u/LeadGenX2026

I think a lot of us are already seeing the effects of the new Google Ads update, and it seems to be hitting newer accounts with less history and conversion data especially hard.

What I'm wondering is how we're supposed to optimize moving forward.

Normally, you'd gradually increase your Target ROAS as performance improves, or adjust Target CPA to push for better efficiency. But now it seems like if you make the target even slightly more aggressive, Google can drastically cut spend and impressions or basically stop showing your ads.

So how are we supposed to work toward a higher ROAS or better CPA without choking the campaign?

Has anyone figured out what the optimization strategy should look like moving forward?

I created a new offline Qualified Lead conversion in Google Ads 2 days ago. It’s working correctly and is set as Secondary.

Both of my active campaigns use campaign-specific conversion goals, and this new conversion is NOT included in either campaign’s goals.

However, since the new conversion became active, both campaigns have suddenly started spending only a fraction of their normal daily budgets, despite no other account changes.

Has anyone experienced a new Secondary offline conversion action affecting Smart Bidding/delivery even when it isn’t included in the campaign-specific goals? Could Google still be using it as a prediction/learning signal?

I've been running Google Search campaigns for about 4 months and have a stable setup but struggling to scale call volume. Looking for advice from experienced media buyers.

Campaign Setup:

• Search campaign, Target CPA, currently averaging well under target
• Weekdays only
• CTR consistently 8-10%
• Lost IS under 10%
• 120+ negative keywords

Conversion Setup:

• Multiple call conversion actions at different values, 60 second threshold, primary
• Form submissions tracked as a separate conversion at significantly lower value, primary
• Offline conversions, secondary
• All tracking verified and firing correctly

The Problem: Averaging 2-4 calls per day vs 8-13 forms per day. The algorithm has significantly more form conversion history than call history and keeps prioritizing forms. Calls are worth significantly more than forms but the algorithm hasn't shifted toward them despite the value difference.

What I've already tried:

• Dedicated call-only campaign — generated forms not calls
• Lowering form conversion value to widen the gap — increased CPC without improving call volume, currently reversing this
• Fixed tracking on additional call touchpoints now feeding the algorithm correctly
• Added exact match versions of top performing keywords

Current thinking:

• Launch broad match versions of top 2 converting keywords within the same campaign
• Continue scaling budget weekly
• Let call conversion data accumulate naturally over time

Questions for the community:

1. Has anyone successfully shifted a mature campaign from form-heavy to call-heavy? What worked?
2. Is there a faster way to signal call intent to the algorithm without disrupting a stable campaign?
3. Would a separate call-only campaign on Max Clicks help accumulate call data faster?
4. Any structural or ad copy changes that have specifically increased call volume?

Happy to share more data if helpful. Thanks in advance.