In the ever-evolving world of ecommerce, staying ahead with trends is crucial for businesses that want to continue to succeed.

Google has consistently been at the forefront of these game changing updates, providing tools and platforms that empower businesses to reach wider audiences and drive more sales.

The latest innovation in this realm is Google Merchant Center Next, a powerful upgrade designed to streamline the way businesses manage and display their products across Google’s huge network.

What is Google Merchant Center Next?

Google Merchant Center Next is the newest edition of Google Merchant Center, an essential tool for e-commerce businesses to manage their product listings on Google Shopping, Google Ads and other Google services.

This upgraded platform brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at making the process more intuitive, efficient and impactful for merchants.

Key features and benefits

Improved user interface Google Merchant Center Next boasts a revamped interface that is more user-friendly and intuitive. This makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to navigate the platform and manage their product listings effectively.

Advanced automation tools One of the standout features of Google Merchant Center Next is its advanced automation capabilities. From feed updates to intelligent product categorisation, these tools save time and reduce manual effort. Thus allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth.

Improved data insights The new platform offers deeper insights into product performance with enhanced analytics and reporting tools. Businesses can now access detailed metrics on impressions, clicks, and conversions, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to optimise their product listings.

Seamless integration with Google services Google Merchant Center Next integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Google Ads and Google Analytics. This integration ensures that your product data is consistently accurate and up-to-date across all platforms, maximising your visibility and reach.

New ad formats With Google Merchant Center Next, businesses can take advantage of new ad formats and placements. This includes enhanced product ads that appear in more places across Google’s network, such as YouTube and Gmail, reaching potential customers where they spend their time online.

Localised inventory ads For businesses with physical stores, Google Merchant Center Next supports localised inventory ads, which show customers the products available in nearby stores. This drives foot traffic and boosts local sales by connecting online shoppers with offline inventory.

Starting with Google Merchant Center Next

Transitioning to GMC Next is designed to be seamless.

Existing users of Google Merchant Center will find their data and settings automatically migrated to the new platform, and we have seen many of our clients moved onto GMC Next already.

For new users, getting started is as simple as creating an account and uploading your product data.

What we think

The Google team share their thoughts:

The new interface has a modern, fresher look and is much more organised compared to the old Merchant Center view.

Like with anything new, we are still getting used to the new navigation and finding our way around. However, we are excited to be able to start using it and build on our knowledge and skills.

We are looking forward to using the new features Google are introducing, such as AI Product Image optimisation to fix some of the issues we typically see product feeds are affected by.

The post Unlocking the Future with Google Merchant Center Next appeared first on CSP Commerce.

The day is finally here… It’s time to say goodbye to Google UA!

Are you ready to wave goodbye to all your hard work?
Will your business survive having to start learning about customers again from scratch?
Can you continue to improve without having YOY & MOM comparison data?

No one wants to be in the position where they need to answer these questions but if you don’t get ready for the end of Universal Analytics, you won’t have a choice.

Google Analytics tracks significant metrics which can be compared to past performance, such as user sessions, engagement rate, key events and revenue across all of your channels. 

You can also see whether customers are new or returning, what device they are using, lifetime value, and demographics like country, age, gender and interests.

These things are essential to businesses as they can be used to determine whether a specific campaign has been a success, look at what’s worked well and what hasn’t so that you can identify key areas of improvement.

You need to be able to understand who your customers are, how they behave and the best way to target them in order to succeed (and bring in revenue!) Data is an essential for growth, scaling and perfecting your marketing strategy  – can you really afford to lose something that important?

What’s happening to Universal Analytics?

Google started phasing UA out back in March last year, and has been gradually moving accounts over to GA4. The search giant says that this is “the next generation of Analytics which collects event-based data from both websites and apps.”

In July 2023, Universal Analytics stopped processing data so the chances are that you have been using GA4 for up to a year already.

However, what some people don’t realise is that on the 1st July 2024, Google will remove its UA services and APIs completely. This means that you will lose all of your historical data and crucial information ( like past product performance, user behaviours and conversions) if you haven’t downloaded it or set-up GA4.

Still not sure? Here’s a quick overview from Google themselves:

So, how will this affect your business?

Once UA is turned off, you will no longer be able to access any of your past data including events, conversions, product performance and user metrics. 

The data likely shapes how you identify trends over time and how you view your customers, for example, giving you the information to remarket and market your products. From your findings, you can target customers at the right time, on the right platform, identify which products are producing the highest ROI, so without this, you will have lost valuable data and insights.

What should you do next?

We recommend that if you haven’t switched over to GA4 yet, you should look at this as a priority. 

The first step would be to export data from UA before the cut off date to ensure you still have all of your data. 

There are a few ways you can do this, which include:

• Exporting individual reports into CSV, TSV, TSV for Excel, Excel (XLSX, Google Sheets, or PDF.
• Using the Google Analytics Reporting API to export data to Cloud storage, before pulling it back into Looker Studio.
• Installing the Google Sheets add-on for Analytics and follow Google’s step-by-step instructions for archiving the data.
• If you are a Google Analytics 360 customer, you can easily export your data to BigQuery.

There are lots more articles out there to help you, including one that Code (which operate within the same group as CSP Commerce) has put together. We recommend you read their GA4 migration article here.

How can CSP Commerce help?

Our Performance Marketing team can support you in migrating across to GA4, whether it’s by offering advice on the best way to back up data or setting up your new properties. 

If you have any questions or would like guidance with anything from this article, please do get in touch here.

The post The End of an Era – Google UA is Going Away appeared first on CSP Commerce.

