Google Shopping Ads in 2025 are still one of the most profitable ad formats for e-commerce, but success depends on structured campaigns, precise bidding, and strategic use of automation. New AI tools, competitor insights, and privacy-driven targeting require advertisers to adjust their playbooks.

Quick Answers — Google Shopping Ads 2025

What’s new in Google Shopping Ads 2025

• Performance Max 2.0 with deeper audience segmentation and better bid targeting.
• Merchant Center Next enabling real-time feed syncing and error reduction.
• Competitor Price Intelligence for live market pricing benchmarks.
• Stronger first-party data tools for remarketing without third-party cookies.

Best bidding strategies

• Target ROAS for maximizing revenue when historical data is available.
• Maximize Conversions for scaling proven high-CTR products.
• Manual CPC for testing niche or experimental products with full control.

Top optimization levers

• Segment campaigns by profit margin, demand, and seasonality.
• Use customer reviews and seller ratings to increase CTR and trust.
• Automate bidding and feed updates, but maintain manual oversight.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Lumping all products into one campaign.
• Ignoring competitor price data when setting bids.
• Not responding to negative reviews or letting them go unaddressed.

Pro tip

• Pair dynamic remarketing with segmented audiences to boost CTR and ROAS.

Best Practice #1 — Structure Campaigns by Intent and Profit

Well-structured campaigns outperform generic setups. Avoid dumping all SKUs into one Performance Max campaign.

• Segment by margin, demand, and seasonality.
• Match bidding strategies to objectives:

Strategy	Best For	Watch Out For
Manual CPC	Testing niche products	Time-intensive
Enhanced CPC	Partial AI control	Less precision
Target ROAS	Maximizing revenue	Needs history
Maximize Clicks	Driving site traffic	May waste spend
Maximize Conversions	High-CTR products	Can overspend
Portfolio Bidding	Multi-campaign management	Setup complexity

If you’re deciding between Performance Max and Standard Shopping, see Q2 in the FAQ (#q2).

Best Practice #2 — Benchmark Competitors Beyond Auction Insights

Winning in Shopping Ads means knowing both share of voice and market pricing.

• Use Auction Insights to track impression share.
• Use Competitor Price Intelligence to identify price gaps.
• Check Performance Max Search Term Reports to spot emerging queries.
• Supplement with tools like BrightBid, Semrush, and Ahrefs.

For competitor price tracking workflows, see Q5 in the FAQ (#q5).

Best Practice #3 — Treat Reviews as CTR and Conversion Assets

Product reviews influence both click-through rate and conversion rate.

• Offer incentives for verified reviews.
• Request reviews within 2–3 days post-purchase.
• Enroll in Google Customer Reviews for seller ratings.
• Respond to negative reviews promptly.
• Use authentic customer photos in ads.

For review impact details, see Q3 in the FAQ (#q3).

Best Practice #4 — Automate Selectively and Keep Oversight

AI bidding and automation can scale campaigns but require controls.

• Enable Automatic Item Updates, but verify key SKUs manually.
• Use Target ROAS or Max Conversion Value with budget caps.
• Deploy Dynamic Remarketing with product-level personalization.
• Set up scripts or rules to pause poor performers and reallocate spend.

For a full manual vs. automated bidding comparison, see Q4 in the FAQ (#q4).

Case Study — Stålhästen’s AI-Driven Growth

• Problem: Swedish bicycle brand Stålhästen had low brand awareness and underperforming Smart Shopping campaigns.
• Solution: BrightBid’s Bidbrain AI optimized feed data, refined bidding, and segmented products by likelihood to convert.
• Results: ROAS increased from 473% to 1232% in 12 months; conversion value grew 33%.

CEO Martin Sjögren: “The Bidbrain solution gives us both control and results in one of our most important channels.”

FAQ — Google Shopping Ads in 2025

Q1: Are Google Shopping Ads still worth it in 2025?

Yes — especially with PMax 2.0, improved feed syncing, and built-in competitor price insights. The key is structured campaigns, tested bidding strategies, and continuous optimization.

➡ Performance Max for Beginners | How to Set Up Google Shopping Ads for Maximum ROI

Q2: Do I need Performance Max to succeed?

Not always. Hybrid setups (PMax + Standard Shopping) allow reach and control.

➡ How to Set Up Google Shopping Ads for Maximum ROI | A Quick Guide to Efficient Google Shopping Campaigns

Q3: How important are product reviews now?

Very. They affect CTR, trust, and eligibility for ratings in Shopping results.

➡ 7 Google Shopping Feed Types: How to Use Them | 7 Tips for Winning Google Shopping as a Small Business

Q4: Should I automate bidding or keep it manual?

Automation works for scale; manual offers precision. Use AI with safeguards.

➡ How to Set Up Google Shopping Ads for Maximum ROI | A Good ROAS for Google Ads

Q5: How do I track competitor pricing?

Combine Google’s Competitor Price Intelligence with third-party monitoring tools.

➡ 4 Ways to Compare Google Shopping Prices of Competitors | Competitor Monitoring

Q6: What’s the biggest mistake advertisers make?

Putting all products into one campaign and letting AI run without oversight.

➡ How to Double Your Google Shopping Sales