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ROAS under 1x? Here’s how to fix it!

Christian Engdahl avatar
Written by Christian Engdahl
Updated over a year ago

Achieving a low Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) in your paid advertising campaigns can be concerning, especially for an eCommerce business. When your ROAS is under 1x, it essentially means you're losing money on your ads.

Here's a list of actions to help improve your ROAS:


Step 1: Campaign Analysis and Optimization

Audit Current Campaigns

Review all campaigns to identify which are underperforming and why.

Targeting Review

Ensure your targeting parameters are well-defined and reaching the right audience.

Keyword Optimization

For search-based ads, refine your keyword strategy to focus on high-intent and relevant keywords.


Step 2: Ad Creative and Copy

Improve Ad Creatives

Test different images, videos, and formats to see what resonates best with your audience.

Compelling Copy

Ensure your ad copy is engaging, clear, and includes a strong call to action.

A/B Testing

Regularly test different versions of your ads to find the most effective combinations.


Step 3: Landing Page Optimization

Align Landing Pages with Ads

Ensure a seamless transition from the ad to the landing page with consistent messaging.

Optimize for Conversion

Your landing pages should be optimized for conversion, with minimal distractions and a clear path to purchase.

Fast Loading

Ensure your landing pages load quickly to reduce bounce rates.


Step 4: Audience Segmentation and Personalization

Refine Audience Segments

Create specific audience segments based on behavior, demographics, and interests.

Personalized Ads

Tailor your ads to match the preferences and behaviors of different audience segments.

Retargeting Campaigns

Implement retargeting to re-engage visitors who didn’t convert initially.


Step 5: Budget Allocation

Adjust Budgets

Allocate more budget to high-performing campaigns and reduce spending on underperforming ones.

Dayparting/Ad Scheduling

Optimize your ad schedule to run during times when your audience is most active.


Step 6: Utilize Analytics and Tracking

Conversion Tracking

Ensure you’re accurately tracking conversions and key performance indicators.

Utilize Analytics

Dive into analytics to understand customer behavior and the customer journey.

ROI-Focused Metrics

Focus on metrics that directly contribute to ROI, like cost per conversion.


Step 7: Experiment with Different Platforms

Diversify Ad Platforms

If you’re only using one platform, consider expanding to others that might offer better ROI.

Platform-Specific Strategies

Tailor your strategies to the strengths of each platform.


Step 8: Market and Competitor Research

Competitor Analysis

Understand what your competitors are doing and how you can differentiate.

Market Trends

Stay informed about the latest trends in your industry that may affect ad performance.


Step 9: Ad Content Relevance and Quality Score

Improve Quality Score

For platforms like Google Ads, a higher quality score can lead to lower costs and better ad placements.

Relevance is Key

Ensure your ads are highly relevant to the search terms and audience interests.


Step 10: Continuous Learning and Adjustment

Stay Informed

Digital advertising is always evolving, so stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and platform updates.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Continuously review the performance of your campaigns and make adjustments as necessary.


By methodically addressing these areas, you can work to improve your ROAS. It's important to remember that digital advertising requires ongoing attention and optimization. What works today might not work tomorrow, so always be prepared to adapt and refine your strategies.

Good luck! 🚀

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