Facebook Ads Insights Tool

Facebook Ads Cost Per Lead Benchmarks for Software Development

See how your CPL compares. Explore lead generation cost benchmarks by industry, region, and campaign type

Cost Per Lead for Software Development

October 2024 - October 2025

Insights

Detailed observation of presented data

Key takeaways

  • This analysis looks at cost-per-lead trends for industry Software Development and target country all countries available compared to the global trend. The analysis is based on $3B worth of advertising data from our dataset, which provides strong directional benchmarks.
  • Average cost-per-lead (CPL) in the selected data was 83.47 across Sep 2024–Aug 2025, 125% above the global baseline average of 37.06. However, excluding an extreme April spike, the selected average was 40.79, only about 10% higher than baseline.
  • Median CPL in the selected data was 50.93 versus a baseline median of 38.47, placing Software Development modestly above market on a typical month.
  • Volatility was high: average month‑to‑month absolute change was roughly 318% including April (75% excluding April), compared with 9.8% for the baseline.
  • From first to last month, selected CPL rose 25% (13.45 to 16.84), while the baseline rose 13% (32.88 to 37.03).
  • Seasonal patterns were visible: a Q4 uptick into December, elevated costs in January–February, and a major April spike, followed by a return toward lower levels in August.

Overview of the selected data

  • Average: 83.47; Median: 50.93; High: 552.92 (Apr 2025); Low: 6.19 (Oct 2024).
  • Early period: below-market CPL in Sep–Nov 2024 (6.19–14.68).
  • Q4 lift: December rose to 52.03, continuing higher into January (49.82) and February (74.45).
  • Sharp fluctuations: March dipped to 19.45, followed by an extreme surge in April (552.92), then normalization through May–July (61.72–71.16) and a drop in August (16.84).
  • Overall change: +25% from Sep 2024 to Aug 2025.

Comparison with the global baseline

  • Baseline average: 37.06; Median: 38.47; High: 41.58 (Nov 2024); Low: 31.12 (Oct 2024).
  • Consistency: baseline month‑to‑month changes stayed within ±34% at the extreme, typically within ±10%.
  • Relative positioning:
  • Above market in 7 of 12 months (Dec 2024; Jan–Feb, Apr–Jul 2025), driven especially by April.
  • Below market in 5 months (Sep–Nov 2024, Mar 2025, Aug 2025).
  • Excluding April, the selected average (40.79) was modestly above the baseline (+10%), and the median (50.93) still sat above the baseline median (+32%).

Seasonality and volatility

  • Q4 pattern: costs typically increase around holiday periods. The baseline peaked in November; the selected series showed its Q4 lift in December.
  • Q1–Q2: selected CPL remained elevated in January–February, dipped in March, then spiked in April before settling back May–July. The baseline exhibited mild, steady movements across the same period.
  • Late summer: August CPL in the selected series fell to 16.84, below the baseline’s 37.03.

Notable monthly shifts (selected data)

  • Largest drop: Feb to Mar (−73.9%).
  • Largest spike: Mar to Apr (+~2,740%).
  • Other swings: Oct to Nov (+137%), Nov to Dec (+255%), Apr to May (−88.9%).

Understanding cost-per-lead benchmarks on Facebook Ads in industry Software Development and all countries available helps advertisers make more efficient budget and creative choices.

Understanding the Data

Insights & analysis of Facebook advertising costs

Facebook advertising costs vary based on many factors including industry, target audience, ad placement, and campaign objectives. In the Software Development industry, Facebook ad costs can be influenced by seasonal trends and market competition. Geographic targeting affects ad costs based on market competition and user engagement in different regions. Different campaign objectives lead to varying costs based on how Facebook optimizes for your specific goals. The data shown represents median values across multiple campaigns, and individual results may vary based on ad quality, audience targeting, and campaign optimization.

Why we use median instead of average

We use the median CTR because the underlying distribution of click-through rates is highly skewed, with a small share of campaigns achieving extremely high CTRs. These outliers can inflate a simple average, making it less representative of what most advertisers actually experience. By using the median—which sits at the midpoint of all campaigns—we provide a more rigorous and realistic benchmark that reflects the true underlying data model and helps you set attainable performance expectations.

Key Factors Affecting Facebook Ad Costs

  • Competition within your selected industry and audience demographics
  • Ad quality and relevance score – higher quality ads can lower costs
  • Campaign objective and bid strategy
  • Timing and seasonality – costs often increase during holiday periods
  • Ad placement (News Feed, Instagram, Audience Network, etc.)

Note: This data represents industry median values and benchmarks. Your actual costs may vary based on specific targeting, ad creative quality, and campaign optimization.

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The data behind the benchmarks

All data is sourced from over $3B in Facebook ad spend, collected across thousands of ad accounts that use Superads daily to analyze and improve their campaigns. Every data point is fully anonymized and aggregated—no individual advertiser is ever exposed.

This dataset updates frequently as new ad data flows in. It will only get bigger and better.

What is considered a good cost per lead on Facebook in 2025?

A good CPL usually ranges from $10 to $50, depending on your industry and target audience. B2C offers tend to be cheaper, while B2B or high-ticket services may see CPLs over $100.

Why is my CPL higher than industry averages?

Your CPL could be high due to weak creative, irrelevant targeting, or an offer that doesn't resonate. Low engagement or poor conversion rates on your landing page can also drive up costs.

Does campaign objective impact CPL?

Yes. Campaigns optimized for conversions or leads tend to generate cheaper and more qualified leads compared to traffic or engagement objectives. Facebook needs clear signals to find the right users.

How can I generate leads at a lower cost without hurting lead quality?

Focus on improving your offer, targeting the right audience, and using high-converting creative. Test native lead forms, but make sure you're still qualifying users properly.

Should I optimize for leads or conversions if my goal is pipeline growth?

If your goal is sales or revenue, optimizing for deeper funnel conversions is better. Optimizing for leads alone can inflate volume but hurt quality.