Google Base Setup and Optimization
Google Base is a web tool that allows you to upload your inventory data to Google. This is a quick and easy way to start generating buyer traffic. Inventory data that is uploaded to Google Base will return in Google product search results.
Google Base Setup
Follow the Google Base Setup tutorial for step-by-step instructions. Once you have completed the setup, continue reading this post to learn more about how Google Base works.
When you submit your Google Base feed from your Auctiva Commerce store, you’re sending product information to Google. There are certain fields pertaining to the product information that you should focus on improving to help your products perform well in search results. In all cases, the more details you can provide the better.
Google Base Summaries
Make sure the Product Summary field for each product has relevant, accurate information about the product. This field is specifically for your Google Base feed. The Product Summary will appear in search results, so make sure your product copy is well written. Try to be concise and add the important details in the first two lines, as that is what’s most likely to display in the search results.
Product Titles
As go through your products and update the Product Summaries, you should also consider updating the Name field in the Product Details page. This field is what Google Base will use as the Product Title that displays in search results. Provide as much details as you can about the product. Google Base limits titles to 70 characters. A Product Title over 70 characters will automatically truncate to fit 70 characters.
Frequency Makes a Difference
You should keep your Google Base feed “fresh” by creating and uploading the feed through your Auctiva Commerce store with some level of frequency. This is different for each store owner and is dependent upon how often your inventory changes. Consider uploading the feed when you make a significant change to one or multiple products, add new inventory, remove inventory and/or have a significant change in inventory levels. Make a note to be more diligent with this task during popular shopping seasons.
By default your feed will expire 30 days from the latest post date. Try to make a habit of refreshing your feed at least once a month. If you’re a busy store owner, you may need to upload your feed several times a week.
As a follow-up to this article we will blog about optimizing your Google Base feed in the near future. There are a lot of little tricks that can help your data feed perform better in the search results. Stay tuned.
