics
- Social shares - Content virality indicator
- Comments and interactions - Community engagement
- Email signups - Lead generation effectiveness
- Download rates - Content offer performance
- Video watch time - Multimedia engagement
- Return visitor rate - Content quality indicator
- Mobile vs desktop usage - Device preference insights
- Geographic performance - Regional content effectiveness
Conversion Metrics
- Conversion rate - Primary goal completion percentage
- Lead quality score - Sales-qualified lead percentage
- Customer acquisition cost - Cost per converted customer
- Lifetime value - Long-term customer worth
- Attribution analysis - Content's role in conversion path
- A/B test results - Variation performance comparison
- Heat map analysis - User behavior patterns
- Form abandonment rate - Conversion friction points
Ongoing Optimization
Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Content freshness updates - Quarterly content reviews
- Broken link checks - Monthly link validation
- Image optimization - Compress and update images
- Speed optimization - Regular performance audits
- Mobile experience testing - Cross-device functionality
- Security updates - SSL certificates and plugins
- Backup verification - Ensure data protection
- Analytics review - Monthly performance analysis
Content Strategy Evolution
- Competitor analysis - Quarterly competitive research
- Keyword research updates - New opportunity identification
- User feedback integration - Comments and survey insights
- Seasonal content planning - Holiday and event alignment
- Content gap analysis - Missing topic identification
- Format experimentation - Video, podcasts, interactive content
- Distribution channel testing - Social platforms and partnerships
- Content repurposing - Maximize existing content value