Checklist For Digital Ad Spend Review

Most digital ad reviews focus on CPL (Cost Per Lead) and spend trends—but are your campaigns even set up for success in the first place and optimizing for CPFL (Cost Per Funded Loan)? Asking the right questions ensures your ad budget is driving applications, not just clicks.

Use this checklist for digital ad spend in your next meeting to challenge assumptions and determine what’s really working

What type of campaign structure are we using, and is it optimized for conversions?

  • Are we running segmented campaigns for different audience intents? (Brand awareness vs. lead generation vs. retargeting)
  • Are we using the right bidding strategy? (Maximize conversions vs. Target CPA)
  • Are our ad formats aligned with goals? (Search ads vs. video ads vs. display)

Are we selecting the right objectives in the platform?

  • Are we optimizing for lead forms or just clicks? (A conversion-focused campaign should not prioritize reach or engagement.)
  • Are impression share or CPMs being used as success metrics when our goal is actual lead submissions?
  • If using Facebook/Meta, is the ad set objective “Lead Gen” or mistakenly “Traffic”?

How refined is our audience targeting?

  • For Google Ads, are we using keyword match types effectively?
  • Are we excluding irrelevant traffic? (e.g., keyword negatives, audience exclusions)
  • For Facebook/Meta, are we using custom audiences instead of broad targeting?
  • Are we layering data-driven retargeting instead of relying solely on cold audiences?

Are we tracking actual lead quality, not just volume?

  • Do we have separate tracking for MQLs (Marketing Qualified Leads) vs. SQLs (Sales Qualified Leads)?
  • Are we scoring leads based on borrower intent and not just number of submissions?
  • Is our CRM able to close the loop between lead sources and actual funded loans?

Is our remarketing strategy structured properly?

  • Are we segmenting by intent? (e.g., ad abandoned applications vs. site visitors)
  • Are we capping retargeting frequency to avoid ad fatigue?
  • Are we excluding users who have already converted?

Are we testing ad creatives with a structured A/B process?

  • Are we running controlled A/B tests, or just guessing?
  • Are we testing call-to-action variations, not just headlines?
  • Do we have a clear timeline for evaluating test results?

Are we optimizing based on the right performance signals?

  • If we’re optimizing for conversions, are we excluding low-value micro-conversions?
  • Are we using multi-touch attribution instead of just last-click?
  • Are we reviewing search terms and adjusting negative keywords regularly?

Are landing pages converting at an acceptable rate?

  • Are we tracking drop-off rates on lead forms?
  • Are we using dynamic form fills to improve completion rates?
  • Is the page load speed affecting conversions?

Are we using data-driven budget allocation?

  • Are we shifting spend dynamically to top-performing channels?
  • Are we adjusting budget allocation based on time of day, device, and geography?
  • Are we cutting spend on underperforming placements?

Is reporting structured to give real business insights?

  • Are we getting reports on Cost Per Funded Loan (CPFL) and not just CPL?
  • Are we comparing lead performance across channels to adjust future spend?
  • Are we reviewing funded loan attribution data to refine targeting?

Final Thought:

Digital ad spend reviews often miss the biggest issue—whether campaigns are set up for real borrower conversions. Stop tracking vanity metrics like impression share and CTRs—ask the questions that actually impact loan funding.

Use this checklist for digital ad spend in your next agency or marketing team review to ensure your budget is optimized for results, not just activity.

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