Facebook & Instagram Shop Woes? Untangling Review Issues and Policy Compliance

Facebook & Instagram Shop Stuck in Review? You're Not Alone!

Setting up your Facebook and Instagram Shops through Shopify can be a game-changer, but sometimes things don't go as smoothly as we'd like. I recently saw a post in the community from Keido about getting stuck with a dreaded "in review" or "doesn't comply" error message, and it sparked some great discussion. Let's break down the problem and explore some solutions based on the conversation.

The Issue: "In Review" or Non-Compliance Errors

Keido's initial problem was this error:

This Facebook Page or Instagram account can’t be selected because it’s linked to a shop that’s still in review or doesn’t comply with our seller policies. You can try again after you review and resolve Business Support Home issues

They mentioned that this was their first attempt to connect the Shopify store with their business profile, which had been active for 3+ years. The Shopify store was about 6 months old. They also disconnected the account in the meantime, hoping it would help. Sound familiar?

Possible Culprits and How to Tackle Them

So, what could be causing this headache? Here’s what we can gather from Keido's posts and general best practices:

1. Pre-existing Pixels and Connections: Keido mentioned creating a pixel *before* attempting to connect the shop, which enabled ads but not the shop itself. This could definitely be a factor! Facebook might be getting confused by the existing pixel setup.
2. Seller Policy Violations: This is the big one. Facebook is super strict about its seller policies. Even a small violation can trigger the dreaded "doesn't comply" message.
3. Business Manager Issues: There could be underlying issues within your Facebook Business Manager account itself.

Troubleshooting Steps: Let's Get This Sorted

Okay, let's get practical. Here's a step-by-step approach to try and resolve this issue, combining Keido's experience with common solutions:

1. Review Facebook's Seller Policies: I know it sounds obvious, but seriously, go through them with a fine-tooth comb. Make sure your products, descriptions, and store policies are all 100% compliant. Pay close attention to prohibited items, misleading claims, and proper disclaimers.
2. Check Your Business Support Home: This is where Facebook will tell you about any specific issues with your account. Look for any flags or warnings and address them immediately.
3. Pixel Troubleshooting: Since a pre-existing pixel might be the culprit, try the following:
   • Remove the Old Pixel: If you're not actively using the old pixel, consider removing it entirely.
   • Verify Pixel Setup: Double-check that your pixel is properly installed and tracking events correctly. Use the Facebook Pixel Helper Chrome extension to verify.
4. Disconnect and Reconnect: Since Keido already disconnected the account, let's use that to our advantage. Wait a few hours (or even overnight) and then try reconnecting your Facebook Page and Instagram account to your Shopify store. This can sometimes clear up temporary glitches.
5. Contact Facebook Support: If you've tried everything else and you're still stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to Facebook support. They can provide more specific guidance based on your account.

It's worth noting that Facebook's review process can sometimes be a bit opaque. It might take some trial and error to figure out exactly what's triggering the error message. Be patient, persistent, and always double-check those seller policies!

Connecting your Shopify store to Facebook and Instagram Shops can be a fantastic way to reach more customers. Don't let these initial hurdles discourage you. By systematically troubleshooting the issue and ensuring compliance with Facebook's policies, you'll be well on your way to a successful social commerce strategy. Remember to double-check your pixel setup, meticulously review Facebook's policies, and utilize the Business Support Home for any flagged issues. Good luck, and happy selling!