In their latest blog post, Google has announced that “selling on Google” is set to become free worldwide by the end of the year.
The change in policy comes after a decline in sales in the retail sector, which has only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, Google has decided to make it free to merchants to sell their goods on its service, Google Shopping. Starting from next week in the USA, the Google Shopping tab will largely consist of free listings moving forward.
Retailers will now be able to list all of their products on Google Shopping without any cost when users click on their listings. This helps make retailers’ stores and products more discoverable.
For those already listing their products on Google Shopping through the Merchant Centre, won’t need to do anything to take advantage of the free listings. Those looking to make the most of this offer from Google can either work with the world’s number one search engine over the coming weeks or months to get listed.
Is Google Shopping free in the UK?
The free version of Google Shopping in the UK and Europe is set to be rolled out before the end of the year. Google has not specified a date yet.
Which part of Google Shopping will be free?
Google Shopping is currently split into two sections:
- Google Search results
- Google Shopping tab
The Google Search results are currently the first noticeable results for the majority of users and is responsible for approximately 85-90% of shopping clicks. This is set to continue as the layout for the time being, with paid search and shopping ads as highlighted like so:
The Google Shopping tab to the right is responsible for the other 10-15% of shopping clicks, and this is where the free listings will be added as per Google’s latest announcement.
This results page currently consists exclusively of paid product ads, but starting from next week in the USA, and the rest of the world before 2021, is going to include free product listings. Google’s blog post says the results will consist ‘primarily’ of free product listings, so it’s worth noting that not all clicks will be free.
Why has Google made Shopping free?
It would appear that Google is making an offering similar to both Amazon and eBay, presumably in a bid to gain more market share.
Free product listings will be a good way for Google to attract more retailers and advertisers to test out a new market.
Need help getting the most out of Google Shopping?
To be ready and take advantage of the free Google Shopping listings, feel free to get in touch now to ensure that your products are setup and approved to go live once Google rolls out the free listings in the USA, United Kingdom and worldwide.