SEO report: what it is, what it is for and how to do it
Producing tangible results is only the first step in SEO management: often the real challenge is proving them. This is where SEO reports prove their usefulness in translating complex data into immediately usable strategic information, providing context, explanations and objectives to metrics such as organic traffic, keyword growth or page performance, which otherwise risk remaining simple numbers. Knowing how to build an effective report really means going beyond the numbers to tell a story: that of achievements, challenges ahead and opportunities on the horizon. It is an operational and strategic tool for understanding, communicating and making decisions; and, above all, it is the element that allows you to demonstrate objectively to colleagues, clients or stakeholders the impact of the work done. The real strength of these documents lies in their ability to make visible what is happening “behind the scenes” of an SEO strategy, but the balance between ongoing monitoring and presenting results is not trivial. Disentangling metrics, charts and trends without an established method is often tantamount to getting lost in a sea of data, and without the proper care in creating an effective reporting system all the work in optimization interventions, well-researched content and targeted strategies could be underestimated or, worse, ignored. In short, in SEO you cannot leave room for intuition unsupported by data, and every decision requires a solid foundation. So let’s delve into what an SEO report is, how to build it effectively and choose the essential KPIs to meet the needs of the project or client, and finally analyze how and why a structured tool for organizing reporting, such as SEOZoom, can turn a laborious process into a strategic operation.
What is an SEO report
An SEO report is an analytical and strategic document that collects, organizes and interprets key data related to a website’s performance in search engines. It is designed to provide a clear understanding of project performance, highlighting specific results and trends to monitor. With structured and interpretable information, the SEO report enables informed decisions to refine existing strategies and plan next steps in an informed manner.
Although the format and complexity may vary depending on the objectives and the recipient, all SEO reports share a basic goal: to transform numbers and raw data into insights useful for improving an online project’s ranking, visibility, and conversions.
Technically, an SEO report is an operational tool that synthesizes information from different data sources, such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console or advanced tools like SEOZoom, into an understandable and useful format. It collects measurable metrics – such as organic traffic, strategic keyword rankings and conversion trends – to create a comprehensive representation of website health.
It’s not just about verifying metrics, but fully understanding their significance in the context of the project: the SEO report must provide answers to essential questions such as “How well is my site performing against goals?”, “Where are there opportunities for improvement?”, “Which keywords are really driving results?” Its value, then, is not only descriptive but predictive and decision-making, making it an indispensable tool for both those managing SEO strategy and those evaluating the results, such as clients or stakeholders.
The origin of the term SEO report
The use of the term “report” in SEO reflects its original function: to report and communicate results. Derived from the English verb “to report”, which means to report or communicate information, the term is identified with the idea of organizing data in a readable and meaningful format. In SEO, the concept of reporting goes beyond the simple act of collecting numbers: it is a process that transforms data into analytical narratives, capable of driving specific strategies.
An SEO report connects what is happening inside the site (content performance, technical optimizations) with the external environment (organic rankings, audience behavior, link building). This mediating function between observation and strategic action is reflected in its nature as an “operational report,” a true bridge between analysis and the resulting implementation decisions.
What are the essential components of an SEO report
A structured SEO report consists of a series of interconnected sections that answer questions crucial to the success of an online project. Each component makes a specific contribution to the overall assessment, allowing for a comprehensive yet detailed picture. Here are the main elements of an SEO report, which define its structure and determine its effectiveness:
- Organic traffic
Traffic generated by search engines is one of the main indicators of site visibility. Analyzing the volume of users coming to the site via organic results allows you to understand whether your SEO strategies are reaching your target audience. This section includes:
- Total number of organic sessions in the reporting period.
- Analysis of variations from previous periods (e.g., week over week or month over month).
- Identification of traffic peaks or declines and analysis of possible causes, such as SEO campaigns, algorithmic updates, or seasonality.
- Keyword positioning
Monitoring the positions of strategic keywords is essential to assess whether the site is improving its visibility in search results. This section highlights:
- The list of top keywords and their current rankings.
- Changes in ranking from the previous period (e.g., new keywords entering the first page, keywords leaving the top positions).
- Opportunities for new keywords or thematic clusters to be developed based on observed trends, including seasonality.
- Conversions
Traffic alone is not enough: it is necessary to understand how the user interacts with the site and how many of these interactions turn into valuable actions, such as purchases, registrations or inquiries. In this part of the report, the following are analyzed:
- Conversion rates for organic traffic.
