Cost Per Click (CPC)
CPC (Cost Per Click) is the average amount you pay each time someone clicks your ad. It's the core cost unit for search and many social campaigns.
Formula
CPC = Total ad spend ÷ Total clicksExample
Spend $500 and get 250 clicks → CPC = 500 ÷ 250 = $2.00 per click.
Why it matters
CPC drives how far your budget stretches. Lower CPC means more traffic per dollar, but cheap clicks that don't convert aren't a win — always read CPC alongside conversion rate and CPA.
Put these metrics to work
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FAQ
What is a good CPC?
It varies enormously by network and industry — from a few cents on Reddit or Pinterest to $5–$50+ on competitive Google Search terms (legal, insurance). Compare against benchmarks for your network and industry rather than a universal number.
How do I lower my CPC?
Improve ad relevance and Quality Score, tighten targeting, add negative keywords, test better creative, and bid on less competitive long-tail keywords.