Expert Guide: Audit Your Social Media Ads (Step by Step) & Improve Your Results

Why You Should Audit Your Social Media Ads (And How to Do it)

Audit Your Social Media Ads: When brands first venture into the world of social media advertising, they often experience a surge of excitement and optimism as their campaigns generate impressive initial results—high click-through rates, impressive conversion volumes, and a sense of progress. However, as time goes by, the performance of these once-successful campaigns inevitably starts to wane.

Ready to take your social media advertising to the next level? Book your free social ads audit with our team of PPC experts today! No strings attached, and no obligation to engage our services. We’re here to provide you with actionable advice on how to achieve better results and optimise your campaigns for success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to uncover valuable insights and unlock the full potential of your social media advertising efforts. Schedule your free audit now! If you’re also wondering whether Google Ads vs. social media advertising is better for your business, you’ve come to the right place. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert insights.

Audience interests shift, platform algorithms evolve, and the once-profitable strategies lose their edge. While this is a common occurrence in the dynamic world of social media, many brands make a critical mistake: they adopt a “set it and forget it” approach, neglecting to conduct regular audits of their ad accounts. This complacency can lead to squandered budgets and missed opportunities to optimise and improve ad performance.

Whats A Good Price To Pay For A Social Ads Audit?

The cost for a professional social media audit starts around £500-£1,000 for a surface-level overview. But plan to invest £2,500-£5,000+ for a comprehensive audit and strategic recommendations.

The cost of a social media audit is not just a financial consideration; it’s about aligning your social media efforts with your overall business goals. The insights gained from the audit can lead to more targeted campaigns, improved brand messaging, and a stronger competitive edge.

See How Much is a Social Media Audit for more info and an insiders guide on whats best for your brand.

Maintain a competitive edge with this comprehensive guide

To maintain a competitive edge and ensure that your social media advertising efforts yield the best possible results, conducting regular audits is paramount. By analysing your ad accounts, evaluating strategies, and identifying areas for improvement, you can adapt to changing trends and keep your campaigns thriving.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the reasons why auditing your social media ads is an indispensable practice. We’ll explore the impact of neglecting this essential task and the benefits that a well-executed audit can bring to your marketing efforts. Moreover, we’ll equip you with proven, step-by-step techniques to conduct thorough assessments of your paid social media accounts.

Whether you are a seasoned social media marketer or just starting your journey into the realm of Paid Social Media Ads advertising and auditing, this guide will provide you with invaluable insights and actionable tips to master the art of auditing your social media ads. Let’s delve into the world of ad optimisation and unleash the full potential of your social media campaigns.

The Benefits of Social Media Ad Auditing

Audit Your Social Media Ads Today: Now that you understand the significant advantages of auditing your social media ads, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process that will empower you to conduct a comprehensive and successful audit.

Follow these pro and expert tips to make the most of your auditing efforts:

1. Set Clear Objectives: Define specific goals for your audit. Whether it’s improving click-through rates, reducing cost per acquisition, or enhancing overall ROI, having clear objectives will guide your audit and help you measure its success.
2. Gather Relevant Data: Collect data from all your social media advertising platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other platforms you’re using. Ensure you have data on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as impressions, clicks, conversions, reach, and engagement.
3. Analyse Platform-specific Metrics: Each social media platform has unique metrics and features. Analyse platform-specific data to understand how your ads perform on different platforms and identify trends specific to each audience.
4. Assess Audience Targeting: Review your Social Media Ad Targeting parameters to ensure they align with your campaign objectives. Are you reaching the right demographics, interests, and behaviours? Make adjustments as needed to focus on your most valuable audience segments.

Analyse, Identify, Optimise = Stay Ahead of Your Competition

1. Evaluate Ad Creative: Analyse the performance of your ad creatives, including images, videos, and ad copy. Identify which elements resonate with your audience and which ones may need improvement. Consider A/B testing different variations to find the most effective creatives.
2. Review Landing Pages: Examine the landing pages associated with your ads. Do they deliver a consistent message and user experience? Optimise landing pages for better conversion rates and ensure they are mobile-friendly.
3. Assess Ad Scheduling: Review the timing of your ad campaigns. Determine if there are specific days or hours when your ads perform better. Adjust your ad scheduling to maximise visibility during peak engagement times.
4. Competitive Analysis: Conduct a competitive analysis to understand how your ads stack up against your competitors. Identify opportunities to differentiate yourself and stay ahead of the competition.

