E-commerce
September 30, 2026
Are you wondering how to gain 10% more impressions with Shopping campaigns?
Good news: a recent update from Google Ads allows advertisers using Shopping campaigns who have disabled the Search Partners network to increase their impressions by 3 to 10%. Specifically, Google Images is joining the main Search Network, which expands the reach of your Shopping ads without any additional action.
Please note, this development also changes the distribution of your traffic and may affect your conversion rate. It is therefore essential to understand how it works to take full advantage of it.
So, how do you gain 10% more impressions with Shopping campaigns? On the agenda:
What is the Google Search Partners network?
Why is Google Images a game-changer for your Shopping ads?
How do you segment your performance by network in Google Ads?
What impact does this have on your conversion rate and cost per click?
How can you adapt your bidding strategy to benefit from this change?
Let's get started.
Summary
What is the Google search partner network?
The Search Partners network brings together third-party sites that use Google's search platform to display results and ads. For example, a site like Ask.com can integrate Google results on its pages. The ads displayed on these sites are identical to those on Google Search, but they appear in a different context.
For advertisers, this network represents an opportunity to expand the reach of their campaigns. However, its performance varies: some accounts see better results on Google Search, others on partners. It is therefore crucial to track your data by network to understand where your ads perform best.
Google does not provide an exhaustive list of partner sites, which makes analysis more complex. Fortunately, you can segment your reports by network in Google Ads to compare performance and adjust your bids accordingly. This visibility helps you allocate your budget more effectively.
Convert over 2,000 customers on average per month with Qstomy.
The world’s 1st Shopify AI dedicated to customer conversion
Empowering 200+ e-commerce merchants
Why Google Images is a game-changer for your Shopping ads
Google Images was previously included in the search partner network. Now, it is integrated into the main Search Network. This change means that your Shopping ads may appear in Google image results, even if you have opted out of search partners.
For advertisers who had chosen not to participate in the partner network, this evolution opens up a new channel of impressions. According to Google, this can lead to a 3 to 10% increase in traffic, with a potentially lower cost per click and comparable conversion rates.
This integration is particularly relevant for sectors like fashion, home, or beauty, where users search for images for inspiration or to discover products. Your Shopping ads can now capture this visual audience, expanding your reach with no extra effort.
How to segment your performance by network in Google Ads?
To measure the impact of this change, it is essential to segment your data by network in Google Ads. Click the Segment icon (three horizontal lines) next to the Filter icon (funnel), then select "Network (with search partners)".
You will then get separate rows for each campaign, showing performance on Google Search and on search partners. This view allows you to compare clicks, impressions, cost, and conversions between the two networks.
By analyzing this data, you can identify which campaigns benefit most from the partner network and which would be more effective focusing solely on Google Search. This segmentation is a valuable tool for optimizing your advertising budget and maximizing your return on investment.
How do I enable or disable the Search Partner Network?
In Google Ads, each campaign has a Network parameter in its settings. By expanding this option, you can check or uncheck the "Search Network" box to include or exclude search partners.
If you want to maximize your impressions, you can leave this option enabled. However, if you prefer to precisely control where your ads appear, you can disable it. This flexibility is useful for testing different strategies and finding the right balance.
With the integration of Google Images into the main network, even campaigns that exclude search partners can now reach Google Images users. This expands your reach without compromising your control over other partner sites, thereby offering a new opportunity for growth.
What is the impact on your impressions and your traffic?
For advertisers who have opted out of search partners, integrating Google Images into the main network can lead to a 3% to 10% increase in impressions. This gain comes from visual traffic that was previously inaccessible.
Conversely, if you had enabled search partners, you will notice a shift in traffic: some of the impressions that came from partners will now be attributed to the search network. This does not mean a loss, but a reclassification in your reporting.
It is important to note that historical traffic from Google Images will not be recategorized. You will therefore need to monitor your data after the change to assess the actual trend in your performance and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Why could your conversion rate be dropping?
Google Images users often have a different intent than those conducting a text search. They are looking for an image, not necessarily a product to buy immediately. Consequently, the conversion rate for this traffic may be lower than that of traditional search.
However, Google offsets this with a potentially lower cost per click. If the CPC is sufficiently reduced, even a lower conversion rate can remain profitable for your campaigns.
It is therefore crucial to monitor your metrics after this change. If you notice a drop in the conversion rate, analyze whether the cost per acquisition remains acceptable. A drop in CPC can balance things out, but it is essential to track these indicators closely to make informed decisions.
