Comments on: SEO Audits That Get Results

By: Blake Dukes

Blake Dukes — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:49:42 +0000

Agreed! It’s important to sound confident and competent. I dabble in site audits myself. The biggest problem I run into is getting the client to implement the changes suggested on the audit. If I’m unable to take care of any site audits in the future I’ll definitely be referring them to you.

By: Michelle Lowery

Michelle Lowery — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:51:35 +0000

Excellent point about language barriers, Thomas. That's just an added level of difficulty over and above using jargon that we're so used to, we don't realize it sounds like gibberish to the uninitiated. For those who work in international SEO, it's an important point to remember. Thanks for bringing it up!

By: Thomas Zacchi

Thomas Zacchi — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:24:20 +0000

It’s definitely important to think about how tech savvy your clients are when presenting the result of the audit.

Also having Danish clients it’s important not to slip into the easy solution and use the English terms that we use our self all the time – most clients simply won’t understand.

By: Michelle Lowery

Michelle Lowery — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:53:28 +0000

Absolutely, Scott. It’s actually very similar to the dependencies for the Prioritization Checklist. You can’t write an SEO audit until you know a little more about your client. Thanks!

By: Michelle Lowery

Michelle Lowery — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:51:41 +0000

Haha! We aim to please! :-)

By: Ken Jansen

Ken Jansen — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:29:13 +0000

Best thing to happen to me all week is getting called a nerd in the Outspoken Media blog. Woot! Commence happy dance!

By: Scott Bauer

Scott Bauer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:22:42 +0000

Great insights!
From my experience the “Gauge Your Audience” is a must. Some basic knowledge and references are great to “spool” readers up so they can grasp what they are reading.

Thanks!

By: Michelle Lowery

Michelle Lowery — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:05:23 +0000

Another word nerd after my own heart! ;-) Thanks for commenting, and giving some great examples, Ken! :-)

By: Ken Jansen

Ken Jansen — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:58:41 +0000

As a variation of a classic how you say it versus what you say;
*I* didn’t say she stole the money (emphasis on I means I was not the one who said it)
I didn’t *say* she stole the money (emphasis on say, means I didn’t say it, although I might have implied it)
I didn’t say *she* stole the money (She was not the one who stole the money)
I didn’t say she *stole*the money (she did not steal the money)
I didn’t say she stole *the money* (It was the not the money that she stole)
You could switch out money with keyword rankings, or she for he or they, or whatever.
If definitely matters HOW you say it.
Thanks.

By: Michelle Lowery

Michelle Lowery — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:59:02 +0000

I agree that a great SEO audit takes time, but not necessarily a long time. There are so many factors that go into it: how large the site is; how many people are working on it; whether it’s incorporating a link building or social media strategy; how many issues need to be addressed. The key is to not rush through it, regardless of those factors. And I have to admit, that color coding idea is growing on me! :-) Thanks for your comment!