Back to library
Google Ads
Bidding

Why might a high optimization score lead to an increase in cost per acquisition?

Optimization scores often prioritize broad reach and increased spend, which may lead to higher costs per acquisition in certain account structures. Maintaining control through specific match types, negative keyword lists, and manual channel selection can sometimes yield more efficient results than following all automated recommendations.
Go deeper

Want the full playbook? Read Google Ads Playbook for 2026: Setup, Bidding, and Scaling — A practical guide to launching and improving Google Ads in 2026, from campaign setup and tracking to bidding, automation, and common mistakes.