How can you adapt your bids to take advantage of this change?
With the arrival of Google Images in the main network, you might see an increase in impression volume. To take advantage of this, adjust your bids based on the performance of this new traffic.
If the cost per click is lower and conversions remain acceptable, you can increase your bids to gain more visibility. Conversely, if the conversion rate drops too much, you could reduce your bids for this specific network.
Use segmented reporting to identify the campaigns that benefit the most from Google Images. By adjusting your bids in a targeted manner, you can maximize your return on investment while controlling your costs, which is essential for an effective advertising strategy.
What are the benefits for visual industries like fashion?
Sectors such as fashion, home, or beauty are particularly affected by this evolution. Google Images users are often looking for visual inspiration, outfit ideas, or home decor trends.
Your Shopping ads can now appear in these results, capturing an audience that was not accessible via text search. This can increase your brand awareness and generate qualified clicks.
For these sectors, it is essential to optimize your product images: high-quality visuals, with good lighting and attractive angles, will be more likely to capture users' attention. Investing in polished visuals can make all the difference.
How can you track the progress of your performance after this change?
After integrating Google Images, it is recommended to regularly monitor your performance reports. Compare the data before and after the change to identify trends.
Use segments by network to see how traffic from Google Images performs compared to classic search. Analyze key metrics: impressions, clicks, cost, conversions, and conversion rate.
If you notice significant variations, adjust your bidding and budget strategies accordingly. Proactive monitoring will allow you to make the most of this new opportunity and remain competitive in the market.
What are the best practices for optimizing your Shopping ads?
To maximize the impact of your Shopping ads on Google Images, make sure your product feed is optimized. Use clear titles, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images.
Shopping ads are ranked based on relevance and bid. A well-structured feed improves your quality score and can reduce your costs. Also, consider using attributes like color, size, or material to refine your targeting.
Finally, test different bidding strategies to find the one that works best for your catalog. Automated bidding can be effective, but a manual approach can offer more control. Experimentation is key to optimizing your performance.
How does Qstomy help optimize your Shopping campaigns?
Qstomy, the Shopify AI agent, can help you leverage this increase in impressions by optimizing your conversion funnel. Thanks to its intelligent product recommendations, it guides your visitors to the most relevant items, thus increasing the chances of conversion.
By analyzing user behavior, Qstomy can suggest complementary products or alternatives, which is particularly useful for visitors coming from Google Images with a less precise intent. It can also manage abandoned carts and parcel tracking, improving the customer experience.
With Qstomy, you can transform additional traffic into actual sales, by offering a personalized experience that reassures and encourages purchase. It is a valuable asset to maximize the return on investment of your Shopping campaigns and build customer loyalty.
What is the checklist before taking advantage of this increase in impressions?
Before fully taking advantage of this increase in impressions, here is a checklist to follow:
Check your campaign settings: ensure that your Shopping campaigns are active and that the search network is configured according to your preferences.
Segment your reports: use network segmentation to track the performance of Google Images.
Optimize your feed: update your titles, descriptions, and images to maximize relevance.
Monitor your metrics: analyze CPC, conversion rate, and ROAS after the change.
Test your bids: adjust your bids based on the performance of Google Images.
In brief
The integration of Google Images into the main search network offers a unique opportunity to increase your Shopping impressions by 3 to 10%. By monitoring your performance and adapting your strategy, you can turn this visual traffic into profitable sales.
FAQ
Q: Does this increase apply to all Shopping campaigns? A: Yes, all Shopping ads are automatically eligible to appear on Google Images, even if you have opted out of search partners.
Q: Will my conversion rate necessarily drop? A: Not necessarily, but it may be lower than that of standard search. The lower CPC can offset this drop.
Q: Do I need to modify my campaigns to take advantage of this change? A: No action is required, but optimizing your feed and your bids can maximize the benefits.
To go further: How does Google rank Shopping ads? Ad Rank, feeds and bids - Qstomy, Are Google Shopping ads effective? ROI, limitations and measurement - Qstomy, How does Google Ads assemble responsive search ads? - Qstomy, E-commerce integrations: connecting your tools to increase efficiency - Qstomy, How does SEO work for e-commerce sites? - Qstomy, What is Google Shopping for e-commerce? Definition, feed and value for a store - Qstomy, Why does an e-commerce business fail in the first 12 months? - Qstomy.
Enzo
September 30, 2026
