How to Run a Website Audit Like an Expert

Did you know 83% of Aussies will visit your website before making a purchase—even if you’re a local business? (Source: Telstra Small Business Intelligence Report)  

That’s why your website isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s your digital first impression. But if it’s clunky, outdated or full of errors, you’re leaving money on the table. A proper website audit helps you spot what’s broken, what’s underperforming, and where you’re losing leads. Let’s break down how to run a site audit like a pro—even if you’re not one. 

First, What Exactly Is a Website Audit? 

A website audit is a health check for your site. It uncovers: 

• Technical issues (like slow load times or broken links) 

• SEO problems (like missing meta titles or duplicate content) 

• Design hiccups (like confusing navigation or poor mobile experience) 

• Content gaps (like thin copy or outdated info) 

• Security flaws (like missing HTTPS) 

Think of it like a service for your car, regular checks help you avoid breakdowns. Same goes for your site. 

Why It Matters: Your Website Is Your 24/7 Sales Rep 

Your website is working around the clock. If it’s not working well, you’re: 

• Losing leads to competitors 

• Frustrating visitors with a bad user experience 

• Missing out on search engine traffic 

And in industries like healthcare, education, real estate, or trades, trust matters. A well-maintained site shows you’re professional, credible and ready for business. 

Step-by-Step: How to Audit Your Website 

Here’s how to run a website audit without needing a developer by your side. 

1. Check Site Performance 

Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to see: 

• How fast does your site load 

• How it performs on mobile 

• Whether large images or clunky code are slowing it down 

Slow load times = higher bounce rates = lost business. 

2. Review SEO Basics 

Use free tools like Google Search Console  to check: 

• Are all your pages indexed? 

• Are your titles and meta descriptions clear and unique? 

• Do your images have alt text? 

• Are there broken internal or external links? 

Even if you’re not an SEO expert, fixing basic issues can boost your visibility. 

3. Audit Your Content 

Go page by page: 

• Is the copy still relevant? 

• Are there clear calls to action (CTAs)? 

• Are you answering the questions your audience is actually asking? 

Bonus tip: Add fresh testimonials or update your About page—it builds trust. 

4. Test the User Experience (UX) 

Pretend you’re a new visitor. Ask yourself: 

• Is the homepage cluttered or clean? 

• Can you find contact info quickly? 

• Does the site work well on mobile? 

If it feels hard to use, it probably is. 

5. Check for Security Issues 

If your site doesn’t start with “https://” — that’s a red flag.
Also, check for expired plugins, outdated software, or spammy backlinks. Security issues hurt your SEO and your reputation. 

How Often Should You Audit? 

At least every 6 months. But if you’re launching new services, updating products or noticing a drop in traffic or leads, do it sooner. 

Final Thoughts: Small Fixes = Big Impact 

You don’t need to overhaul your whole site to see results.
Sometimes it’s fixing a slow-loading page, rewriting a stale headline, or removing a dead link. 

But remember your website is often the first (and only) chance to impress a potential customer. A proper audit makes sure you’re putting your best digital foot forward. 

Meet the Author

Pallavi Tanjavur

Other posts by Pallavi Tanjavur