Google Shopping App on Shopify: Does It Track Conversions?

Google Shopping and Shopify - does the google shopping app in shopify track conversions
Professional headshot of Steve Pogson, Founder of First Pier
February 16, 2025

Does the google shopping app in shopify track conversions? Yes, it does! Using the Google Shopping app in Shopify helps you track conversions by connecting Google Ads and Google Analytics. This setup lets you see which ads lead to the most sales, helping you make smart choices for your business.

The question "does the google shopping app in shopify track conversions" is important for online stores today. As more people shop online, knowing how customers interact with your store is crucial. Conversion tracking on Shopify with the Google Shopping app is not just a feature; it's a key tool for anyone wanting to boost their online business results.

I'm Steve Pogson, a Shopify Expert and E-commerce Growth Specialist. With over twenty years of experience, especially in mastering conversion tracking on Shopify, I have helped businesses reach their potential through effective use of the Google Shopping app. Let's explore how you can improve your e-commerce performance with conversion insights.

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Understanding Conversion Tracking

Conversion tracking is essential in e-commerce, allowing you to observe the actions people take on your website after clicking on an ad. These actions might include making a purchase, signing up, or other goals you've established. By utilizing tools like Google Ads and Google Analytics, you can monitor these actions and gauge the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

Google Ads lets you create online advertisements to reach audiences interested in your products and services. When integrated with Shopify, it tracks how many people clicked on your ads and their subsequent actions, providing crucial data to refine your advertising strategies.

Google Analytics offers deeper insights into your website traffic, helping you understand visitor behaviors, origins, and activities on your site. Linking Google Analytics with Shopify enables more effective conversion tracking, giving you a comprehensive view of your e-commerce performance.

Conversion Actions

In Google Ads and Analytics, a conversion action refers to a specific customer activity that you value, such as a purchase or a newsletter sign-up. Setting up these actions in Google Ads helps you measure and optimize your ad performance based on the most critical activities for your business.

Does the Google Shopping App in Shopify Track Conversions?

The Google Shopping App on Shopify is a robust tool that connects your products with potential customers through Google’s extensive network. A common question is whether this app tracks conversions. The answer is yes, but it involves several steps and considerations.

How Conversion Tracking Works

Using the Google Shopping App on Shopify allows you to track conversions by integrating with Google Ads and Google Analytics. This integration enables you to monitor how many people click on your ads and their subsequent actions, such as purchases or newsletter sign-ups, which is vital for evaluating the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Setting Up Conversion Tracking

To begin tracking conversions, you need to configure your Google Ads account within the Google & YouTube app on Shopify. This app guides you through linking your Google Ads account with your Shopify store. Once connected, you can activate conversion tracking to monitor which ads generate the most sales.

If you're more tech-savvy, you might opt for a more advanced setup using a Google tag, allowing for greater customization and tracking of specific e-commerce conversions or events across multiple properties.

Improved Conversions

You can also use the improved conversions feature, which enhances the accuracy of your conversion data by sending hashed first-party data from your website to Google in a privacy-safe manner. Activate this feature when you connect your Google Ads account to the Google & YouTube app.

Common Issues and Solutions

Some users encounter issues with conversion tracking due to changes in Shopify's checkout process or the transition from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). A typical solution is to disconnect and reconnect your Google Ads account within the app. If issues continue, reinstalling the app or seeking advice from a Google Shopping Specialist might be necessary.

In summary, the Google Shopping App in Shopify does track conversions, but proper setup and occasional troubleshooting are required to ensure accuracy. By effectively using conversion tracking, you can make informed decisions to enhance your marketing strategies and improve your store's performance.

Setting Up Conversion Tracking on Shopify

Setting up conversion tracking on Shopify is crucial for understanding how your marketing efforts translate into sales. Let's explore how you can do this using the Google & YouTube App and a Google Tag.

Using the Google & YouTube App

The simplest way to set up conversion tracking on Shopify is through the Google & YouTube App. This app streamlines the integration process between your Shopify store and Google Ads.

Steps to Set Up:

  1. Install the App: First, log in to your Shopify account and install the Google & YouTube app from the Shopify App Store.

  2. Connect Google Account: Once installed, connect your Google account to the app. This step is essential as it links your Google Ads account with Shopify.

  3. Enable Conversion Tracking: Under the "Google Ads Conversion Measurement" section, follow the prompts to enable conversion tracking. This will start sending conversion data to Google, allowing you to see which ads are driving sales.

  4. Turn on Improved Conversions: If you want more accurate tracking, consider turning on improved conversions. This feature uses hashed data to improve the accuracy of your conversion measurement in a privacy-safe manner.

Improved conversions can improve conversion accuracy and bidding strategies - does the google shopping app in shopify track conversions infographic 4_facts_emoji_light-gradient

Advanced Setup with a Google Tag

For those who are more tech-savvy, setting up conversion tracking with a Google Tag offers more customization options.

Why Use a Google Tag?

  • Custom Tracking: You can track specific actions, like adding items to a cart or completing a purchase.
  • Multiple Properties: If you manage multiple sites or want to send data to different Google properties, a Google Tag is beneficial.

Setting Up a Google Tag:

  1. Access Google Tag Manager: Use Google Tag Manager to create a new tag for your Shopify store. This requires some technical knowledge, so it’s recommended for those familiar with tag management.

  2. Configure the Tag: Set up the tag to track specific events or actions that are important for your store, such as purchases or sign-ups.