Auditing is not a one-time event

1. Budget Allocation: Analyse your budget allocation across campaigns and platforms. Identify top-performing campaigns and reallocate budget from underperforming ones to maximise ROI.
2. Ad Placement and Performance: Examine where your ads are placed within social media platforms (e.g., newsfeed, Stories, right column) and evaluate their performance in each placement. Adjust placements based on performance data.
3. Ad Frequency: Determine the optimal ad frequency for your campaigns. Overexposure can lead to creative fatigue, while too little exposure may not generate enough brand recall. Strike the right balance to keep your ads effective.
4. Cross-Platform Integration: Look for opportunities to integrate your social media ads with other marketing channels, such as email campaigns or influencer partnerships. Cross-platform integration can reinforce your message and extend your reach.
5. Stay Updated with Platform Changes: Social media platforms frequently update their algorithms and advertising features. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your strategies accordingly to maintain alignment with platform best practices.
6. Document and Track Progress: Throughout the PPC audit process, document your findings and the actions taken. Use this documentation to track your progress over time and inform future audits.
7. Automation and AI Tools: Consider leveraging automation and AI-driven tools to streamline the auditing process. These tools can help you analyse vast amounts of data quickly and uncover insights that might have otherwise been overlooked.

By following these expert-recommended steps and incorporating the latest technology, you’ll be well-equipped to conduct a thorough and effective social media ad audit. Remember, auditing is not a one-time event; make it a regular practice to ensure your social media ad strategies stay relevant, effective, and ahead of the competition. With each audit, you’ll gain valuable social media advertising insights that will drive continuous improvement and deliver outstanding results for your brand.

How to Audit Your Social Media Advertising: Pro Tips for a Comprehensive Review

Conducting a social media ad audit might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and pro tips, it can become an efficient and insightful process.

Here’s a deeper look at each step with expert recommendations:

1. Set Goals and Benchmarks

Pro Tip: Align your goals with your overall marketing objectives and be specific about the KPIs you want to measure. Use historical data to set realistic benchmarks for comparison.

2. Gather Historical Performance Data

Pro Tip: Consider using social media analytics tools that aggregate data from multiple platforms to save time and ensure you have a comprehensive view of your ad performance.

3. Organise by Campaigns and Ad Sets

Pro Tip: Sort your data into clear categories for campaigns and ad sets. This will help you spot trends and patterns that might not be immediately apparent when looking at overall metrics.

4. Analyse Results by Objective

Pro Tip: Focus on the primary objectives of each campaign (e.g., awareness, lead generation, sales) and analyse the relevant conversion events and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) metrics accordingly.

5. Compare Ad Creative and Copy

Pro Tip: Use A/B testing during your campaigns to gather data on different creative elements and ad copies. This will help you identify the winning combinations and optimise future ad content.

6. Identify Standout Winners

Pro Tip: Identify the campaigns, ad sets, and creatives that outperform others significantly. Allocate more budget to these high-performing assets to further capitalise on their success.

7. Find Underperformers

Pro Tip: Determine the consistently underperforming targets or messages and consider reducing or pausing them. This reallocation of budget can improve overall campaign efficiency.

8. Review Audience Targeting

Pro Tip: Leverage social media platform insights and third-party audience research tools to ensure your targeting aligns with your ideal customer profiles. Make data-driven adjustments as needed.

9. Note Platform Performance Differences

Pro Tip: Understand the nuances of each social media platform. For example, LinkedIn might perform better for B2B campaigns, while Instagram could excel for visual-driven consumer products.

10. Outline Action Plan

Pro Tip: Create a visually engaging presentation with clear action items and recommendations. Include data visualisations and easy-to-digest insights to present to stakeholders effectively.

11. Implement Refinements

Pro Tip: Collaborate with your team or clients to implement the agreed-upon changes promptly. Monitor the performance closely after the optimisations to gauge their impact.

By following these expert tips, you can Audit Your Social Media Ads accounts and these tips will help you structure and streamline the auditing process and help you make data-driven decisions to optimise your social media ad campaigns effectively. Regularly performing audits will ensure your ads stay relevant, resonate with your target audience, and deliver optimal results for your marketing efforts. Remember, an audit is not a one-and-done task; make it a recurring practice to continuously refine and improve your social media advertising Facebook Ad Strategy. Your commitment to refining and optimising your ad campaigns will undoubtedly yield significant benefits for your brand’s online presence and overall business success.

Key Performance Metrics to Assess: Pro Tips for In-Depth Analysis

When thinking how can I do a social media audit for free, understanding and interpreting the right key performance metrics (KPIs) are crucial for gaining meaningful insights into your campaigns.

