It’s been just under 2 years since Google has been trialling the ‘Adwords PlusBox’ and still remains in beta testing. The plusbox seems to become increasingly popular as more retailers/advertisers are being accepted into the beta testing program.
What Is The Adwords PlusBox?
The adwords plusbox allows advertisers to display Google base products within Google adwords adtexts.
For example, a search for ‘Mountain Bikes’ in Google will serve several results including the following sponsored ad;
The plusbox icon and ‘show products from advertiser name’ link can be seen below the advertiser’s adtext.
Once the plusbox icon or link is clicked Google will serve the most relevant products from your Google base feed relating the search query;
How do I add the PlusBox to my Adwords account?
The plusbox is currently only available to approved advertisers who have an active adwords PPC and Google base account. If you meet the necessary requirements then you will need to contact your adwords account manager and submit your account to be considered for the plusbox beta testing program.
Once accepted you will be asked which campaigns in your adwords account you would like to add the plusbox to and make the necessary updates to your Google base feed to allow the beta team to track performance. You will also have access to these performance figures by means of an online spreadsheet accessed in Google docs.
The Future of the Adwords PlusBox?
Personally I’m unsure as to what Google may have planned for the future of the plusbox;
Will the plusbox become available to all advertisers?
Will the plusbox be incorporated into the Adwords interface permanently at an additional charge?
Will we see the end of free Google base (product) listings?
Whichever avenue Google decides to take the plusbox, I’m sure it will be here to stay whilst Google choose the best way to integrate and release this functionality to the entire advertising world!
Paul Broomfield
PPC Campaign Delivery Manager
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