- How can I optimize Google Shopping ads to sell digital products
Topic summary
The original question asks about optimizing Google Shopping ads for digital products. However, Google Shopping does not allow digital products — it is exclusively for physical goods.
Key Policy Details:
- Digital items like ebooks and downloadable products are explicitly prohibited
- Attempting to sell digital products through Google Shopping can result in account suspension
- Multiple participants reference official Google Merchant Center documentation confirming this restriction
Current Status:
One user initially provided optimization tips (product feed optimization, custom labels, conversion tracking, bidding strategies), but was immediately corrected by others who emphasized that following this advice could lead to permanent account suspension.
Resolution:
The discussion clarifies that sellers of digital products must use alternative Google advertising platforms, as Shopping ads are not a viable option for non-physical goods.
2 Likes
If not already the case, when selling digital products on Google Shopping, expect to get a suspension. The reason is that Google Shopping is for phyiscal products only, as explained here: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6150127#:~:text=Unavailable%20promotions
Hey,
That’s right! You can’t promote digital products in shopping ads.
Please go through this official page from Google (provided below). It says that ebooks, digital books are unsupported, and some relevant information about non-physical goods. We also had a chat with the Google team regarding this and they communicated the same.
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6150006?hl=en&sjid=155379995302316075-NC
For optimizing Google Shopping ads for digital products, consider these strategies:
Product Feed Optimization: Ensure your product titles, descriptions, and images are clear and accurately represent your digital products. Include relevant keywords that align with search queries.
Custom Labels: Use custom labels to categorize your digital products for more granular targeting.
Conversion Tracking: Set up accurate conversion tracking for digital product purchases, even if they don’t require shipping.
Bidding Strategies: Since digital products can have higher margins, adjust your bidding strategy to maximize return on ad spend (ROAS) rather than just focusing on clicks.
Targeting Options: Use Smart Shopping campaigns to let Google’s machine learning optimize bids and placements for the best results.
@CedarJovan Why are you suggesting something to mislead the user? Digital products are not allowed on Google Shopping. Suggesting something this wrong to users, not only gives them a false sense, but also puts there google ads account in danger of gettings suspended. Meaning they will never be able to advertise. Don’t do this Cedar.