Here’s a deeper look at each metric with pro and expert tips for a more comprehensive analysis:

1. Impressions and Reach

Pro Tip: While high impressions may seem promising, keep an eye on the reach-to-impressions ratio. A low ratio might indicate that your content is not resonating with your target audience.

2. Clicks and Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Pro Tip: Look beyond the overall CTR and analyse it across different ad sets and creative variations. Identify which combinations drive the highest CTR to inform future ad content strategies.

3. Engagement Rate

Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on likes; consider other engagement metrics like comments, shares, and reactions. High engagement indicates content relevance and audience involvement.

4. Conversions and Conversion Rate (CVR)

Pro Tip: Distinguish between micro-conversions (e.g., sign-ups, form submissions) and macro-conversions (e.g., purchases). Optimise ad sets to drive higher conversion rates for specific actions.

5. Cost Per Click (CPC) and Cost Per Mille (CPM)

Pro Tip: Benchmark CPC and CPM against industry averages to gauge cost efficiency. If your costs are higher, explore opportunities to optimise targeting and ad content.

6. Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Pro Tip: ROAS is not one-size-fits-all; consider the nature of your business and individual campaign objectives. For instance, a lower ROAS might still be acceptable for brand awareness campaigns.

7. Frequency and Ad Cap Limits

Pro Tip: High ad frequency can lead to ad fatigue and decreased performance. Set appropriate frequency caps to maintain ad effectiveness without overwhelming your audience.

8. Cross-Platform Performance

Pro Tip: Assess how your campaigns perform on different social media platforms. Tailor your strategies for each platform based on what resonates best with its unique audience.

9. Attribution Models

Pro Tip: Understand the attribution model used to measure conversions. Different models (e.g., last-click, first-click, linear) attribute conversions differently, affecting how you interpret campaign success.

10. Return on Investment (ROI)

Pro Tip: Consider the full customer journey and attribute revenue beyond immediate conversions. Factoring in lifetime value (LTV) of customers provides a more accurate ROI assessment.

11. Quality of Leads

Pro Tip: If your campaign’s objective is lead generation, focus on the quality of leads generated rather than just quantity. Assess lead demographics, engagement, and conversion potential.

By honing in on these Six Key Areas of a Social Media Audit performance metrics and applying expert tips to analyse them, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your social media advertising efforts. Monitoring these KPIs over time through regular audits will help you identify optimisation opportunities and refine your campaigns for better results. Remember that context matters; consider industry benchmarks, campaign objectives, and audience behaviour when interpreting the data. Armed with these insights, you can make data-driven decisions to drive success and maximise the impact of your social media ad campaigns.

Turn Insights Into Improvements: Pro Tips for Optimising Your Social Media Ad Campaigns

An effective social media ad audit is only valuable if it leads to actionable improvements. After Auditing Your Social Media Ads accounts you need to start analysing the data and gaining insights, it’s time to implement changes that will enhance your ad performance.

Here are some pro and expert tips for common optimisations:

1. Adjust Targeting Based on Ideal Conversion Data

Pro Tip: Leverage platform analytics to identify the audience segments that generate the highest conversions. Fine-tune your targeting parameters to focus on these high-value segments for better results.

2. Reshape Ineffective Messaging and Stale Creative

Pro Tip: Continuously refresh your ad creatives and ad copy to avoid creative fatigue. Use insights from A/B testing to create variations that resonate better with your audience.

3. Rethink Campaign Objectives Not Aligned to Goals

Pro Tip: Reevaluate your campaign objectives and ensure they align with your overall marketing goals. Adjust campaign settings to optimise for the desired actions and outcomes.

4. Shift Budgets Toward High ROI Placements and Platforms

Pro Tip: Allocate more budget to the placements and platforms that deliver the highest return on investment (ROI). This might involve prioritising platforms where your target audience is most engaged.

5. Fix Disjointed User Journeys from Ad to Landing Page

Pro Tip: Review the alignment between your ad messaging and the content on your landing pages. Ensure a seamless user experience, consistent messaging, and clear call-to-action to improve conversion rates.

6. Improve Page Load Speeds Decreasing Bounce Rates

Pro Tip: Optimise your landing pages and website to load quickly on all devices. High load times can lead to increased bounce rates and lost opportunities for conversions.

7. Refine Bids Based on Updated Conversion Data

Pro Tip: Use conversion data from your audit to adjust your bidding strategies. Increase bids for campaigns that drive valuable actions and decrease bids for less effective campaigns.

8. Utilise Dynamic Ads and Personalisation

Pro Tip: Implement dynamic ads and personalised content to tailor your messaging to individual users based on their behaviour and preferences. This can improve relevancy and engagement.

