{"slug":"sop-213-how-to-set-up-google-merchant-center-next","title":"How To Set Up Google Merchant Center Next","tags":["source:clickminded","type:sop","server:clickminded-sop","google","merchant","center","next"],"agent_summary":"SOP 213: How To Set Up Google Merchant Center Next Set up a Google Merchant Center for your business or for your client to promote your products on Google Shopping. __Last Updated / Reviewed:__ 01/28/","trigger_phrases":["how to set up google merchant center next"],"runnable":false,"markdown":"\r\nSOP 213: How To Set Up Google Merchant Center Next\r\n\r\nSet up a Google Merchant Center for your business or for your client to promote your products on Google Shopping.\r\n\r\n__Last Updated / Reviewed:__ 01/28/2025\r\n\r\n__Execution Time:__ 1 to 24 hours (including Google approval time and how many products you have to upload) \r\n\r\n__🚀 Goal:__ To set up a new Google Merchant Center Next account.\r\n\r\n__🤞 Ideal Outcome:__ You’ll have successfully created a Google Merchant Center Next for your business or for your client.\r\n\r\n__🤔 Why this is important:__ Setting up a Google Merchant Center Next account is fundamental for businesses to help people discover, explore, and buy your products online. With Google features and deep reporting tools, it offers different ways to get the right products to customers.\r\n\r\n__🧐 Where this is done__ In Google Merchant Center Next.\r\n\r\n__🗓️ When this is done:__ Only once. The first time you set up Google Merchant Center Next. \r\n\r\n__👨 Who does this:__ The business owner, freelancer, or marketing manager responsible for Google shopping. \r\n\r\n__⚠️Prerequisites or requirements: __You will need a Google account (like Gmail) and business information for further verification. If you do not have a Google account, please sign up [here](https://accounts.google.com/).\r\n\r\nYou will also need a URL or a webpage for the product returns policy. This will be required and compulsory for Google when adding a return policy.  This ensures transparency for customers and helps Google verify that your store has clear return guidelines.\r\n\r\n[__Click here to get the most up-to-date version of this SOP__](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/213)\r\n\r\n## Setting up Google Merchant Center Next\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Visit Google for Retail [here](https://merchants.google.com/) and click “Start now”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Choose a Gmail account and log in with your password. Click “Next”.\r\n\r\n### \r\n\r\n### 03▸ You will be directed to a page telling Google about your business. Proceed to either select yes or no that best describes your business.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 04▸ If you click yes, you will be required to key in your website address. Click “Continue” to proceed.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 05▸ On the next page, click “Continue to Merchant Center”.  \r\n\r\n### 06▸ Next, enter your business name and registered country. Click “Continue to Merchant Center” once again.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 07▸ Then, click “Get Started”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 08▸ Next, under \"Overview\", you will be required to provide your full business details, including shipping, product information, return policy, and verify your Google online store.\r\n\r\n\r\n## Add and verify business information to your Google Merchant Center Next\r\n\r\n### 01▸ On your \"Overview\" dashboard, you will be required to click the \"Add\" button and key in your business address. After adding your business details, you will then need to click \"Confirm\" to verify your business to set up a new Google Merchant Center Next.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 02▸ After adding your business details, click \"Continue\".\r\n\r\n\r\n### 03▸ You will now need to confirm your online business store. Key in your website URL and click \"Save\".\r\n\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Next, we recommend selecting \"Get a code sent to your business email”. This is the simplest and easiest method to verify. You will need to enter your business email to verify. Click \"Get Code\" to proceed.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 05▸ Enter the verification code you have received from your email inbox and that's it!\r\n\r\n__Note:__ If you would like to verify using your website hosting platform, you may refer to [SOP 214: Verify your website on Google Merchant Center Next. ](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/214/) This method does not require a business email. Google recommends verifying by using your website hosting platform or adding an HTML tag. It's best to have your website developer handle this step for accuracy.\r\n\r\n## Select how you want to add your products\r\n\r\n### 01▸ To add your products to your Google Merchant Center Next, go to \"Products\" and click the \"Add products\" button.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen adding products to Google Merchant Center Next, you have three primary methods to upload your product feed. Each has its pros and cons depending on your business needs, technical skills, and the size of your product catalogue. __Pro Tip:__ Start with Google Sheets if you're new or have a small product range, then scale to API Integration as your business and catalogue grow.Here's a breakdown: __1. File Link Upload__ This method involves uploading a static file (e.g., CSV, TSV, or XML) or providing a URL to a hosted feed file. How It Works:\r\n\r\n- You create a feed file (CSV or XML format) with all your product information.