What is a website audit checklist?

A website audit checklist is a step-by-step list you use to find issues with clarity, trust, calls to action, and basic SEO—so you know what to fix first.

How long should a website audit take?

A quick audit can take 15 minutes if you focus on the homepage, one services page, proof signals, and your main call to action.

Do I need a redesign to improve my website?

Usually no. Most improvements come from clarifying your headline, adding proof earlier, and simplifying your next step.

Cause & Clarity | Website Design & Automation for Nonprofits & Mission-Driven Organizations

15-minute checklist

Website audit
checklist.

If your website feels “fine” but isn’t getting inquiries, don’t redesign.

Run this 15-minute audit first. It shows you what to fix in order: clarity, proof, CTAs, then SEO.

Jump to checklist Copy template

Scared to edit your site? Start here: How to Update Your Website Without Breaking It.

What this is

A checklist that tells you what to fix first

Most people “audit” their site by changing random things.

This checklist gives you an order of operations that works: Clarity → Proof → CTA → Page health → SEO basics.

If you want examples of trust signals, use: Proof & Credibility. If you’re not indexed yet, use: Why your site isn’t showing up on Google.

Checklist

Website audit checklist (15 minutes)

Read this like a diagnostic. If you fail an item, don’t panic. That item becomes your next fix.

1Clarity

Can a stranger understand your offer in 10 seconds?

Open your homepage. Read only the headline + first paragraph.

Pass if: • You clearly say what you do. • You clearly say who it’s for. • You clearly say the outcome. Fail if: • It sounds like a brochure. • It’s vague (“solutions,” “elevate,” “transform”). • It takes multiple scrolls to understand.

If you fail this, use: Website Copy Template.

2Proof

Is proof visible before you scroll?

People don’t “assume” credibility anymore. They look for it.

Pass if: • You have 2–3 proof bullets near the top. • You show examples, results, testimonials, or logos. Fail if: • Proof is hidden on a deep page. • Proof is only “about me” with no evidence.

Need proof formats? Use: Proof & Credibility.

3CTA

Is there one obvious next step?

Your site should not make people guess what to do.

Pass if: • One primary CTA repeats across the page. • The CTA is specific (“Request a review,” “Book a call,” “Get the checklist”). Fail if: • Multiple competing CTAs. • CTA is vague (“Learn more”). • CTA is only in the nav or footer.

4Pages

Do your key pages exist and match what you sell?

At minimum: Home, Services, Proof, Contact.

Pass if: • Home explains offer clearly. • Services explains what they get. • Proof page shows evidence. • Contact page makes it easy. Fail if: • Services is vague or missing. • Proof is weak or hidden. • Contact is hard to find.

5SEO

Can Google understand each page’s topic?

You’re not “doing SEO.” You’re making pages understandable.

Pass if: • Each page has one main topic. • Headings match the topic. • The URL is clean. • The page answers common questions. Fail if: • Everything is branded fluff. • No definitions, steps, or FAQs. • Pages try to cover 10 topics at once.

If you’re on Squarespace, use: Squarespace SEO Basics.

If your site isn’t indexed, you can’t rank yet. Start here: Why your site isn’t showing up on Google.

Fast fixes

If you only fix 3 things this week

1) Rewrite your headline to say what you do + who it’s for.
2) Add 3 proof bullets near the top.
3) Make one CTA obvious and repeat it.

Want me to run this audit on your site?

Request a clarity review.

If you want the “fix these 5 sections first” plan (without breaking anything), request a clarity review and we’ll map the order of updates.

Request a review Update safely