How to Check if Your Website SEO Optimized: Easy Methods

Building a website is just the start—ensuring it’s visible on search engines like Google requires effective SEO. Many site owners struggle with low traffic because their sites aren’t fully optimized, missing out on key elements like proper keywords or technical setups. At Cope Business, we’ve assisted numerous clients through our technical SEO audit services to diagnose and fix these gaps. In this guide, we’ll share two straightforward methods to assess your site’s SEO health, helping you identify improvements for better rankings and user engagement.

Whether you’re running a blog, eCommerce store, or business site, regular SEO checks can uncover hidden issues. For deeper problems like crawl errors, our Google Search Console fixing services offer specialized support.

Why Should You Verify Your Website’s SEO Optimization?

SEO isn’t just about keywords; it’s about making your content accessible and appealing to search engines and users alike. Checking optimization reveals strengths and weaknesses, from on-page elements to technical configurations, leading to higher organic traffic—the most reliable source for sustained growth.

Without audits, you might overlook issues like slow speeds or poor mobile compatibility, which hurt rankings. Tools simplify this, breaking down complex data into actionable steps. We’ll focus on beginner-friendly options: a WordPress plugin for internal checks and an online tool for broader insights.

Method 1: Using All in One SEO Plugin for WordPress Sites

All in One SEO (AIOSEO) is a top-rated plugin trusted by millions, perfect for scanning and optimizing without deep technical knowledge.

Setup and Initial Scan

1. Install the free AIOSEO plugin from the WordPress dashboard.
2. Activate and run the setup wizard to configure basics.
3. Head to All in One SEO > SEO Analysis for your site’s overview.

Reviewing the Audit Checklist

• Get an overall SEO score (aim for 80+).
• Check the ‘Complete SEO Checklist’ for critical issues, recommendations, and positives.
• Expand items for explanations and fix guides—e.g., missing alt text or weak titles.
• Refresh after fixes to see score improvements.

Competitor Comparison

Enter a rival’s URL in the ‘Analyze Competitor Site’ section to benchmark their SEO. Use insights to refine your strategy and gain an edge.

On-Page Optimization with TruSEO

For individual pages:

• Edit a post and scroll to AIOSEO settings.
• Optimize title, meta description, and focus keyphrase.
• Add additional keyphrases for related terms.
• Review tabs for Basic SEO, Title, and Readability scores.
• Higher TruSEO numbers mean better optimization.

Tracking Performance

With the Search Statistics add-on, connect to Google Search Console for metrics like impressions, clicks, and keyword positions. Monitor winning/losing keywords to adjust content.

If backlinks are a weak spot, our toxic backlink analysis can help strengthen your profile.

Method 2: Leveraging Semrush for In-Depth SEO Insights

Semrush is a comprehensive tool for advanced analysis, ideal for tracking rankings and competitors across the web.

Starting with Site Audit

• Sign up for a free account (limited data; paid for full access).
• Go to ‘Site Audit’ and enter your domain.
• Receive a report on errors, warnings, and notices—like broken links or missing sitemaps.
• Prioritize ‘Top Issues’ with detailed fix instructions.

This covers technical aspects like speed and XML sitemaps.

Backlink and Analytics Review

• Use ‘Backlink Analytics’ to evaluate link quality and quantity.
• Identify spammy links that could penalize your site.
• High-quality backlinks boost authority; monitor for improvements.

Keyword and Traffic Monitoring

• In ‘Organic Research’, input your domain for keyword performance.
• Track positions, changes, and traffic-driving terms.
• Use ‘Position Changes’ to see SEO tweak impacts over time.

Content Enhancement Tools

Semrush’s SEO Writing Assistant suggests optimizations for tone, keywords, and structure. Integrate with AIOSEO for keyphrase ideas directly in WordPress.

For sites experiencing slowdowns flagged in audits, our WordPress speed optimization services ensure peak performance.

Common Questions on Website SEO Checks

What Constitutes a Strong SEO Score?

Scores above 80/100 are solid, but focus on resolving critical issues over perfection—each fix contributes to better results.

Is It Possible to Check SEO for Free?

Yes, AIOSEO’s free version and Semrush’s limited account provide essential insights; upgrade for advanced features.

How Frequently Should You Audit Your Site?

Quarterly for full site checks; per-page for new or updated content to maintain ongoing optimization.

Key Areas to Focus On?

Prioritize on-page (titles, descriptions, keywords), technical (speed, mobile-friendliness, sitemaps), and off-page (backlinks, readability).

What If Traffic Remains Low Despite Optimizations?

Our traffic recovery services can diagnose deeper issues.

Pro Tips for Ongoing SEO Success

• Combine tools for a holistic view—plugins for quick fixes, online analyzers for trends.
• Fix errors promptly to avoid compounding problems.
• Track changes post-audit to measure ROI on efforts.

For professional, customized audits beyond DIY tools, contact Cope Business for a free technical SEO consultation.