How to Fix Low-Quality Score Issues in Google Merchant Center: A Step-by-Step Guide

Low-quality score in Google Merchant Center can limit your product visibility. This guide shows how to fix the most common issues: from improving product titles and descriptions to using high-quality images and correcting feed errors. Ensure your pricing and availability are accurate, optimize for mobile, and follow Google’s policies to maintain a strong Merchant Center account.

What Is the Google Merchant Center Quality Score?

While Google doesn’t explicitly show a “quality score” like in Google Ads, it uses internal signals based on:

Step-by-Step to Fix Low-Quality Score in Google Merchant Center

1. Optimize Product Titles

Problem: Vague or irrelevant titles

Fix:

2. Enhance Product Descriptions

Problem: Generic or missing descriptions

Fix:

3. Use High-Quality Images

Problem: Blurry, watermarked, or generic images

Fix:

4. Fix Data Feed Errors

Problem: The feed has missing or incorrect data

Fix:

5. Ensure Accurate Pricing and Availability

Problem: Mismatches between the feed and landing page

Fix:

6. Add and Verify Product Identifiers

Problem: Missing or invalid GTIN, MPN, or brand

Fix:

7. Optimize for Mobile

Problem: Poor mobile landing page experience

Fix:

8. Follow Google Shopping Policies

Problem: Policy violations lower trust and score

Fix:

9. Improve Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Problem: Low CTR signals poor product relevance

Fix:

10. Maintain a Healthy Account Status

Problem: Repeated errors and warnings lower trust

Fix:

Bonus Tip: Automate Feed Optimization

Use tools like:

Final Thoughts

Fixing Google Merchant Center low-quality score issues requires a combination of technical accuracy, SEO-like optimization, and compliance with Google policies. By consistently improving your feed and site experience, you not only enhance your visibility but also reduce ad spend waste.

FAQs

1. What causes low-quality scores in Google Merchant Center?

Policy violations, inaccurate product data, poor landing page experience, missing GTINs or MPNs, and lack of trust signals like reviews or secure checkout often cause low-quality scores in Google Merchant Center. Ensuring accurate and complete product data is key.

2. How do I improve my product data quality in Google Merchant Center?

You can improve your product data by ensuring titles and descriptions are clear and keyword-rich, using correct GTINs and MPNs, including high-quality images, setting accurate pricing and availability, and avoiding promotional text in product feeds.

3. Can a low-quality score affect my Google Shopping ads?

Yes, a low-quality score can reduce your visibility in Google Shopping results and increase your CPC (cost-per-click). Google prioritizes products with high-quality scores, as they offer better user experience and higher ad relevance.

4. How long does it take to improve the quality score in the Merchant Center?

After fixing the issues and updating your product feed, Google Merchant Center typically takes 24–72 hours to reprocess your data and reflect the changes in your quality score and account health.

5. Why are my products disapproved in Google Merchant Center?

Product disapprovals often happen due to violations such as missing or incorrect product identifiers, misleading content, pricing mismatches, or policy non-compliance. Review the diagnostics tab for detailed error reports.

6. What tools can help me monitor and fix low-quality score issues?

Google’s built-in Diagnostics tab, Feed Rules, and Rich Results Test are helpful for identifying and fixing issues. Third-party feed optimization tools like DataFeedWatch, Feedonomics, or GoDataFeed can also automate and streamline data quality improvements.