Having your Google Shopping feed disapproved can be a major setback, leading to a halt in your product listings and potentially even a full account suspension. Such interruptions can result in significant loss of sales, sometimes lasting several days.
The need to pause everything to resolve these issues is frustrating and time-consuming, making it critical to prevent disapprovals from happening in the first place.
Whether you’re setting up your feed for the first time or maintaining an existing one, it’s important to be aware of the common reasons why Google might disapprove your feed. Below are 10 key factors to watch out for:
1. Logos or Text Overlays in Product Images
Including logos, watermarks, or any text in your product images is a common mistake that leads to disapproval. Google Shopping requires clean images without any overlays that could distract or mislead consumers. If your images contain text or logos, they will likely be flagged and disapproved. The review process to get them reinstated can take up to three days, resulting in lost revenue and wasted time.
To avoid this, ensure your images are free from any additional elements besides the product itself. Also, avoid using cartoonish or diagram-like images, as these too can lead to disapproval.
2. Mismatched Product Data
Mismatched data between Google Merchant Center and your landing page can significantly impact your online store’s performance. Inaccurate information can lead to a poor user experience, as customers may find themselves on a product page that doesn’t match their expectations.
This can result in decreased click-through rates, higher bounce rates, and ultimately, fewer conversions. Additionally, inconsistencies can negatively affect your search rankings, as Google prioritises websites with accurate and consistent information. To ensure optimal results, it’s crucial to regularly review and update your product data in Merchant Center to match the information on your landing pages.
3. Overly Long Product Titles
Google Shopping allows product titles of up to 150 characters, but only the first 75 characters are visible to users. If your titles exceed this limit, crucial information might be hidden, leading to less effective ads and lower click-through rates. Titles longer than 150 characters will be outright disapproved, meaning those products won’t be displayed at all.
To maximise visibility and avoid disapproval, keep your titles concise and informative. Focus on including the most important details within the first 75 characters.
4. Missing GTINs
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is essential for listing products on Google Shopping. GTINs help Google identify and categorise your products, making it easier for users to find them. If your product is missing a GTIN or has an incorrect one, it will be disapproved and won’t show up in search results.
Ensure that every product in your feed has a valid GTIN to avoid disapproval. If you don’t have a GTIN, make sure to use the appropriate exemption or explore other identifiers that might be acceptable.
5. Non-Mobile-Friendly Landing Pages
Your landing pages must be accessible and fully functional on mobile devices. If Google’s crawler detects that a landing page isn’t mobile-friendly, the associated products will be disapproved. Since a significant portion of online shopping is done on mobile, this is a critical factor to address.
Make sure your website is optimised for mobile users, and regularly test your landing pages to ensure they load properly across all devices. This not only prevents disapprovals but also improves the overall user experience.
6. Invalid Image Links
Using invalid or broken image links in your feed can result in your products not being displayed. Google relies heavily on images to deliver a visual shopping experience, and if your images are missing or can’t be loaded, your products won’t appear in search results.
Always verify that your image URLs are correct and lead to valid images before submitting your feed. This simple step can save you from losing out on potential sales due to disapproved listings.
7. Low-Quality or Small Images
Small or low-quality images are another common reason for disapproval. Google requires high-resolution images that accurately represent the product. Poor-quality images can lead to distorted or unclear views, which can frustrate potential buyers and lead to lower sales conversions.
To prevent this, use high-resolution images that meet Google’s size requirements. If you don’t have access to high-quality images from the manufacturer, consider investing in professional photography to ensure your products are showcased effectively.
8. Listing Restricted Products
Google has strict guidelines about what can and cannot be sold on its platform. Products that fall under categories like counterfeit goods, dangerous items, or those promoting dishonest behaviour are strictly prohibited. If your feed includes any restricted products, they will be disapproved.
Familiarise yourself with Google’s list of prohibited items and ensure your feed complies. Removing or replacing restricted products with compliant alternatives is crucial for maintaining an active shopping feed.
9. Missing Product Identifiers
Product identifiers, such as Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPNs) or brand names, are crucial for helping Google match your products with relevant search queries. If these identifiers are missing, your products may not be properly categorised, leading to disapproval.
Ensure all necessary product identifiers are included in your feed. This not only prevents disapproval but also improves your products’ visibility in search results, leading to more targeted traffic and higher conversion rates.
10. Incorrect Product Identifiers
Just as missing identifiers can cause issues, incorrect product identifiers can lead to your ads being shown to the wrong audience. This misalignment can result in wasted ad spend and unsatisfied customers who were looking for something else.
Double-check all product identifiers before submitting your feed. Correcting these errors will help ensure your products are seen by the right people, increasing the chances of a successful sale.
Conclusion: Avoiding Google Disapproval
Avoiding disapproval on Google Shopping requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of Google’s guidelines. By addressing the issues outlined above, you can keep your feed in good standing and ensure that your products are visible to the widest possible audience.
If you’re struggling with feed disapprovals or need help optimising your Google Shopping campaigns, contact SX Marketing. Our team of experts can guide you through the process and help you maximise your online sales potential.
