Google | Resolve "Missing Description or Too Short Description" during GMC product pre-check

Product PreCheck the in Google Merchant Center (GMC) helps ensure your product data meets Google's requirements, reducing the risk of account issues. A complete and accurate product description improves product visibility and attracts more customers. Providing detailed descriptions during pre-inspection increases approval rates and enhances product display.

Why This Error Occurs

The system checks for an SEO description first. It looks for content in the general product description field if none exists. If both are empty, the error appears. The system only recognizes plain text. HTML code and content within <> tags, including styling code, are ignored. Product or SEO descriptions containing unsupported HTML also trigger this error.

Solution 1: Update product details in the Shoplazza Admin

This solution updates the actual product description and SEO description displayed on your storefront and in Google Shopping.

1. Access product management: Log in to your Shoplazza admin and go to Products > All Products. Find the product and click it to access the product details page.

2. Add descriptions: Enter or update the product description and/or SEO description.

After updating, allow between 30 minutes and two hours for GMC to sync and re-inspect.

Solution 2: Modify product information in the Shopping Ads Feature

This method modifies the product information specifically for the pre-check. It does not change the product description or SEO description displayed on your storefront.

1. Navigate to the Google section: In your Shoplazza admin, go to Sales Channels > Google. This takes you to the main Google app settings.

2. Access campaign creation: Under the Function tab, click Campaign Creation. This section allows you to manage your Google Shopping campaigns.

3. Select shopping campaign: Click on Shopping Campaign. This will open a list of your existing shopping campaigns or allow you to create a new one. Select the products you are trying to list.

4. Open shopping ads: This will open a new window called Shopping Ads. Click on Products > Products PreCheck and select Complete attributes or upload directly. This area shows all products and any associated errors, including the "Description missing or description too short" error.

5. Access pre-check settings: Click the settings icon. A pop-up or new section will appear. Within this area, you'll find a field specifically for adding or editing the product description for the pre-check. Enter your detailed product description here.

6. Confirm changes: After you've entered or updated the description, click the Confirm button to save your changes. This tells the system to use this new description when running the product pre-check.

Providing complete and accurate product descriptions is essential for successful product listings in Google Shopping. These steps offer two solutions: one for updating your store's product data and another for quickly adjusting the information used during the GMC pre-check. Addressing this issue will improve your product's visibility and attract potential customers.