{"id":6629,"date":"2026-03-20T13:34:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T02:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/?p=6629"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:36:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T02:36:22","slug":"sem-audit-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"SEM Audit Checklist: 30+ Steps to Improve Campaign Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"103\">Running ads is easy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"149\">Running <strong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"141\">profitable SEM campaigns<\/strong> is not.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"352\">Without a proper audit, you can waste budget on irrelevant clicks, poor targeting, or underperforming ads. A structured SEM audit helps you identify what\u2019s working, what\u2019s not, and where you can scale.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"466\">This <a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/\">SEM checklist<\/a> gives you a complete framework to analyse and optimise your paid search campaigns for better ROI.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0b30c855bd\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0b30c855bd\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#What_Is_an_SEM_Audit\" >What Is an SEM Audit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#1_Account_Structure_Audit\" >1. Account Structure Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#2_Keyword_Audit\" >2. Keyword Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#3_Search_Terms_Analysis\" >3. Search Terms Analysis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#4_Ad_Copy_Audit\" >4. Ad Copy Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#5_Quality_Score_Audit\" >5. Quality Score Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#6_Landing_Page_Audit\" >6. Landing Page Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#7_Conversion_Tracking_Audit\" >7. Conversion Tracking Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#8_Bidding_Strategy_Audit\" >8. Bidding Strategy Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#9_Budget_Allocation_Audit\" >9. Budget Allocation Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#10_Audience_Targeting_Audit\" >10. Audience &amp; Targeting Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#11_Ad_Extensions_Audit\" >11. Ad Extensions Audit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#12_Performance_Metrics_Review\" >12. Performance Metrics Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#Common_SEM_Issues_to_Watch_Out_For\" >Common SEM Issues to Watch Out For<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#How_to_Turn_SEM_Audit_into_Growth\" >How to Turn SEM Audit into Growth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/sem-audit-checklist\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"lgo6er\" data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"497\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_SEM_Audit\"><\/span>What Is an SEM Audit?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"605\">An SEM audit is a detailed review of your paid advertising campaigns, typically on Google Ads or Bing Ads.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"620\">It evaluates:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"728\">\n<li data-section-id=\"dohh9f\" data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"643\">\n<p data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"643\">Campaign structure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1e2bdc9\" data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"667\">\n<p data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"667\">Keyword performance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"dwrfgg\" data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"682\">\n<p data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"682\">Ad quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"i48wze\" data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"704\">\n<p data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"704\">Budget efficiency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"dbk133\" data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"728\">\n<p data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"728\">Conversion tracking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"807\">The goal is to <strong data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"806\">reduce wasted spend and improve return on ad spend (ROAS)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"esqi4g\" data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"842\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Account_Structure_Audit\"><\/span>1. Account Structure Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"895\">A clean structure improves control and performance.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"911\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"1161\">\n<li data-section-id=\"6gw6lq\" data-start=\"912\" data-end=\"974\">\n<p data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"974\">Separate campaigns by goal (brand, non-brand, remarketing)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vsezta\" data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1023\">\n<p data-start=\"977\" data-end=\"1023\">Group keywords into tightly themed ad groups<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1pxmdly\" data-start=\"1024\" data-end=\"1075\">\n<p data-start=\"1026\" data-end=\"1075\">Avoid mixing unrelated keywords in one ad group<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"95agdc\" data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1108\">\n<p data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1108\">Use clear naming conventions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qc4o17\" data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1161\">\n<p data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1161\">Separate search, display, and shopping campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1235\"><strong data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1182\">Why it matters:<\/strong> Better structure = higher Quality Score + lower CPC.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1a03koe\" data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1260\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Keyword_Audit\"><\/span>2. Keyword Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1295\">Keywords drive everything in SEM.