Google will soon give reliable webshops a badge
Google will provide a badge for reliable webshops in the Shopping section of its search engine. That way they should attract more customers. Initially, the badge will be available to online stores in the United States.
Google ‘Trusted Store’
Google acknowledges in a blog post that many online shoppers use its search engine to find their way to products. During the holiday season, 67 percent in the United States said Google helps them find gifts.
Google is now announcing that it wants to attract even more buyers for products offered in its search engine. This mainly concerns the Shopping tab, because that’s where the badge for web stores with a good reputation will be placed. Webshops can earn a Trusted Store badge if they do relatively well compared to their competitors. Google compares the prices, delivery times and return policy with those of comparable online stores. The badge also comes with a score.
According to Google, figures have already shown that such a badge can increase the visit of online stores. It has a positive effect in particular at the smaller and less well-known stores. Furthermore, Google states that better analysis tools will also be available for online stores that use Shopping.
Monster fine for Shopping
Five years ago, Google was fined €2.5 billion by the European Commission for unfair competition with Shopping. The EU ruled that Google abused its popular search engine to disadvantage other price comparison sites. It has now become free for online stores to be part of Shopping.
The new Trusted Store badge and analytics tools will be available first to merchants in the United States. It is not known when the feature will also be rolled out to Europe. What do you think of webshop scores and badges? Do you research the reviews of stores before you shop online? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.
