G
Google AdsUpdated 14 September 2026
J9Kanchi Murali Krishna• Managing Partner•7 min read read
Google Performance Max 2026: New Controls, Asset Experiments & Best Practices
Performance Max in 2026 gained asset experiments, channel timing, and pulled-keyword exclusions. Here is how to run it profitably for lead generation in India.
Performance Max (PMax) is now Google's default full-funnel campaign type. The 2026 updates finally handed advertisers more control: pulled keywords, asset experiments, channel-level time zones, and better reporting. Here is how to make it profitable for Indian lead generation.
What Changed in 2026
- Pulled keywords (negatives) you can apply at the account level
- Asset experiments to A/B test creative sets inside PMax
- Channel-level timing so you can pause YouTube placements, for example
- Attributed branded search reporting showing upper-funnel lift
Setup for Lead Generation
- Feed Google your exact conversion events — form fills, WhatsApp clicks, calls
- Give every asset group 15+ assets including stories and videos
- Add pulled keywords for "free, jobs, course, prices compared" type queries
- Use location targeting and asset-group-level exclusions for your service areas
Best Practices That Work in India
- Run PMax alongside one search campaign for the same product — allow overlap and let Google prioritise
- Update creatives monthly; stale assets lose auctions to fresh creative
- Check the "Asset health" score and replace underperforming assets from the experiments tab
- Watch the search terms report for waste queries and block them with pulled keywords
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add negative keywords to Performance Max?+
Yes. In 2026 Google added pulled-keyword and account-level exclusions to Performance Max, fixing the biggest control gap advertisers complained about.
Should I run Performance Max and Search together?+
Yes. Many Indian advertisers run a tight Search campaign for control and a separate PMax for discovery, letting the AI allocate as data improves.
#Performance Max 2026#PMax best practices#Performance Max India#PMax asset experiments