Conversion Bidding Automation with CPA Tune

Smarter Bidding for Better Conversions

Introduction

How to Enable CPA Tune?

Best Practices for Success

FAQ

Introduction

CPA Tune is MGID’s automated bidding algorithm designed to help you achieve more conversions at your target cost-per-acquisition (CPA). Instead of manually setting cost-per-click (CPC) bids, CPA Tune uses machine learning to automatically adjust bids in real time. 

It focuses your budget on users most likely to convert—helping you get better results without extra effort. You’ll still be charged per click, but behind the scenes, CPA Tune is optimizing for maximum efficiency and results.

CPA Tune is built for performance marketers focused on results over clicks. It's ideal if:

• Your primary goal is driving conversions, not just traffic volume.
• You want to automate bid optimization and minimize manual tasks.
• You’re already using CPA-based strategies on other platforms, and want similar automation on MGID.
• You aim to scale campaigns while keeping acquisition costs in check.

Why choose CPA optimization over manual CPC bidding?

• Smarter Budget Allocation: Automatically adjusts bids to attract high-quality users.
• Real-time Learning: The algorithm constantly evaluates data to improve performance.
• Time-Saving: No need for daily bid CPC adjustments or source-level tweaks.
• Stronger ROI potential: Many advertisers see lower CPAs and higher conversion rates compared to manual bidding.

How to Enable CPA Tune?

1. When setting up a new campaign, go to Settings and choose CPA Bidding Strategy (CPA Tune).
2. Enter your desired CPA target in your preferred currency. Set the budget type and daily budget limit. For best results please follow the best practices listed below.
3. Set up conversion tracking using any supported method on the MGID Ads dashboard.

Best Practices for Success

To get the most out of CPA Tune, follow these key recommendations:

• Set a Realistic CPA Target

Start with a CPA target that’s around 20% higher than your ideal goal. This gives the algorithm flexibility during the learning phase and helps prevent premature bidding restrictions that can limit scale. 

• Set an Adequate Daily Budget

Aim for 5–7x your CPA target. A higher budget gives the algorithm more opportunities to learn and optimize faster.

• Limit creative ads to 10 or fewer

The algorithm performs best with a limited set of ads - ideally 10 or fewer. Consider pausing underperforming ads and uploading new ones to maintain effectiveness.

• Enable Conversion Tracking

At least one conversion goal is required. Tracking events across the funnel (top, mid, bottom) gives the algorithm richer data to work with.

• Allow a Learning Period of 7-14 days

Let the algorithm run for 7–14 days without major changes to your budget, targeting, or creatives. The stability helps the algorithm optimize effectively.

• Scale Gradually

Once performance stabilizes, you can slowly increase your budget.

• Ensure Creatives Are Approved and Compliant

This helps unlock all traffic sources, especially from programmatic supply.

• Let It Breathe

Avoid overly tight targeting, minimal creative variations, or aggressive blocking. The algorithm needs room to explore and learn.

FAQ

1. Is this a new billing model?
   No. You’re still billed on a CPC basis. CPA Tune is a bidding algorithm, not a change in pricing.
2. Is CPA Tune limited to the Product campaign type?
   Yes. Currently, CPA Tune is only available for Product-type campaigns, while we continue working on expanding support to other campaign types.
3. Why can’t I see the CPA Tune feature in the Campaign setting?
   The CPA Tune feature is currently available only for new campaigns. Access is also restricted for self-registered users until specific eligibility criteria are met. Please contact your account manager for further assistance.
4. Can I manually adjust CPC bids when using CPA Tune?
   No. CPA Tune needs full control of CPCs to optimize effectively. Manual changes can interfere with learning.
5. Can I manually adjust CPA target while using CPA Tune?
   Yes. You should use the CPA target value to control the discovery phase (initially starting with a higher target), volume increase (increasing the target) and optimization (adjusting to the relevant target value).
6. How long until I see results?
   We recommend running the campaign for at least 7-14 days with 10+ conversions to give the model enough time and data.
7. Do I need full funnel conversion tracking?
   It’s not required, but having multiple conversion events (e.g. add to cart, purchase) improves performance by giving the algorithm more signals.
8. Can I still control targeting and creatives?
   Yes. You control audiences, creatives, geo, etc. CPA Tune handles the bidding strategy only.
9. Will it increase my CPCs?
   Not necessarily. The algorithm bids more for higher-quality traffic but keeps your CPA in focus. You may see higher CPCs on premium placements, but better conversion outcomes.
10. Does this work for all verticals and geos?
    CPA Tune performs best in verticals and geos with sufficient conversion volume. If you’re unsure, your account manager can help evaluate eligibility.
11. Will it block websites or creatives that are not performing well?
    CPA Tune will prioritize media buying on creatives and websites that perform better; the lower-performing assets will be deprioritized but not stopped completely. It’s on the user to block creatives or websites, either manually or by using Rule-based optimization.