20/08/2025
Are you being told to hand over all your ad campaign control to AI?
It turns out that manual bidding strategies are still incredibly important for getting the best results from your pay-per-click (PPC) ads.
With the massive push for automated campaigns like Performance Max and Advantage+, the industry narrative has been to "trust the algorithm." The promise is simple: you provide the creative assets, and the AI handles the rest, finding the best placements for you.
However, we've finally uncovered that relying solely on automation can be a mistake. Retaining some manual control allows for more precise targeting, better budget management, and the ability to react swiftly to market changes that an algorithm might miss. This challenges the "set it and forget it" mindset.
This doesn't mean automation is bad. Instead, it highlights that the most effective approach is often a strategic blend. Understanding when and where to apply manual bidding can protect your ad spend and give you a competitive edge over those who have gone fully hands-off.
What's your experience been with automated vs. manual campaign controls?