  3. Test the Tag: Before going live, use the preview mode in Google Tag Manager to ensure your tags are firing correctly. This step helps avoid duplicate data or missed conversions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right setup, issues can arise. Users have reported problems, especially when switching from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). If your conversions aren't tracking properly, try disconnecting and reconnecting your Google Ads account in the app. If this doesn't work, consider consulting a Google Shopping Specialist.

By setting up conversion tracking correctly, you can gain valuable insights into your marketing performance and make data-driven decisions to improve your store's success.

Next, we'll look into the benefits of using the Google Shopping App for conversion tracking, including free listings and improved ad performance.

Benefits of Using Google Shopping App for Conversion Tracking

When you use the Google Shopping App on Shopify, you open up several benefits that can help boost your store's performance. Let's explore these advantages, focusing on free listings, product sync, and ad performance.

Free Listings

One of the standout features of the Google Shopping App is the ability to list your products for free. This means your products can appear in relevant Google searches without any cost to you. It's a great way to increase visibility and attract potential customers without spending on ads.

  • Increased Reach: Free listings allow your products to reach a wider audience. More visibility means more chances for conversions.
  • No Extra Cost: You can showcase your products to potential customers without additional advertising expenses.

Product Sync

Keeping your product details up-to-date across platforms can be a hassle. The Google Shopping App simplifies this with automatic product sync.

  • Automatic Updates: When you update product information on Shopify, it automatically syncs with Google. This ensures that potential customers always see the most current details.
  • Time-Saving: By automating this process, you save time and reduce the risk of errors from manual updates.

Ad Performance

The integration between Shopify and Google Ads through the Google Shopping App provides valuable insights into your ad performance.

  • Detailed Analytics: You'll have access to extensive data on how your ads are performing. This includes which ads lead to sales and which do not.
  • Improved Decision-Making: With clear data, you can make informed decisions about where to allocate your advertising budget for the best return on investment.
  • Improved Conversion Tracking: By setting up conversion tracking, you can see exactly which ads drive sales, helping to optimize your campaigns.

Using the Google Shopping App on Shopify not only helps you manage your store more efficiently but also boosts your marketing efforts. By leveraging free listings, product sync, and detailed ad performance data, you can improve your store's visibility and drive more conversions.

Next, we'll address some frequently asked questions about integrating the Google Shopping App with Shopify.

Frequently Asked Questions about Google Shopping App and Shopify

How do I add Google Conversion Tracking to Shopify?

Adding Google Conversion Tracking to your Shopify store helps you understand which ads lead to sales. To set this up, you can use the Google & YouTube App on Shopify. This app simplifies the process and ensures your conversion data is sent to Google correctly.

  1. Install the Google & YouTube App: Sign in to your Shopify account, search for the app, and install it from the Shopify App Store.

  2. Connect Your Google Account: Link your Google Ads account to the app. This step is crucial for tracking conversions.

  3. Enable Conversion Tracking: Once connected, ensure that conversion tracking is turned on. This will allow you to see which ads are driving sales.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually set up a Google tag. This method is more technical but offers additional customization options.

Does Shopify connect to Google Shopping?

Yes, Shopify easily connects to Google Shopping through the Google Shopping App. This connection allows you to list your products on Google Shopping, making them visible in search results.

  • Seamless Integration: The app integrates with your Shopify store, syncing product details automatically. This means any changes you make in Shopify, like price updates or new product listings, will reflect on Google Shopping without manual intervention.

  • Free Product Listings: By connecting Shopify to Google Shopping, you can take advantage of free product listings. This boosts your products’ visibility at no extra cost.

Does Google Analytics work with Shopify?

Absolutely. Google Analytics is a powerful tool that works seamlessly with Shopify to provide insights into your store's performance.

  • Track Customer Behavior: With Google Analytics, you can track how customers interact with your store. This includes pages they visit, time spent on the site, and conversion rates.

  • Set Up Easily: You can set up Google Analytics by adding your tracking ID to Shopify's preferences. This integration helps you gather essential data to make informed business decisions.

  • Improved Data Analysis: By linking Google Analytics with your Shopify store, you gain access to detailed reports. These reports help you understand your audience better and refine your marketing strategies.

Using these integrations, you can effectively track and improve your store's performance. The combination of Google Ads, Google Shopping, and Google Analytics with Shopify provides a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing your e-commerce efforts.

Conclusion

In e-commerce, understanding customer behavior and optimizing your sales strategy is crucial. This is where First Pier comes in. As a full-service e-commerce agency, First Pier specializes in helping businesses leverage the power of Shopify to create high-performance online stores. Their expertise in Shopify optimization ensures that your store not only looks great but also functions efficiently to drive conversions.

Why Choose First Pier for Shopify Optimization?

First Pier stands out because of their deep understanding of Shopify's capabilities. They know how to tailor the platform to meet your unique business needs. Whether you want to improve your site's functionality or improve its appearance, First Pier has the skills to make it happen. Their team is dedicated to helping you achieve your e-commerce goals by providing solutions that are both effective and easy to implement.

E-commerce Solutions Custom to You

At First Pier, they believe that every business is unique. That's why they offer a range of e-commerce solutions designed to help you succeed. From conversion rate optimization to comprehensive analytics, First Pier provides the tools and insights necessary to improve your online store's performance. By focusing on your specific needs, they ensure that you get the most out of your Shopify experience.

If you're looking to boost your store's conversion rates and make the most of your Shopify platform, get in touch with First Pier today. Their expert team is ready to help you transform your online business into a high-performance sales machine.

To sum up, effective conversion tracking and optimization can significantly impact your e-commerce success. With the right tools and expertise, you can better understand your customers and improve your sales strategy. Let First Pier guide you on this journey to e-commerce excellence.