A quick SEO audit helps law firms identify website issues and improve rankings. This guide breaks down an 8-step process to assess and enhance website performance efficiently.
1. Check your site’s User Experience
A law firm’s website should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading to keep visitors engaged. Ensure a logical site structure with clear menus linking to key pages like “Practice Areas” and “Contact.”
Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check responsiveness and PageSpeed Insights to optimize loading speed. CTAs like “Schedule a Consultation” should be prominent and easy to click. A smooth UX not only improves SEO rankings but also boosts conversions by making it easier for potential clients to take action.
2. Check your site’s SSL certificate
Website security is crucial for trust, SEO, and client data protection. Ensure your law firm’s site has an SSL certificate (HTTPS) to encrypt user data and improve search rankings. A non-secure (HTTP) website can deter visitors and trigger browser security warnings.
Check whether your site is indexed as www or non-www and ensure consistency to avoid duplicate content issues. Secure websites build credibility, protect client information, and improve overall SEO performance.
3. Check indexed and total pages on your site
Ensuring that all important pages are indexed is vital for SEO and visibility. Use Google Search Console or search “site:yourdomain.com” on Google to see how many pages are indexed. Compare this with the total pages listed in your sitemap.xml.
If key pages are missing, check for crawl issues, noindex tags, or blocked pages in robots.txt. Proper indexing ensures that your law firm’s content appears in search results, helping potential clients find your services.
4. Find & fix (404) broken links.
Broken links hurt SEO, user experience, and credibility. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or BrokenLinkCheck.com to scan for 404 errors.
Fix broken links by updating URLs, redirecting pages with 301 redirects, or replacing outdated links. A well-maintained website ensures smooth navigation, keeps visitors engaged, and helps search engines crawl your site efficiently.
5. Check meta titles & descriptions.
Well-optimized meta titles and descriptions improve click-through rates (CTR) and search rankings. Use tools like Ahrefs Toolbar or Screaming Frog to check them across your site.
Ensure title tags are under 60 characters and include primary keywords. Meta descriptions should be between 60-160 characters, compelling, and relevant. Clear, keyword-rich metadata helps attract potential clients and improves search visibility.
6. Analyze your headings. (H1, H2)
Proper heading structure improves both SEO and readability. Use tools like Screaming Frog to check heading tags across your site.
Each page should have only one H1 tag, clearly defining the page’s main topic. Use H2 and H3 tags to organize content logically and include relevant keywords. Well-structured headings make content easier to scan for both users and search engines, boosting rankings and engagement.
7. Review your backlink profile and DA
Backlinks play a crucial role in SEO and website authority. Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to analyze your backlink profile. Identify high-quality backlinks from legal directories, blogs, and authoritative sources.
Check for spammy or toxic links and disavow them if necessary. A strong backlink profile improves Domain Authority (DA), search rankings, and credibility, helping your law firm attract more organic traffic.
8. Check site performance in GSC
Google Search Console (GSC) provides key insights into your website’s performance. Use it to check top-performing pages, keyword rankings, and search impressions.
Identify pages with high impressions but low CTR and optimize titles and descriptions. Improve low-performing pages by updating content and internal links. Regular GSC analysis helps boost rankings and attract more clients to your law firm’s website.
