Maximize Conversions
Maximize Conversions explained — Google's volume-first automated bidding, often the starting point before tCPA in 2026.
Updated July 2026.
A Smart Bidding strategy that spends your full budget to get as many conversions as possible, with an optional Target CPA cap.
Benchmark range
Best used when launching a campaign or when you want maximum volume and have budget flexibility; switch to tCPA once you have steady conversion data.
Why it matters
It prioritizes volume over efficiency, so without a target cap it can raise CPA. Useful for gathering conversion data quickly so smarter strategies can learn.
2026 update
Maximize Conversions is frequently the on-ramp into AI Max and Performance Max: run it to accumulate signal, then graduate to Target CPA or Target ROAS — both returned as standalone strategy names in June 2026. Note the August 17, 2026 change: Smart Bidding will deliver to the literal target you set, so calibrate targets to reality before graduating. As with all Smart Bidding, the quality of your Conversions API and first-party signal sets the ceiling on performance.
Where it applies
- Google Ads