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1311\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1571\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1aquwvt\" data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1360\">\n<p data-start=\"1314\" data-end=\"1360\">Remove irrelevant or low-performing keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"byreub\" data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1408\">\n<p data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1408\">Identify high-cost, low-conversion keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"41n8iv\" data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1457\">\n<p data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1457\">Add negative keywords to reduce wasted spend<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"195fko0\" data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1491\">\n<p data-start=\"1460\" data-end=\"1491\">Focus on high-intent keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"dsalip\" data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1526\">\n<p data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1526\">Expand with long-tail keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1adqbaz\" data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1571\">\n<p data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1571\">Check match types (broad, phrase, exact)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1637\"><strong data-start=\"1573\" data-end=\"1585\">Pro tip:<\/strong> Overusing broad match often leads to wasted budget.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1qdhdkq\" data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1670\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Search_Terms_Analysis\"><\/span>3. Search Terms Analysis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1710\">This is where real insights come from.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1726\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1727\" data-end=\"1904\">\n<li data-section-id=\"mkw5tb\" data-start=\"1727\" data-end=\"1757\">\n<p data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1757\">Review search terms report<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1gt7pfs\" data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1789\">\n<p data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1789\">Identify irrelevant queries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"7atejz\" data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1825\">\n<p data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1825\">Add negative keywords regularly<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"y7xev5\" data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1864\">\n<p data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1864\">Discover new keyword opportunities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1fijgo9\" data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1904\">\n<p data-start=\"1867\" data-end=\"1904\">Align search terms with user intent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1a0klm9\" data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1929\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Ad_Copy_Audit\"><\/span>4. Ad Copy Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"1976\">Your ads directly impact CTR and conversions.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"1978\" data-end=\"1992\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2242\">\n<li data-section-id=\"l4jbgy\" data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2038\">\n<p data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2038\">Test multiple ad variations (A\/B testing)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"17z67hc\" data-start=\"2039\" data-end=\"2080\">\n<p data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2080\">Include primary keywords in headlines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1dk118l\" data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2109\">\n<p data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2109\">Highlight clear benefits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"182w47r\" data-start=\"2110\" data-end=\"2158\">\n<p data-start=\"2112\" data-end=\"2158\">Add strong CTA (e.g. \u201cGet Quote\u201d, \u201cBuy Now\u201d)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ukez8o\" data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2200\">\n<p data-start=\"2161\" data-end=\"2200\">Use emotional triggers where relevant<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1c626ul\" data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2242\">\n<p data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2242\">Ensure messaging matches landing page<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2284\"><strong data-start=\"2244\" data-end=\"2253\">Goal:<\/strong> Improve CTR and Quality Score.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"14zsuph\" data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2315\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Quality_Score_Audit\"><\/span>5. Quality Score Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2361\">Quality Score affects both cost and ranking.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2377\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2535\">\n<li data-section-id=\"hxzo7q\" data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2402\">\n<p data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2402\">Improve ad relevance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1dojwdu\" data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2439\">\n<p data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2439\">Optimise landing page experience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"4cjqk7\" data-start=\"2440\" data-end=\"2465\">\n<p data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2465\">Increase expected CTR<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vxoict\" data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2497\">\n<p data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2497\">Align keywords with ad copy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1rykxz2\" data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2535\">\n<p data-start=\"2500\" data-end=\"2535\">Ensure fast-loading landing pages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2582\"><strong data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2548\">Impact:<\/strong> Higher Quality Score = lower CPC.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"13hq45j\" data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2612\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Landing_Page_Audit\"><\/span>6. Landing Page Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2658\">Traffic means nothing if it doesn\u2019t convert.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2674\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2675\" data-end=\"2880\">\n<li data-section-id=\"utumql\" data-start=\"2675\" data-end=\"2719\">\n<p data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2719\">Ensure message match between ad and page<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"15vl6x8\" data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2743\">\n<p data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2743\">Optimise page speed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1cx03m4\" data-start=\"2744\" data-end=\"2773\">\n<p data-start=\"2746\" data-end=\"2773\">Improve mobile experience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1fqkg9y\" data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2791\">\n<p data-start=\"2776\" data-end=\"2791\">Add clear CTA<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"alyscd\" data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2815\">\n<p data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2815\">Reduce distractions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"uh3ngy\" data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2861\">\n<p data-start=\"2818\" data-end=\"2861\">Use trust signals (reviews, testimonials)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1sdads\" data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"2880\">\n<p data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2880\">Simplify forms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"45plut\" data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2917\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Conversion_Tracking_Audit\"><\/span>7. Conversion Tracking Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"2961\">If tracking is wrong, decisions are wrong.