Modern e-commerce is not only about running an online store, but also about managing product data effectively in external tools such as Google Merchant Center (GMC). GMC is what makes it possible to present your products in Google Shopping, in shopping ads and in other services connected with Google Ads.
If you work with SEO specialists, an advertising agency or even a member of your own team, sooner or later you will need to grant access to your GMC account. The process itself is simple, but it is worth knowing how to do it safely and deliberately, so that you do not risk losing data or having someone change your configuration without authorization.
In this article we show you step by step how to grant access to a Google Merchant Center account and how to match the permission level to the user’s role.
Spis treści
Why share the GMC account instead of sharing your login?
Let’s start with the basics: never hand over your login and password to your Google account! It is risky and against Google’s policy. Instead, GMC lets you safely add users with the right level of access. Thanks to that:
- you keep control over the account,
- you can revoke access at any moment,
- you minimize the risk of unauthorized changes,
- you meet data security standards.
Step by step: how to add a user to a Google Merchant Center account
1. Sign in to your GMC account
Go to https://merchants.google.com and sign in with the Google account linked to Merchant Center.
2. Go to the account settings
Click the gear icon in the top right corner and then choose “Account settings”.
3. Open the “Users” tab
In the menu on the left, click the “Users” tab, where you will find the list of accounts already added and their permission levels.
4. Click “Add user”
In the top right corner, click the “+” or “Add user” button. Enter the e-mail address of the person you want to invite – it has to be an address linked to a Google account.
5. Choose the right access level
Depending on the role the new user is going to play, pick one of three levels:
- Admin – full access to all features, including managing other users. Recommended only for trusted people on your team.
- Standard – access to most data and features, without the ability to manage users. Ideal for an SEO agency or freelancers.
- Read-only – the user can view data but cannot edit anything. A good fit for analysts or controllers.
6. Send the invitation
Click “Invite” to send the invitation to the address you entered. The invited person will receive a message with a link to accept the access.
7. The user accepts the invitation
After clicking the link and signing in to their Google account, the new user is added to your Google Merchant Center account. From that moment on they have access according to the permissions you assigned.
What else is worth keeping in mind?
- Access can be edited or revoked at any time. If you end the cooperation with an agency or an employee, remove their access so that they do not keep permissions they no longer need.
- Always verify the e-mail address you add. A typo can result in granting access to the wrong person.
- Do not assign the “Admin” level lightly. It is very broad access that allows, among other things, removing other users.
Summary
Granting access to a Google Merchant Center account is one of the basic steps in working effectively with an e-commerce team, an SEO agency or a freelancer. Thanks to the simple user invitation mechanism you keep full control over who has access to your data and how they can use it.
By taking care of the right permission level and reviewing the list of active users regularly, you increase the security of your account and keep your product campaigns running smoothly.
If you need help with a GMC implementation or with integrating it with your store, get in touch with us. The Web Systems team will gladly help you set up the account, prepare the product feed and roll out an effective shopping campaign in Google.
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