\r\n- If using a hosted link, you upload the file to your website or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, or your eCommerce platform) and provide the link to Google Merchant Center.\r\n- Google regularly fetches the file based on your schedule (e.g., daily or weekly updates).\r\n\r\nPros:\r\n\r\n- Easy to set up for small catalogues.\r\n- Great for businesses that already have a pre-generated product file from their system.\r\n\r\nCons:\r\n\r\n- Requires manual updates if the file isn’t auto-synced.\r\n- Not suitable for large, dynamic catalogues with frequent updates.\r\n\r\n__2. Google Sheets__ This option allows you to manually or automatically manage your product feed using a Google Sheet. How It Works:\r\n\r\n- Google Merchant Center provides a product feed template in Google Sheets.\r\n- You enter product details (like title, description, price, availability) directly into the spreadsheet.\r\n- The sheet syncs directly with the Merchant Center.\r\n\r\nPros:\r\n\r\n- Easy for beginners with smaller catalogues.\r\n- Direct integration with Merchant Center makes syncing simple.\r\n- Offers built-in validation tools to highlight errors.\r\n\r\nCons:\r\n\r\n- Time-consuming for larger catalogues due to manual data entry.\r\n- Not ideal for businesses with frequently changing inventory.\r\n\r\n__Note:__ If you're new to adding products to your Google Merchant Center Next, you may go to [SOP 218: Set up Google Shopping Product Feed](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/218/).__3. API Integration__ The API method is for advanced users and integrates directly with your eCommerce platform or database for real-time updates. How It Works:\r\n\r\n- Your website or system connects with Google Merchant Center through the Content API.\r\n- Product information (prices, stock levels, titles, descriptions) is updated in real time.\r\n\r\nPros:\r\n\r\n- Fully automated, making it ideal for large or dynamic catalogues.\r\n- Handles frequent inventory changes and complex setups seamlessly.\r\n- No need for manual file uploads or updates.\r\n\r\nCons:\r\n\r\n- Requires technical expertise to set up the API.\r\n- Developers may be needed for maintenance or troubleshooting.\r\n\r\n__Which Method is Recommended?__\r\n\r\n- __For Beginners or Small Catalogs: __Google Sheets is the easiest and most straightforward method. The template simplifies the process, and built-in validation ensures fewer errors.\r\n- __For Larger or Dynamic Catalogs: __API Integration is the best choice. It ensures real-time updates and minimizes manual work.\r\n- __For Businesses Using Pre-Generated Files: __File Link Upload works well if you can regularly update and host the file (e.g., your eCommerce platform generates product feed files).\r\n\r\n### 02▸ For this SOP, we will select \"Use Google Sheets\" > \"Use template\".\r\n\r\n__Note:__ Remember to add \"Shipping label\" as an attribute if you have specific products that have different shipping costs and delivery options.\r\n\r\n### 03▸ Allow Google Merchant Center Next to access your Google account.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Once the details are filled out, go back to the product source page and click \"Continue\".\r\n\r\n### 05▸ You will now be directed to a product and attribute overview page. Here, you will be able to see all product listings and their statuses. Any disapproved products or attribute errors will be prompted at the bottom.\r\n\r\n\r\n## [Compulsory by Google] To add return policies\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Before adding return policies, you'll have to set up shipping returns. Please refer to [SOP 215: Set up Shipping Returns in Google Merchant Center Next](https://members.clickminded.com/sop/215/), if you have not done so before adding return policies.\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Under \"Your Business\", go to \"Shipping and returns\" > Return policies tab > \"+ Add return policy\".\r\n\r\n### 03▸ You need a return policy URL. Enter the URL, select the applicable country, and tick the relevant options under \"Returns\" and \"Exchanges\" based on your business needs.\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Next, select the product condition your store accepts for returns and set the return window duration. You can also extend the window for holidays or periods when your store or carrier is unavailable.\r\n\r\n### 05▸ Choose the return method, applicable currency, any restocking fees, and the total time needed for the refund process.\r\n\r\n### 06▸ You will now be directed to a review page of the return policy. If all is clear, tick the box to confirm the information provided is correct. That's it!\r\n\r\n### 07▸ Once Google verifies, the \"Verified\" status in green will appear on your \"Return policies\" tab after a few minutes.\r\n\r\n\r\n## How to convert to an advanced account for those who have more than one business account\r\n\r\n### 01▸ Log in to your Google Merchant Center Next account [here](https://merchants.google.com/) and click “Get started”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 02▸ Choose a Gmail account and log in with your password. Click “Next”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 03▸ On your Google Merchant Center Next dashboard, click the settings menu or gear icon and then \"General account options\".\r\n\r\n\r\n### 04▸ Under the \"Advanced account setup”, click “Request conversion”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 05▸ Select the options that best describe your business and click \"Request conversion\".\r\n\r\n\r\n### 06▸ A pop-up box will appear to confirm your business. Tick the box and click “Request conversion”.\r\n\r\n\r\n### 07▸ It will take a few days for Google to process your request. You will receive an email notification once reviewed and completed.","html":"