- The top pages that generate conversions and the user path that leads to these actions.
- Any bottlenecks that might hinder the conversion process, such as unclear content or usability issues .
- Backlinks
Inbound links are a key element in determining a site’s authority in the eyes of Google. A detailed analysis of the backlink profile provides valuable insights into both the quantity and quality of links. Key aspects of this section include:
- Total number of backlinks and referring domains acquired during the period.
- Distribution between “follow” and “nofollow” links.
- Identification of toxic or low-quality links that could penalize the site.
- Technical health of the site
A performing site is the foundation of any effective SEO strategy. This chapter of the report analyzes elements of technical SEO that are potentially critical for ranking, including:
- Page load speed and adherence to Core Web Vitals metrics.
- Errors detected, such as pages not indexed, 404 errors or data structure issues.
- Optimization for mobile devices, an increasingly relevant factor in ranking.
All these components, well organized and linked together, turn a simple archive of numbers into a practical and effective tool for improving a website’s performance. The real strength of an SEO report is its ability to combine technical aspects, behavioral analysis, and strategic assessments into a single document, making the results of each action taken clear and measurable.
Why make an SEO report
Typically, SEO reports are used to inform clients, colleagues, or stakeholders about a site’s search engine performance, to highlight the fruits of SEO optimization work, and to evaluate ranking changes over time. In addition, they are an excellent opportunity to show-data and graphs in hand-the results of work performed on the project, strengthen working relationships, and update clients who pay for services on the progress of consulting activities.
More generally, a well-organized and structured report is similar to an SEO audit and thus allows for immediate identification of the site’s strengths, weaknesses, and untapped potential, so as to set the optimization path over the medium to long term and aim for success, in terms of organic traffic and conversions.
Broadening the analysis, in digital marketing every action needs precise measurement to assess impact and guide next steps.The SEO report fits exactly into this scenario, serving as an indispensable tool for anyone managing search engine optimization activities. In addition to tracking performance, it is a means of identifying opportunities, quantifying results achieved and effectively communicating the value of one’s work, thus essential in an age when data drives decisions.
Who needs an SEO report
A well-structured and executed document thus provides an objective basis for analysis with other parties, eliminating subjectivity and misunderstandings. More: without a clear report, there is a risk of losing sight of objectives and compromising the ability to react to changes in algorithms or markets.
But who needs this tool in the first place? In principle, the SEO report does not have a universal audience, but it is designed to meet the different needs of those who operate or invest in the digital world. It is not only a technical analysis tool, but also a means of communication to align goals and results among all parties involved.
For an SEO specialist, it represents a daily tool to monitor the effectiveness of his or her strategies and identify technical or content improvements; agencies, on the other hand, use reports to keep their internal teams aligned and to demonstrate progress to clients, enhancing the value of work done on complex projects.
From a business perspective, and particularly for marketing teams or managers, the report becomes a crucial reference for understanding the value of SEO investments relative to business goals. Finally, for freelance consultants, it is an opportunity to build a trusting relationship with the client, objectifying their contribution in a clear way.
When and how often an SEO report should be created
The frequency of SEO reporting varies depending on the nature of the project, the goals set and the needs of the recipient, and also depends on the priority level of SEO within the project and the recipients’ need for quick updates on progress.
For B2C companies, where market changes and traffic volumes are often more dynamic, a monthly report is a well-established practice, useful for ensuring constant monitoring of seasonal or promotional performance.
In contrast, for B2B projects, where sales cycles are longer and traffic tends to be more stable, a bimonthly or quarterly update is often sufficient, especially if structural or long-term changes are to be analyzed. In cases of SEO campaigns that have just started, regardless of the industry, it can be useful to produce weekly or every two weeks reports, so as to quickly identify any critical technical issues or verify the effectiveness of initial actions taken.
Decisions resulting from the SEO report
The real value of an SEO report lies in its ability to translate numbers and technical analysis into concrete, results-oriented actions. We said it: it is more than just a list of data to read, because it also offers an “interpretive key” to understand what interventions can improve site performance. Each insight contained in the report can guide operational decisions, such as optimizing a page with high traffic potential, fixing technical errors that penalize ranking, or developing new content based on emerging keywords.
