How to Connect Google Merchant Center to Shopify in 5 Easy Steps

3/26/25

Integrating your Shopify store with Google Merchant Center is a no-brainer to help promote your products across Google’s available ads inventory. Without this key step, you won’t be able to operate Product Listing Ads campaigns or any similar Shopping ad types on Google Ads, so it’s imperative to complete this process before starting any advertising. 

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of linking Shopify to Google Merchant Center. 

For additional support in managing your product feeds and optimizing your ads, explore our Shopping Ads & Feed Management Services. If you’re ready to take your online store to the next level, check out our tailored eCommerce marketing solutions.

What is Google Merchant Center?

Google Merchant Center acts as a conduit between your online store’s product information and Google Ads. Connecting Shopify to a Merchant Center account will allow for a seamless flow of information from your website to your promotional channels across the Google advertising network. 

As you maintain your Shopify product catalog, so too will your Merchant Center information in reflecting any changes you may enact. This will position your future Ads campaigns for success. 

Why Link Shopify with Google Merchant Center?

The integration offers several benefits:

  • Increased Visibility: Show your products to millions of potential buyers on Google Shopping.
  • Automated Updates: Keep inventory and pricing synchronized in real-time.
  • Optimized Ad Campaigns: Run data-driven Google Ads campaigns with precise product information.

Step-by-Step Guide to Integration

Step 1: Create a Google Merchant Center Account

  • Visit Google Merchant Center.
  • Log in with your Google account and provide business details like store name, location, and website URL.
Google Merchant Center dashboard showing settings and product feed overview.

Step 2: Install the Google & YouTube App in Shopify

  • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
  • Go to Apps > Shopify App Store.
  • Search for “Google & YouTube” and install the app.
Google & YouTube app listing page in the Shopify App Store, with install button highlighted.
Google & YouTube app listing page in the Shopify App Store, with install button highlighted.

Step 3: Link Shopify to Google Merchant Center

  • Open the installed Google & YouTube app in Shopify.
  • Sign in with your Google account and grant the necessary permissions.
  • Follow the app’s prompts to connect your Shopify store to Google Merchant Center.
Google & YouTube app interface in Shopify prompting user to sign in with Google and grant permissions.

Step 4: Verify and Claim Your Shopify URL

  • In Google Merchant Center, navigate to Settings > Business Information > Website.
  • Enter your Shopify store URL and click Verify.
  • Shopify automates verification, but ensure no conflicting methods (e.g., HTML file uploads) exist.
Website verification screen in Google Merchant Center with Shopify URL entered and verification status.

Step 5: Sync Your Product Data

  • In the Shopify Google & YouTube app, select product categories to sync.
  • Review the product feed to ensure accurate pricing, availability, and shipping details.
  • Publish your products to complete the integration.
Shopify Google & YouTube app screen showing product category selection and feed sync options

Tips for a Seamless Integration

  1. Optimize Product Titles and Descriptions: Use keywords and clear details to improve product visibility on Google Shopping.
  2. Regularly Sync Inventory: Avoid displaying out-of-stock products by frequently syncing your inventory.
  3. Leverage Analytics: Use Google Ads data to track product performance and refine campaigns for better ROI.

Unlock the Potential of Google Shopping

By following these five steps, you’ll successfully connect Google Merchant Center to your Shopify store, opening doors to more traffic, better ad performance, and increased sales.

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Mike Schuerman

Mike Schuerman is a Senior Paid Media Manager specializing in ecommerce growth as well as social media paid advertising. In his seven years of digital marketing experience prior to Granular, he worked at a few Milwaukee advertising agencies as well as in-house for a large ecommerce company. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in journalism and mass communication, returning to the campus regularly to cheer on his beloved Badgers. He enjoys spending time with his wife and Australian Shepherd Millie, furiously cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks, and obsessively curating his wardrobe.