A site audit is essential for maintaining the health and performance of your website. Screaming Frog is a powerful tool that can help you conduct a comprehensive site audit. This guide will walk you through the steps to perform a site audit using Screaming Frog.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download and Install Screaming Frog
- Go to the Screaming Frog website.
- Download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu).
- Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Configure Screaming Frog
- Open Screaming Frog after installation.
- Enter your website URL in the search bar at the top.
- Click the “Start” button to begin the crawl.
Step 3: Crawling Your Website
- Screaming Frog will start crawling your website, collecting data on various elements like URLs, titles, meta descriptions, headings, and more.
- The crawling process may take some time, depending on the size of your website.
Step 4: Analyze the Results
Once the crawl is complete, Screaming Frog provides detailed information on your website’s structure and performance. Key areas to focus on include:
1. URLs
- Ensure all URLs are accessible and not returning 404 errors.
- Check for duplicate URLs.
2. Page Titles
- Verify that each page has a unique and descriptive title.
- Ensure titles are within the recommended length (50-60 characters).
3. Meta Descriptions
- Check that all pages have unique meta descriptions.
- Ensure meta descriptions are within the recommended length (150-160 characters).
4. Headings (H1, H2)
- Ensure each page has one unique H1 tag.
- Check for multiple H1 tags on a single page and rectify if necessary.
5. Images
- Check for missing alt attributes in images.
- Identify oversized images that could slow down your site.
6. Internal Links
- Ensure proper internal linking structure.
- Check for broken internal links.
7. External Links
- Verify that external links are not broken.
- Ensure they point to relevant and authoritative sites.
Step 5: Fix Issues
Based on the analysis, create a list of issues that need to be addressed. Prioritize the most critical issues first, such as broken links and missing titles. Implement the necessary changes to improve your site’s health and performance.
Step 6: Recrawl the Website
After making the necessary fixes, recrawl your website with Screaming Frog to ensure all issues have been resolved. Repeat this process periodically to maintain the health of your website.
Performing a site audit with Screaming Frog is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your website’s performance. Regular audits help you identify and fix issues, ensuring your website remains healthy and user-friendly. Follow this guide to conduct your own site audit and keep your website in top shape.