Google Merchant Center is a digital platform designed to store and manage product information for online retailers. It allows you to optimise how your products appear on Google through photos, descriptions, and other details. Here’s how to create and set up your account effectively.
Creating a new Google Merchant Center account
Before getting started, ensure you have:
A Google account.
A website for your business.
Steps to сreate an account
Visit the Google Merchant Center Signup Page.
Follow the prompts to provide:
Country, business name, and time zone.
Email preferences, and accept the Terms & Conditions.
Select Programs that align with your goals, such as Shopping Ads or Free Listings.
Confirm the details and click Create Account.
Setting up your Google Merchant Center account
After creating your account, complete the following actions to finalize your setup:
Assign user roles.
Provide business information:
Click the Tools icon in the Merchant Center dashboard.
Click Business information.
In the "About your business" tab, fill out details such as your business name, address, and contact information.
Verify and claim your website:
In the Business Information section, go to the Website tab.
Enter the URL for your online store (starting with http:// or https://).
Click Continue and follow Google’s verification steps.
Meeting Google Merchant Center guidelines
To ensure compliance and maximise visibility, follow these key requirements:
Promote only directly purchasable products:
Ensure all listed items are available for purchase on your website.
Use the appropriate language:
Match the official language of your target market.
Provide transparent policies:
Display clear return and refund policies on your website.
Handle customer data responsibly:
Collect personal information securely and comply with data privacy standards.
Adhere to Google Merchant Center's policies:
Review all relevant policies to avoid suspension or issues with your account.
Ensuring website and product data readiness
Website requirements:
Your site should have secure checkout capabilities (e.g., SSL certification).
Ensure accurate and up-to-date product information is displayed.
Product data compliance:
Follow Google’s Product Data Specification to format your product listings correctly.
Regular account maintenance:
Log in frequently to monitor your account, resolve issues, and keep information current.