Glossary
Maximize Conversions
Maximize Conversions is a Google Ads Smart Bidding strategy that automatically sets bids to generate the highest possible number of conversions within a campaign's defined daily budget. Unlike Target CPA bidding, which aims to keep cost-per-acquisition at or below a specific ceiling, Maximize Conversions spends the full budget aggressively without a per-conversion cost constraint — prioritizing volume over unit efficiency. It is commonly used as a transitional bidding strategy: advertisers with limited conversion history start with Maximize Clicks, graduate to Maximize Conversions after accumulating 15 to 30 conversions within a 30-day window, then switch to Target CPA bidding once consistent conversion data is established and a clear CPA target can be set. The strategy uses Google's machine learning to evaluate auction-time signals including device type, geographic location, time of day, browser, operating system, and audience list membership. Maximize Conversions is available across Search, Display, and Performance Max campaign types. A closely related variant, Maximize Conversion Value, optimizes for total conversion value rather than conversion count, making it the preferred option for ecommerce accounts where order values vary significantly across transactions.