Google rolls out promotional tools, including AI, for small retailers
Google is providing small retailers and brands with solutions, some based on artificial intelligence (AI), designed to make reaching shoppers easier.
Following are highlights from each new and upgraded solution – Product Studio, small business attribute, and knowledge panel:
Product Studio
Google is beginning to roll out Product Studio, a new tool enabling companies to create unique, tailored product imagery for free, to all U.S. users of the Merchant Center Next product listing platform. Advertisers and retailers can create new imagery based on current marketing needs (such as seasonality or a specific campaign) by describing the image they want, such as requesting an image of a product “surrounded by peaches, with tropical plants in the background.”
Users can also remove a complex background, as well as improve the quality of small or low-resolution images without having to reshoot a product. These features will also be available to retailers using the Google & YouTube app on Shopify.
Small business attribute
Starting Wednesday, Nov. 1, small retailers can identify themselves with a new small business attribute on Google Search and Google Maps. Products in Search sold by businesses with that attribute will have a “small business” label on them, as will businesses on Maps.
These new labels are intended to make it easier for shoppers to narrow down their searches and be intentional about shopping with small businesses.
Knowledge panel
Starting November 2023 in select countries, the knowledge panel that appears on certain retailer searches, a block of information which previously showed details like the location of a business’ headquarters or the number of employees, will start showing other shopping information.
This information will include current deals, shipping and return policies, customer service information, and ratings and reviews. The knowledge panel will also show for more retailers. Google will showcase information companies are already sharing on Merchant Center, as well as other authoritative information from across the web.
“The holidays are one of the biggest opportunities for merchants to connect with new shoppers — so showing up strong and authentic to your brand is key,” Matt Madrigal, VP, GM, merchant shopping, Google, said in a corporate blog post. “This year, we’re introducing new features to help you stand out to customers, just in time for the busy holiday shopping season.”