Beginning May 29th, Google Shopping Ads will be visible to viewers on the Google Display Network (GDN) for select AdWords accounts. Initially, the option is only available to select merchants, who Google e-mailed in April. The ads may not appear on the Google Display Network until late June.
Currently, shopping ads can appear on Google Search Network, which includes the following services: Google Search, Google Images, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google search partners.
What does this mean?
With this update, prospective shoppers won’t have to physically type in their search query in order to see a shopping ad. Instead, products will appear in places text, photo, or video advertisements would normally appear – on any of the over 2 million sites that are currently part of the Google Display Network. Whether or not a product appears will be based on the currently displayed content or recent search history of the shopper instead of a direct search by the shopper.
Should I do anything to my own AdWords account?
Unless you received an e-mail directly from Google, no. If you are one of the accounts chosen to take part in the initial phase of Google’s new test, congratulations! Your shopping ads will automatically be shown in the GDN unless you opt out.
Under the Shopping Setting, you will have the option to select which network you would like to display your shopping ads on.
What Does This Mean for Me?
As with most of Google’s products, the idea is to get the most relevant content right in front of the viewer as easily as possible. The assumption with this new update is that it will help get shopping ads in front of more viewers, potentially increasing how many people see your ad, and ultimately increasing conversion. According to Google, the sites in the Google Display Network are viewed by 90% of internet users.
The best way to make sure you are prepared when Google officially releases this update is to make sure you have the most optimized feed possible, which we can help with!
Brian Roizen is the Cofounder and Chief Architect of Feedonomics, a full-service feed optimization platform that optimizes product data for hundreds of channels. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and eCommerce webinars, and regularly contributes to Search Engine Land and other industry-leading blogs. Brian graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
