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Performance Max: When It Works and When It Does Not

Performance Max can scale a store quickly, but only when the inputs are right.

rinkusaini

Key takeaways

  • Clean conversion tracking comes first
  • Feed quality drives half the results
  • Group products by margin or category
  • Give the campaign about two weeks to learn
  • Keep brand Search running alongside it

Performance Max runs your ads across Search, Shopping, YouTube, Display and more from a single campaign. It is powerful, but it is not magic.

When it works well

  • You have clean conversion tracking
  • Your product feed is well optimised
  • You have enough conversions for the system to learn
  • You supply strong images and videos

When it struggles

  • Very low budgets
  • Few conversions per month
  • Poor product titles in your feed
  • Tracking that counts the wrong actions

Feed quality is half the game

For e-commerce, product titles, categories and images drive results. Spend time improving your feed before you increase budget.

Use asset groups wisely

Group products by margin or category so the system learns what works for each group.

Be patient but not blind

Give the campaign a couple of weeks to learn. Then review search terms, asset ratings and product performance.

Do not drop Search entirely

Brand and high intent Search campaigns still give you control that Performance Max does not.

Not sure if it is right for your store? We can review your account and suggest a structure.

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FAQ

Questions, answered

What budget does Performance Max need?

Enough to produce regular conversions so the system can learn. This varies by account.

Should I stop my Search campaigns?

No. Brand and high intent Search still give you control.

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