Decisions informed by the report can range from tactical changes – such as updating an underperforming meta tag – to planning long-term strategies, such as initiating a link building campaign to strengthen domain authority. In this sense, the SEO report is never an end point, but rather a starting point that links data to strategy and strategy to action. It is the element that turns passive results into an opportunity to evolve and grow in the competitive world of search engines.
The characteristics of an effective SEO report
As interest in the world of the Internet has grown, so has the number of companies or professionals who “promise” to produce SEO reports or even make SEO report templates available for those who instead intend to perform the analysis for their clients. The difficulty, as often in this field, is trying to understand what are the features that make a good and effective document: summarizing, we can say that a quality SEO report should provide concise indications of the key data of the project, changes in traffic and keyword rankings, overall performance, analyzing domain metrics, organic traffic and rankings.
Online SEO Report, the key metrics to evaluate
Generally speaking, the most popular SEO report tools show some “fixed” parameters, which you need to understand in order to be able to then analyze them correctly and act accordingly to improve the site. As mentioned, the first data that is highlighted is that of the number of times in which user visited the website, which, combined with page views, allows you to know the value between pages and session, that is, the average number of pages viewed in a single user session. This value has concrete relevance: if a visitor navigates within the site and lingers on multiple pages it brings benefits to the whole project, because search engines attribute a high reputation value to this behavior – which is why proper management of internal links is also important , one of the methods to intrigue the user and push him to increase his stay on the site, another element that, in addition to the high number of pages/session, can help to get a good ranking because it communicates to the search engine that that content deserves attention and reserves usefulness for people.
Other values that can be discovered in these analyses are the bounce rate (as known, the percentage of visits to a single page, and therefore the rate of visitors who linger on a single article or page of one’s site), which should always be evaluated along with the user’s dwell time, but above all, the detailed performance of the keywords in the pages for which the site is indexed, which are useful to understand the most profitable results and to possibly correct the strategy.
What KPIs to include in an effective SEO report
Starting from scratch, an effective SEO report can be recognized not only by the clarity of its presentation, but also by the careful choice of Key Performance Indicators, which make it possible to measure the progress of search engine optimization activities and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies implemented.
However, not all KPIs have the same relevance in every context: to obtain truly useful results, it is essential to select those most relevant to the project objectives, which really help build an analytical framework that helps to measure, understand and act.
- Basic KPIs: traffic, placements and conversions
The core metrics of an SEO report revolve around three main pillars: organic traffic, keyword placements, and conversions. These KPIs provide an immediate overview of the site’s performance in search engines and the return on the strategies applied.
Organic traffic measures how many website sessions are derived from non-paid search results, providing a direct indication of the visibility and interest generated by the content. It is important to monitor not only the overall volume of sessions, but also their distribution by keyword or by page, in order to identify any strengths or weaknesses.
The CTR (Click Through Rate), or click-through rate, is another crucial parameter: it calculates the proportion of users who click on a site result compared to the number of times it was shown in the SERPs. A low CTR can indicate problems in title tags or meta descriptions, points that can easily be improved to attract more visits.
Keyword ranking, on the other hand, evaluates where keywords identified as strategic rank relative to competitors. It is particularly useful for understanding whether optimizations are bringing benefits and which keywords require further improvement efforts.
Finally, conversion rate, which is the percentage of users who take a desired action (such as a purchase, filling out a form or registering for a newsletter), is the heartbeat of the report. It is the KPI most closely related to business goals, because it translates the effectiveness of SEO strategies into concrete results for the site.
For proper measurement of these KPIs, it is ideal to establish a time comparison with previous periods (month-on-month or year-on-year), so as to analyze trends and variations and isolate any anomalies.
- Advanced KPIs: user experience and technical aspects.
A complete and effective SEO report includes advanced metrics that assess the quality of the user experience (UX) and the technical health of the site. This category of metrics not only impacts ranking, but also directly influences users’ perceptions and behavior on the site.
Core Web Vitals, introduced by Google as a ranking factor (albeit a very “subtle” one), monitor three crucial elements of user experience: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures how quickly a page’s main content is displayed; Interaction to Next Paint (INP), which calculates the responsiveness of the site; and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), related to the visual stability of content as it loads. A low score on any of these parameters may indicate technical or design problems that require immediate action.
Page loading speed is another metric that is often underestimated but critical for both SEO and UX: a slow site not only penalizes ranking, but increases the likelihood that users will abandon browsing. Tools such as PageSpeed Insights help identify bottlenecks and suggest specific solutions.
