Google Merchant Center - Website or online store needs improvement

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A Shopify store owner is facing a “Website or online store needs improvement” error in Google Merchant Center, limiting product visibility in the United States. The error persists after a review requested on August 10, 2024.

Google’s requirements include:

  • Domain name must match the uploaded domain
  • No broken links throughout the site
  • No placeholder images or text
  • Product details must match submitted data
  • Complete product information without generic content

The issue was identified through manual review. The store owner now has two separate violations: this website improvement issue plus a previous “misrepresentation” violation. Attempts to fix the problems appear to have worsened the situation rather than resolved it.

Community responses suggest the store may need significant redesign work, including improvements to product settings, descriptions, and overall presentation. One commenter notes Google has been extremely strict since 2020, where minor errors can trigger major issues. The recommendation is to carefully review recent changes and ensure all information is complete and verifiable.

Summarized with AI on October 24. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Website: https://diecastchristmas.com

Have this error on my Google Merchant Center. What am I doing wrong?

QUOTE:

Website or online store needs improvement

Limits visibility of all products in United States

expand_less

During the review you requested on Aug 10, 2024, Google found this still to be an issue. Before you request another review, make sure you meet the requirements.

There was a problem identified with your website. Update your entire website to provide a useful and transparent shopping experience for customers.

Make sure your website meets the following requirements

  • Your website should have a domain name that matches the uploaded domain name
  • Your entire website shouldn’t have any broken links
  • Your website shouldn’t contain any placeholder images or text
  • The product details and categories should match those that you provide in your product data
  • Your website shouldn’t contain generic information and shouldn’t miss crucial information about products help_outline

Learn more about the Editorial & professional requirements policylaunch
How to fix: Check if your online store is fully functionallaunch
Google found this issue through a manual check

2

Hi @gameparts ,

I can fix your Google Merchant Center issues by verifying your domain, fixing broken links, and updating your content. Plus, I can enhance your store’s design for a more professional look. DM me to get further assistance—I’m available to help!

waiting for your DM

3

It might help for others to know what was already said, this may help in new discoveries: https://community.shopify.com/c/shopify-discussions/google-merchant-center-misrepresentation/m-p/2701354/highlight/true#M459824

Or avoid repeating the same.

4

Not sure how much what was previously said is relavant. This “Website or online store needs improvement” shows as a separate fix from the “misrepresentation” violation. Two issues on my account now. Seems making the suggested changes made things worse, not better. see screenshot.

Screenshot 2024-08-12 062617.png
Screenshot 2024-08-12 062617.png1522×702 39.9 KB

5

@gameparts , that is why i did not suggest you to make irrelevant changes, i reviewed your website and store that is for sure not eligible to comply with Google Merchant, it needs to be redesigned and well represented to get approved, for sure it is linked with your product settings and how you display, how you write descriptions and how you market them, if you are designer redo it.

and if you want me to assist you with this, I’m available and ready to fix your problems and make things right, send me a direct message.

Thanks

6

If things got worse, then check what you have changed, misrepresentation, generally means either information is missing, or the info you share can not be verified as correct or true.

Ever since 2020, Google has become very strict, any slight error, can cause big issues.