How to Handle Missing GTINs for Your Products on Google
If you’re running an online store, you might have encountered a frustrating issue: some of your products are getting rejected by Google because they don’t have a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This can happen when a manufacturer doesn’t provide GTINs, leaving you in a bind when trying to list those products. Don’t worry; there’s a solution to this problem that can keep your listings intact and your products visible.
Why Are GTINs Important?
GTINs are unique identifiers for products that help Google and other platforms understand what you’re selling. They play a crucial role in ensuring that your products are correctly categorized and displayed in search results. When GTINs are missing, Google may reject those listings, which can lead to lost sales and visibility.
The Solution: Use SKU or MPN Instead
If you find yourself in a situation where your products don’t have GTINs, you can set up a workaround using your product’s SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) or MPN (Manufacturer Part Number). In this case, using the SKU is often the best choice, especially if your products don’t have the MPN attribute.
Here’s how you can implement this solution using ShoppingFeeder:
Create a Rule
You can set up a rule in ShoppingFeeder to automatically assign the SKU or MPN to the GTIN field when the GTIN is empty. This means that instead of leaving that field blank and risking rejection, you’ll provide Google with another identifier.
Set It Up
The specific rule you want to create is:
- Set GTIN = SKU where GTIN is Empty.
Implementation
If you’re using ShoppingFeeder, reach out to their support team for assistance in creating this rule. They can help you implement it smoothly.
For example, let’s say you have a product with the SKU of “12345” but no GTIN provided by the manufacturer. By applying this rule, when Google checks the GTIN field, it will see “12345” instead of an empty field, helping to keep your product listed and visible.
Why This Works
This workaround is effective because it allows you to provide Google with a valid identifier, even if it’s not the GTIN they typically prefer. As long as you’re consistent with your SKUs and ensure they are unique to each product, this method can help you maintain your product listings without interruption.
Final Thoughts
Missing GTINs can be a headache for online merchants, but with a little creativity and the right setup, you can keep your products on Google’s radar. By substituting GTINs with SKUs or MPNs, you can minimize the risk of rejection and ensure that your products remain available to potential customers. If you need help implementing this solution, don’t hesitate to reach out to your e-commerce platform’s support team for guidance. Happy selling!