CPC — Cost Per Click
Definition: The amount an advertiser pays each time someone clicks their ad. CPC reflects how competitive a keyword or audience is.
Example
"Business loans" has a CPC of $40+ on Google because each click can lead to a high-value customer. "Free flashcards" costs pennies.
When you'll hear it
CPC shows up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to cost per click — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
CPC vs CPM?
CPC is per click — you pay for action. CPM is per 1,000 impressions — you pay for views. Use CPC for performance, CPM for awareness.
What does CPC stand for?
CPC stands for Cost Per Click.
What does CPC mean in business and finance?
The amount an advertiser pays each time someone clicks their ad. CPC reflects how competitive a keyword or audience is.
Where will I hear CPC used at work?
CPC comes up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. It's used as shorthand for cost per click, so people assume you already know the term.