Hey there, fellow retailers! We’ve got some news to share that might pique your interest. Google recently announced that the Buy on Google program will be bidding us farewell on September 26. But fret not, because this goodbye is making way for something even better!
Why should you care, you ask? Well, Google is on a mission to create a more streamlined buying journey for shoppers, making it easier for you to sell your products on Google and YouTube. Imagine a checkout process that allows shoppers to seamlessly transition from Google to your website’s checkout flow when they’re ready to make a purchase. Sounds pretty slick, right?
According to a Google spokesperson, their goal is to support an open ecosystem by connecting shoppers directly with merchants. They’ve gathered feedback from merchants and users alike, and the consensus is clear: a new and improved buying experience is in order. Buy on Google was just a small feature used by a limited number of merchants, so Google is investing in this new approach instead.
Now, let’s delve into the exciting details of Google’s plan for a “more streamlined buying journey for shoppers.” Say goodbye to multi-step buying processes and hello to a seamless transition. Shoppers who are itching to hit that “buy” button will now have the option to go straight from Google to your website’s checkout flow. And here’s the cherry on top – they’ll find their chosen product already waiting in their shopping cart, ready to be purchased with their preferred payment method. Pretty neat, huh?
Google is currently piloting this enhanced buying experience on its platform, along with YouTube, partnering with select merchants along the way. As for the rest of us, fear not! Google will keep us in the loop and share more information as they’re ready to take on additional partners.
In case you were wondering, Google is already receiving positive feedback on its new checkout pilot, with more merchants jumping aboard compared to Buy on Google. If you’re eager to join the bandwagon and reap the benefits of this streamlined checkout experience, Google has created a convenient form for you to express your interest.
Now, let’s address the nitty-gritty details. Google has sent out an email to participating merchants, highlighting the key details about the Buy on Google shutdown. Adios, Buy on Google! Starting from September 26, 2023, no listings on Search or Shopping will show the Buy on Google option. If you’re currently in the onboarding process, you’ll be removed from it today.
But wait, there’s more! Fear not, dear merchants, for all orders received until September 2023 will still be honored and fulfilled. And if you wish to bid farewell to the program earlier, you have the option to terminate your participation sooner. Just reach out to the support team, and they’ll guide you through the process.
Don’t worry about losing your precious order data either. Google will make it accessible to you for a whole year following the program’s end. Just follow the instructions provided to access your reports.
Here’s the best part – no action is required from you to end the program. It’ll happen seamlessly, much like the checkout experience Google is prioritizing. So sit back, relax, and let Google take care of the transition.
Google is committed to continuously optimizing how users navigate to checkout on their platforms. They’re excited about the excellent streamlined checkout experience they introduced last year, which has already shown to improve gross merchandise value for merchants utilizing the new Google checkout feature.
If you’re itching to try it out, you can sign up for the checkout pilot program today. Just complete the interest form, and if you’re selected, your current Buy on Google experiences will stop showing immediately. For those who aren’t chosen this time around, don’t worry – Google will reach out to you once the solution is more widely available for onboarding.
So there you have it, folks! Get ready to say goodbye to Buy on Google and embrace the new and improved streamlined buying journey. It’s time to take your online retail game to the next level with Google’s innovative approach. Happy selling!