Bounce rate then provides insight into the quality of interactions: a high bounce rate may suggest that a page is not meeting users’ expectations or adequately fulfilling their search intent. Again, context is essential in interpreting the data: not all pages necessarily have to hold the user for long if the information was effective and immediate.
No less important are technical data related to site crawlability: errors such as pages not found (404) or resources that cannot be indexed severely limit the site’s ability to gain visibility. Checking the structure of the site and identifying these obstacles allows the full potential of the project to be unleashed.
How to choose KPIs based on the project
Not all KPIs have the same relevance in every project: the selection of parameters to monitor must be closely linked to the specific objectives and characteristics of the site. For example, an eCommerce might focus primarily on conversion rate and average order value, while an editorial blog will give more weight to average dwell time and number of new visitors.
The choice of KPIs also depends on the status of the project At an early stage of an SEO strategy, the focus will likely be on metrics such as keyword ranking and page indexing, since the primary goal will be to improve visibility. Once traffic is stabilized, however, KPIs related to engagement and conversions take center stage.
It is also important to avoid including too many KPIs in a single report: too much data can confuse recipients and divert attention from the truly meaningful metrics. An effective approach is to build reports tailored to the recipient: for a non-technical client or stakeholder, a clear and concise report focused on a few key indicators will be more effective than a complex and detailed document.
Finally, let’s remember that the value of KPIs lies not only in reading them, but in translating them into concrete actions, technical improvements and new strategic goals that will make the SEO project perform better and better.
How to make an effective SEO report
But let’s move on to the practical aspects.
We said that creating an effective SEO report means turning raw data into a tool that is clear, understandable, and above all useful for guiding strategic decisions. But how is it done in practice?
Building a report requires method, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the metrics that matter most to the project. It is not enough, in fact, to collect information: the real value of the report is its ability to communicate results in a way that is actionable, without getting lost in technicalities or neglecting the strategic focus.
The preparation: collecting and organizing data
The first step in producing a report is the careful and organized collection of relevant data, in which the foundation is laid for creating a solid, well-structured document. Each piece of data included in the report must answer a question or provide critical information for the project. Preparation follows three essential steps:
- Identify the objectives of the project.
Before we begin collecting data, it is critical to clarify why we are creating the report. Are we monitoring a newly launched campaign? Do we want to demonstrate an increase in traffic and conversions to the client? Or are we trying to identify critical technical issues and possible improvements? Defining goals allows you to select the right KPIs and avoid including irrelevant or scattershot metrics.
- Select the best tools available
Once the objectives have been defined, it is necessary to choose the best tools for data collection. Google Analytics provides accurate information on user behavior, traffic sources and conversions. Google Search Console, on the other hand, is indispensable for monitoring keyword rankings, impressions, CTR and diagnosing technical problems such as indexing errors. Tools such as SEOZoom add another layer of analysis, offering advanced insights on keywords, backlinks and organic traffic trends, for example. It is important to make sure that all tools are configured correctly to collect reliable data.
- Organize the data into easily understandable sections.
After collection, data should be categorized into clear and consistent sections. Dividing the information into macrocategories (such as organic performance, technical analysis, and keywords) helps make the report readable and usable. Each section should address a specific set of objectives, allowing the reader to easily orient themselves and immediately access the most meaningful information.
How to structure the report
The structure of the report is decisive for its usefulness. A poorly organized document risks confusing readers and causing them to lose sight of the most relevant findings. Following a strategic approach in building the report ensures that the analysis is clear and effective.
- Division of main sections
A well-constructed report is divided into distinct sections, each devoted to a specific aspect of SEO. The four main sections that should never be missing from a report are:
- Organic performance: this part analyzes organic traffic volumes, sources, and user behavior. Providing a time analysis helps highlight positive trends or downturns to investigate.
- Technical SEO: here data related to site health is highlighted, such as 404 errors, loading speed, Core Web Vitals and indexing issues .
- Keywords and rankings: an overview of top performing keywords and changes in rankings. It is useful to highlight terms that have come in at the top of rankings and those that are struggling, reporting any implications for strategies.
- Engagement and conversions: conversion rates, interactions, and user behaviors related to the project’s key action (e.g., purchases or sign-ups).
- Use of clear tables and charts
Concise tables and well-designed charts are indispensable tools for visualizing complex data. For example, a line graph can show trends in organic traffic week by week, while a table can provide details on keyword rankings. The added value of these graphical elements is their ability to convey information in an immediate and intuitive manner.
