Google Shopping update: You can now sell on Google for free!
Google announced in April that it would be allowing online merchants in the US to sell for free on Google, in a bid to help businesses connect with consumers during a difficult time for the retail industry. Now, the update seems to be rolling out to other countries too.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that physical stores have had to close their doors and pull down the shutters, so for many digital commerce has quickly become their sole income whether they like it or not.
Consumers are in lockdown across the globe and there has been an increase in the amount of online shopping occurring with consumers searching for essentials, toys, clothing, and home goods to name a few. Whilst the move to online is a lifeline for many businesses, some simply cannot afford to invest in services such as Google Shopping out of risk of losing more money. So, Google offered a solution.
In April, Google announced in their blog that the Google Shopping tab would begin to consist of “primarily free listings” to allow businesses to offer products to consumers regardless of whether they currently advertise on Google.
Whilst this was initially rolled out in the US, Varn is now seeing evidence from our clients that Google is beginning to roll this out to more countries. As such, we expect to see a rise in the number of UK-based retailers who are able to take advantage of this in the coming weeks.
This move means that all retailers have the possibility to free exposure to millions of Google users who may be in the market for their products. Plus, being able to market products for free could give retailers the relief they need in order to keep pushing through to the other side.
If you are an existing user of Merchant Center and Shopping ads, you don’t have to do anything to take advantage of the free listings. Their help center has more details on how to participate.
If you would like more assistance on managing your paid search, please get in touch with the team at Varn today.