SOP 213: How To Set Up Google Merchant Center Next

\n

Set up a Google Merchant Center for your business or for your client to promote your products on Google Shopping.

\n

Last Updated / Reviewed: 01/28/2025

\n

Execution Time: 1 to 24 hours (including Google approval time and how many products you have to upload)

\n

🚀 Goal: To set up a new Google Merchant Center Next account.

\n

🤞 Ideal Outcome: You’ll have successfully created a Google Merchant Center Next for your business or for your client.

\n

🤔 Why this is important: Setting up a Google Merchant Center Next account is fundamental for businesses to help people discover, explore, and buy your products online. With Google features and deep reporting tools, it offers different ways to get the right products to customers.

\n

🧐 Where this is done In Google Merchant Center Next.

\n

🗓️ When this is done: Only once. The first time you set up Google Merchant Center Next.

\n

👨 Who does this: The business owner, freelancer, or marketing manager responsible for Google shopping.

\n

__⚠️Prerequisites or requirements: __You will need a Google account (like Gmail) and business information for further verification. If you do not have a Google account, please sign up here.

\n

You will also need a URL or a webpage for the product returns policy. This will be required and compulsory for Google when adding a return policy.  This ensures transparency for customers and helps Google verify that your store has clear return guidelines.

\n

Click here to get the most up-to-date version of this SOP

\n

Setting up Google Merchant Center Next

\n

01▸ Visit Google for Retail here and click “Start now”.

\n

02▸ Choose a Gmail account and log in with your password. Click “Next”.

\n

\n

03▸ You will be directed to a page telling Google about your business. Proceed to either select yes or no that best describes your business.

\n

04▸ If you click yes, you will be required to key in your website address. Click “Continue” to proceed.

\n

05▸ On the next page, click “Continue to Merchant Center”.  

\n

06▸ Next, enter your business name and registered country. Click “Continue to Merchant Center” once again.

\n

07▸ Then, click “Get Started”.

\n

08▸ Next, under \"Overview\", you will be required to provide your full business details, including shipping, product information, return policy, and verify your Google online store.

\n

Add and verify business information to your Google Merchant Center Next

\n

01▸ On your \"Overview\" dashboard, you will be required to click the \"Add\" button and key in your business address. After adding your business details, you will then need to click \"Confirm\" to verify your business to set up a new Google Merchant Center Next.

\n

02▸ After adding your business details, click \"Continue\".

