SEO Audit Checklist 2020
SEO Audit Checklist 2020 is an SEO topic covered in SeoWiki.
Key takeaways
- A technical audit typically starts with crawlability: checking robots.txt, server responses, and blocked resources that may prevent search engines from accessing pages.
- A separate indexation review is needed to confirm which pages are actually indexed and whether important URLs are excluded by noindex, canonical tags, or other directives.
- XML sitemaps should exist, be current, and contain only URLs you want indexed; they should also be submitted and monitored in Google Search Console.
For SEO practitioners, it helps surface issues that can stop Google from crawling or indexing important pages, which is often a prerequisite for ranking improvements. It also creates a repeatable workflow for monitoring fixes, prioritizing errors, and tracking technical regressions over time.
Example
A technical audit typically starts with crawlability: checking robots.txt, server responses, and blocked resources that may prevent search engines from accessing pages.
Quick start
- Define the goal for this topic.
- Check the live SERP format.
- Improve one page that matches the intent.
- Measure in Google Search Console.
Common mistakes
- Treating the topic as a one-time task
- Ignoring search intent
- Copying tactics without checking your SERP
Next step
FAQ
What is an SEO audit checklist?
An SEO audit checklist is a structured set of checks to identify crawl, indexation, performance, and site-structure issues that limit organic visibility.
Why is a 2020 audit checklist still relevant?
Core technical checks like crawlability, indexation, and canonical tags remain unchanged; only newer metrics like Core Web Vitals have been added.
What tools are needed for a technical SEO audit?
Common tools include Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, PageSpeed Insights, and mobile-friendly test.
Related topics
Sources
- Google Search Central — Primary source for indexing, crawling, sitemaps, robots directives, and technical SEO guidance.
- Google Search Console Help — Official documentation for coverage, sitemaps, URL inspection, and manual actions.
- Moz SEO Audit Checklist — Useful audit framework with pass/fail tracking, notes, and action-item structure.
Reviewed by Lucía Marín, Founding editor.