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03. The CSS Structure

To manage your campaigns effectively, it is important to understand how your account is organized. Depending on your service, you will either use an Agency CSS hierarchy or a Keyword CSS setup.

1. Agency CSS Structure #

The Agency setup uses a tiered hierarchy. Think of it as a folder system:

  • CSS Group (The Top Level): This is the entry point. The primary function of this level is high-level user management.

  • CSS Domain (The Functional Level): Located within the Group. This is the “actual” CSS where you find relevant domain information and invite users to this specific branch.

    • How to navigate: From the CSS Group, click on the link in the “Domain” section at the bottom of the page.

  • CSS MCA (The Inventory Level): Your CSS MCA lives inside the Domain. This is where all Merchant Centers (MC) are migrated once they join your CSS.

    • How to navigate: From your CSS Domain, click “Merchants” in the left navigation bar. This opens the domain overview where you can access your Primary MCA and its sub-accounts.

    • Pro Tip: You will need the ID of this CSS MCA whenever you submit a Merchant Center CSS-switch request.

2. Keyword CSS Structure #

The Keyword setup is a flatter, more direct structure designed for specific account control:

  • Primary CSS MCA: Keyword customers bypass the Group/Domain hierarchy and manage their accounts directly through a dedicated MCA.

  • Dedicated Segments: Each keyword has its own dedicated MCA. When a Merchant Center is moved to your Keyword CSS, it is migrated directly into this specific MCA for bidding and management.


General Guidelines for All Structures #

Regardless of your setup, please adhere to these core rules to ensure your service remains active:

  • Google Account Required: Any email address invited to any level of the CSS must be associated with a valid Google Account.

  • Adstrong Access: Never remove users created by adstrong or change their roles (at the bottom of the “People and Access” page). These must remain as Admin to maintain your service and support.

  • Adding Merchants: To start benefiting from bidding advantages, your Merchant Centers must be linked to your CSS MCA.