Google Merchant Center (GMC) is an important tool for marketers and businesses that allows you to upload and update information about your products for display in Google Shopping and through Performance Max.However, GMCs can block if Google policy rules are violated. This makes it impossible to show ads, which negatively affects sales. In this article, we will look at the main reasons why Merchant Center is blocked.The material was checked for compliance with current PPC trends by Natalya Zhikhareva — PPC Team Lead at the digital marketing agency Inweb.
Reasons for blocking Merchant Center
As practice and expert reviews show, GMC can be blocked by both a beginner and a store that has been working with Google Shopping and Performance Max for many years. The most popular reason given by Google is “misleading”.Photo: The main reasons for blocking Merchant Center 1. Advertising of prohibited goodsGoogle has policies regarding products that can be advertised through GMC.Failure to comply with these rules, for example, advertising prohibited products (counterfeit products, products that contradict ethical standards.
For developing telemarketing data, it is required how to build telemarketing data to gather contact information fill in the opt in forms, surveys and event registration. Concentrate on the collection of as many details from your target audience as possible and then, employing the capabilities of the CRM tools, transfer the details into the data base and update it as constantly as possible. Policies of GDPR and other privacy regulations should be followed to keep user confidence. The use of this approach results in ethical telemarketing as compared to the ordinary conventional methods.
May result in account suspension. Copies of well-known brands are also prohibited .It is important to pay attention to this , because in Ukraine there is a tendency to promote copies of Apple cases or chargers, copies of branded items (clothes, accessories, shoes, etc.).Such goods cannot be added to GMC. Copy of sites with non-unique contacts. The GMC also requires sites to be unique.
Exaggeration in product and campaign descriptions
Exaggeration in the description of the company or products. And the use of the phrases “only from us”, “unique”, “the best” may cause the GMC profile. To be blocked. Google may regard such information as misleading users. After all. Such statements violate the company’s policy regarding the authenticity of advertising materials.Photo: The main reasons for blocking Merchant Center. A “best product” claim without testimonials or awards the product has received from well-known media may be perceived by the GMC as unsubstantiated. Google verifies the advertising material for accuracy and may block the account if it detects a violation.Therefore, avoid exaggerations and provide specific facts that support your statements. And conduct regular content audits with PPC experts to comply with Google policies.. Incorrect language versionsIf the site is intended for an international audience, it must support appropriate language versions.
Errors in goods
Often, GMC blocking is caused by incorrect data in products or specific product sections.Photo: The main reasons for blocking Merchant Center.For example, it is advisable not to keep one product on sale for more than 6 months. And there should be a separate section for promotions, where only promotional products should be added. At the same time, they cannot make up more than 10% of the entire assortment.Products “Out of stock” must be marked in the feed. It is desirable that there were few of them. And the main mass was made up of “In stock” products.It is advisable not to put in the feed products “to order”, “production in X days”, etc. It is necessary that only “In stock” and “Out of stock” products be recorded in the feed.
Lack of transparent data regarding online payments
Google requires that sites that use GMC dwell time and its impact on seo to advertise products . Have transparent and clear information about the payment process. If this information is missing, incorrect, or displayed differently in different languages, problems may occur.Photo: The main reasons for blocking Merchant Center. What should be specified. Available payment methods — credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, etc. In the name of the payment method, it should be written – online and by card. Explanation of measures to protect user data. Availability of SSL certificates, data encryption. In the footer, you should add the icons of Visa, Mastercart and other systems accepted by the store. Information on how to view and confirm your orders. Conditions for returning goods and refunding funds. Minimum order amount, if any;
compliance in all language versions of payment methods and conditions.It is important that payment . By card (online) is available for all delivery methods. Including pickup – this point is quite often ignored
Incorrect data in the “Contacts” section
Contact details are required to confirm that aero leads the site is not fraudulent and meets Google’s requirements. Merchant Center account blocking is possible. If the information in the contact section does not match the information on your site or in the footer.Therefore. IT is necessary that the information in the footer of the site. The “Contacts” section and the Merchant Center is the same and up-to-date.In contacts, add these data and monitor their relevance. place the same contact information in the site footer and Merchant Center . Specify the physical address with an index. Enter current phone Numbers (it is better if there are several of them. Specify a contact person to whom you can turn in case of problems. Add an e-mail to which you can write.
