How Can I Prevent Google from Automatically Changing My Bidding Strategy?

Short Answer: To stop Google from automatically changing your bidding strategy, go to the recommendations section at the top left of your Google Ads dashboard, select all campaigns, then turn off the auto-apply feature. Additionally, be sure to remove any automatic recommendations that you do not want to be applied to your campaigns.

Full Explanation

Google Ads offers automated recommendations that can optimize your campaigns for better performance. However, these automated changes may sometimes adjust your bidding strategy without your consent, which can impact your campaign goals. To maintain full control over your bidding strategies, it is important to disable the feature that allows Google to auto-apply these recommendations.

This setting can be found in the recommendations section of your Google Ads account interface, located at the top left. By turning off auto-apply, you ensure that Google will no longer make automatic changes to your bidding without your explicit approval. This way, you can carefully review all suggestions and decide which ones are right for your campaigns.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Log into your Google Ads account.
Navigate to the Recommendations tab located at the top left of the dashboard.
Select All Campaigns to apply changes across your entire account if needed.
Find the setting labeled Auto Apply and turn it off to prevent Google from automatically applying any recommended changes.
Review the recommendations list carefully and manually remove any automatic recommendations that you do not want implemented.

Real Examples

While working within your Google Ads account, you might see automatic suggestions aimed at improving bidding strategies. For instance, Google may recommend switching to a different bidding approach. If auto-apply is enabled, these recommendations could be turned on without your input, potentially impacting your campaigns unexpectedly. By following the steps outlined, you stop these changes from happening unless you expressly approve them.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the auto-apply feature turned on, which permits Google to make changes without your consent.
Ignoring the recommendations section and not reviewing which automatic changes have been applied.
Failing to remove unwanted automatic recommendations that might redo adjustments to your bidding strategy.

FAQs

Can I still see Google’s recommendations if auto-apply is off?: Yes, turning off auto-apply stops automatic changes but you can still view and manually apply recommendations.
Will my campaigns stop getting suggestions if I disable auto-apply?: No, you will continue to receive recommendations, but they won’t be implemented automatically.
Do I need to check each campaign separately to turn off auto-apply?: No, by selecting All Campaigns in the recommendations, you can manage the auto-apply setting for your entire account at once.

Key Takeaways

Disabling auto-apply gives you control over changes to your bidding strategy.
It is crucial to review and remove any unwanted automatic recommendations to avoid unintentional campaign adjustments.
The recommendations section in Google Ads is your hub for managing and approving bidding strategy changes.