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What Is a PPC Audit? – Explained

What Is A Ppc Audit? - Explained
Contents

In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about PPC audits,

including:

  • What is PPC advertising?
  • The purpose of a PPC audit
  • Key components of a PPC audit
  • How to conduct a PPC audit step-by-step
  • Benefits of doing a PPC audit


By the end, you’ll understand how a PPC audit can help optimize your campaigns for better performance and ROI.

PPC Advertising 101

PPC is an online advertising model where you pay each time someone clicks your ad. 

The goal is to drive interested leads to your website. 

Search engine advertising, like Google Ads, is the most common form of PPC.

Here’s how it works:

  1. You bid on relevant keywords
  2. When someone searches using those keywords, your ad may appear
  3. You pay a fee if they click your ad


Display ads on websites and social media advertising also fall under PPC.

The beauty of PPC is you only pay when there’s engagement. 

Compare that to print ads where you shell out money regardless of performance!

PPC is crucial for digital marketing because:

  • It provides instant visibility & traffic
  • Allows precise audience targeting
  • Offers valuable data to measure performance


In short, a well-executed PPC strategy gets your brand in front of the right people at the right time. 

But creating successful campaigns requires optimization. 

Enter the PPC audit.

The Purpose of a PPC Audit

A PPC audit is an in-depth review of your PPC campaigns to identify improvement opportunities. 

The main objectives are:

  1. Boost campaign performance
  2. Maximize ROI
  3. Eliminate wasted ad spend
  4. Improve ad relevance
  5. Align campaigns with business goals


During an audit, experts analyze your campaigns with a fine-tooth comb. 

They look at metrics like click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and cost per acquisition (CPA).

The audit also assesses:

  • Keyword selection & performance
  • Ad copy & messaging
  • Landing page experience
  • Geographic & demographic targeting


This deep dive uncovers what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. 

The insights guide optimization efforts to supercharge your campaigns.

Key Components of a PPC Audit

A thorough PPC audit leaves no stone unturned. 

Here are the key elements to review:

Account Structure

A logical, well-organized account structure is crucial. 

Evaluate how your campaigns and ad groups are set up, including:

  • Naming conventions
  • Grouping of related keywords
  • Distribution of budget

Keyword Analysis

Keywords are the lifeblood of PPC. Analyze keyword performance metrics like:

  • Search volume
  • Click-through rate
  • Conversion rate
  • Relevance to your audience


Identify top performers to build on and underperformers to eliminate.

Ad Copy Evaluation

Compelling ad copy drives clicks. Assess your current ads for:

  • Relevance to keywords
  • Unique value proposition
  • Clear call-to-action
  • Adherence to best practices


The right message makes all the difference in enticing prospects.

Landing Page Review

Where do people land after clicking your ad? 

A poor landing page experience can tank conversions. 

Examine your landing pages for:

  • Page load speed
  • Relevance to ad
  • Intuitive design
  • Conversion rate optimization


The transition from ad to landing page should be seamless and persuasive.

How to Conduct a PPC Audit: Step by Step

Now that you know what a PPC audit entails, how do you actually do one?

Follow these steps:

  1. Define goals – What do you want to achieve?
  2. Gather data – Pull reports from your PPC platform & analytics.
  3. Review account structure – Is it logical & efficient?
  4. Evaluate keywords – Identify strengths & weaknesses.
  5. Audit ad copy – Is it compelling & relevant?
  6. Assess landing pages – Are they optimized for conversions?
  7. Monitor key metrics – Track CTR, CPA, ROI over time.
  8. Make changes – Put your audit insights into action!


To make your audit easier, use tools like:

  • Google Ads & Google Analytics
  • Keyword research tools
  • Landing page analysis software


These will help you gather the data you need and spot trends.

Benefits of a PPC Audit

Investing time in regular PPC audits pays off. 

You can expect:

  • Better campaign performance and ROAS
  • More efficient use of your PPC budget
  • Higher CTR & conversion rates
  • Lower CPC & CPA
  • Improved alignment with business objectives


In other words, you’ll get more bang for your PPC buck. 

An optimized campaign means better quality traffic and more conversions.

Conclusion

Is it time to give your PPC campaigns a checkup? 

Conducting a PPC audit is the best way to diagnose issues and identify growth opportunities. 

By examining the core components of your campaigns, you can take strategic action to improve results.

Remember, the goal of a PPC audit is to refine your ad strategy for maximum impact. 

Whether you do it yourself or bring in an expert, the process will help you succeed with PPC.

Picture of Walter Voronovic

Walter Voronovic

Founder @ WalterVoronovic.com. I've worked as a performance marketer since 2019. Today, I write about SaaS marketing & design and test & review marketing tools.
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