Google India has taken its first step in committing to the Indian e-commerce market with the introduction of product listing ads, a new format that will appear when users key in shopping-related queries.
Detailed, feature-rich advertisements will start appearing next to search results over the course of this month. The ads will also feature the picture of the product in question— a big upgrade from the previous link-based ads that used to appear until now.
“We’re excited about building delightful shopping experiences for consumers in close partnership with merchants. The new format will help shoppers turn their intentions into actions lightning fast,” the company said in a statement.
Google India appears to have partnered with e-tailers Flipkart, Jabong, Myntra and Naaptol, among others, initially.
While the move may turn out to be a money maker for the search giant, as the use of pictures is likely to increase click-throughs, it will make life harder for e-commerce firms as they will now have to be listed to ensure better customer reach.
