• Twitter
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
premier google partner agency microsoft partner advertising agency(234) 380-1650 Contact Us
Hedges & Company
  • Our Work
    • Case Studies
    • Blog Articles
    • About Us
    • Results
  • Digital Marketing
    • Digital Marketing Overview
    • Pay Per Click PPC
    • SEO Plans
    • Programmatic Advertising
    • Website Audit
    • Results
  • Research
    • Automotive Market Research
    • Vehicle Registration Statistics
    • Vehicle Registration FAQs
  • Mailing Lists
    • Automotive Mailing Lists
    • Buy a Motorcycle Mailing List
    • Automotive B2B Lists
    • Automotive SIC, NAICS Codes
    • Mailing List FAQs
    • Mailing Lists >
      • BMW Owners Mailing List
      • Camaro Mailing List
      • Corvette Owners List
      • Electric Car Companies and Hybrid EV Lists for Direct Mail
      • Ford F-Truck Mailing List
      • Ford Mustang List
      • Harley-Davidson Mailing List
      • Jeep Owners Mailing List
      • Volkswagen Audi Recall List
      • Dodge Chrysler Jeep Recall List
      • Kia Recall List
  • Email Services
    • Email Prospecting
    • Email Lists
  • Careers
  • Menu Menu

Google Shopping Image Requirements and Specifications for Auto Parts in 2021

Marketing Articles
4.3
(12)
Table of Contents hide
1) Google Shopping image requirements
2) Google Shopping feed specs for auto parts for 2021
3) Artificial intelligence scans your images
4) Google Shopping image requirements: Disapproval due to missing images
5) New disapprovals we see in 2020-2021
6) Google Shopping disapproval due to “promotional text or logos”
7) Google Shopping image requirement disapproval: image has text
8) Disapproval when a kit has multiple parts in an image
9) Disapproval due to image background
10) Google Shopping disapproval due to watermarks
11) Google Shopping feed management: other reasons for image disapproval
12) Other Google Shopping feed specification in 2021
13) Google Shopping feed specification questions? Call us
Google Shopping logo

©2021 Google LLC, used with permission. Google and the Google logo are registered trademarks of Google LLC. Google Shopping is a trademark of Google LLC.

If you use Google Shopping for auto parts in 2021, you may have images are disapproved for not complying with Google Shopping image requirements or Google Shopping feed specifications. Maybe you received the “risk of disapproval” notice, followed by the dreaded “preemptively disapproved” notice.

There continue to be a lot of changes with Google Shopping image requirements through 2021. But don’t worry, we break it all down for you right here along with changes in Google Shopping data feed requirements.

Google Shopping image requirements

Google Shopping image requirements for size specify a minimum of 100 pixels x 100 pixels. That’s a minimum dimension for everything on Google Shopping except clothing. You’ll have better results if you use the minimum size for clothing, 250 pixels x 250 pixels. Or, better yet go up to 500 pixels x 500 pixels or even 800 pixels x 800 pixels.

  • 100 x 100 pixels minimum for auto parts.
  • 250 x 250 pixels minimum for apparel.
  • 64 megapixel resolution maximum.
  • 16 MB image size maximum.

Google Shopping feed specs for auto parts for 2021

google shopping feed disapproval message

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Example of a feed disapproval message.

Shopping is a great way to sell aftermarket or OEM auto parts. It also has a nice conversion rate and ROI. For many companies selling auto parts online, Shopping is their primary source of paid search revenue. For our clients it’s usually between 50% and 90% of total paid search revenue.

It’s a big deal when auto parts drop out of a Merchant Center product feed.

It takes time to fix, and your Google Shopping campaigns do not show these products.

We’ve seen stricter reinforcing of Google Shopping feed specifications for aftermarket auto parts in recent years. This started as far back as September 2018. When you get warnings on your auto parts images, it may not make total sense. This article explains how Google’s image disapprovals work and how you can do a better job complying with Google Shopping feed specs.

The image requirements for Google Shopping are pretty clear. We’ve also seen a trend where images are at risk of disapproval if they don’t also follow Google Shopping best practices.

Artificial intelligence scans your images

Google is getting better at identifying images that don’t pass quality guidelines. Images not meeting Google Shopping feed specs are flagged. Sometimes, the algorithm is a bit too aggressive, too.

Google Shopping image requirements: Disapproval due to missing images

placeholder image coming soon not allowedMissing images are bad and always have been. Google doesn’t like auto parts with missing images. If you got by with missing images so far, consider yourself lucky.

You’re under the microscope once you’re “caught.” Eliminate all auto parts with missing images now. Don’t wait for auto parts images to be disapproved. That way, you avoid close scrutiny in the future.

Google Shopping image requirements don’t allow auto parts listings without an image, or with a generic “missing image” image.

New disapprovals we see in 2020-2021

Feed image example

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Disapproved image due to “Dangerous products…”

Here are two examples of disallowed images that are new types of disapprovals. This first image is of a Jeep antenna mast. This probably got flagged by artificial intelligence: Look closely at the reason given for its disapproval! Hey, even artificial intelligence isn’t perfect.

