Quick answer: Start with the free SEO audit: it scores a page’s technical and on-page setup, including title and meta description, headings, images, speed and AI search visibility. Then use the guides below to understand the score and fix the biggest issues first, beginning with titles under about 600 pixels, one clear H1, fast loading and content that answers the query in the opening lines.
SEO tools
What to check first
| Priority | Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The page is indexable: no noindex, correct canonical, allowed in robots.txt | A page that cannot be indexed cannot rank or be cited in AI answers |
| 2 | One clear H1 and a unique title under about 600 px | Tells search engines and readers what the page is about |
| 3 | An answer in the first 100 to 150 words | Search features and AI answers favor pages that answer directly |
| 4 | Fast loading and stable layout (Core Web Vitals) | Affects user experience and page experience signals |
| 5 | Descriptive internal links to and from related pages | Helps discovery and shows topical depth |
| 6 | Images with alt text and sensible file sizes | Accessibility, image search and speed |
On-page SEO checklist
- Title tag with the main topic first, unique across the site
- Meta description that gives a reason to click
- Short, readable URL
- Single H1 matching the title’s intent
- Question-shaped H2s that match what people search
- Named author and a visible last-updated date
- Structured data where it earns a rich result: Organization, Breadcrumb, Article, Product
- Internal links up to the category page and across to related pages
How AI answers pick sources
Google’s AI features are grounded in pages from its normal index, using the same ranking and quality systems as classic search, and they often fan a question out into related sub-queries. Pages that rank well, answer clearly, cover a topic in depth and state verifiable specifics are the ones most likely to be cited. There is no separate AI-only markup to add.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Indexable | Allowed and able to be stored in a search engine’s index. |
| Canonical | The preferred URL when similar pages exist. |
| Core Web Vitals | Google’s loading, interactivity and visual stability metrics. |
| SERP | Search engine results page. |
| Topical authority | Depth of coverage across a subject, shown by connected, useful pages. |
Guides that explain the maths
Frequently asked questions
Is the SEO audit tool free?
Yes. Enter a page address and you get a scored report with no signup.
What does the SEO audit check?
On-page SEO, title and meta tags, heading structure, images, Core Web Vitals and signals related to AI search visibility.
What is a good SEO score?
Scores are relative to each tool’s checks. Aim to fix every critical issue and most warnings rather than chase a perfect number.
How long should a title tag be?
Under about 600 pixels, usually 50 to 60 characters.
Do I need an llms.txt file for AI search?
Google has said its AI features do not need special files or markup; good standard SEO is what makes pages eligible.
How often should I audit my site?
After major changes and at least every few months for key pages.
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Content Lead, Anchor AI Tools, California, USA. Spotted an error? Email hello@anchoraitools.com and it will be checked and corrected. See our editorial standards.