Note:
TOFU and BOFU metrics can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as market competitiveness, business model (e.g., PLG/freemium vs. demo-led), sales cycle duration, and the effectiveness of internal workflows and pipeline management.
Helping SaaS & Startups to Integrate, Optimize and Efficiently Scale Paid Search since 2012.
It usually comes down:
- inadequate or missing success or guardrail metrics;
- confusing experimentation with scaling;
- decision-making gaps (HIPPO syndrome, biases);
- scaling without validated PMF/ICPs/use cases;
- broken or missing workflows;
- one-size-fits-all (e.g. tech vs non-tech users);
- using VCs/investors pitch to attract users;
- copying competitor strategies to early;
- ignoring Google Ads algorithm rules (data thresholds, "learning mode" triggers, stop-start wasted learnings);
- siloed SEO/SEM goals;
- thinking +30% budget = +30% results
Treat SEM as an amplifier. First validate your stage, then execute with focus
Usually, to properly train the Google Ads algorithm, you’ll start at TOFU.
At least 15 conversions/leads per campaign per month — the more the better.
The lead volume, i.e. traction for specific segment/ICP/use case, determines the learning curve. - it usually takes 3-6 months.
If budget is tight, prioritize your highest-impact segment first.
P.S. Check the calculator below - Google Ads algorithm is not like your weekly sprint - You’re unlikely to learn much unless you’re generating dozens of leads each week.
You’re ready to scale Google Ads when lead volume and CAC stabilize within ±15% month-over-month — whether TOFU or in the best case BOFU.
You can scale either vertically within your current use case or segment, or horizontally by expanding into new ones—depending on your growth stage, budget and business goals.
It typically takes a five-figure budget to build real momentum and fully capitalize on Google Ads.
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