9. Experiment with New Ad Formats and Features

Pro Tip: Stay up-to-date with social media platforms’ new ad formats and features. Experiment with different formats, such as Stories ads or interactive ads, to capture your audience’s attention.

10. Test Different Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Pro Tip: Test various CTA buttons to see which ones drive higher click-through and conversion rates. Minor changes to your CTAs can have a significant impact on campaign performance.

11. Leverage Lookalike Audiences

Pro Tip: Use lookalike audiences to expand your reach to new potential customers who share similar characteristics with your existing high-value customers.

By implementing these expert-recommended optimisations based on your audit insights, you can continuously refine and improve your social media ad campaigns. Regularly realign your strategies with the latest performance trends uncovered through audits, and remain adaptable to changes in your audience behaviour and platform algorithms. Remember that optimisation is an ongoing process, and staying proactive will lead to sustained success in your Social Media PPC Audit advertising efforts.

Maintain Momentum: Pro Tips for Sustaining Social Advertising Success

Achieving social media advertising success doesn’t end with a one-time audit and a few optimisations. To stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape, you must maintain momentum and continuously refine your strategies.

Here are some pro and expert tips for sustaining success in your social media advertising:

1. Schedule Quarterly Deep Dive Audits

Pro Tip: Set a regular cadence for conducting comprehensive audits every quarter. This allows you to track long-term trends and performance changes and make strategic adjustments.

2. Monitor Performance Weekly

Pro Tip: While quarterly audits provide in-depth analysis, don’t overlook the importance of weekly performance monitoring. This helps you identify emerging trends and address potential issues promptly.

3. Stay on Top of Platform Updates

Pro Tip: Social media platforms often roll out new features and algorithm changes. Stay informed about these updates and adapt your strategies accordingly to take advantage of new opportunities.

4. Audit Immediately After Major Changes

Pro Tip: When significant platform or algorithm changes occur, conduct an audit immediately to assess their impact on your campaigns. Make data-driven updates to maintain optimal performance.

5. Implement A/B Testing Continuously

Pro Tip: A/B testing should be an ongoing process. Continuously test different ad creatives, targeting options, and CTAs to find the most effective combinations and keep your ads fresh.

6. Analyse Audience Behaviour Regularly

Pro Tip: Understand your audience’s changing behaviours and preferences. Use social media analytics to identify shifts in engagement patterns and adjust your content to resonate with your audience.

7. Embrace Performance Data Analysis Tools

Pro Tip: Leverage performance data analysis tools and dashboards to streamline your audit process and gain deeper insights. These tools can help you spot patterns and optimise more efficiently.

8. Focus on Lifetime Customer Value

Pro Tip: Look beyond immediate conversions and consider the lifetime value of your customers. Investing in customer retention can lead to long-term profitability and brand loyalty.

9. Engage in Social Listening

Pro Tip: Monitor social media conversations and engage in social listening to understand customer sentiments and feedback. Use these insights to improve your ad messaging and customer experience.

10. Keep an Eye on Competitors

Pro Tip: Conduct periodic competitive analysis to benchmark your performance against industry rivals. Learn from their successes and failures to refine your own strategies.

11. Adapt to New Trends and Formats

Pro Tip: Be agile and willing to experiment with new trends and ad formats. Early adopters of innovative ad formats often enjoy increased visibility and engagement.

By implementing these pro tips and maintaining a proactive approach to auditing and optimising your social media ad campaigns, you’ll be able to sustain momentum and continually improve your results. Remember that social media advertising is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, and staying ahead requires constant vigilance, adaptation, and a commitment to data-driven decision-making. With each audit and optimisation cycle, you’ll reinforce your brand’s presence, reach, and impact in the digital space, ultimately driving greater success and ROI from your social media advertising efforts.

Enlist an Expert Audit Partner: Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Agency

For brands looking to take their social media ad auditing and optimisation to the next level, partnering with a specialist PPC agency can be a game-changer. However, it’s crucial to choose the right agency to ensure you get the most value out of the collaboration.

Here are some pro tips for enlisting the right expert audit partner:

1. Define Your Objectives and Goals

Pro Tip: Before seeking an agency, have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve through the partnership. Define your objectives and goals, so you can find an agency that aligns with your business needs.

2. Look for Industry Experience

Pro Tip: Seek agencies with proven expertise and a track record of success in social media advertising. Look for case studies, testimonials, and references from other clients to gauge their performance.

3. Evaluate Their Methodology

Pro Tip: Inquire about the agency’s auditing methodology and optimisation strategies. A reputable agency should have a structured approach to auditing, backed by data-driven insights.

