Monthly SEO report template: explain what changed and what happens next
A monthly SEO reporting prompt that compares like-for-like periods, separates observations from causes and turns metrics into owned next actions.
- Works in
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
- You need
- Search Console and analytics exports · Change log · Targets and prior period
- Written for
- monthly seo report template
A report is useful when it changes the next decision. Charts without definitions and explanations without a change log create confidence, not knowledge.
For a deeper one-off diagnosis, use the Search Console analysis prompt.
Create a monthly SEO report from only the supplied data.
Start with DATA QUALITY: date ranges, timezone, filters, missing sources,
tracking changes and whether the periods are comparable. Do not continue a
comparison that is materially mismatched without labelling it.
Then output: executive summary in five bullets; KPI table with current,
comparison, absolute change, percentage change and source; changes by query,
page, device and country where available; wins; losses; work shipped from the
change log; conclusions supported by the data; hypotheses needing tests; and
next-month actions with owner, expected signal and review date.
Separate observation, interpretation and action. Never attribute movement to
an algorithm update, seasonality, competitor or shipped change from timing
alone. Never sum averages or compare partial current months with full prior
months. Use [NOT PROVIDED] rather than inventing targets, conversions or
revenue. Report branded and non-branded separately when labels exist.
Data exports: [DATA]
Current and comparison periods: [PERIODS]
Targets and definitions: [TARGETS]
Change log: [CHANGES]
Owners: [OWNERS]What to change
Everything in square brackets is yours to replace. Nothing else needs editing.
[DATA]- Exports with column names, filters and source identified.
[PERIODS]- Comparable date ranges and timezone; mention incomplete days.
[TARGETS]- Agreed KPIs, conversion definitions and targets.
[CHANGES]- Dated releases, content changes, migrations and tracking changes.
[OWNERS]- Roles available for the next actions.
How to run it
- 01Export with dimensions
Totals alone hide whether one page or market caused the movement.
- 02Check comparability first
Align days, filters and tracking definitions before explaining a change.
- 03Assign the next test
Each action needs an expected signal and review date, not merely “monitor.”
Questions people ask
What should a monthly SEO report include?
Include data quality, agreed KPIs, changes by page and query, completed work, evidence-backed conclusions, open hypotheses and owned next actions.
Should SEO reports compare month over month or year over year?
Use both when the data supports them. Month over month shows recent movement; year over year helps expose recurring seasonality. Comparable date ranges and tracking definitions matter more than the label.
How do you explain an SEO traffic drop?
First establish that the change exceeds normal variation, then locate it by page, query, device and geography. Check eligibility and your change log before proposing external causes.
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