Google Merchant Center - Textalk Abicart

Google Merchant Center - Textalk Abicart

What is Google Merchant Center?

Google Merchant Center is a free, web-based tool from Google where you upload and manage all the information about the products you sell—things like titles, descriptions, prices, images and availability.


Why use it?

  • Get your products on Google: Once your product data is in the Merchant Center, Google can show your items on Google Shopping, in free listings, and in paid Shopping ads.

  • Keep product details up to date: Merchant Center lets you schedule regular updates (via a feed) so that Google always has your latest prices, stock levels and new products.

  • Reach more customers: By making your products visible where people search, you increase the chance shoppers will discover your store and buy from you.

  • Monitor performance and fix issues: You can see which products are approved, which have errors, and how they’re performing—so you can quickly correct any problems.

In short: Google Merchant Center is like a bridge that connects your online store’s product information with Google’s shopping platforms, helping shoppers find, compare and buy your products.

How to Set Up a Google Merchant Center Account

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  1. A Google Account (Gmail or Google Workspace).

  2. An active website or online store URL you own (with HTTPS).

  3. (Optional) A Google Ads account if you plan to run Shopping campaigns.

Step 1: Sign In or Create a Google Account

1. Go to the Google Accounts page

2. Fill in your details

  • Enter your name, email address, and a secure password.

  • Agree to Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Step 2: Access Google Merchant Center

1. Navigate to Merchant Center

2. Sign in with your Google Account

  • Click Sign in in the top right, then choose your account.

Step 3: Enter Business Information

1. Provide your business details

  • Business name: Your store’s official name (will display in Shopping ads).

  • Country of sale: The market where you’ll sell your products.

  • Time zone: Ensures accurate reporting and scheduling.

2. Agree to program policies

  • Read and accept the Google Merchant Center Terms of Service.

Step 4: Verify and Claim Your Website URL

1. Enter your website URL

  • In the Merchant Center, go to Tools & settings → Business information → Website.

  • Type your full domain (e.g., https://www.example.com).

2. Choose a verification method

  • HTML file upload: Download Google’s file and upload to your site’s root directory.

  • HTML tag: Add the <meta> tag to your <head> of the website.

  • Google Analytics or Tag Manager: Use an existing GA4 or GTM setup.

3. Confirm verification and claim

  • After implementation, click Verify URL.

  • Once verified, click the Claim URL to reserve it for your Merchant Center account.

Step 5: Set Up Shipping


1. Configure shipping settings

  • Go to Tools & settings (wrench icon) → Shipping and returns.

  • Click + Add shipping service: define transit times and cost rules.

Final Review and Next Steps

  1. Review your business details, website claim, and shipping/tax setup.

  2. Upload your first product feed.

Resources & Links