Target CPA (Target Cost Per Action)
01 Definition
Target CPA (Target Cost Per Action) meaning: An automated strategy that sets bids to get as many conversions as possible near a target cost each.
Target CPA is a Google Ads smart bidding strategy where you set the average cost you want to pay per conversion. The system raises or lowers bids to hit that average across the campaign. Individual conversions may cost more or less than the target, and it needs conversion tracking.
Also called
Why it matters
How Target CPA (Target Cost Per Action) fits the work
Target CPA ties bidding directly to a cost goal, helping advertisers scale conversions while keeping the average acquisition cost within a planned range.
In context
With a Target CPA of 25 dollars, the campaign drove 40 conversions at an average cost of 24 dollars each, near the goal.
Practical note
The target is an average, not a cap, so some conversions cost more. Setting the target too low can sharply reduce how often your ads show.