Google Ads has shifted toward automation for a reason: the algorithm can process more data than any one advertiser ever could. With Smart Bidding strategies like Maximize Conversions, Target CPA, or Target ROAS, Google’s system is constantly adjusting bids in real time across auctions, devices, times of day, and user behaviors.
For most contractors, this is a clear advantage. Trying to outbid an algorithm with limited time and information just isn’t efficient. Automated bidding almost always delivers better results once a campaign has enough data.
Still, manual bidding hasn’t disappeared completely. While it’s rarely the best long-term strategy, there are situations where it makes sense.
The key for contractors is not to think of manual vs. automated bidding as an either-or. Manual bidding is useful for testing and early-stage campaigns. But once you’ve collected enough data — typically 20–30 conversions in a month — automated bidding almost always becomes the smarter, more efficient choice.
Manual bidding has its place, but automation is the future of Google Ads. For contractors who want to compete in today’s digital marketplace, relying on algorithms that can analyze massive amounts of data in real time is simply more efficient than managing bids by hand.
The best path forward: use manual bidding strategically at the beginning, then switch to automated bidding as soon as you have enough data to let Google’s system do what it does best.
At B&G Collective, we help contractors know when to guide the system and when to let automation take over — ensuring every ad dollar works harder.
Turn tactics into traction with a strategy built to perform, no guesswork, no fluff, just results.
