Google Search Console has introduced a new feature allowing users to view merchant listings performance in the Google Search Image tab. Previously, this filter was only available in Web Search, mainly for product grids and knowledge panels. Data collection for this feature began on June 4th.
This extension now applies to Image Search, indicating when an image from a site ranks and includes a product label overlay. This overlay shows that the product is available for purchase, including details like availability, pricing, and brand, helping eCommerce sites filter their Image Search data more effectively.
For websites identified by Google as online merchants, a "Shopping" section appears in the Search Console navigation bar. This section provides tools and reports about shopping experiences on Google. Site status is determined programmatically by Google, and eligible sites are those primarily selling physical goods or having Product structured data.
Online Merchant Definition
An online merchant is a site that sells physical goods or services directly to consumers. Sites that redirect users to other sites or do not allow purchase completion on the site are not considered online merchants for Search Console reporting.
Shopping Section Entries
The Shopping section may contain the following entries based on the structured data found on the site:
Product Snippet Rich Report: This report appears if Google finds Product snippet structured data on the site. It shows enhanced web search results, like product ratings and prices.
Merchant Listing Rich Report: This report appears if Google finds Merchant listing structured data on the site. Merchant listings include prices and can appear in carousels or knowledge panels in search results.
Shopping Tab Listings: This page appears if items are eligible to appear in the Shopping tab in Google Search results. It provides information about Shopping tab listings or how to enable products to appear in the Shopping tab.
Even if the Product snippet rich report or Merchant listing rich report is not visible, the Shopping tab listings page may still appear. This indicates that Google found structured data on the site, but the sample data used by Search Console does not contain entity data. In such cases, items can still appear in the Shopping tab.
