Google is shaking things up with its latest update to the Google Merchant Center, announcing the new Google Merchant Center Next: this change, which will finally retire Merchant Center Classic at the end of 2024, has a new interface, along with integrated intelligence tools and a complete rethinking of how you shop online.
What’s New in Google Merchant Center Next?
A Cleaner, More User-Friendly Interface:
The old interface of Merchant Center was never that smooth or user-friendly. With google merchant center next, Google has made the interface better, making it easy for one to find what you need and to manage a store accordingly.
Powerful AI Tools:
One of the many exciting additions is Product Studio, an AI-driven tool to quickly create and edit product images. This way, it saves time and makes products look ideal on any website. Plus, the revamped analytics suite pulls together all your important data in one place, helping you spot trends, adjust pricing, and see how you’re doing against the competition.
Improved Product Management:
Google has also made a few changes to managing your products. Diagnostics now provide you with a more comprehensive view, but some users found the new setup to be a bit less intuitive. Features like feed rules, and supplemental feeds are not completely integrated as yet, and this has created quite some frustration for businesses who need more control over their feed structure.
How to switch to Google Merchant Center Next
For anyone who is new to Google Merchant Center, you will automatically land on GMC Next. Existing users will get an invitation to switch, but you can even revert to the classic version if you’re not ready for the switch. Do remember, though, everyone will be upgraded to GMC Next by September 2024.
Tips to Make the Transition Easier for You
Update Your Product Feeds: Make sure your product data is clean and up-to-date before you switch. You might need to tweak your feed rules or supplemental sources of data once you are on GMC Next.
Get to know the new features: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface and available tools. Google has lots of information to offer.
Monitor your performance: After migration, monitor in detail how your listings and campaigns are performing. You might need to fine-tune a strategy or two to squeeze the best out of the new platform.
It could be a little time getting used to the new Google Merchant Center Next, but many say the new tools and features actually simplify store management while making it quicker in the end. Just embrace the change, and you will never be taken aback by the hustle in e-commerce.
