Retailers prefer to control the shopping experience, but getting shoppers to go through the purchase process on a mobile device isn’t easy. Google is working on a solution that makes it possible to buy directly from an ad, it confirmed.
Reports surfaced again this week that Google was working to add Buy buttons on its ads, which would be a significant development for online merchants. A Google spokesperson provided EcommerceBytes with a statement, but said it was not sharing additional details at this time.
We’re focused on connecting retailers to consumers across screens, reducing the friction between finding a product and clicking to purchase. To simplify purchasing on mobile devices, we’re in the early stages of a project that allow users to purchase directly from ads on Google.
The Wall Street Journal noted that Google is facing pressure from Amazon, where many people start their product searches. “The more searches that start on Amazon, the fewer clicks on Google’s search ads, which drive the vast majority of the company’s revenue and profits.”
In related news, Google announced on Thursday Android Pay, a mobile payments solution that appears to be similar to Apple Pay – see related story.
