GMC Misrepresentation

Ask Me Anything Q&A Feedarmyama

Topic summary

A merchant selling clothing, bags, and shoes received a second Misrepresentation violation from Google Merchant Center (GMC) after their initial review request was denied on May 21, 2025. They cannot advertise products in the United Kingdom until resolved.

Merchant’s Questions:

  • What specific changes are needed to their simple, minimal store design?
  • Should they add customer reviews to product pages?
  • Is there a specific order for adding products after approval? (Currently only 5 of 100+ products are active)

Google’s Requirements:

  • Provide clear business identity, policies, and customer interaction methods
  • Display reviews or trust badges/seals of approval
  • Use professional design with SSL certificate
  • Complete business information settings in Merchant Center
  • Follow SEO guidelines and match product data between store and Merchant Center

Expert Response:
A comprehensive analysis is needed. Real customer reviews are essential for trust signals. No specific product upload order exists, but the website and business must be fully compliant before adding products. Multiple policy guides and resources were provided for reference.

The merchant requested their website link be reviewed for specific feedback.

Summarized with AI on October 28. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

hi
After I verified my identity in first Misrepresentation on gmc and requested a review, I was again faced with Misrepresentation:
What changes are needed? My store is in the field of clothing, bags and shoes, and I have kept the design simple and minimal.
Does the product page need to change? Should I add user reviews?
I have more than 100 products, but I only activated 5 to get GMC approval and then add them.
Is there a specific order to add products after Misrepresentation approval?

It gave this error.

  • Misrepresentation
    Prevents all products from showing in United Kingdom
    ® During the review you requested on May 21, 2025, Google found this to still be an issue. Make sure
    you meet the requirements before you request another review from May 24, 2025.
    Based on the information available about your business, there is reason to believe that customers are being misled on Google. Review the Misrepresentation policy and make changes to your Merchant Center and/or online store.
    Make sure your Merchant Center and online store follow the following best practices / guidelines
  • Provide transparency about your business identity, business model, policies and how your customers can interact with you
  • Promote your online reputation by showing reviews or highlighting any badges or seals of approval
  • Use a professional design for your online store that includes an SSL certificate [email removed]
  • Provide information in the business information settings in your Merchant Center ®
  • Follow SEO guidelines, improve your eligibility for seller ratings and match your product data in your Merchant Center with your online store
2

What changes are needed can be a big list, which requires a deep analysis of your website, account, and business.

Yes, you should have real reviews to increase your trust signals.

There is no specific order. However, the website and business must be compliant prior to uploading products, and as you already have added a product, You can not change the order.

Follow the guides and policies below:

https://support.google.com/google-ads/community-video/318699100
https://support.google.com/google-ads/community-guide/304792695
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6150127
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6363310/follow-the-merchant-center-guidelines
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/7052112
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/4752265
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/13693865
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6149970
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/9158778
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6150244
https://support.google.com/google-ads/community-guide/241068758

3

Thank you. Can you send me a link to check?