Multi-column prioritization matrix: Template
As a result, my multi-column prioritization matrix is structured with drop-down options for each column.
A custom multi-column prioritization matrix for technical SEO tasks
Each drop-down includes three options:
Yes
No
Don’t know (for cases where the answer is unclear or not strictly yes/no).
In all cells with a drop-down, there is also conditional formatting, which, in my case, adjusts the cell color based on the selected value.
This step is needed as, thanks to the cell color, I can automatically count the cells with concrete value. Unfortunately, the “Countif” formula doesn’t work with dropdowns.
To count the cells with concrete color, you will need to use the following script:
function countByColor(range, color) {
var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet();
var range = sheet.getRange(range);
var values = range.getBackgrounds();
var count = 0;
for (var i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
for (var j = 0; j < values[i].length; j++) {
if (values[i][j] == color) {
count++;
}
}
}
return count;
}
Just place it in Extensions > Apps Script. And the newly created formula, =countByColor(“A:A”, “#ff0000”), where you just need to adjust the color code.
To calculate the priority, I assign one point to every Yes and 0.5 for every Don’t know.
This custom prioritization matrix may initially feel complex, but it becomes second nature with practice. Eventually, you might not even need Google Sheets to manage it.
If you’re working with a smaller site or don’t have the time for a thorough evaluation, focus on these three key areas:
Site-wide issues you can resolve independently.
High-impact, low-effort tasks.
Revenue-related tasks.
But remember, assigning priority to your tasks is just the first step of the process.
Put your project management hat on
Technical issues are often not simple to resolve, and fixing them requires a lot of effort and resources from other teams. However, there are three simple techniques you can use if you want to succeed.
Break down large technical tasks into manageable smaller ones
The first step is to embrace an agile approach by breaking large technical tasks into smaller, manageable pieces.
For instance, if you’re dealing with a rendering issue across multiple website widgets, sending the entire project to the engineering team simultaneously may lead to a lengthy timeline – potentially months – since each widget will require individual attention.
Chances are, this project won’t be prioritized anytime soon because it demands too many resources at once.
Instead, present the project as a whole (especially if the issue is consistent across all widgets), but propose a phased approach.
For example, out of the 10 widgets, start with the highest-priority widget, “X,” allowing the team to address the most critical issue first while easing the overall workload.
Get everyone on board
Let me share a real-life example to illustrate this. Before my maternity leave, I was leading a project to migrate our website from HTTP to HTTPS.
Unfortunately, the project wasn’t completed before I left, and shortly afterward, the entire SEO team exited the company. When I came back from a long maternity leave, the project was still unfinished.
The mistake was that only our team knew all the details and why this was so important. It will hurt our organic rankings and if we stayed on HTTP, users would see the “This website is unsafe” message, negatively impacting our organic traffic and conventions.
The lesson?
Get everyone on board from the start.
Share all relevant information, provide clear examples and link to external resources that explain the issue.
The better informed other teams are, the more support you’ll gain to drive the project forward.
Balance with other SEO tasks
Prioritizing technical SEO gives you a solid foundation, but without direction, it’s pointless – like having an airplane without a pilot. It may be well-built, but it won’t take you anywhere.
Don’t neglect the other critical aspects of SEO to make a real impact.
On-page optimization, competitive analysis, topic research and more must work together.
Your SEO strategy requires attention to all these areas to truly succeed.
Dig deeper: Agile for SEOs: How in-house teams get projects prioritized
Monitor and adapt
Prioritizing technical SEO tasks is just the beginning of your journey.
To maintain and grow your SEO success, you must continuously monitor your efforts and be ready to adapt.
Review your KPIs regularly and evaluate the impact of your technical changes. This will help you identify what’s working and where further adjustments are needed.
SEO is an ongoing process – algorithms change, your company and the competition evolve, and new technical challenges arise. Keep monitoring and adapting because SEO success is not a one-time achievement but a never-ending journey.
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