Bidding strategies are crucial in auctions and digital advertising, as they determine how much a buyer is willing to pay for a particular item or ad placement. While many automated bidding strategies exist today, some businesses and individuals still prefer manual bidding for greater control and precision. This article explores the most manual way of bidding and its implications.
Understanding Manual Bidding
Manual bidding refers to the process where a bidder sets their bids manually rather than using automated algorithms. This strategy allows for maximum control over how much is spent per bid, ensuring that every decision aligns with a specific goal, whether it is cost savings or securing a particular asset.
The Most Manual Bidding Strategy: Incremental Bidding
Among all manual bidding strategies, incremental bidding is the most manual and meticulous. It requires the bidder to actively monitor and adjust bids in real time without any automation. This strategy involves the following steps:
- Research and Preparation – The bidder studies market trends, competitor behavior, and historical bidding data to determine an initial bid amount.
- Initial Bid Placement – A conservative starting bid is placed based on research insights.
- Continuous Monitoring – The bidder actively watches the auction or bidding process, analyzing competitors’ movements.
- Real-Time Adjustments – If outbid, the bidder increases their bid in small increments, ensuring they remain competitive while avoiding overpaying.
- Final Decision-Making – The bidder strategically determines when to stop increasing their bid to maximize value.
Pros and Cons of Incremental Bidding
Pros:
- Maximum Control – The bidder has complete oversight over expenditures and adjustments.
- Budget Optimization – Helps prevent overspending by making careful, calculated increases.
- Competitive Edge – Offers the flexibility to react to other bidders’ strategies in real time.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming – Requires constant attention and effort.
- High Effort Requirement – May not be feasible for large-scale campaigns or multiple auctions.
- Risk of Human Error – Emotional bidding or miscalculations can lead to financial loss.
When to Use Manual Bidding
Manual bidding, especially incremental bidding, is best suited for:
- High-value items or auctions where precision matters more than automation.
- Small-scale campaigns with a limited number of bids to manage.
- Experienced bidders who can make informed real-time decisions based on market behavior.
Conclusion
While automated bidding strategies provide convenience and efficiency, the most manual way of bidding—incremental bidding—remains a valuable approach for those who seek complete control. It requires significant effort, but for those who value precision, it can yield excellent results.