What is Google Shopping?

Learn to set up accounts, link Google Ads, create product feeds, and launch campaigns. Read more!

Setting Up Google Shopping Ads 🛒

Before diving in, you need a few essentials:

1. Google Account: This is the foundation for all Google services.
2. Google Merchant Center Account: Where your product information is stored.
3. Google Ads Account: Where you’ll create and manage your shopping campaigns.
4. Product Data Feed: A file containing detailed information about your products.

Create an Account in Google Merchant Center 👤

Setting up your Merchant Center account is the first step:

• Visit the Google Merchant Center: Sign in with your Google account.
• Enter Business Details: Provide your business name, website URL, and contact info.
• Verify and Claim Your Website URL: Establish your store’s online identity.

Example: If your business is “John’s Bakery,” ensure your business name and website URL reflect this. Consistency builds trust.

Link Google Ads and Merchant Center 📢

Linking these accounts is essential to create shopping campaigns:

• Log into Google Merchant Center: Navigate to “Settings” > “Linked accounts.”
• Link Account: Click “Link account” and input your Google Ads customer ID.
• Accept Link Request in Google Ads: In Google Ads, go to “Tools” > “Linked accounts” and accept the request.

Pro Tip: This ensures your product data flows seamlessly into your shopping campaigns.

Create a Data Feed 📊

Your data feed is a file with all your product info. Here’s what you need:

• Format Options: .txt, .xml, or Google Sheets.
• Essential Attributes:
  • ID: Unique identifier for each product.
  • Title: Clear and descriptive product name.
  • Description: Detailed information about the product.
  • Link: URL to your product page.
  • Image Link: URL to your product image.
  • Price: Cost of the product.
  • Availability: Stock status.

Example: For a pair of red sneakers:

ID: 12345
Title: Red Running Sneakers
Description: High-quality running sneakers with superior comfort and style.
Link: www.yourstore.com/red-running-sneakers
Image Link: www.yourstore.com/images/red-sneakers.jpg
Price: $59.99
Availability: In Stock

Upload the Data Feed 📤

Once your data feed is ready, upload it to Google Merchant Center:

• Log into Google Merchant Center: Go to “Products” > “Feeds.”
• Create New Feed: Click the “+” button.
• Name Your Feed and Choose Upload Method: Options include Google Sheets, scheduled fetch, or manual upload. Upload your file.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular updates to keep your product info current.

How to Create Shopping Campaigns 🛍️

Now, let’s set up your shopping campaigns in Google Ads:

1. Log into Google Ads: Go to the “Campaigns” section and click the “+” button to create a new campaign.
2. Select Campaign Type: Choose “Shopping.”
3. Link Accounts: Ensure your Merchant Center account is linked and select the country where your products are sold.
4. Campaign Settings:
   • Name: Give your campaign a descriptive name.
   • Budget: Set a daily budget based on your advertising goals.
   • Bidding Strategy: Choose a strategy that fits your objectives, like “Maximize Clicks” or “Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend).”

Targeting and Ad Groups 🎯

• Define Target Audience: Set parameters based on location, device, etc.
• Create Ad Groups and Product Groups: Organize your ads and set bid adjustments.