- Adding explanatory notes
Many reports can be complex for less experienced readers. Therefore, it is essential to accompany technical sections with interpretive notes or explanatory comments. For example, if a page had a high bounce rate, adding a note linking it to specific content or technical issues will ensure that the figure does not remain pure numbers but becomes useful information.
Tailor the report to the client’s needs
Not all reports need to be the same-the message and complexity of the information presented is highly dependent on the recipient. Adapting the report allows it to communicate effectively and meet the specific needs of the client or internal team.
A report created for an eCommerce, for example, should focus on sales-related metrics, such as conversion rate and product card performance. For a publishing site, on the other hand, it is more important to emphasize traffic volumes, average time on pages, and distribution of sessions by topic or topic cluster.
The client’s technical level also plays a crucial role. For an inexperienced stakeholder, the report should be concise and focus on key findings, perhaps accompanied by narrative comments explaining what the numbers mean. In contrast, an in-house SEO team needs a higher level of detail, with sections devoted to technical errors, backlink status, or the progress of on-page optimizations.
Finally, the report should always be customizable: building a flexible base template that can be adapted to client requests or project developments proves essential to handle specific requests. For example, a client might request an exclusive focus on local SEO to analyze Google map rankings, or detailed monitoring of a link building campaign. Offering this flexibility not only improves communication, but also reinforces the perceived value of the work performed.
Manual or automated: the ways of creating an SEO report
Creating an SEO report can follow two distinct approaches: the manual approach, which requires direct data collection and processing work, and the automated approach, which leverages specialized tools and platforms to simplify the process. Each method has advantages and limitations, but the choice between one and the other depends primarily on the project, the resources available, and the goals to be achieved. Understanding how these methods work is key to adopting the one best suited to your needs.
How to do a manual SEO report
The manual process involves collecting, interpreting, and organizing data from multiple sources and then presenting it in a structured format. This is an option that, while more time-consuming, offers direct control over every detail of the report, allowing for targeted customization.
The first step is exporting the data. The most widely used tools for this purpose include Google Search Console and Google Analytics, which provide essential metrics such as organic traffic, traffic sources, user behavior and keyword performance. This data can be exported to formats such as CSV or Excel, which make it easier to process later. For example, exporting from the “Search Results” module of Google Search Console provides a complete list of queries generating traffic, with details on impressions, clicks and average position.
This is followed byprocessing the data in a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. At this stage, the raw data is organized, filtered, and cross-referenced, creating tables and sets of information that are useful in describing project performance. For example, organic traffic data can be merged with keyword rankings, identifying the queries that contribute most to conversions.
Finally, graphs and data summaries are created, the heart of the manual report. Line charts to highlight organic traffic trends, tables to rank keywords by performance, and bars to represent conversion rates are visual tools that make it easy to understand the information. Text summaries added to the charts help contextualize the numbers and turn them into actionable insights.
Although it requires analytical skills and some practice, the manual method offers the opportunity to intimately understand every aspect of the project, making it ideal for those who want to thoroughly learn how SEO data works.
Automated SEO reports: the advantage of technology
Automation has revolutionized the way SEO reports are created, offering a quick, accurate and adaptable solution to the needs of complex projects. SEOZoom‘s tools , for example, allow you to generate comprehensive reports in just a few clicks, eliminating the need to manually collect and organize huge amounts of data. The real advantage lies in the ability to save time and maintain high quality standards.
In the automated approach, the process begins with the setup of integrated reporting tools, which eliminate the risk of errors common in manual processing and ensure that the numbers are up-to-date and always valid. This approach also usually allows for automated updating of reports, with pre-scheduled email sends to provide weekly or monthly updates to clients or the team. Reports are generated including tables, charts and explanatory sections ready to be shared. With data integration with platforms such as Google Analytics and Search Console, metrics from multiple sources can be unified, creating a comprehensive overview without having to manually cross-reference information.
Another added value of automation is the ability to track trends over extended periods, so you can compare current performance with that of previous months, identifying seasonal fluctuations or correlations between SEO actions and results.
What pays off: manual or automated?
The choice between a manual or automated approach depends deeply on the specific circumstances of the project, the resources available, and the main objectives. Each method has pros and cons that must be carefully weighed.
