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 happens for one of the reasons:
- inadequate goal tracking (lacking proper success/guardrail metrics);
- confusing experimentation with scaling;
- absent decision-making frameworks (which leads to HIPPO syndrome, biases, and organizational silos...);
- unrealistic scaling expectation without validated Product-Market Fit (PMF), defined ICPs or proven use cases;
- broken or missing workflows;
- applying one-size-fits-all approaches across different user segments (e.g. tech vs non-tech users);
- using VCs/investors pitch to attract users;
- prematurely copying established competitors' strategies without necessary resources (time, people, money).
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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