Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media directed at controlling an advertising campaign. In embodiments, a method includes receiving a desired cost indicator. The desired cost indicator can indicate an average cost per unit a user would like to stay below for a current portion of an advertising campaign. The method can further include monitoring bid transactions of an advertising market associated with the advertising campaign to determine an observed cost measurement from the bid transactions. Based, at least in part, on the desired cost indicator and the observed cost measurement, a price control may be determined that can be utilized to adjust a bid price for the advertising campaign. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.