In this example, we submitted this to Google for approval and it was approved. But, this shows it is important to review your images for similar, incorrect, disapprovals.

product disallowed by google

CLICK TO ENLARGE: A product disapproved for enabling dishonest behavior.

This next example is a product that is disapproved for “Products that enable dishonest behavior (Hacking).” This isn’t an image problem, it’s a product problem. But we wanted to include it here.

We first noticed this type of disapproval in January of 2020. This is the first example we’ve seen where a product that allegedly defeats emissions equipment is flagged for enabling “dishonest behavior.” This is something automotive aftermarket marketers should watch for.

 

Google Shopping disapproval due to “promotional text or logos”

disallowed text image example

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Example of disallowed text for an image.

Google’s shopping feed specifications do not allow text to appear in an auto parts image. The image requirements state, “…all items on Google Shopping require an unobstructed image that does not contain additional promotional elements.”

disallowed text/logo in google shopping feed image

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Example of disallowed text/logo.

In the first example, we pulled this crate engine image from a popular aftermarket auto parts website. It’s a great image for a website! But, this image violates Google’s policy on promotional text or logos. This product image will be disapproved.

The “FREE SHIPPING” icon is the reason for the disapproval. This product has a secondary image without the icon and in this case, that secondary image would be perfect for Google Shopping.

In this second example, two logos appear in the exhaust parts photo. These logos are in violation because these are “promotional elements.” This image does not comply with Google Shopping image requirements.

Google Shopping image requirement disapproval: image has text

image with allowed text

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Allowable text for a feed image.

Some auto parts, shirts or hats have text or logos on them. Do they fall under the “no promotional text or logos” rule?

No. These product images are fine to use in Google Shopping. Occasionally, the artificial intelligence algorithm “reads” text in the image and interprets it as promotional text or a logo. The algorithm “thinks” you violated a Google Shopping feed specification. These misinterpretations increased in 2020 but seem to have dropped off and stabilized in 2021.

If you were previously flagged for a disapproved image, you’re also subject to additional scrutiny like with missing product images mentioned above.

Here’s an example of an image for a Banks Monster-Ram. It could potentially be flagged as having promotional text. If this image would get disapproved, Google has a method of requesting a manual review of disapproved images. There’s a link to request a manual review in the email you receive.

Disapproval when a kit has multiple parts in an image

google shopping feed specifications

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Example of multiple parts included in one kit or SKU.

google shopping feed specification

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Multiple part numbers in one image: not allowed.

Another automated disapproval comes from images showing multiple parts because they’re part of a kit.

This is actually fairly common.

Here are two examples of auto parts. One is OK but the other one violates a Google Shopping feed specification.

The first example is a kit. In a Google Shopping feed, artificial intelligence may disapprove this image because it shows several parts instead of one.

This first image is actually OK for Google Shopping. If you get a disapproval notice, submit this for manual approval like the Monster-Ram above.

The second example shows an auto part in one image from two different views. It displays two parts, but it sells in units of one. In this example, the quantity required is 1, UOM (“unit of measure”), is “ea” (“each”).

If used for Shopping, it violates Google Shopping specifications. It needs a new photo showing just one product, not two.

You must use two separate images to show a product from two angles.

Disapproval due to image background

google image feed requirements

CLICK TO ENLARGE: A dark background not allowed for images.

Google’s description of low image quality says, “…we recommend your main image…use a solid white, gray, or light colored background.”

Don’t believe that it is merely a recommendation.

To be safe, consider this recommendation a requirement.

They evaluate images on best practices, as well as published requirements. We recommend all images use a solid white, gray or light colored background. Images that don’t have a solid white, gray or light background risk disapproval.

This example shows a product on a black background. This is great for a product page but this photo is not a valid image for a Google Shopping feed. It doesn’t comply with the Google Shopping feed specification for a product image.

Google Shopping disapproval due to watermarks

google shopping image specifications

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Watermarks not allowed.

Google Shopping feed specifications don’t allow watermarked images. “Watermarked” means a logo appears on top of an image. This is prevents others from stealing the image from a website.

While watermarked images may not be flagged at first, once they do, Google sends a “risk of disapproval” email. You must submit new images within about 30 days.

This example is a clear violation of a Google Shopping feed specification. It does not comply with Google Shopping image requirements.

If you have concerns about someone stealing images from your Merchant Center feed, don’t worry. Unless someone is logged into your Merchant Center they don’t have access to your full-size image and it can’t be stolen. They can only copy the tiny version displayed in Shopping ads.

Some eCommerce platforms let you display a watermark on top of an image programmatically. This lets you display a watermark on your own website but also keeps the image clean for Google Shopping. It also avoids the need to manually add watermarks and maintain two separate files of images.

Google Shopping feed management: other reasons for image disapproval

Image size is important for Google Shopping. Auto parts images must be at least 100 x 100 pixels or larger. They must be less than 16 MB. Images for apparel, including automotive T-shirts, hats, jackets or hoodies, must be at least 250 x 250 pixels.

