Shopping ads - Advertising with Comparison Shopping Services | Google Ads

Summary

In countries with the CSS program, merchants can participate in Google Shopping ads through Comparison Shopping Services (CSSes), which bid for ad slots on their behalf. CSSes offer various pricing models, such as per-click charges, commission-based fees, or subscription pricing. Some CSSes manage feeds and campaigns, while others allow self-service. All CSSes compete equally for ad spaces and adhere to the same rules, ensuring ads direct shoppers to product landing pages. Merchants can work with one or multiple CSSes to boost performance. For more information, visit the Help Center.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shoppers can see relevant shopping ads when searching on Google, offering products from various stores.
• 😀 In countries where the CSS program is available, stores can only participate in shopping ads through comparison shopping services (CSSes).
• 😀 CSSes bid for slots in Google's ad auction and place ads on behalf of merchants.
• 😀 Different CSSes offer varying services and charge merchants in different ways: per-click, per-sale commission, or a fixed monthly subscription.
• 😀 Some CSSes manage product feeds and campaigns for merchants, while others offer a self-service model for merchants to manage feeds and campaigns themselves.
• 😀 All CSSes compete equally for ad spaces on Google's general search result pages.
• 😀 CSSes have equal access to all shopping ads features, ensuring fair competition.
• 😀 Shopping ads must follow rules designed to help users, such as leading directly to the store's landing page where the product can be purchased.
• 😀 Merchants can work with one or multiple CSSes at the same time for potentially better performance.
• 😀 Combining multiple CSSes can improve overall performance in shopping ads.
• 😀 For more tips on using comparison shopping services, merchants can visit the Help Center.

Q & A

What is the Comparison Shopping Service (CSS) program?

The CSS program is a system that allows merchants to participate in Google's shopping ads through third-party services called comparison shopping services (CSSes). These services place ads on behalf of merchants and bid for ad slots in Google's auction.

How do CSSes charge merchants for their services?

CSSes may charge merchants in different ways, such as per-click fees, a commission on sales, or a fixed monthly subscription price.

What types of services do CSSes provide?

CSSes offer various services, including managing product feeds and campaigns for merchants, or providing a self-service model where merchants can manage their own product feeds and campaigns.

Can merchants work with more than one CSS at the same time?

Yes, merchants can work with one or several CSSes simultaneously. Combining the strengths of multiple CSSes may improve overall performance in shopping ads.

What are the ad rules for shopping ads under the CSS program?

All shopping ads must follow Google's rules, which include ensuring the ad leads directly to the store's landing page, where the product can be purchased.

Do CSSes compete equally for ad spaces?

Yes, all comparison shopping services compete equally for ad spaces in Google's general search result pages. They all have access to the same shopping ad features.

What are the benefits of using multiple CSSes?

Using multiple CSSes can help improve the overall performance of your shopping ads by leveraging the unique strengths of each service.

What can you find in the Help Center regarding CSSes?

The Help Center provides additional tips and guidance on using comparison shopping services effectively to optimize your shopping ads.

What is the role of CSSes in the Google ad auction?

CSSes place shopping ads on behalf of merchants and bid for ad slots in Google's ad auction, aiming to secure a spot for the merchant’s ad to appear.

What do all CSSes have in common in terms of ad features?

All CSSes have access to the same shopping ads features and compete on equal terms for ad spaces in Google’s search results.