SEO Audit Checklist for Australian Businesses (2026)

Check robots.txt isn't blocking important pages. Verify in Google Search Console under 'Settings > Crawling'.

Submit your sitemap via Google Search Console. Ensure it's up to date and only includes indexable pages.

All pages should load over HTTPS with no mixed content warnings. Google has confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal.

Test with Google PageSpeed Insights. Aim for a Performance score above 90 on mobile. Core Web Vitals (LCP, INP, CLS) should pass.

Google uses mobile-first indexing. Test with Chrome DevTools mobile emulation or Google's Mobile-Friendly Test.

Use canonical tags to tell Google which version of a page is the 'original'. Check for www vs non-www and HTTP vs HTTPS duplicates.

URLs should be descriptive, use hyphens (not underscores), and avoid unnecessary parameters.

301 redirects should go directly to the final URL. Redirect chains slow crawling and dilute link equity.

Use Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to find and fix broken internal and external links.

Implement relevant schema types (LocalBusiness, FAQPage, Article). Validate with Google's Rich Results Test.

Include your primary keyword naturally. Each page needs a unique title that accurately describes its content.

Write descriptions that encourage clicks. Include a call to action and your target keyword.

The H1 should clearly describe the page's topic. Only use one H1 per page.

Use headings to structure content logically. Don't skip levels (e.g., H1 directly to H3).

Alt text helps Google understand images and improves accessibility. Describe what the image shows.

Link to relevant pages on your own site using descriptive anchor text. This helps Google understand your site structure.

Linking out to reputable sources signals trustworthiness and provides value to readers.

Keep URLs short, descriptive, and keyword-rich. Avoid generic URLs like /page-1 or /post-12345.

This is non-negotiable for local SEO. Ensure your GBP is complete with accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone), hours, categories, and photos.

Your business name, address, and phone number must be identical everywhere — your website, GBP, Yellow Pages, True Local, and all directories.

Ensure listings on Yellow Pages (yellowpages.com.au), True Local, Yelp Australia, Hotfrog, and industry-specific directories.

If you serve multiple cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), create dedicated pages with unique content for each location.

Actively encourage Google reviews from customers. Respond to all reviews — positive and negative — promptly and professionally.

Add LocalBusiness schema with your address, phone, opening hours, and service area to help Google understand your local relevance.

Use Australian English (optimise, not optimize), mention Australian cities, reference local regulations, and price in AUD.

AI systems prefer content that directly answers questions in the first few paragraphs. Use 'Quick Answer' boxes or summary sections.

Well-organised content with descriptive H2/H3 headings is easier for AI to parse and cite.

AI systems tend to surface content that cites authoritative sources and demonstrates expertise.

FAQ content structured with FAQPage schema gives AI systems clear question-answer pairs to reference.

Build your brand's presence across the web so AI systems recognise your business as an authority in your space.