Average cost-per-click (CPC)

Average cost-per-click (CPC) represents the mean amount paid for each click on a digital advertisement. This fundamental PPC metric varies widely across industries, keywords, and platforms based on competition and relevance factors. Monitoring average CPC trends helps advertisers identify bidding inefficiencies, competitive shifts, and optimization opportunities. Effective CPC management focuses on improving quality factors and relevance rather than simply reducing costs, as lower CPCs must balance with conversion quality.