Smart Bidding vs. Manual Bidding: Which Is Best for Startups?

Should you trust Google’s automation, or keep control of your bids?

Startups often struggle with Smart Bidding optimizing for the wrong goals—but manual bidding requires more time.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

What Is Smart Bidding? (And Why Startups Love It)

✅ Uses Google’s AI to adjust bids automatically.

✅ Works best when you have high conversion volume.

✅ Downside? Can prioritize cheap clicks over real revenue.

Manual Bidding: When Should Startups Use It?

✅ Full control over CPCs and keyword strategy.

✅ Works best when you have a dedicated, in-house resource focused on bid optimization daily.

When Should You Use Smart Bidding?

• If you have at least 30 conversions per month.

• If you need scalability and automation.

When Is Manual Bidding Better?

• If you’re testing a new campaign and need full control.

• If you’re targeting high-CPC, low-volume keywords (e.g., B2B SaaS).

• If Google isn’t optimizing toward the right customer actions.

Conclusion & CTA

• Both bidding strategies work—but the right choice depends on your startup’s goals.

• Need help optimizing your bids? Let’s chat—book a strategy call at our contact page.