Google Ads Sitelinks and Shopping Ads: Get More Ad Exposure (2026)

Want your search ads to take up more space and get more clicks? Google Ads sitelinks add extra links under your ad, and product listings show your items with photos and prices. In 2011 guest author Karim explained AdWords sitelink and product extensions. Google has since renamed AdWords to Google Ads and extensions to assets, but they are still one of the cheapest ways to boost ad performance. Here is how they work in 2026.

Quick answer: In Google Ads, go to Campaigns > Assets, click the plus button and choose Sitelink. Add at least four sitelinks with short link text (up to 25 characters), optional descriptions and a relevant landing page each. For products, link a Google Merchant Center account and run Shopping or Performance Max campaigns. Assets cost nothing extra; you still pay per click.

What are Google Ads assets?

Assets (formerly ad extensions) add extra information to your text ads: links, phone numbers, prices, images and more. Google shows them when it predicts they’ll improve performance, and ads with relevant assets usually earn higher click-through rates and better Ad Rank.

How to add sitelinks in Google Ads

1. Sign in to Google Ads and open Campaigns > Assets.
2. Click the blue plus button and choose Sitelink.
3. Choose the level: account, campaign or ad group.
4. Enter the sitelink text (up to 25 characters), two optional description lines (up to 35 characters each) and the final URL.
5. Add at least four sitelinks so Google can show several at once, then save.

Sitelink tips

• Link to pages that help buyers decide: pricing, best sellers, free shipping, contact or a seasonal offer.
• Keep each sitelink different from your main ad’s landing page.
• Use descriptions; they make sitelinks larger on screen.
• Schedule seasonal sitelinks (for example Diwali or Black Friday deals) with start and end dates.
• Check the Assets report and replace low performers.

From product extensions to Shopping ads

The old product extensions have been replaced by Shopping ads and Performance Max campaigns, which show product images, prices and store names. To use them:

1. Create a free Google Merchant Center account and verify your website.
2. Add products with a feed, a spreadsheet or an e-commerce integration such as Shopify or WooCommerce.
3. Link Merchant Center to Google Ads and create a Shopping or Performance Max campaign.

Bonus: Merchant Center products can also appear free in Google’s Shopping tab and other surfaces.

Other useful Google Ads assets

• Callouts: short phrases like “Free delivery” or “24/7 support”.
• Structured snippets: lists such as brands, services or models.
• Call: a phone number people can tap.
• Image: pictures beside your text ad.
• Price and promotion: show prices or current discounts.
• Location: your address from your Google Business Profile.

Avoid common setup errors with our list of Google Ads mistakes to avoid.

FAQ

Do sitelinks cost extra?

No. You pay the same cost per click whether someone clicks the headline or a sitelink.

Why aren’t my sitelinks showing?

Google shows assets only when it expects them to help and when your ad ranks high enough. Improve ad quality and add more sitelinks.

How many sitelinks should I add?

At least four per campaign. Google can show up to several at once on desktop and fewer on mobile.

Originally written by guest author Karim, a search engine marketing strategist. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.