Which location data source requires you to set up an account and link it to Google Ads?

Analysis of Correct Answer(s)

• Google Ads: This is the correct choice because affiliate location extensions are configured directly within the Google Ads platform. To show ads with retailer locations where your products are sold, you must first have a Google Ads account. From within this account, you select the specific retail chains. The entire setup process is managed inside Google Ads without linking an external location management tool for these third-party locations.

Analysis of Incorrect Options

• Google curated chains: This is the list of available retailers (e.g., supermarkets, department stores) that you select from within Google Ads for your affiliate location extensions. It is a data source provided by Google, not a separate account that you need to create or link.
• Business Profile: This tool is used to manage your own business locations. You would link a Business Profile account to Google Ads to run location extensions that direct customers to your own stores, not to third-party retailers that sell your products.
• Google Merchant Center: This is primarily used for managing product inventory data for Shopping campaigns and local inventory ads. While it is linked to Google Ads, it is not the source used to set up affiliate location extensions, which focus on the store locations themselves.