Manual reporting is appropriate in situations where precise details need to be explored or a highly customized document needs to be constructed. For example, for a client with special needs or who requires highly specific reports, a manual approach allows each aspect of the document to be shaped to its objectives. This method is also ideal in educational settings or in the early stages of an SEO activity, where it is useful to analyze the data in depth to build a solid understanding of the project.
Different discourse for automated reports, which are the best choice for complex projects with large volumes of data or frequent deadlines. Automation dramatically reduces time and minimizes the risk of errors, allowing you to focus on interpreting and implementing strategies. For an SEO agency managing multiple clients or a consultant who needs to send updates on a regular basis, automated tools such as SEOZoom become indispensable, ensuring accuracy, clarity and data integration capabilities.
In fact, the two modes can also be combined. One can start with an automated report to gather the core data and then customize it manually with contextual analysis or summaries. This hybrid approach allows you to get the best out of both methods, easily adapting to different design requirements.
How to make an SEO report with SEOZoom
In SEO work, reporting is a crucial step to demonstrate achievements, identify critical issues, and guide next strategies. SEOZoom makes this process accessible, fast and highly customizable, offering a set of dedicated tools to create comprehensive and tailored reports in just a few steps.
From automatic updates to header customization, SEOZoom allows you not only to analyze your site data, but also to package clear documents to share with clients or colleagues without sacrificing quality and technical accuracy.
With features such as customized report management, quick audits and analysis options focused on individual keywords, URLs or domains, SEOZoom adapts to any project need and provides maximum flexibility.
SEOZoom’s SEO report tools: four different modes for reporting
In the “Reports” area of SEOZoom’s side menu you will find everything you need to create, manage and view comprehensive analysis documents. The available tools offer different options to meet specific needs, from quick analyses to in-depth reports:
- Report Management is the specific functionality to create, set up and managecustom reports with various widgets and data from the suite.
- Quick Audit generates an auto-generated document that combines technical SEO analysis and operational advice, ideal for those who need to quickly assess a site and immediately identify any critical issues.
- Keyword, URL or domain analysis are reports focused on specific elements of the site with all relevant information, such as search volumes, rankings, estimated traffic and associated backlinks. The flexibility of these functions makes them particularly useful for targeted interventions or for delving into specific aspects of the project.
- Time Machine, which allows you to analyze variations on a time basis, such as changes in keyword rankings or page performance. Although not part of direct reporting, it is an extremely useful tool for enriching documents with retrospective analysis and identifying significant trends.
In addition, from the Project settings it is possible to enable Project Keyword Monitoring, a feature that allows you to receive a weekly summary of the performance of only the monitored keywords via e-mail.
What this means, then, is that the platform offers numerous tools for taking a snapshot of the performance of a site and its key components, allowing each user to create customized SEO reports tailored to each type of need. Each of these options is designed to offer maximum control over the data and make reporting a strategic tool for communicating the value of one’s work.
The tools for reports: quick audit and Report pdf for quick documents to download
Before we discover the long way to create official and well-structured SEO reports, let’s look at the platform’s quick tools that allow you to download pdf files with key monitoring metrics for the site under analysis.
Launching the analysis of a domain, URL or keyword, in fact, we can notice the presence of a “PDF” button on the right side of the top bar: clicking on it, we will immediately get a document that encloses the key information displayed in the SEOZoom screen with data from the tables related to the type of scan performed, such as the trend graph, the total number of keywords placed, the monthly traffic monitoring, the estimated traffic value and the Zoom Authority, and then again the time comparison, the overview of backlinks and so on. When we analyze a single keyword, on the other hand, the pdf document shows keyword and intent analysis, Keyword difficulty values, keyword opportunity, average search volumes, seasonality, the latest SERP, Google page composition, tables with related queries, and so on.
This series of PDF Reports are a kind of quick, customizable and comprehensive SEO Audit, with which you can show, data and graphs in hand, the results of the work performed on the project and the progress of any SEO consulting and optimization activities.
In addition to direct analysis, they are also available from the side menu of SEOZoom with the same operation: the only difference is that we have to select the keyword, web page or domain to be analyzed as a priority, then set the preferences on the document header and finally get the desired detailed PDF report in very few seconds, which we can download or email.
Even more specific is the Quick Audit feature, which adds more information to those just described: it is a quick analysis of the website, with textual cues and “explanations” of the site’s SEO data, optimization tips, improvement cues, and advanced competitor analysis identified by the suite. Also available in Analyze Website, this self-generated document combines SEO analysis information about the site through tables and data with textual indications useful for understanding the values shown.
