Google Adds “Sale” Dimension To Product Listings

By Pamela Parker

Published: March 14, 2011 at 10:00 pm

Screen Shot 2011 03 14 At 8.59.18 PM In a bid to improve the consumer experience with Google Product Search listings, the search giant will soon be requiring three new types of data for feeds targeting the U.S., and one new type for those targeting the U.K. A fourth type of data, which is recommended, but not required, will allow merchants to specify a sale price and effective dates for the sale, so the special pricing can be displayed during the time the sale is in effect.

The company announced the changes today and the first will take effect on May 3rd.

The first change in required data, which applies to both the U.S. and the U.K., is that Unique Product Identifiers — brand name and model number, for example — will be required for all products except apparel and one-of-a-kind items. The Unique Product Identifiers will help Google tie the listings to the appropriate product pages, which feature user reviews, photos, related items and videos.

Additionally, as of June 6th, shipping and tax information will be required on all product listings, to allow consumers to make more informed decisions.

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About the author

Pamela Parker

Pamela Parker is Research Director at Third Door Media's Content Studio, where she produces MarTech Intelligence Reports and other in-depth content for digital marketers in conjunction with Search Engine Land and MarTech. Prior to taking on this role at TDM, she served as Content Manager, Senior Editor and Executive Features Editor. Parker is a well-respected authority on digital marketing, having reported and written on the subject since its beginning. She's a former managing editor of ClickZ and has also worked on the business side helping independent publishers monetize their sites at Federated Media Publishing. Parker earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.