Running a Shopify store? Great. But if you’re not using Google Ads for Shopify, you’re probably missing out on a big chunk of sales.
Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools to drive targeted traffic to your online store. But many brands either overcomplicate it or underuse it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up, run, optimize, and grow your Shopify store using Google Ads.
Let’s break it down—step by step, with no jargon.
Why Use Google Ads for Shopify?
Let’s start with the basics. Why is Google Ads such a powerful channel for Shopify?
➤ Buyer Intent Is High
People go to Google to search for things they want to buy. If someone types “buy blue cotton shirt,” they are closer to purchasing than someone just scrolling Instagram.
➤ Shopify & Google Ads Integrate Seamlessly
With Google’s Shopify app, you can sync products, set up campaigns, and track conversions—all from your admin panel.
➤ Multiple Ad Formats
You can show:
- Text ads (Search)
- Product images (Shopping)
- Video ads (YouTube)
- Display ads (across websites)
- Smart campaigns (AI-managed across networks)
➤ Detailed Tracking
You can track:
- Clicks
- Cost per conversion
- Return on ad spend (ROAS)
- Sales and revenue by product or campaign
➤ Scalable Growth
From ₹500/day to ₹50,000/day, you can scale Google Ads based on performance.
If you’re serious about growing your eCommerce business, Google Ads for Shopify should be a key part of your strategy.
Getting Started: The Essentials
1. Create Google Ads and Google Merchant Center Accounts
- Visit ads.google.com and sign up
- Visit merchants.google.com to create a Merchant Center
You’ll need both accounts to run Shopping Ads.
2. Install the Google Sales Channel in Shopify
This app helps you:
- Sync your product catalog
- Connect your Merchant Center
- Automatically update inventory and pricing
3. Link Google Ads with Shopify
From your Google Channel in Shopify:
- Connect your Google account
- Authorize access to Google Ads
- Confirm sync is active between store and ad accounts
Once connected, you can easily push your products into Shopping Ads.
Google Ads Campaign Types for Shopify
Now let’s look at your campaign options.
Search Campaigns
Text ads triggered when users search for keywords like “best white sneakers.”
- Best for: High-intent keywords
- Needs strong ad copy + optimized landing pages
Shopping Campaigns
Image, price, and product info shown directly in Google’s shopping tab.
- Best for: Product visibility
- Managed via Merchant Center
Performance Max
All-in-one AI-powered campaign that runs across:
- Search
- Display
- YouTube
- Gmail
- Discovery
- Best for: Beginners or multi-platform visibility
- Let Google optimize placements
Display Campaigns
Banner ads shown across Google’s display network (millions of sites).
- Best for: Brand awareness or remarketing
Remarketing Campaigns
Show ads to users who visited your store but didn’t buy.
- Best for: Recovering abandoned carts
- Setup via Audience Manager or GA4 + Google Ads
Pro Tip: Start with Shopping + Performance Max. Then expand into Search + Retargeting.
Keyword Strategy for Search Campaigns
If you’re running search ads, keyword strategy is everything.
- Use phrase match for better control: “blue cotton shirt”
- Add negative keywords like “free,” “cheap,” “DIY” to filter unqualified clicks
- Focus on long-tail keywords: “men’s formal shoes for office”
Recommended Tools:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs
- Perplexity / ChatGPT for long-tail inspiration
Setting Up Conversion Tracking in Shopify
Conversion tracking helps you measure if people clicked your ad and bought something.
Option 1: Native Shopify Integration
- Go to Shopify > Online Store > Preferences
- Paste the conversion tag from Google Ads
- Save
Option 2: Google Tag Manager (GTM)
- Install GTM on Shopify
- Set up a purchase trigger on the “thank you” page
- Add the Google Ads Conversion Tag
- Test using Tag Assistant
Once done, you can track:
- Revenue
- Cost per sale
- ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
Google Shopping Ads for Shopify
Google Shopping is your best friend.
Benefits:
- High visual impact
- Higher conversion rates
- Instant product visibility
Setup Steps:
- Submit product feed from Shopify to Google Merchant Center
- Review diagnostics (fix disapprovals or data issues)
- Link Merchant Center to Google Ads
- Create a Shopping campaign or include Shopping in Performance Max
Tips:
- Use high-quality images
- Add keywords to product titles
- Keep prices and availability accurate
Recommended Settings for Google Ads on Shopify
Here’s what works best:
- Daily Budget: ₹500–₹2,000/day (start small and scale)
- Bidding Strategy: Start with “Maximize Conversions” → switch to Target ROAS after 20+ conversions
- Location Targeting: Only countries where you ship
- Device: Focus on mobile (Shopify converts best on mobile)
- Ad Schedule: Run ads all day → analyze best performing hours later
Best Practices for Google Ads + Shopify
- Use clear product titles and benefits
- Create clean, fast-loading landing pages
- Split campaigns by product type
- Use remarketing lists for upsells
- Always test new creatives or headlines
- Monitor ROAS weekly, not just clicks
- A/B test Shopping vs Performance Max vs Search
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Running ads without conversion tracking
- Ignoring mobile responsiveness
- Not using negative keywords
- Sending traffic to the homepage (use product pages instead)
- Not linking Merchant Center with Ads properly
Fix these, and your ROI improves instantly.
Google Ads for Shopify Dropshipping Stores
If you’re dropshipping, you’re competing on:
- Price
- Speed
- Trust
Here’s what works:
- Use Shopping + Performance Max for visibility
- Focus on a single-product funnel with remarketing
- Test video ads on YouTube if you’re selling trending items
- Set up reviews, trust badges, and clear shipping info on landing pages
Remember, people don’t know you. So the ad → page → checkout journey must feel credible.
Using Google Ads for Shopify: Metrics to Track
You should track:
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): Is your ad attracting attention?
- Conversion Rate: Are visitors buying?
- Cost Per Conversion: Are you spending too much?
- ROAS: Are your profits healthy?
Monitor these weekly. Pause bad campaigns. Scale good ones.
Tools That Help
Use these to make life easier:
- Google Keyword Planner → Keyword research
- Ubersuggest → Competitor keywords
- Google Analytics 4 → Deeper insights
- Hotjar → See user behavior
- Looker Studio → Create dashboards
- Shopify Google Channel → Integration and sync
Why Founders Love Google Ads for Shopify
Because it’s:
- Fast to start
- Easy to track
- Great for scaling
- Fully controllable (budget, location, device, time)
Once you master it, Google Ads can become a predictable traffic + sales engine.
Need Help Running Google Ads for Shopify?
At Aavivvi, we:
- Set up and manage high-converting Shopify ad accounts
- Fix Shopify + Merchant Center errors
- Build smart Shopping + Performance Max campaigns
- Run retargeting, scaling, and reporting
- Optimize landing pages for CRO
We’ve helped stores go from ₹0 to ₹10L/month in just 90 days using Google Ads.
Want the same? 📩 DM us or drop “GOOGLE” below.
Let’s grow your Shopify store the smart way.