Then there is, as mentioned, another useful tool, Project Keyword Monitoring, which is a function that can be activated from the Project settings with which you can set up the automated emailing of a weekly summary report of the performance of only the monitored keywords for each site entered into the project.
How to make the SEO report with SEOZoom
If we need to structure an SEO analysis document to present to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders or to use personally to study our own project in more depth even off-line, the best reference is the Report Management area of SEOZoom.
This feature allows us to create, manage, and customize comprehensive reports with the information (and even graphics) that best suit our needs. Through a drag-and-drop editor we can select widgets with specific data, add explanatory notes, customize the SEO report template aesthetically, and even schedule automatic submissions of the document in PDF format .
The customization possibilities also extend to the title, number of pages and sections of the document, including the text accompanying the “bare” data, and for those who do not want to devote themselves to this task you can also choose a template from a previously created and saved report, which is archived and selectable from the drop-down menu. Having completed the process of creating the structure, you can launch the analysis run: if the site is already included in the projects of the SEOZoom account just select it from the list, alternatively you can enter a domain of your choice. When the system has finished scanning just save the report in pdf format on your computer or decide to send the file via email, also scheduling the repetition of the analysis with the desired time frequency.
A customizable and comprehensive SEO report template
The screen present at the opening of the tool represents the first page of the document, which you can customize by choosing from the various layout templates available to find the solution that seems most valid, with possibility as mentioned to also import a template already made in a previous report. Immediately below are the categories Keyword – Monitoring – Pages with the specific widgets to be inserted in the pdf file in simple drag & drop mode , to enrich the report with graphs, tables and data from SEOZoom to make complete SEO analysis. Finally, the “Page Elements” section allows you to manage aspects related to the presentation of the Report, and in particular to insert a title, a cover image (which can be your own official logo or that of the client’s site, for example), explanatory images or real text boxes that give the document the most suitable form.
In practical terms, therefore, each user is empowered to configure each individual widget with a simple click, providing SEOZoom with the preferred directions to achieve the most appropriate display for his or her needs.
From the technical point of view, SEOZoom allows you to analyze the site under some of the main values and indicators; the first area we can call SEO summary report, because it is a clear and precise summary of the current situation of the project, and therefore traffic volumes, visits, trend over time and so on. The other information, on the other hand, concerns the SEO performance report, which is focused more precisely on the performance of the site, and especially the SEO position report and SEO rankings report, that is, the performance of the keywords for which the site is indexed. In this sense, SEOZoom allows you to analyze the keywords monitored in a project, the positions of a single keyword, but also the best or potential keywords, those that entered the SERP and the first page and those, on the contrary, exited and so on, up to the focus on individual pages of the site, where you can get feedback about the estimated traffic performance over time and the best keywords of that individual content.
Detailed guide: creating a comprehensive report with SEOZoom
Going into more practical detail, making an effective report with SEOZoom is a straightforward process with plenty of customization options. The platform guides the user through clear steps that result in a complete document in minutes, leaving ample room to configure it as needed.
The first step is to access the Report Management section from the side menu. Here you will find a list of previously created reports, with options to edit, archive or delete them. Once you click on “Create New Report,” an initial configuration screen opens where you can:
- Assign a name to the document to easily identify it.
- Schedule automatic emailing, defining recipients and frequency (e.g., weekly or monthly).
- Select the site to be analyzed, choosing from saved projects or entering a generic domain.
Once these basic features are set up, you enter the actual editor, designed to structure the report content. The first page represents the introductory layout: you can choose from several graphic templates or import a previously used template. At this stage you can add a custom logo, such as your own or a client’s, as well as configure the cover image and document title to ensure visual consistency and professionalism.
In the next section, the focus is on building the report pages. The drag-and-drop interface allows you to select specific widgets divided into main categories:
- Keyword: section dedicated to keyword analysis, with data on ranking, variations and traffic generated. Here you can highlight keywords that are driving traffic or flag optimization opportunities.
- Monitoring: focus on general traffic metrics, such as organic sessions, user behavior by device and source.
- Pages: details on individual page performance, with metrics on traffic, associated keywords and backlinks present.
Each widget can be further customized: one click allows you to select specific parameters, filter time periods or refine the graphic layout. This flexibility allows you to create reports with a focused focus, suitable for both internal analysis and presentations to clients.