4. Consider Specialisations

Pro Tip: Some agencies specialise in specific industries or social media platforms. Choose an agency that has experience working with businesses similar to yours and understands your target audience.

5. Assess Reporting and Communication

Pro Tip: Transparent reporting and effective communication are essential for a successful partnership. Ensure the agency provides regular updates and insights on campaign performance.

6. Check for Customised Solutions

Pro Tip: Avoid agencies that offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Your business is unique, and the agency should tailor strategies that address your specific challenges and goals.

7. Understand Pricing and ROI

Pro Tip: Discuss pricing and expected ROI with the agency. While cost is a factor, focus on the value they can bring to your campaigns rather than choosing the cheapest option.

8. Request a Consultation or Proposal

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to request a consultation or a detailed proposal from the agency. This will allow you to gauge their expertise and see how well they understand your needs.

9. Look for Holistic Expertise

Pro Tip: Consider agencies that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including social media advertising, content creation, analytics, and digital marketing. A holistic approach can lead to better-integrated campaigns.

10. Check Client Retention Rate

Pro Tip: Agencies with high client retention rates generally indicate satisfied and successful clients. Inquire about their client retention rate as a sign of their ability to deliver results.

11. Trust Your Instincts

Pro Tip: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose an agency that you feel comfortable working with. A positive and collaborative working relationship is essential for a successful partnership.

By following these pro tips and carefully assessing potential agency partners, you can find the right expert audit partner to take your social media advertising to new heights. A specialist agency can provide valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and data-driven strategies that will optimise your campaigns and deliver exceptional results for your business. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your existing strategies or launch new campaigns, an expert agency can be your valuable ally in navigating the dynamic landscape of social media advertising.

Start Auditing Social Ads Today: Pro Tips for Taking Action

Taking the first step towards auditing your social media ads is essential to ensure continuous improvement and maximise your advertising efforts. Don’t miss out on potential opportunities to boost your results.

Here are some pro tips to help you get started:

1. Make Auditing a Priority

Pro Tip: Treat social media ad auditing as a top priority in your marketing strategy. Allocate dedicated time and resources to conduct regular audits and optimise your campaigns.

2. Create a Social Media Audit Schedule

Pro Tip: Establish a clear social media audit schedule for conducting audits. Consider quarterly deep dive audits and weekly performance monitoring to stay on top of changes and trends.

3. Set Clear Objectives for Each Audit

Pro Tip: Define specific goals and objectives for each audit. Whether it’s improving conversion rates, increasing engagement, or optimising ad spend, having clear objectives will guide your analysis.

4. Gather All Relevant Data

Pro Tip: Ensure you have access to comprehensive data from all your social media advertising platforms. Missing any of these Social Media Advertising Mistakes could land you in trouble! Consolidate the data and use analytics tools to make the auditing process more efficient.

5. Involve Key Stakeholders

Pro Tip: Collaborate with key stakeholders, such as your marketing team, data analysts, and executives, to get a holistic perspective on your ad performance and align strategies with business goals.

6. Test New Strategies and Formats

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies and ad formats. A/B test different creatives, targeting options, and ad placements to discover what works best for your audience.

7. Stay Informed About Platform Changes

Pro Tip: Keep yourself updated about social media platform changes, algorithm updates, and new advertising features. Adapt your strategies accordingly to stay ahead of the curve.

8. Analyse Competitor Performance

Pro Tip: Conduct competitive analysis to benchmark your performance against industry rivals. Learn from their successes and failures to refine your own strategies.

9. Document and Track Progress

Pro Tip: Keep detailed records of your audit findings, optimisation actions, and performance metrics. Tracking progress over time will help you identify patterns and measure the impact of your changes.

10. Embrace Continuous Improvement

Pro Tip: Social media advertising is an ever-evolving landscape. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement, where every audit leads to actionable changes and ongoing optimisation.

11. Consider Expert Assistance

Pro Tip: If you have limited resources or lack in-house expertise, consider enlisting an expert agency to handle your social media ad auditing and optimisation. They can provide valuable insights and strategies tailored to your specific needs.

By following these pro tips and taking action today, you can embark on a journey of consistent optimisation and success in your social media advertising efforts. By now you know you need to Audit Your Social Media Ads campaigns and know exactly how to, but you also need to do these regularly. Setting regular auditing patterns and continuous improvements will ensure that your campaigns stay relevant, effective, and aligned with your business objectives. Don’t leave potential wins on the table; start auditing your social ads today and unlock the full potential of your advertising efforts. Remember, every small optimisation can make a significant difference in your ad performance and overall business success