Google Trusted Feed Massive Changes

We’ve reported on Google Trusted Feeds in the past (here and here). For the past several years we have noticed that it had been extremely difficult to integrate into Magento stores and some folks had simply given up.

They should definitely revisit that choice today.
In a blog post listed today, Google announced they are significantly cutting the requirements to become a member. Instead of submitting a ton of complicated data feeds, they are just requiring adding code snippets to the store, sounding similar to a Google Analytics snippet.

The most important part of the article:

Applying to become a Trusted Store is now simpler than ever. You only need to create an account and add two snippets of code to your website. You no longer need to submit shipment and cancellations feeds, and you’re now able to specify a custom position for the Trusted Stores badge on your site and display it on HTTPS pages.

We are interested to know why they backtracked on their guidelines and are wondering if there was a massive push-back or just lack of interest in the program to begin with. In anycase, at least it will be easier for folks to become members.