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"2977\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2978\" data-end=\"3191\">\n<li data-section-id=\"14xj9jn\" data-start=\"2978\" data-end=\"3019\">\n<p data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"3019\">Verify conversion tracking is working<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1oszt0q\" data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3067\">\n<p data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3067\">Track key actions (leads, purchases, calls)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1f9l88e\" data-start=\"3068\" data-end=\"3107\">\n<p data-start=\"3070\" data-end=\"3107\">Set up Google Analytics integration<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"5b5gbf\" data-start=\"3108\" data-end=\"3148\">\n<p data-start=\"3110\" data-end=\"3148\">Use conversion values where possible<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"81xxhu\" data-start=\"3149\" data-end=\"3191\">\n<p data-start=\"3151\" data-end=\"3191\">Remove duplicate or incorrect tracking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1ud68a5\" data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3225\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Bidding_Strategy_Audit\"><\/span>8. Bidding Strategy Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3227\" data-end=\"3269\">Your bidding strategy controls efficiency.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3285\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3511\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1n7j3y9\" data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3344\">\n<p data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3344\">Check if bidding aligns with goals (CPA, ROAS, clicks)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1m94nrk\" data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3383\">\n<p data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3383\">Review manual vs automated bidding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1v7uwkh\" data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3420\">\n<p data-start=\"3386\" data-end=\"3420\">Adjust bids based on performance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1qy6xvl\" data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<p data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3464\">Avoid overbidding on low-value keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"sl3td0\" data-start=\"3465\" data-end=\"3511\">\n<p data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3511\">Use smart bidding where data is sufficient<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"lila4p\" data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3546\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Budget_Allocation_Audit\"><\/span>9. Budget Allocation Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3548\" data-end=\"3572\">Spend smarter, not more.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"3574\" data-end=\"3588\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3589\" data-end=\"3795\">\n<li data-section-id=\"b6m6wm\" data-start=\"3589\" data-end=\"3626\">\n<p data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3626\">Identify top-performing campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1agdtlb\" data-start=\"3627\" data-end=\"3666\">\n<p data-start=\"3629\" data-end=\"3666\">Reallocate budget to high-ROI areas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1p3lij5\" data-start=\"3667\" data-end=\"3712\">\n<p data-start=\"3669\" data-end=\"3712\">Reduce spend on underperforming campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1f9xsf2\" data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3744\">\n<p data-start=\"3715\" data-end=\"3744\">Monitor daily budget limits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1betmsn\" data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3795\">\n<p data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3795\">Avoid budget caps on high-performing campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"4ddi2v\" data-start=\"3802\" data-end=\"3834\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Audience_Targeting_Audit\"><\/span>10. Audience &amp; Targeting Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3878\">Targeting the wrong audience wastes money.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"3880\" data-end=\"3894\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"4083\">\n<li data-section-id=\"2edk9q\" data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3924\">\n<p data-start=\"3897\" data-end=\"3924\">Review location targeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1v38vvx\" data-start=\"3925\" data-end=\"3955\">\n<p data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"3955\">Exclude irrelevant regions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1rh0p4j\" data-start=\"3956\" data-end=\"4006\">\n<p data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"4006\">Analyse device performance (mobile vs desktop)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vqk4ui\" data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4032\">\n<p data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4032\">Adjust bids by device<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1up3cv\" data-start=\"4033\" data-end=\"4083\">\n<p data-start=\"4035\" data-end=\"4083\">Use audience segments (remarketing, in-market)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"exg2dm\" data-start=\"4090\" data-end=\"4115\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Ad_Extensions_Audit\"><\/span>11. Ad Extensions Audit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4117\" data-end=\"4155\">Extensions improve visibility and CTR.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"1wljqw\" data-start=\"4157\" data-end=\"4171\">Checklist:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4172\" data-end=\"4313\">\n<li data-section-id=\"zypv62\" data-start=\"4172\" data-end=\"4199\">\n<p data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4199\">Use sitelink extensions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16ay9tb\" data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4226\">\n<p data-start=\"4202\" data-end=\"4226\">Add callout extensions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ksm4b7\" data-start=\"4227\" data-end=\"4258\">\n<p data-start=\"4229\" data-end=\"4258\">Include structured snippets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"107ux9d\" data-start=\"4259\" data-end=\"4285\">\n<p data-start=\"4261\" data-end=\"4285\">Enable call extensions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"jgxb0s\" data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4313\">\n<p data-start=\"4288\" data-end=\"4313\">Keep extensions updated<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1hbee6\" data-start=\"4320\" data-end=\"4352\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Performance_Metrics_Review\"><\/span>12. Performance Metrics Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4354\" data-end=\"4381\">Data tells you what to fix.