Google might have a brand new purchasing competitor on its palms. Shopify is testing a brand new function in its app that enables prospects to go looking throughout all retailers on the platform.

The way it works. The brand new “Seek for something” search field lets you seek for objects beforehand bought, retailers matching the search time period, and merchandise bought by any Shopify retailers.

Because of Glenn Gabe for pointing this out to us on Twitter.

The brand new Shopify market. Plainly Shopify has modified its viewpoint on whether or not or to not turn into a market. In 2021, Shopify’s president Harley Finkelstein mentioned it didn’t have plans to be a market. However with their new search check, they’re, in reality, turning into a market.

The check is rolling out to a restricted variety of customers. We’ve got no phrase on who can have entry to the search function, how lengthy it’ll run, or if it’ll ever be launched globally. “Present and former Shopify workers mentioned it was unclear whether or not the corporate would ever roll it out to a wider viewers, as inner debate continues about whether or not the function would damage retailers,” says Madeline Stone at Enterprise Insider.

Why we care. The brand new common search function might imply that Shopify retailers might want to begin paying to seem first in search outcomes or begin planning their search engine optimisation technique. Moreover, app customers and buyers will solely see outcomes from shops on the app, which might restrict the choices proven for sure merchandise. This will not be a difficulty, although, since there are over 4 million shops constructed on the platform. It could additionally entice sellers to maneuver their shops from different ecommerce platforms.

In regards to the writer

Nicole Farley is an editor for Search Engine Land masking all issues PPC. Along with being a Marine Corps veteran, she has an in depth background in digital advertising, an MBA and a penchant for true crime, podcasts, journey, and snacks.