Common Campaign Configuration Problems
The most common setup mistakes that prevent campaigns from delivering — and how to fix each one.
Last updated September 1, 2026
Maximum CPM Too Low
A Maximum CPM that is too low means your campaign bids below what other advertisers are paying for the same inventory, so it rarely or never wins auctions. Fix: increase the Maximum CPM incrementally (try $1–$2 increments) and allow 24 hours to evaluate impact.
Targeting Too Narrow
Combining geo, interest, and device targeting can dramatically reduce the available audience — to the point where there is not enough inventory to deliver. Fix: relax one targeting dimension at a time, starting with device targeting (remove it) and then interest targeting (switch to Run-of-Network).
Total Budget Reached Too Quickly
Setting a low Total Budget without an end date causes the campaign to pause as soon as the cap is hit — sometimes within hours. Fix: either remove the Total Budget and use a Maximum Daily Budget to control spend instead, or increase the Total Budget to cover the full intended campaign period.
Retargeting Toggle Enabled Without a Ready Audience
Enabling the 'Is this a retargeting campaign?' toggle and setting a pixel to Target when no retargeting pixel is installed — or when the pixel has not yet built an audience — results in no delivery. Fix: confirm a retargeting pixel is installed and has accumulated sufficient audience size before running a retargeting campaign.
Missing or Invalid Destination URL
A missing or broken destination URL can prevent a creative from serving correctly, even though the campaign itself shows as Running. Fix: confirm each creative has a valid, live destination URL before launching.
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