The 5-Minute SEO Audit Every Small Business Owner Should Do Monthly

You don't need to be a technical expert to monitor your website's search performance. Here's a simple monthly check that takes just 5 minutes but can save you thousands in lost opportunities.

Your 5-Minute SEO Health Check:

Minute 1: Google Your Business Name Search "[Your Business Name] + [Your City]" in an incognito browser. You should appear in the top 3 results. If not, your local SEO needs attention.

Minute 2: Check Your Google Business Profile

• Are your hours accurate?

• Do you have recent photos?

• Have you responded to the latest reviews?

Minute 3: Test Your Website Speed Use Google's Page Speed Insights tool. Enter your website URL. Aim for a score above 70 on mobile.

Minute 4: Review Your Top 3 Pages Check your most important pages for:

• Broken links

• Outdated information

• Missing contact details

Minute 5: Monitor Your Keywords Search for your main service + your city (like "digital marketing Detroit"). Note where you appear and track changes monthly.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Your website doesn't appear on the first page for your business name

• Page load time exceeds 3 seconds

• Google Business Profile shows incorrect information

• No recent customer reviews

When to Call for Help:

If you find multiple issues during these checks, it's time to bring in professional support. Small problems compound quickly in the digital world.

This monthly habit takes less time than your coffee break but protects your online visibility year-round. Set a calendar reminder for the first Thursday of each month and make it part of your business routine.