Target CPA is a Smart Bidding strategy or target that aims to generate conversions at a specified average cost per acquisition.
It matters because paid search can spend budget quickly. Knowing this term helps teams control intent, targeting, bidding, creative, conversion tracking, and lead quality instead of optimizing for surface-level clicks.
Example
A business tests an $80 target CPA for qualified inquiries. Some recorded conversions may cost more and others less; the target guides an average objective. The team compares results over an appropriate period rather than expecting every individual lead to cost exactly $80.