DTC702: Google Analytics Merchant Center Recommendations Update

Good morning,

Check out these numbers: Black Friday brought in $74.4 billion globally, up 5% YoY. 55% of these transactions occurred on mobile.

Surprisingly, 20% of customers have turned to AI chatbots to find deals and recommendations for those on their shopping lists. 🤖

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Here’s what you’ll find in today’s DTC:

🛠️ The newest Google Analytics update makes it easier to spot product issues in your Merchant Center account.  
⭐ We break down top-performing sales ads that drive revenue in Q4 and beyond.
🎉 And…more record breaking Black Friday stats from Shopify.

You’re reading this newsletter along with new subscribers from: Oli Saunas, Clark’s Nutrition, and Kale Card. 👋

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• Get more fully-licensed content to promote on your channels
• Even go viral! 🤪

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Don’t miss their best deal ever. Get going before January!

🛠️ Are Your Products Disapproved on Google Shopping? 

Are your products showing up properly in Google Shopping?

Here’s an easy way to check on Google Analytics so you don’t miss out on crucial sales in Q4 and beyond.

GA now integrates with Merchant Center Recommendations. On the dashboard, you can see if there are any product disapproval alerts or configuration problems.

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For example, the system will now flag cases where products fail to appear in Google Search because of configuration problems. (e.g. missing Global Trade Item Number)

You can access this new feature on the homepage, Insights hub, or through the Reports snapshot and Acquisition overview report.

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The takeaway?

This new update makes it easier to spot any issues quickly and easily fix problems by accessing your Merchant Center account from Google Analytics to see what’s happening with your affected products.

By fixing disapprovals, you can increase organic traffic from Google Shopping and the performance of your Shopping ads.

Don’t lose out on visibility and sales during the busy holiday rush!

💥 Wait, What Happens After BFCM? Don’t Waste The Momentum You Worked So Hard For!

Everyone’s laser-focused on BFCM, and then... wait, there’s life after it? 😵‍💫

Many brands miss out by going quiet afterward, even though it’s the perfect time to strategize smartly, and take advantage of slowing competition. 👏

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Omnisend has prepared the ultimate cheat sheet for owning the post-holiday chaos. Inside, you'll find:

• How to retarget BFCM bargain hunters before they ghost you
• List segmentation that actually works
• Limited-time discounts that don’t feel desperate
• New Year’s promos that feel fresh, not forced
• Sly ways to get reviews and referrals

Instead of slowing down, take your post-holiday strategy to new wins. 💫

🎧 Maximize Your Q4 Sales Ads: Insights from Pilothouse's Socials Team

In this episode of the pod, we dive into the art and science of Q4 sales ads with Pilothouse's social ads team, Taylor, Aves, and Jacob.

Together, they explore the strategies that drive revenue during Black Friday and beyond.

From the creative strategies that grab attention to the landing page optimizations that drive conversions, we’ve got the tips you need to make this your best Q4 yet.

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In this podcast, we cover:

• The importance of creativity diversity: Why having a range of creatives is the secret to winning BFCM campaigns.
• Creating high-performing landing pages: Tips on how to turn clicks into conversions during high-traffic periods.
• Tackling customer doubts: Using urgency and social proof to overcome conversion friction.
• Leveraging catalog ads and Advantage Plus: How to uncover new angles and scale effectively.

👉 You can listen to the full episode with Tayor, Aves, and Jacob here.

🌐 IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Another successful Black Friday! 👏

Shopify President Harley Finkelstein shares some eye-popping numbers from last Friday.

Shopify merchants made a record breaking $5 billion in sales and during peak activity sales hit $4.6 million per minute.

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⚡ QUICK HITS

🤑 A micro-influencer campaign with 400% ROI? Unlock insights from the success of Plant People’s partnership with minisocial creators. Read about it here. *

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Have you heard our latest podcasts?

• 🛒 TWBERP 9: The Only Site Abandon Flow You’ll Ever Need
• ⭐ Exclusive RightMetric Report: How To Succeed on TikTok Shops
• ❌ AKNF 458: Avoid These Costly Google Ads Mistakes on BFCM
• 👚 TWBERP 8: Email Fight Companion: Fashion Brand Battle
• 💍 Manly Band’s 8 Figure Growth: Unique Designs and Killer Collabs
• 💸 AKNF 456: How Pilothouse Boosts Email Retention Revenue

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Don’t forget to rate the DTC Podcast on Apple (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

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DTC Newsletter is written by Rebecca Knight and Frances Du. Edited by Eric Dyck.

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