Images must be photos of the actual product, not a placeholder, “looks like” image, or a “representative part” image. Image formats must be non-animated GIF (.gif), PNG (.png), JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), BMP (.bmp), or TIFF (.tif or .tiff) files.

There are two Google Shopping categories where an illustration is acceptable: Hardware and Vehicles & Parts. Illustrations still can’t show text, part numbers, frames, or multiple products in one image.

Other Google Shopping feed specification in 2021

In May 2020 we started to see aggressive disapprovals for product pages with redirects. Product pages for products that are no longer “live” (maybe for a product being out of stock) that redirect to a home page result in an entire Merchant Center feed being suspended. That’s because in Google’s automated process it looks for an “Add to Cart” or “Buy” button (which doesn’t exist on a home page). When it doesn’t find a button, it flags the feed for possible suspension.

Secret tip: use schema on your product page to identify a part number with the schema for “SKU.” Don’t flag it with schema identifying it as “MPN.”

Google Shopping feed specification questions? Call us

We’re experts in using automotive data to build, manage and optimize Merchant Center feeds. We manage millions of rows of data for Shopping. We’re also experts at Google Shopping feed specifications as well as the new Smart Shopping campaigns. If you need help with your Shopping campaigns we’d love to talk to you!

We’re recently getting a lot of search queries for גוגל שופינג but unfortunately we don’t have this article published in Hebrew.

Google Shopping Image Requirements and Specifications for Auto Parts in 2021 was last modified: January 21st, 2021 by admin

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4.3 / 5. Vote count: 12

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Since you thought this post was useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post wasn't useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

September 13, 2018/by admin
Tags: Automotive Aftermarket Trends 2020, Automotive Aftermarket Trends 2021, Automotive Digital Marketing, Automotive SEO PPC, Car Parts Marketing Ideas and Trends, Google Ads, Selling Auto Parts Online
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share by Mail

Hedges & Company blog

BLOG HOME

Driven by results.
Powered by knowledge.

Blog Categories

  • Aftermarket Analysis (129)
  • Market Research (105)
  • Marketing Articles (113)

Our Latest Articles

  • In With Audience Buying, Out With Media Buying. In With Audience Planning, Out With Media PlanningJanuary 21, 2021 - 4:25 pm
  • Automotive Email Marketing Trends 2021January 14, 2021 - 4:11 pm
  • What is Programmatic Marketing?December 18, 2020 - 2:00 pm

Location

Hedges & Company
5603 Darrow Road, Suite 100
Hudson OH 44236-5015
(234) 380-1650
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm EST Mon.-Fri.
All company names, brand names, trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. BuyerZoom™ and BrandZoom™ are trademarks of Hedges & Company. Copyright 2021 Hedges & Company.

Our Services

  • Digital Marketing
  • Research
  • Mailing Lists
  • Email Services
  • Vehicle Recall Lists
  • In-Market Lists
  • Automotive Direct Mail Advertising

About Us

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Careers
  • Case Studies
  • News
  • Privacy & Legal

Our Blog

  • Blog Home Page
  • Aftermarket Trends & Analysis
  • Automotive Market Research
  • Aftermarket Marketing Articles
Most popular vehicle in each state: fun facts hybrid vehicles by state Pickup Truck Owner Demographics: Who Buys Pickup Trucks?
Scroll to top
Fast Quote


    Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on Google or BingPaid Search (PPC) on Google or BingDisplay ads & banner adsEmail marketingGoogle ShoppingNot sure (You can describe what you need at the bottom of the page)


    Immediate! Please get back to me right awayWithin a month1 or 2 monthsJust gathering information for now


    Not being managed, or not doing online marketingManaging in-houseOutside agency


    Having positive ROI: sales vs. budgetIncreasing traffic to my websiteIncreasing brand awarenessCompeting with Amazon or eBayOther (please explain below)


    $5,000 or less$5,000 to $7,500$7,500 to $10,000$10,000 or more

    This form uses Akismet, reCAPTCHA and this quiz to prevent spam and bot submissions.

    Website Audit


      Website SEO AuditDigital Marketing Audit


      Immediate! Please get back to me right awayWithin a month1 or 2 monthsJust gathering information for now

      This form uses Akismet, reCAPTCHA and this quiz to prevent spam and bot submissions.

      SEO Quote


        Base SEO PlanSEO Leader Plan


        Immediate! Please get back to me right awayWithin a month1 or 2 monthsJust gathering information for now

        This form uses Akismet, reCAPTCHA and this quiz to prevent spam and bot submissions.

        Mailing List Quote


          Postal listEmail listOnline digital audience

          This form uses Akismet, reCAPTCHA and this quiz to prevent spam and bot submissions.

          Paid Search


            Google Shopping PlanBasic Paid Search PlaneCommerce LeaderNative or Programmatic Advertising


            Immediate! Please get back to me right awayWithin a month1 or 2 monthsJust gathering information for now

            This form uses Akismet, reCAPTCHA and this quiz to prevent spam and bot submissions.