You don’t need to panic every time your click-through rate dips below 7%. But in a year where AI rewrites the rules of paid media, you do need to know where you stand.

In June 2025, Search Engine Journal released updated benchmark data across thousands of Google and Microsoft Ads campaigns. Costs are up, conversion rates are uneven, and some industries are getting crushed by irrelevant clicks. But—there’s also a silver lining: predictable patterns you can use to outsmart the average.

In this guide, we’ll break down what “good” looks like in 2025 and what to do if you’re falling short.

Click-Through Rate (CTR): The Vanity Metric That Still Matters

The average CTR across all industries: 6.66%.

That’s a significant jump from 1.35% back in 2015. But before you celebrate or panic, remember this: high CTR doesn’t always mean high performance. It just means people are clicking.

Top performer: Arts & Entertainment (13.10%)
Lowest CTR: Dentists & Dental Services (5.44%)

Key takeaway: If your CTR is low, don’t just throw money at the problem. Audit your SERP presence. Are you using emotional triggers? Strong verbs? Extensions? Even the position on the page matters more than ever in an AI-curated results world.

Pro move: Use Quality Score to investigate ad relevance, not just CTR.

Cost-Per-Click (CPC): What Are You Actually Paying For?

Average CPC across all industries: $5.26
Clicks are getting more expensive, and in 2025, CPC alone won’t tell you much unless you pair it with conversion data.

Highest CPC: Attorneys & Legal Services ($8.58)
Lowest CPC: Arts & Entertainment ($1.60)

What this means: If your CPC is high but your conversions are steady and profitable, you’re fine. But if your CPC is high and you’re bleeding budget, reevaluate your bidding strategy and keyword match types.

Watch out: A low CPC can be deceptive. You might just be losing auctions.

Conversion Rate (CVR): The One Metric That Cuts Through the Noise

Average CVR across all industries: 7.52%

This is where things get more revealing. Some industries convert like crazy. Others struggle—regardless of their CTR or CPC.

Highest CVR: Automotive (14.67%), Animals & Pets (13.07%)
Lowest CVR: Finance & Insurance (2.55%), Furniture (2.73%), Real Estate (3.28%)

Key insight: Low conversion rates don’t always mean bad ads. In high-consideration categories, like furniture or finance, users spend more time researching. Many conversions happen offline or after multiple sessions.

Action tip: Start tracking offline conversions. If you’re not closing the loop, your data is lying to you.

Cost Per Lead (CPL): What It Costs to Actually Get a Customer

Average CPL in 2025: $70.11

This is the number your CFO cares about. And the one that causes the most anxiety.

Highest CPL: Attorneys & Legal Services ($131.63)
Lowest CPL: Auto Repair & Parts ($28.50), Restaurants & Food ($30.27)

Reality check: A high CPL isn’t automatically bad if your customer lifetime value is high. But it is a sign to monitor your funnel. Are you asking too much on your landing page? Are your ads misleading or overpromising?

Fix this: Align your landing experience with your ad intent. Use narrative clarity, answer early objections, and test frictionless lead forms.

Final Takeaway: You’re Not Competing on Keywords—You’re Competing on Relevance

The paid media landscape in 2025 isn’t just about winning auctions. It’s about out-contexting the competition.

You’re not just buying clicks. You’re building an intent map that AI systems can interpret, match, and reward. That means:

• Structuring landing pages like mini-decision trees.
• Using visuals that support semantic reasoning (not just branding).
• Writing copy that feeds AI answers—not just user desires.

And most importantly, remembering this:

Benchmarks are signals, not sentences.
Use them to guide your strategy, not limit it.

If you’re running ads across Google Search, Shopping, Meta, or Amazon, BrightBid can simplify your workflow, enhance performance, and alert you to problems before they get expensive.

Google Ad Benchmarks: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good CTR for Google Ads in 2025?

A good click-through rate (CTR) in 2025 is around 6.66% on average, according to Search Engine Journal. However, top-performing industries like Arts & Entertainment can exceed 13%, while others like Dentists average closer to 5.4%. The key isn’t just chasing clicks—it’s understanding the intent behind them.

Why is my CPC so high?

A high cost-per-click (CPC) often means you’re in a competitive vertical or your Quality Score needs work. In 2025, the average CPC sits at $5.26, with Attorneys peaking at $8.58. Make sure your ad copy, landing page, and keyword match types align tightly—AI-driven platforms now factor in semantic relevance more than ever.

How do I know if my conversion rate is good?

The 2025 average conversion rate across industries is 7.52%, but Automotive and Pets outperform, while Finance and Furniture lag. If your CVR is below average, look at your offer clarity, lead form friction, and whether you’re tracking offline conversions—many industries now rely on hybrid or delayed conversion paths.

What’s considered a high CPL in 2025?

The average cost per lead (CPL) in 2025 is $70.11, but it varies wildly. Legal services pay over $130 per lead, while Auto Repair and Restaurants can stay under $30. If your CPL feels high, look beyond ad spend—check your funnel, lead quality, and post-click experience.

Do benchmarks really matter?

Benchmarks are contextual, not commandments. They help you spot red flags and opportunities—but winning in 2025 means building relevance, not just beating averages. AI systems now reward semantic alignment, intent clarity, and structured content more than raw metrics.

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