Google gets visual with new search tools

The news: Google’s latest search features streamline the shopping experience.

Easy on the eyes: When users Google the word “shop” followed by a product type or description, a visual feed of products will now appear with buying options.

  • The “shop the look” tool shows users complementary pieces and where to buy them.
  • Google’s visual feed also shows users what’s trending within a category, giving consumers access to the latest models, styles, and brands.
  • 3D visuals of shoes will soon be added, starting with sneakers.

This or that: Two other new tools aid shoppers when they just can’t decide what they want.

  • The buying guide feature shares helpful insights about a category from a range of trusted sources.
  • Page insights curate information like pros/cons and star ratings to give users an idea of what other shoppers think about a certain product.

Have it your way: Google is giving users exactly what they want by integrating past user data and current trends.

  • Users will get more personalized shopping results based on previous shopping habits and user-added preferences. Personalized results can be turned on or off at any point.
  • Dynamic filters adapt based on real-time search trends.
  • The Discover function shows suggested styles based on what’s popular and what users have been shopping for.

Staying on top: US search ad spending will hit $99.00 billion this year, with Google Search bringing in over half of that. But Amazon has steadily grown its share of search advertising since 2016, making it a real threat. Google needs to do whatever it can to stay on top of the game.

 

This was originally featured in the Retail Daily newsletter. For more retail insights, statistics, and trends, subscribe here.

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