Google has introduced a new feature that allows e-commerce businesses to configure their shipping and return policies directly within Search Console. This update streamlines the process of providing crucial information that shoppers consider when making online purchases.
How to Access the New Feature
Users can add a simplified version of their site's shipping and return details directly in Search Console by navigating to:
Settings > Shopping > Shipping and returns
Key Points:
Direct Configuration in Search Console: Merchants can now add shipping and return information without leaving the Search Console interface.
Precedence Over Website Markup: These Search Console settings take precedence over configurations on the merchant's website, including product-level merchant listing markup.
Integration with Merchant Center: Policies configured in Search Console automatically appear in Merchant Center, creating a seamless experience across Google's e-commerce tools.
Enhanced Product Listings: Accurate shipping and return information can improve product visibility in Google Search results, potentially showcasing features like free and fast shipping.
General Return Policy Support: Google recently added support for specifying a general return policy for the entire business, eliminating the need to define policies for each product individually.
Best Practices for Using the Feature:
- Use clear and concise descriptions for your shipping and return policies.
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid customer confusion.
- Ensure an exact match between the shipping costs submitted to Google and those displayed on your website to prevent listing rejections.
- Regularly review and update your policies to reflect the latest information.
Access Requirements
To set shipping and return information, you must be an owner or a full user of the Search Console property that's associated with a Merchant Center account.
By leveraging this new capability, e-commerce businesses can potentially improve their visibility in search results and provide the comprehensive information that shoppers seek when making purchasing decisions. Fore more details on how to configure your shipping and returns directly in Google Search Console, please visit the help center article here.
