Sunderland PPC Fails to Avoid in 2025
(And What Smart Businesses Are Doing Instead)
Running PPC campaigns in Sunderland should be a shortcut to new leads. But in 2025, too many local businesses are still burning cash on underperforming ads.
If you’re spending on Google Ads, Bing, or even YouTube and not seeing results — chances are, you’re falling into one of these avoidable traps.
Let’s break them down.
❌ Mistake #1: “Set-and-Forget” Campaigns
The biggest Sunderland PPC fail? Thinking ads are fire-and-forget. Google will gladly spend your budget — whether it works or not.
Fix:
Smart businesses review and optimize weekly. Use A/B testing, refine negative keywords, and pause underperforming ads fast.
❌ Mistake #2: Targeting Too Broadly
“Anyone in Sunderland” isn’t a strategy. Many ads target everyone — and convert no one.
Fix:
Use granular geo-targeting. Target specific neighbourhoods (e.g., Roker, Fulwell), mobile vs. desktop, and even specific times of day when leads are most likely.
❌ Mistake #3: No Landing Page Strategy
Sending people to your homepage? That’s a bounce waiting to happen.
Fix:
Create dedicated PPC landing pages that speak directly to your offer. One product/service, one call to action. Check out our PPC Management Sunderland service for examples.
❌ Mistake #4: Skipping Call Tracking
If you’re not tracking which ad made the phone ring, you’re flying blind.
Fix:
Use call tracking tools to measure what keywords drive calls, not just clicks. Tools like CallRail or even Google’s own call tracking extensions help.
❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring AI Enhancements
In 2025, Google’s Smart Bidding, AI-generated headlines, and performance max campaigns can boost ROI — if used right.
Fix:
Don’t rely blindly on automation, but do test Performance Max for local services and run responsive ads with at least 5 headlines and 4 descriptions.
👏 What Smart Sunderland Businesses Are Doing Instead
Here’s what PPC winners are doing right:
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Daily bid optimization based on performance
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Tightly themed ad groups with localized keywords
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Clear landing pages with service-specific CTAs
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Budgeting for retargeting and brand awareness
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Using AI tools to adapt and scale ad creative
🧠 Quick Win:
Want a 100% free PPC campaign audit?
Fill out the form below and we’ll show you where you’re wasting budget — and how to fix it fast.
Softplace, based in Gateshead, helps businesses in Sunderland avoid PPC waste by offering expert campaign management, landing page optimization, and advanced targeting techniques. With AI-powered tools and hands-on local insight, we help brands scale efficiently.
