Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of How to Opt Out of Google Merchant Center’s Smart Cropping Feature
Google Merchant Center’s Smart Cropping automatically adjusts product images in Google Shopping to improve appearance in search results. However, merchants can opt out of Smart Cropping if the automatic image crop does not meet their expectations. This opt-out applies at the account level and requires approval from the account admin. Knowing this option helps sellers maintain control over how their product images are displayed.
Optimixed’s Overview: Managing Product Image Display with Google Merchant Center’s Smart Cropping Control
Understanding Smart Cropping in Google Shopping
Google Merchant Center uses a feature called Smart Cropping to automatically crop product images in Google Shopping, aiming to make them look better in search results. While this can enhance the visual appeal, it may sometimes crop images in ways that sellers find undesirable.
How to Opt Out of Smart Cropping
- Merchants can request to opt out of Smart Cropping by contacting Google support.
- The opt-out applies at the account level, affecting all products in the Merchant Center account rather than individual items.
- Approval must be authorized by the admin of the Merchant Center account using a provided approval template.
Benefits of Opting Out
- Maintains full control over how product images appear in Google Shopping.
- Prevents unwanted cropping that could distort or misrepresent product visuals.
- Ensures brand consistency and accurate product presentation to potential customers.
Being aware of the Smart Cropping option empowers sellers to optimize their product listings and enhance the shopper experience on Google Shopping by ensuring images display exactly as intended.
