I’ve recently discovered that Google has quietly enhanced their Shopping campaigns by introducing brand inclusion controls. This long-awaited feature offers us advertisers unparalleled control over the brands that appear in our shopping ads without needing complex workarounds.
How it works: Now, I can easily add or remove brand lists directly within the ad group targeting section of both Performance Max and Standard Shopping campaigns. This means I can specify exactly which brands to showcase or exclude, preview my setup, and apply changes seamlessly within the Google Ads interface.
Why we care. Previously, brand targeting tools were only available in Performance Max and AI Max, leaving those of us using Standard Shopping campaigns to juggle search query scripts or set up intricate campaigns to manage brand visibility. This update changes that, finally giving us direct control over brand appearances.
I find it eliminates the need for cumbersome scripts or overly complex campaign setups, simplifying brand visibility management. This improvement allows me to protect my budgets and target high-value brand traffic more precisely — a significant win for our advertising efficiency and control.
Between the lines. For those of us in retail and ecommerce, this update is a game-changer in Shopping campaign management. It enables us to safeguard brand-specific budgets, control exposure within competitive categories, and avoid wasting money on unwanted brand traffic — all done conveniently within Google Ads.
First seen. The update was initially noticed by Ryan Parks, Senior Search Director at Spark Foundry, who shared this valuable information on LinkedIn.
The bottom line. With these brand inclusion features now accessible for Standard Shopping campaigns, we gain the same level of control and efficiency as Google’s automated campaign types offer. It’s a quietly powerful upgrade that will undoubtedly enhance precision in retail advertising.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
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