How to Set Up Google Vehicle Ads for Your Dealership

Table of Contents

What are Google Vehicle Ads?

Dealcar, Official Google Partner

At Dealcar, we are official Google partners, specializing in managing all your online campaigns in Google Vehicle Ads. With our platform, we simplify the entire process so that you can focus on what matters most: selling more cars. From automatically syncing your inventory stock to verifying your website and managing your campaigns, Dealcar does it all from a single place.

Additionally, our team accompanies you every step of the way. We ensure that your ads are optimized, that they reach the right customers, and that you can measure results in real-time, all directly from Dealcar. If you are looking to increase the visibility of your vehicles and generate more leads without complications, we are your best ally. 🚗✨

Ready to transform your digital marketing strategy? Let’s talk!

What are Google Vehicle Ads?

Google Vehicle Ads are a new advertising format from Google that allows dealerships and buying and selling companies to showcase their vehicles for sale directly in search results. Just like Google Shopping for products, Vehicle Ads display images and key details of cars, such as make, model, price, and dealership, making it easier for users to find and purchase vehicles that meet their needs.

This format is especially powerful because it connects buyers directly with the cars they are interested in. When a user searches Google for terms like "buy used car" or "Audi A3 for sale," Vehicle Ads appear at the top of the results, offering an attractive and relevant visual experience.

Benefits of using Google Vehicle Ads in your dealership

Implementing Google Vehicle Ads in your marketing strategy offers multiple advantages:

• Greater visibility: Your vehicles appear in the most prominent area of search results, increasing the chances of capturing the attention of potential customers.

• Precise targeting: Ads are shown to users who are actively looking to buy a car, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

• Detailed information: By showing images and key details, users get an immediate view of what you offer, enhancing their experience and trust.

• Competitiveness: By being present on this channel, you not only increase your reach but also prevent competitors from capturing your potential customers.

Step by step to create an account in Google Merchant Center and link it with Google Ads

To start using Google Vehicle Ads, you first need to set up your accounts in Google Merchant Center and Google Ads and link them together. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create an account in Google Merchant Center

The Google Merchant Center is the platform where you will upload and manage your vehicle inventory feed.

• Access the Google Merchant Center website and click on "Get Started".

• Sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don’t have one.

• Complete your business information:

• - Company name (the name of your dealership).

• - Country where you operate.

• - Time zone.

• Accept the terms and conditions to finalize the account creation.

2. Set up your Google Merchant Center account

Once you have created your account, you need to configure some details:

• Verify and claim your website:

• - In the side menu, go to "Business Information" and then to "Website".

• - Enter your website URL and follow the instructions to verify and claim the domain.

• Set up shipping and return preferences:

• - Although it is not mandatory for Vehicle Ads, it is advisable to have this information updated.

3. Create an account in Google Ads (if you don’t have one)

If you still don’t have a Google Ads account, follow these steps:

• Visit the Google Ads website and click on "Get Started Now".

• Sign in with your Google account (the same one you used for Merchant Center).

• Follow the prompts to set up billing information and payment preferences.

4. Link Google Merchant Center with Google Ads

For your vehicle ads to appear on Google, you need to link both accounts:

• In Google Merchant Center:

• - Go to "Settings" and then to "Linked Accounts".

• - In the Google Ads section, click on "Link Account".

• - Enter the customer ID of your Google Ads account and submit the request.

• In Google Ads:

• - You will receive a notification to accept the linking.

• - Accept the request to complete the process.

How to prepare and upload the vehicle inventory feed

The vehicle inventory feed is a file that contains all the details of the cars you have for sale. It is essential that it is well prepared so that your ads display correctly.

1. Prepare the data feed

You need to create a file (it can be in XML, CSV, or Google Sheets format) that includes the following attributes:

• id: Unique identifier for each vehicle.

• title: Descriptive title (Example: "Toyota Corolla 2020").

• description: Detailed description of the car.

• link: URL of the vehicle page on your website.

• image_link: URL of the vehicle image.

• condition: Condition of the vehicle (new, used).

• price: Price of the vehicle.

• brand: Brand.

• model: Model.

• year: Year of manufacture.

• mileage: Mileage.

• color: Color of the car.

2. Best practices when preparing the feed

• Use clear and precise titles: Include the make, model, year, and any standout features.

• Detailed descriptions: Provide relevant information that helps the buyer make a decision.

• High-quality images: Ensure that the photos are clear, well-lit, and show the vehicle from different angles.

• Regularly update the feed: If any car is sold or new inventory arrives, update the feed to reflect changes.

3. Upload the feed to Google Merchant Center

• In Google Merchant Center:

• - Go to "Products" and then to "Feeds".

• - Click on the "+" button to add a new feed.

• - Select the country and language.

• - Choose a name for the feed and select the type of upload (for example, Google Sheets or scheduled upload).

• - Follow the instructions to upload your file.

Best practices for optimizing titles, descriptions, and prices in your feed

To make your ads stand out and attract the right customers, follow these recommendations:

1. Title optimization

• Be specific: Include the make, model, year, and key features. Example: "BMW Series 3 2019 - Automatic, Diesel, 150 HP".

• Use relevant keywords: Think of terms that buyers might use when searching for a car.

2. Description improvement

• Highlight benefits: Mention additional features such as fuel efficiency, safety systems, and extra equipment.

• Maintain a professional tone: Use clear language and avoid abbreviations or confusing jargon.

3. Competitive pricing

• Update prices: Ensure that the price in your feed matches the one on your website.

• Consider offers and promotions: If you have special discounts, reflect them in the price and mention them in the description.

4. Attractive images

• High resolution: Use sharp, high-quality images.

• Show the entire vehicle: Include photos of both the exterior and interior.

• Avoid overlays: Do not add text or logos over the images.

Practical example of an optimized campaign

Imagine you are the manager of a dealership and want to promote an Audi A4 2018.

Step 1: Prepare the feed

You include in your feed:

• id: a4-2018-001

• title: "Audi A4 2018 - Gasoline, 190 HP, Sedan"

• description: "Audi A4 in perfect condition, single owner, GPS navigation, parking sensors, panoramic roof."

• link: https://www.yourdealership.com/audi-a4-2018

• image_link: https://www.yourdealership.com/images/audi-a4-2018.jpg

• condition: used

• price: 22,000 EUR

• brand: Audi

• model: A4

• year: 2018

• mileage: 40,000 km

• color: Metallic Gray

Step 2: Upload the feed and verify

You upload the feed to Google Merchant Center and verify that there are no errors.

Step 3: Set up the campaign in Google Ads

• In Google Ads:

• - Create a new campaign and select "Sales Goal".

• - Choose "Local Inventory Ads" or "Product Ads".

• - Select the products you want to promote (in this case, the Audi A4).

• - Set the budget and bidding strategy.

Step 4: Monitor and optimize

• Review performance: Monitor impressions, clicks, and conversions.

• Adjust according to results: If you notice that certain keywords generate more traffic, optimize titles and descriptions to enhance those terms.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Vehicle Ads for your dealership is an effective strategy to stand out in the digital market and increase your sales. By following the steps and best practices we have shared, you can make the most of this tool and reach more potential customers.

Don’t forget to keep your inventory updated, provide clear and attractive information, and constantly monitor the performance of your ads. In this way, your dealership will stay a step ahead in the competitive world of online vehicle buying and selling.

Discover the all-in-one software for car dealerships and buying/selling, Dealcar, which allows you to manage all of this: upload cars, synchronize cars, validate your website, and much more. It’s time to bring your vehicles directly to the screens of your future customers with Google Vehicle Ads!