What is "Maximize Conversions" bidding in Google Ads?
How does the Maximize Conversions bidding work?
When you choose Maximize Conversions as a bidding strategy, Google uses historical information about your campaign and evaluates real-time signals in each auction. These signals can include things like device, location, time of day, and more.
Based on this analysis, Google Ads attempts to predict the likelihood of a conversion for each auction, then adjusts your bid in real-time to maximize the chance of a conversion within your budget. Example: if a user searches and has a high likelihood of converting based on these factors, Google will bid higher for that user.
How to set up Maximize Conversions bidding in Google
Here is a step-by-step guide to set up Maximize Conversion for your campaigns:
- First, navigate to “Campaigns,” and click the checkbox next to the campaigns you’d like to use this bid strategy.
- Click “Edit” on the blue bar at the top, then click “Change Bid Strategy” from the dropdown.
- Select “Maximize Conversions”.
- You have an option to set a Target CPA. To set a CPA Target, check the box, then set your Target CPA.
Benefits of using Maximize Conversions bidding
Efficient Use of Budget: By automatically adjusting bids, this strategy ensures your budget is spent in the most efficient way to increase conversions.
Time-Saving: It reduces the time spent on manual bid adjustments, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your marketing strategy.
Responsive to Market Changes: The strategy quickly adapts to market trends and user behaviors, keeping your ads relevant and competitive.
Data-Driven Decisions: Leverages Google’s extensive data and machine learning for informed smart-bidding decisions.
What is the difference between "Maximize Conversions" and "Maximize Conversion Value?"
The Maximize Conversions strategy focuses on obtaining the highest possible number of conversions within your specified budget. It optimizes your bids at each auction to achieve this goal, without taking the conversion value into account.
Maximize Conversion Value is designed to maximize the total conversion value (such as revenue), instead of the total number of conversions. This strategy works well for businesses that want to focus on the quality or value of conversions rather than just the quantity. Learn more about Maximize Conversion Value.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set a target Cost-Per-Action (CPA) with Maximize Conversions?
Yes, there is a way to set Target CPA with the Maximize Conversions strategy. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the strategy works with or without Target CPA set:
- Without a Target CPA set: Google will aim to spend your budget and maximize conversions for your campaigns
- With a Target CPA set: Google will get as many conversions as possible at the set target cost-per-action (CPA).
If you’re looking to achieve a specific CPA, it may be best to use the Target CPA bidding strategy, which focuses on getting as many conversions as possible at or below your target CPA.
How long does it take for the Maximize Conversions strategy to start showing results?
The Maximize Conversions strategy requires a learning period to gather enough data to make informed bidding decisions. This period usually lasts around 7 days, but can vary based on the volume of conversions your campaign receives (higher volume may require less time, lower volume may require more time).
During this time, the algorithm is making adjustments and you may notice fluctuations in your campaign performance. It’s essential to allow the strategy enough time to learn from the data before making any significant changes.
Which campaign types should I use Maximize Conversions?
Maximize Conversions works best for campaign types with a clear conversion goal and where there is sufficient conversion history. It is ideal for businesses that are focused on increasing actions like sales, sign-ups, or leads.
If your goal is brand awareness or traffic, other bid strategies like Maximize Clicks or Target Impression Share might be more appropriate.
Related glossary terms:
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