<\/p>\n<p data-section-id=\"r0lb7u\" data-start=\"4383\" data-end=\"4410\">Key metrics to analyse:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4545\">\n<li data-section-id=\"8gz3me\" data-start=\"4411\" data-end=\"4439\">\n<p data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4439\">CTR (Click-Through Rate)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"11qckzf\" data-start=\"4440\" data-end=\"4464\">\n<p data-start=\"4442\" data-end=\"4464\">CPC (Cost Per Click)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"18a9mj6\" data-start=\"4465\" data-end=\"4484\">\n<p data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4484\">Conversion Rate<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1rh8666\" data-start=\"4485\" data-end=\"4515\">\n<p data-start=\"4487\" data-end=\"4515\">CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1bqkvno\" data-start=\"4516\" data-end=\"4545\">\n<p data-start=\"4518\" data-end=\"4545\">ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1n9ci8t\" data-start=\"4552\" data-end=\"4588\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_SEM_Issues_to_Watch_Out_For\"><\/span>Common SEM Issues to Watch Out For<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4590\" data-end=\"4750\">\n<li data-section-id=\"m09r06\" data-start=\"4590\" data-end=\"4624\">\n<p data-start=\"4592\" data-end=\"4624\">High spend but low conversions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1otj6le\" data-start=\"4625\" data-end=\"4651\">\n<p data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4651\">Poor keyword targeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1oanpww\" data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4668\">\n<p data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4668\">Weak ad copy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12p0vfs\" data-start=\"4669\" data-end=\"4691\">\n<p data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4691\">Slow landing pages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1wp2hfp\" data-start=\"4692\" data-end=\"4721\">\n<p data-start=\"4694\" data-end=\"4721\">Missing negative keywords<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"lkuj95\" data-start=\"4722\" data-end=\"4750\">\n<p data-start=\"4724\" data-end=\"4750\">Incorrect tracking setup<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"18r9d7\" data-start=\"4757\" data-end=\"4792\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Turn_SEM_Audit_into_Growth\"><\/span>How to Turn SEM Audit into Growth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4853\">An audit alone doesn\u2019t improve performance. Execution does.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4855\" data-end=\"4956\">Real growth comes from combining SEM insights with ongoing optimisation and supporting services like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4958\" data-end=\"5275\">\n<li data-section-id=\"13buwrq\" data-start=\"4958\" data-end=\"5017\">\n<p data-start=\"4960\" data-end=\"5017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/google-ads-service\/\"><strong data-start=\"4960\" data-end=\"4982\">Google Ads service<\/strong><\/a> to manage and optimise campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"eqi4vc\" data-start=\"5018\" data-end=\"5071\">\n<p data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5071\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/pay-per-click-advertising-ppc\/\"><strong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5035\">PPC service<\/strong><\/a> to scale paid traffic efficiently<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ih4mg7\" data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5132\">\n<p data-start=\"5074\" data-end=\"5132\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/landing-page-development\/\"><strong data-start=\"5074\" data-end=\"5102\">Landing page development<\/strong><\/a> to improve conversion rates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1rsto27\" data-start=\"5133\" data-end=\"5196\">\n<p data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/performance-marketing\/\"><strong data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5160\">Performance marketing<\/strong><\/a> to align campaigns with ROI goals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1j5yvy4\" data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5275\">\n<p data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5275\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/digital-marketing-service\/\"><strong data-start=\"5199\" data-end=\"5228\">Digital marketing service<\/strong><\/a> to integrate SEM with SEO and other channels<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5491\">A provider like <a href=\"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/\">Mediaplus Digital Australia<\/a> typically connects these elements into one system. Instead of running ads in isolation, they align campaigns, landing pages, and data to continuously improve performance.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1329ug4\" data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5514\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5516\" data-end=\"5569\">SEM can scale fast, but it can also burn budget fast.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5571\" data-end=\"5600\">A structured audit helps you:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5601\" data-end=\"5684\">\n<li data-section-id=\"l6v172\" data-start=\"5601\" data-end=\"5627\">\n<p data-start=\"5603\" data-end=\"5627\">Eliminate wasted spend<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"b244bf\" data-start=\"5628\" data-end=\"5659\">\n<p data-start=\"5630\" data-end=\"5659\">Improve campaign efficiency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1oopsav\" data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5684\">\n<p data-start=\"5662\" data-end=\"5684\">Increase conversions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5829\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">If you regularly review and optimise using this checklist, your SEM campaigns will become more predictable, scalable, and profitable over time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Running ads is easy. Running profitable SEM campaigns is not. Without a proper audit, you can waste budget on irrelevant clicks, poor targeting, or underperforming ads. A structured SEM audit helps you identify what\u2019s working, what\u2019s not, and where you can scale. This SEM checklist gives you a complete framework to analyse and optimise your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-google-ads"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6629"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6629\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mediaplusdigital.co\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}