Do I Need Google Merchant Center to Run Dropshipping Ads?
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Written by Christopher Krassnig, Founder & CEO of ZenoX Media. Answers every question here from the accounts ZenoX runs, not from theory.
The short answer
You need Merchant Center for dropshipping ads that show products through Shopping or Performance Max, while Search-only campaigns can run without it. At ZenoX, we connect an accurate feed to the store's Merchant Center account, then link Google Ads. Buyers must finish the purchase on that store, so links that send them elsewhere do not qualify.
Know Which Campaigns Need It
Merchant Center is required when a dropshipping store wants product ads through Standard Shopping or Performance Max. Google receives and checks the product feed there. The account then links to Google Ads with billing. Search-only campaigns use text ads and can send buyers to the store without a Merchant Center feed. We build Merchant Center first when products will appear directly in ads. A store running only Search can wait.
Meet the Product Rules Before Launch
Buyers must be able to purchase every listed product on your own website. Shopping rules reject links that send the buyer to another shop to pay. The supplier may fulfill the order, but your storefront must handle the purchase. Before launch, make sure the feed matches the site and the product is available. Merchant Center checks the feed before Shopping or PMax ads can run, so we keep the product data accurate and fix any policy issue it reports.
Related questions
Keep Going
- What Are the Requirements to Run Google Shopping Ads?
- Is Dropshipping Actually Allowed on Google Shopping?
- Do I Need a US Company to Run Google Shopping Ads in the US?
- Does Google Ads Actually Work for Dropshipping?
- Do I Need to Put My Supplier's Real Brand Name in My Google Shopping Feed If I'm Dropshipping?
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