Google Merchant Center Brand Name Update What Indian Sellers Must Know
In May 2025, Google updated its Merchant Center guidelines to recommend including brand names in product titles. This change can significantly affect how your product listings rank in Google Shopping — especially for Indian D2C brands, online retailers, and Shopify store owners.
Let’s break it down simply.
What Has Google Recommended?
- New Guidance:
Add the product’s brand name near the start of the product title. - Goal:
Improve clarity for shoppers and increase your chances of showing up in relevant product searches.
Before vs After — Example for Indian Sellers
| Product | Old Title | Recommended New Title |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Running Shoes – Men | Bata Running Shoes – Men |
| Phone | Android Smartphone 6.5″ | Samsung Android Smartphone 6.5″ |
| Mixer | 750W Mixer Grinder | Prestige 750W Mixer Grinder |
Why Does This Matter for Indian Merchants?
- Increased CTR: Product titles with brand names look more credible and catch attention.
- Better Filtering: Google Shopping filters products by brand — so without it, yours may not appear.
- SEO Boost: Google search understands and ranks brand-rich titles better.
Does This Mean It’s Mandatory?
No. It’s not yet a hard policy.
But following it boosts discoverability and quality scores — both crucial for higher ad ROI.
Expert Tip
“For small Indian brands, this is a visibility goldmine. You can now compete with larger names by branding smartly in product titles.”
— Ramesh N., E-commerce SEO Consultant
Best Practices for Product Titles Post-Update
- ✅ Start with brand name (if known)
- ✅ Keep it under 150 characters
- ✅ Use clear, relevant keywords after brand
- ❌ Don’t overstuff (Brand name once is enough)
- ❌ Avoid all caps or gimmicky symbols
Already Running Ads? Do This Now
- Audit Your Product Titles
— Check for brand name presence - Update in Google Merchant Feed
— Use feed rules or update via Excel/Google Sheets - Test & Monitor
— Use performance reports to track impact
For GST Registered Sellers: Will This Affect Your Listings?
No direct GST impact. But better product visibility = better conversions = higher revenue.
Indirectly, you may hit thresholds faster and need to ensure GST compliance (invoicing, e-invoice, returns).
Efiletax can help with automated GST support for small ecommerce sellers.
FAQ: Google Merchant Center Brand Name
Q1. Is this a policy or just a suggestion?
A: It’s a recommendation, not yet a requirement. But following it helps your listings rank better.
Q2. What if I don’t have a brand name?
A: Use your store name or skip it — but your listing may not be filtered as a “branded” product.
Q3. Will this affect Shopping Ads or free listings only?
A: It affects both. Brand-rich titles help in organic shopping tab results and paid ad placements.
Final Thoughts
Google’s Merchant Center update is a subtle but strategic nudge for sellers to enhance product clarity. For Indian e-commerce players, this is a low-effort, high-reward SEO move.
Summary
Google Merchant Center now recommends placing the product’s brand name at the start of your title. Indian ecommerce sellers can benefit from improved SEO, higher visibility, and better CTR. Learn how this simple change can boost your Google Shopping rankings.