Should you start a Google Ads campaign on Maximize Conversions or Maximize Clicks?

bidding google ads May 08, 2024

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

If you're new to Google Ads, you might be wondering which bidding strategy is the best starting point. Should you go for Maximize Clicks to gather data or jump straight to Maximize Conversions? Many experts advise against using Smart Bidding strategies like Maximize Conversions without sufficient data, but I'm here to challenge that notion.

Maximize Conversions Wins, Even With No Account History

Even if you're starting from scratch with no account or conversion history, I still recommend using the Maximize Conversions bidding strategy. Here's why:

Auction-Time Signals

Maximize Conversions leverages not only your historical data (which you might not have yet) but also a vast array of real-time signals present at auction time. These signals include device, location, time of day, audience segments, language, browser, operating system, and more, depending on your campaign type. By incorporating these signals, Maximize Conversions can quickly identify patterns and optimize your bids for better results.

Focus on Conversions

While Maximize Clicks aims to get you as many clicks as possible, it doesn't necessarily prioritize the quality of those clicks. Maximize Conversions, on the other hand, is specifically designed to focus on driving conversions, which is ultimately what matters most for your business.

Faster Learning Curve

Maximize Conversions can quickly pick up on what's working and what's not, allowing you to optimize your campaigns for conversions faster than if you were using Maximize Clicks. This means you can start seeing results sooner and make data-driven decisions to improve your campaigns over time.

Choose Maximize Conversions over Maximize Clicks

Maximize Clicks might seem tempting as a way to gather data, but it often leads to low-quality clicks that don't translate into conversions. This is because the strategy prioritizes volume over quality, resulting in lower bids that attract less qualified traffic.

Free Google Ads newsletter

Join 3,000+ business owners and marketers discovering my secrets to Google Ads success. Subscribe now for proven tactics in your inbox every Tuesday.

Ready to master Google Ads once and for all?

I’m Jyll Saskin Gales, your Google Ads Coach. I worked at Google for 6 years, bringing the best of Google's insights and ad products to the world's largest and most sophisticated advertisers. Now, I’m a Google Ads coach, consultant and teacher, working with business owners, marketers, agencies and freelancers.

I founded Learn with Jyll to make Google Ads training accessible for aspiring and experienced practitioners. My signature Google Ads training program, Inside Google Ads, is the right fit for most business owners and marketers. If you have zero marketing experience and want to ensure you understand all the jargon and terminology first, Google Ads for Beginners will get you ready in just a few hours.

Feel free to contact me with questions.

Inside Google Ads [monthly]

Become a Google Ads Expert. Let an ex-Googler show you how to make Google Ads work for your business. In this program you’ll learn insider tips for Google Ads success from Jyll, and get the confidence to handle any campaign, budget, or target independently and successfully. With more than 100 video tutorials, plus access to an exclusive live monthly meeting, Inside Google Ads is what you need to take your Google Ads campaigns to the next level.

$49.00 USD every month

Google Ads for Beginners

If you want to make money from Google Ads but you don't know where to start, this course is for you. In just 3 hours (40 short lessons), I'll guide you step by step through everything you need to know to successfully manage your Google Ads, explained with clear & simple language.