For the first time since Froogle, merchants can now list their products on Google’s shopping platform for free in response to the recent changes in business from COVID-19, according to Google’s president of commerce, Bill Ready.
Keep on reading to learn the key points of this new release alongside feedback from various industry experts.
What You Need to Know About Google’s New Update
Here are some things you should know about this exciting release as Google rolls it out:
- There is no set date on when it will launch, but they expect these changes to take effect before the end of April.
- For now, this update only pertains to the U.S.
- Current members will be able to take advantage of free listings once everything launches, while new Merchant Center users will have to work with Google to onboard over the coming weeks and months.
- You will be able to link your account with PayPal, as Google is kicking off a new partnership.
- Google is working closely with current partners such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce to help businesses manage inventory.
- You will be able to augment your current paid listings on Google Shopping with free ones.
- The reason for this new release is to help struggling businesses be able to reconnect with customers, since many physical stores are temporarily closed.
Response to the Big News
Since Google’s announcement on April 21, some digital marketers have flocked to social media to share their enthusiasm and comments:
Big news -> Google Shopping opens up to free product listings. Will roll out in U.S. starting next week and be global by EOY. Tip @techmeme https://t.co/00fi52DhKV
— Ginny Marvin (@GinnyMarvin) April 21, 2020
Froogle is back, Google Shopping is going to be FREE https://t.co/WCxW7XvXQT pic.twitter.com/LCqbpl4dlf
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) April 22, 2020
Read More on Other Recent Google Updates
- Recent Changes to Google My Business and Digital Marketing
- Google’s Core Update Mid-January 2020
- Google’s New Update: Did You Notice a Drop in Local Rankings?
- What You Need to Know About BERT – Google’s Latest Major Update
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