\n

03▸ You will now need to confirm your online business store. Key in your website URL and click \"Save\".

\n

04▸ Next, we recommend selecting \"Get a code sent to your business email”. This is the simplest and easiest method to verify. You will need to enter your business email to verify. Click \"Get Code\" to proceed.

\n

05▸ Enter the verification code you have received from your email inbox and that's it!

\n

Note: If you would like to verify using your website hosting platform, you may refer to SOP 214: Verify your website on Google Merchant Center Next.  This method does not require a business email. Google recommends verifying by using your website hosting platform or adding an HTML tag. It's best to have your website developer handle this step for accuracy.

\n

Select how you want to add your products

\n

01▸ To add your products to your Google Merchant Center Next, go to \"Products\" and click the \"Add products\" button.

\n

When adding products to Google Merchant Center Next, you have three primary methods to upload your product feed. Each has its pros and cons depending on your business needs, technical skills, and the size of your product catalogue. Pro Tip: Start with Google Sheets if you're new or have a small product range, then scale to API Integration as your business and catalogue grow.Here's a breakdown: 1. File Link Upload This method involves uploading a static file (e.g., CSV, TSV, or XML) or providing a URL to a hosted feed file. How It Works:

\n\n

Pros:

\n\n

Cons:

\n\n

2. Google Sheets This option allows you to manually or automatically manage your product feed using a Google Sheet. How It Works:

\n\n

Pros:

\n\n

Cons:

\n\n

Note: If you're new to adding products to your Google Merchant Center Next, you may go to SOP 218: Set up Google Shopping Product Feed.3. API Integration The API method is for advanced users and integrates directly with your eCommerce platform or database for real-time updates. How It Works:

\n\n

Pros:

\n\n

Cons:

\n\n

Which Method is Recommended?

\n\n

02▸ For this SOP, we will select \"Use Google Sheets\" > \"Use template\".

\n

Note: Remember to add \"Shipping label\" as an attribute if you have specific products that have different shipping costs and delivery options.

\n

03▸ Allow Google Merchant Center Next to access your Google account.

\n

04▸ Once the details are filled out, go back to the product source page and click \"Continue\".

\n

05▸ You will now be directed to a product and attribute overview page. Here, you will be able to see all product listings and their statuses. Any disapproved products or attribute errors will be prompted at the bottom.

\n

[Compulsory by Google] To add return policies

\n

01▸ Before adding return policies, you'll have to set up shipping returns. Please refer to SOP 215: Set up Shipping Returns in Google Merchant Center Next, if you have not done so before adding return policies.

\n

02▸ Under \"Your Business\", go to \"Shipping and returns\" > Return policies tab > \"+ Add return policy\".

\n

03▸ You need a return policy URL. Enter the URL, select the applicable country, and tick the relevant options under \"Returns\" and \"Exchanges\" based on your business needs.

\n

04▸ Next, select the product condition your store accepts for returns and set the return window duration. You can also extend the window for holidays or periods when your store or carrier is unavailable.

\n

05▸ Choose the return method, applicable currency, any restocking fees, and the total time needed for the refund process.

\n

06▸ You will now be directed to a review page of the return policy. If all is clear, tick the box to confirm the information provided is correct. That's it!

\n

07▸ Once Google verifies, the \"Verified\" status in green will appear on your \"Return policies\" tab after a few minutes.

\n

How to convert to an advanced account for those who have more than one business account

\n

01▸ Log in to your Google Merchant Center Next account here and click “Get started”.

\n

02▸ Choose a Gmail account and log in with your password. Click “Next”.

\n

03▸ On your Google Merchant Center Next dashboard, click the settings menu or gear icon and then \"General account options\".

\n

04▸ Under the \"Advanced account setup”, click “Request conversion”.

\n

05▸ Select the options that best describe your business and click \"Request conversion\".

\n

06▸ A pop-up box will appear to confirm your business. Tick the box and click “Request conversion”.

\n

07▸ It will take a few days for Google to process your request. You will receive an email notification once reviewed and completed.

\n"}