To complete the document, SEOZoom allows you to add explanatory comments and images that enrich the analyses, making them more understandable even to less technically savvy recipients. For example, a brief description can be added next to an organic traffic graph to highlight specific trends or issues that have arisen.
Once the structure is finished, the report can be saved and generated as a PDF, ready for downloading or emailing. For those with a plan from professional and up, moreover, the reports are whitelabel: this means that the documents are fully brandable, with the ability to customize headers, logos or specific details requested by the client.
SEO reports: FAQs, doubts and tips
A well-crafted SEO report can become our best ally in analyzing performance, measuring the effectiveness of strategies and communicating the value of the work done. However, many novice professionals-or clients interested in understanding more-ask recurring questions about how best to structure and use this tool. This section clearly answers the most common questions from user research and operational needs highlighted during real projects.
- What to include in an SEO report?
An SEO report should always include key metrics useful for monitoring and evaluating project goals. Must-have sections for a comprehensive report include:
- Organic traffic: indicates the amount of sessions coming from search engines, breaking down the figure by pages, keywords or devices. It is crucial for understanding the level of visibility of the site over time.
- Keyword Ranking: a detailed overview of the ranking of major keywords, with any changes from previous periods.
- Page performance: includes metrics such as user behavior on individual pages and traffic generated.
- Backlinks: a quantitative and qualitative analysis of inbound links to assess the health of the backlink profile and domain authority.
- Technical Health: highlights aspects such as loading speed, Core Web Vitals and indexing issues.
Each report should be tailored to the target audience, which means selecting only data relevant to the client or internal team.
- How long does it take to create an SEO report?
The time it takes to create an SEO report depends on the method chosen, the complexity of the project, and the tools used.
- Manual reports: are more labor intensive, as they require timely data collection from different platforms (e.g. Google Analytics or Google Search Console) and subsequent manual processing in spreadsheets or visualization software. Typically, an accurate manual report can take several hours of work.
- Automated reports: tools such as those from SEOZoom drastically reduce creation time. A customized and complete report, including graphics and aesthetic layout, can take only a few minutes, with the ability to schedule recurring updates fully automatically.
In general, automation is an ideal solution for those who need regular reports or manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- What are the best tools for an SEO report?
There are many platforms available for creating SEO reports, each with specific features. Here is an overview of the main tools:
- Google Analytics. Ideal for tracking user behavior and monitoring conversions, providing accurate data on traffic sources and interactions.
- Google Search Console. Essential for keyword ranking analysis and identifying any indexing problems or technical errors.
- SEOZoom. Perfect for making specific reports on keywords, URLs or domains and for generating automated documents with clear and well-organized data.
Depending on the complexity and goals of the project, you may opt to integrate multiple tools to get a complete and in-depth view.
- Is an SEO report really useful?
Absolutely. An SEO report is not just a document, but an operational and strategic tool that allows you to:
- Demonstrate the value of the work done: showing the progress achieved, metrics in hand, strengthens the relationship of trust with clients or stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities and problems: allows you to analyze what is working and what aspects (technical, content or ranking) require improvement interventions.
- Support decisions: every piece of data included in a well-done report provides the basis for planning targeted strategic actions.
- Contextualize results: by comparing with previous periods, it helps to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and measure the ROI of SEO investments.
Ultimately, the SEO report amplifies awareness of the work done, making evident not only what was done, but also why it was done.
- How do you present an SEO report to clients?
Presenting an SEO report to clients requires a focused and communicative approach to ensure that the data is clear and understandable. A client-friendly report should:
- Be concise but comprehensive, with a focus on the results most relevant to their business.
- Include contextual explanations that clarify the meaning of the metrics and their relationship to the goals set.
- Show visually clear charts and graphs that make the data readable even to non-technical people.
- Highlight successes achieved and suggest next steps, enhancing the impact of SEO strategies on their project.
- What is the difference between an SEO report and an SEO audit?
The terms SEO report and SEO audit are often confused, but they refer to two different tools:
- An SEO audit is a detailed analysis of a site’s critical technical, structural, and content issues, conducted to identify problems and suggest corrective actions.
- An SEO report , on the other hand, focuses on the results of ongoing SEO strategies, monitoring performance and demonstrating the effectiveness of interventions made over time.
Although both have analytical purposes, the report is more geared toward regular monitoring and communication of progress, while the audit is specifically for identifying initial problems or extraordinary reviews.