For Search campaigns in newly created Google Ads accounts, do you typically start by optimizing for “Maximize clicks” or “Maximize conversions”?

[Sea-Evidence-5523]

For brand new accounts, I usually start with maximizing clicks first to collect data, then switch to maximizing conversions once enough conversion data comes in. And no, I usually avoid setting a target CPA too early because it can restrict learning in fresh campaigns

[TrumpisaRussianCuck]

Max conversions / max conversion value. No limits initially. Control with the budget. Switch to tCPA / tROAS once enough data.

[EggElectrical669]

if it’s a brand new account with untested tracking, i usually start with maximize clicks for a bit just to make sure the search terms and conversion data are clean first. once there’s enough real enquiry data coming through, then i switch to maximize conversions, and i normally dont set a target cpa too early because it can limit delivery fast.

[TTFV]

If you believe you can generate at least 15 conversions a month I’d start with Max Conversions bidding. Max clicks buys you cheap clicks that have a lower probability for converting and then if/when you switch your bidding strategy it’s a pretty hard reset to learning.

[growth_pixel_academy]

Usually for brand new accounts with little/no conversion data, a lot of people start with Maximize Clicks or Manual CPC first to gather data. Maximize Conversions tends to work better once the account has enough real conversion signals coming in.

And if using Maximize Conversions early, many avoid setting a strict target CPA immediately because it can limit delivery too much before Google has enough learning data.

[stovetopmuse]

I usually start with max clicks unless the account already has solid conversion tracking and enough volume coming in fast. Seen too many fresh accounts try max conversions with basically no signal and just burn budget in weird auctions.

I also avoid setting a tCPA too early. Feels like it boxes the campaign in before Google even understands what a good conversion looks like.

[petebowen]

I used to start with a click-based bid strategy. Over the last 18 months or so I’ve launched more and more campaigns starting with a conversion-based bid strategy – even in accounts with no history.

I understand that these days Google learns from system-wide data, not just the conversion data in your account, which makes the traditional buy-clicks-and-hope-for-conversions approach unnecessary.

But, there is no one true way of managing Google Ads. If what you do works for you, keep doing it.

If you’re interested I’ve written up the day-by-day stats for a recent campaign launched with a conversion-based bid strategy here: [https://pete-bowen.com/whats-the-right-bidding-strategy-for-a-brand-new-google-ads-account](https://pete-bowen.com/whats-the-right-bidding-strategy-for-a-brand-new-google-ads-account)

[buttonMashr99]

Usually maximize clicks first just to build clean data and search term visibility. I switch to maximize conversions once tracking and conversion volume actually look reliable.

[crawlpatterns]

usually i start with maximize clicks for a bit just so the account can gather some decent data first. jumping straight into maximize conversions on a fresh account can feel kinda rough if there isnt enough conversion history yet. once things start getting consistent i switch over and let it optimize more toward conversions. i dont always set a target cpa right away either cause sometimes google gets way too restrictive early on lol

[No_Stranger91]

Usually I start with maximise clicks and phrase or exact match. Once you get 15-30 conversions in, you switch it up. If it is a small account, I often start (and stay) with manual bidding instead. For maximise conversion I would always, always set a target CPA, or you will allow Google to blindly spend as much as it sees fit for a sale.

[Professional-Ad1179]

Start with max clicks. Once you have about 30 conversion in 30 days or close to that and then switch to maximize conversion.

[dillwillhill]

I usually start with an experiment of both.

[Joshee86]

I always start with manual cpc. “Force” the campaign to spend for a few days, switch to max clicks, then to conversions (if that’s the goal).