Building lookalikes from the right seed: the source hierarchy

Building lookalikes from the right seed: the source hierarchy

The step-by-step so your lookalike (LAL) models high-value buyers, not all traffic.
— Step 1: rank seed sources by value — purchasers > high-LTV purchasers > add-to-cart > site visitors.
— Step 2: seed needs 1,000+ records minimum; 5,000+ for a stable model.
— Step 3: build a value-based lookalike if you pass purchase value — it weights toward your whales.
— Step 4: test 1% vs 1-3% — tighter is higher intent, broader scales.
— Step 5: exclude the seed audience from the lookalike.

LAL-CPA basis, 30 accounts: 1% value-based purchaser seed beats broad CPA by 22% / 1% visitor seed by 8% / 5-10% LAL barely beats broad (3%).

Read: a lookalike is only as good as its seed. Model your buyers, not your bounce traffic.