While we’re in the middle of our complete guide to Google Shopping, it’s clear that releasing it instalments was the right choice – as announcements from Google mean that an upcoming instalment would need to be changed.

Not only that, but those of you who read the original version of part two might notice a change to the GTIN section.

GTINs

As of September 30, GTINs and other unique product identifiers will no longer technically be necessary. If you’re selling a product with no GTIN, you’ll be able to set identifier_exists as false, and your Google Shopping ad will no longer be disapproved.

However, there are some other factors to consider.

First, if “there is evidence that a UPI exists,” as Google puts it, the advert will be disapproved for incorrect use of identifier_exists attribute.

Second, if you have the same GTIN for multiple different products, those products will be considered “ambiguous”, resulting in ad disapproval. (If you’re not sure whether or not you’ve done this, don’t worry – you have a month and a half to check and put this right.)

Lastly – you still want to get and list a GTIN. Even if you’re a manufacturer selling exclusively in one place, where there’s no risk your product will get a GTIN without your noticing, a product without one will be lower priority than similar items that do – so your ad will be shown less often than your competition’s items.

Accelerated Delivery is Going Away

On September 17^th – a little under a month away – Google Shopping customers will no longer be able to select Accelerated Delivery. Accelerate delivery was a system which would attempt to spend your budget earlier in the day, resulting in ad saturation for part of the day and no remaining budget later on.

Instead, all Google Shopping (and Search) ad campaigns will be using ‘improved Standard delivery’.  Google recommends using ad scheduling to better target your best times of day. This tool allows you to increase or decrease your bids for specific times of day, while still staying within your daily budget.

Accelerated delivery remains for Display and Video ad campaigns – at least for the time being.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchestershopifyagency #amazon #ebay

The post Changes Ahead for Google Shopping: GTINs & Accelerated Delivery appeared first on CSP Commerce.

While we’re in the middle of our complete guide to Google Shopping, it’s clear that releasing it instalments was the right choice – as announcements from Google mean that an upcoming instalment would need to be changed.

Not only that, but those of you who read the original version of part two might notice a change to the GTIN section.

GTINs

As of September 30, GTINs and other unique product identifiers will no longer technically be necessary. If you’re selling a product with no GTIN, you’ll be able to set identifier_exists as false, and your Google Shopping ad will no longer be disapproved.

However, there are some other factors to consider.

First, if “there is evidence that a UPI exists,” as Google puts it, the advert will be disapproved for incorrect use of identifier_exists attribute.

Second, if you have the same GTIN for multiple different products, those products will be considered “ambiguous”, resulting in ad disapproval. (If you’re not sure whether or not you’ve done this, don’t worry – you have a month and a half to check and put this right.)

Lastly – you still want to get and list a GTIN. Even if you’re a manufacturer selling exclusively in one place, where there’s no risk your product will get a GTIN without your noticing, a product without one will be lower priority than similar items that do – so your ad will be shown less often than your competition’s items.

Accelerated Delivery is Going Away

On September 17^th – a little under a month away – Google Shopping customers will no longer be able to select Accelerated Delivery. Accelerate delivery was a system which would attempt to spend your budget earlier in the day, resulting in ad saturation for part of the day and no remaining budget later on.

Instead, all Google Shopping (and Search) ad campaigns will be using ‘improved Standard delivery’.  Google recommends using ad scheduling to better target your best times of day. This tool allows you to increase or decrease your bids for specific times of day, while still staying within your daily budget.

Accelerated delivery remains for Display and Video ad campaigns – at least for the time being.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchestershopifyagency #amazon #ebay

The post Changes Ahead for Google Shopping: GTINs & Accelerated Delivery appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Google Shopping ads are growing in importance for online retailers, according to major independent reporting.

Merkle Inc released their quarterly Digital Marketing Report for Q4 2018. Merkle specialise in big data analysis in the digital marketing world, and their quarterly reports are eagerly awaited in the industry.

Among the highlights of the latest Merkle report:

• Google Shopping has had its fastest growth rate in three years
• Google Shopping now has a record 63% click share for retailers
• Mobile impressions for Google Shopping have doubled against the same period in 2017

What Does This Mean?

The eCommerce market is growing, but the importance of traditional search ads to retailers is falling – and Google Shopping is stepping into the gap. Not only that, but as we reported at the start of the month, Amazon isn’t expecting strong retail growth. So, Google Shopping’s share of the market is growing – and the market is growing, too.

It’s easy to look at this news and take away from it ‘we need to put more money into Google Shopping campaigns’. But more money alone may not be the answer.

Managing Your Shopping Campaigns

Did you know that if you’re managing your campaign through Google Shopping Europe, up to 20% of your bid costs goes to their fees?

Many of their customers don’t realise. And most of GSE’s customers never knew they had a choice.

Using an alternative CSS is the first step toward making the most of your Google Shopping campaign. Our own CSS is absolutely free to use – no monthly costs, no hidden fees, no percentage of spend.

But do you have both the spare time and the expertise to manage your account effectively? Can you keep up to date with a changing field?

In eCommerce, you’re not just competing against local alternatives. You’re up against every other firm who deliver to your markets. And if your Google Shopping account isn’t being carefully managed, you’re not standing still – you’re losing ground.

Cloud Seller Pro can provide a fully managed service for Google Shopping as well as other online marketing channels. We’ll even handle directed, dynamic remarketing to capitalise on ‘the ones that got away’.

But don’t take our word for it – put us to the test. You’ll rest easy with experts managing your campaign. And you’ll have more time free to focus on your business.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchestershopifyagency #amazon #ebay

The post Google Shopping Growing Strongly appeared first on CSP Commerce.