New Google Vehicle Ads
Reach new customers who are actively searching for vehicles online with the new Google Vehicle Ads platform.
Originally Posted: 12/02/2024
What are Google Vehicle Ads?
Google Vehicle Ads is an advertising service launched by Google that enables car dealers to promote their car listings as Google Shopping ads on the Google Search browser. This is a relatively new type of advertising service, initially rolled out in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In 2024, the service has finally expanded to the UK, offering car dealers an additional channel to advertise their vehicles online.
Tailored specifically for the automotive industry, Google Vehicle Ads allow dealerships to display their vehicle inventory directly on the Google Search results page. The ad format showcases images of the vehicles along with key details such as make, model, price, mileage, and dealer information – helping potential buyers find the best possible offers quickly and efficiently.
This powerful tool enables car dealerships to connect with customers who are actively searching for vehicles online. By presenting inventory in a detailed and visually engaging format, dealerships can enhance their visibility, attract more qualified leads, and eventually drive more sales.
Interested In Google Vehicle Ads?
CMe Automotive has early access to the platform and has been successfully helping over 30 dealerships kickstart their Vehicle Ads journey since February 2024.
If you would like to find out more how we could help you launch Google Vehicle Ads, contact us today to get your inventory showcased directly to customers on Google!
Who Can Advertise Through Google Vehicle Ads?
Google Vehicle Ads officially opened to the public in October 2024, enabling all online advertisers to promote their car listings through this Shopping campaign format. Initially, when Google announced the launch of Vehicle Ads in the UK, the campaign was under a closed beta program. Access was limited to advertisers with strong credit scores and close relationships with Google, offering them an exclusive opportunity to test this new advertising platform.
CMe Automotive was part of this beta program, helping our car dealer clients gain early access and take advantage of Vehicle Ads before it became widely available.
Every new and used vehicle dealer or independent retailer is eligible to use the new Google platform if they are promoting non-commercial vehicles (cars and pickups) and not vans or lorries and have a brick-and-mortar location. Additionally, car parts or tyres are also prohibited from the platform!
How Will The Platform Work?
The new ad format is very similar to the Google Shopping Ads. Advertisers will be required to upload a set vehicle information feed directly to Google Merchant Centre. Google will then use an algorithm which will match the provided information to a customer’s search with the most relevant cars.
To use this service, you will have to ensure your Google Ads Account is set up correctly but this can be easily set up with our team of specialists.
What Are The Benefits of Google Vehicle Ads?
According to Google and the tests they have been running on the new ad format, dealers should receive more visibility and get in front of potential customers at the right time with the right information!
Other key benefits are:
- More qualified leads
- Goal optimisation
- Automated targeting
Interested In Google Vehicle Ads?
CMe Automotive has early access to the platform and has been successfully helping over 30 dealerships kickstart their Vehicle Ads journey since February 2024.
If you would like to find out more how we could help you launch Google Vehicle Ads, contact us today to get your inventory showcased directly to customers on Google!
Why Are Google Vehicle Ads Being Launched?
The above-mentioned level of development and the technological awareness in the automotive industry here in the United Kingdom and United States are just a few of the reasons why Google has taken the steps in launching this new ad format.
Recent studies from Google suggest that today the majority of car buyers do their research online. The data shows this could be as much as 92% of car buyers making the internet the first step in their purchase journey, who would want to turn down such an audience?
How Can Dealerships Get The Most Out Of Google Vehicle Ads?
Finally, and maybe the most important question is what exactly car dealerships can get out of Google’s new vehicle advertising platform, and what should they do to achieve this.
With this new opportunity on the horizon being proactive and strategic can significantly increase online visibility and enquiries!
- Advertisers can be as creative as possible and provide as much in valuable information about the listings as they want. This will tailor the ads themselves and help Google reach the target audience.
- Help gather information on what models are searched more and sell better.
- Monitor competitors’ stock and performance!
- Optimise stock and provide information not only about the vehicles they sell but also about their reputation and customer engagement.
All in all, Google Vehicle Ads is a completely new add-on in the ever-growing Google Ads platform that will need some time to settle in the automotive industry but during this period car dealerships have the unique opportunity to be one step in front of their competitors and establish their brand even more across the biggest search platform in the world!
Interested In Google Vehicle Ads?
CMe Automotive has early access to the platform and has been successfully helping over 30 dealerships kickstart their Vehicle Ads journey since February 2024.
If you would like to find out more how we could help you launch Google Vehicle Ads, contact us today to get your inventory showcased directly to customers on Google!
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By Petar Nikolov
Petar is a Digital and PPC specialist with more than 6 years’ experience in B2B and B2C Marketing. He specialises in PPC Strategy, Campaign management and Analytics. He also has plenty of experience in the automotive and IT industry.
