Google Shopping · Merchant Center · Performance Max

Product advertising on Google starts with a reliable catalogue

A store needs more than clicks. We prepare Google Shopping and Performance Max around accurate product data, correctly measured orders and spending that reflects margin and delivery costs.

CatalogueCurrent prices and stock
PurchasesCorrect value and currency
MarginProfitability by product

Quick answer

How do product ads work on Google?

Shopping ads use Merchant Center catalogue data to show products. You can manage them through Shopping or Performance Max campaigns. Before spending, check that the ad information matches the store and that purchases are recorded correctly. Free product listings are a separate route from paid advertising.

Channels

Merchant Center

Prepare reliable product information

We review titles, images, identifiers, prices and availability. Catalogue errors can limit the products advertised. Shipping, returns and contact information should also be easy to find.

Shopping

Compare products and demand

We organise the catalogue by category, margin and availability. The most visited product is not always the best priority: an item can sell while leaving little margin after advertising costs.

Performance Max

Expand reach with measurable goals

We define which purchases guide optimisation and which values are sent. We review products and creative assets. Automation does not replace control over stock, prices and profitability.

Interactive plan

What stage is your store at?

Choose the closest situation to see what should be reviewed before increasing spending.

Prepare Merchant Center and the store

Check prices, stock, images, shipping and return conditions. Then validate the catalogue and test purchases. Without these checks it is harder to find why products do not appear or sell.

Interactive plan

Estimate your first test budget

Editable example. Enter your own inputs: this is not a market forecast or a campaign result.

Estimated clicks1 333
Estimated purchases67
Cost per purchase30 €

Purchases = budget ÷ CPC × conversion rate. Cost per purchase = CPC ÷ conversion rate. Use your data; excludes fees, shipping and returns.

Before launch

Check the store is ready for advertising

Items checked0 / 6

Our approach

How we prepare product advertising

1

Store and catalogue

Review product pages, mobile checkout and commercial conditions. Store and Merchant Center information must be consistent.

2

Orders and GA4

Test the purchase event, currency and transaction ID. Avoid counting the same order twice when importing conversions.

3

Investment by category

Agree on a test based on stock and margin. Compare cost per purchase, sales value and profitability before expanding categories.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Are Shopping and Performance Max the same?

No. Shopping is a campaign type focused on products. Performance Max can use the catalogue and other assets across different Google channels. The choice depends on the control needed and the data available.

Do free listings replace paid ads?

They offer another visibility route without an advertising charge for publishing the listing. They do not guarantee exposure or sales and do not automatically replace paid campaigns. Both need accurate product data.

What ROAS do I need to be profitable?

It depends on margin and all other costs. With a 40% available margin before advertising, the theoretical break-even ROAS is 1 ÷ 0.40 = 2.5. Fees, returns, taxes and other expenses change that calculation.

Can I advertise just one category?

Yes. You can start with part of the catalogue. Choosing it by availability, margin and clarity of the offer can make the test easier to assess than launching every item together.

Prepared by Contextera · Reviewed on 10 October 2026

Official documentation

Explore further

Let's review your catalogue and store economics

Share your website and the categories you want to advertise. We will prepare an approach based on the catalogue, purchase tracking and available margin.