Cost per Click, or CPC, is the amount an advertiser pays each time someone clicks on their ad. It’s the foundation of most online advertising models, from Google Ads to social platforms. Unlike traditional media, CPC ensures you pay only for engagement, not for exposure.
Your CPC depends on competition, ad relevance, and bidding strategy. In search campaigns, advertisers bid on keywords, and the final price is determined by an auction. High relevance — meaning your ad and landing page closely match the search intent — can lower CPC even with modest bids. That’s why strong Quality Scores or Relevance Scores are so valuable.
Managing CPC requires balance. Bidding too low limits visibility; bidding too high eats profit margins. Smart advertisers focus on cost per conversion rather than cost per click alone, ensuring that traffic leads to tangible results.
CPC is more than a number — it’s a reflection of how efficiently you turn interest into opportunity. It connects creative performance, targeting precision, and business outcomes into one measurable metric.
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