Requirements for Listing Products on Google Shopping

1. Product Identification

Product Title: The title should be concise yet descriptive, including key features like brand, model, size, or color. Avoid promotional language and excessive capitalization.

Product Description: Provide a clear and detailed description of the product. Include its uses, features, and any unique qualities. Descriptions should be accurate and helpful to the customer.

Product Category: Select the most relevant category from Google's predefined list. This helps in accurately classifying the product for better search relevance.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN): This unique identifier, like a UPC or ISBN, is essential for product identification, especially for branded products.

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): Required especially if the product does not have a GTIN. It's the number which uniquely identifies the product to its manufacturer.

Brand Name: Essential for branded products, helping in distinguishing them from generic products.

2. Product Details

Product Type: Specify the type of product, which may differ from the category. It provides additional information about the product.

Product Variants: Include details like size, color, material, etc. Each variant must be listed as a separate product with unique identifiers.

Quantity Available: Indicate the available stock quantity to manage customer expectations and inventory.

Product Condition: Specify whether the product is new, refurbished, or used. This is critical for customer expectation management.

3. Pricing and Availability

Price: List the product’s price accurately, including currency. Ensure compliance with Google’s pricing policies.

Sale Price: If applicable, list the discounted price along with the original price. Mention the duration of the sale period.

Currency: Specify the currency in which the product is sold, important for international sales.

Availability Status: Indicate whether the product is in stock, out of stock, or available for preorder.

Price Validity Dates: Specify the time period during which the listed prices are valid.

4. Imagery and Media

Main Product Image: Provide a clear, high-resolution image of the product. Follow Google’s image guidelines regarding size and background.

Additional Images: Include multiple images showing different angles and details. This helps customers get a better view of the product.

Image Format and Quality Requirements: Adhere to specific formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and quality standards set by Google.

Video Links: If applicable, provide links to videos showcasing the product. This can enhance customer engagement.

5. Shipping Information

Shipping Costs: Clearly state the shipping costs, including any variations based on location or quantity.

Shipping Weight: Provide the weight of the product as it impacts shipping costs.

Shipping Dimensions: List the dimensions of the product for shipping purposes.

Estimated Delivery Time: Give customers an estimate of how long it will take for the product to be delivered.

Shipping Restrictions: Note any restrictions on shipping, like geographic limitations or shipping methods.

6. Tax Information

Tax Category: Classify the product in the appropriate tax category.

Tax Rate: If applicable, mention the tax rate that applies to the product.

Regional Tax Considerations: Note any regional tax considerations that might apply, such as different rates in different states or countries.

7. Product Compliance and Safety

Safety Standards Compliance: For certain products, compliance with safety standards or certifications may be required.

Age Group and Gender Targeting: Specify if the product is intended for a specific age group or gender, particularly important for products like toys or apparel.

Material Safety Data Sheets: For products that require this, such as chemicals, provide the necessary safety data sheets.

8. SEO and Marketing

Keywords and Tags: Include relevant keywords and tags to improve searchability and visibility on Google Shopping.

Meta Descriptions: Write effective meta descriptions for your products to enhance SEO.

Promotional Text: If applicable, include promotional text to highlight offers or features.

9. Inventory and Stock Management

Stock Keeping Unit (SKU): Assign a unique SKU to each product for inventory management.

Inventory Tracking Method: Describe how inventory levels are tracked and updated.

Restock Dates: If a product is out of stock, provide information on when it will be restocked.

10. Product Reviews and Ratings

Customer Reviews Linking: Link to customer reviews of the product, if available, to provide social proof and credibility.

Average Rating Display: If possible, display the average customer rating for the product.

11. Technical Specifications

Technical Attributes: Include detailed technical specifications like dimensions, weight, etc., which are crucial for certain products.

Compatibility Information: For tech products, specify compatibility with other devices or systems.

12. Return and Warranty Policy

Return Policy Details: Clearly outline the return policy, including the time frame and condition for returns.

Warranty Information: Provide details of any warranty that comes with the product.

13. Seller Information

Seller Name: Provide the name of the seller or the store.

Contact Information: Include contact details for customer support or inquiries.

Storefront Link: Link to your storefront or main website where customers can browse more products.

14. Localization

Language: Specify the language in which the product information is presented.

Regional Availability: Note if the product is available only in specific regions or countries.

15. Data Feed Specifications

Data Feed Format: Your product information should be in a format accepted by Google, like XML or CSV.

Data Feed Submission Process: Detail the process of submitting your product data feed to Google Shopping.

Update Frequency: Indicate how often the product data feed will be updated.