How to create Google Merchant Center feed file

The principle of operation of the service.

Google Merchant Center Service helps to promote your online store in the Google search engine. In the article, we will tell how this tool works, describe the stages of its configuration and features of use. Namely, we will describe the settings for exporting the product catalog from our Product Catalog Export PRO module.

GMC is a platform on which a seller can upload product information from their store. In essence, it is a service that allows businesses to use additional opportunities for promotion - contextual advertising Google Ads and advertising campaigns Google Shopping.

To export your store product to GMC you need to create a feed file. A feed is a file that contains information about products on your site.

From this feed file, the search engine takes data to generate ads. The system itself decides whether to show ads or not, based on data from your feed. This file determines the relevance of your ads, so it's important that you comply with all Google requirements.

Mandatory feed attributes.

There are mandatory and optional attributes for feeds. If they are filled in incorrectly or one of the required attributes is missing, the ads will not be displayed.

Required attributes:

• id -identifier - a permanent unique identifier of the product, up to 50 characters. Examples: 259025, F256A;
  
  
• title - the name of the product, up to 150 characters. Example: Samsung 50 UHD TV;
  
  
• description - description of the product, up to 5000 characters. Example: Women's evening dress made of cotton. A bright and creative combination of colors;
  
  
• link - a direct link to the product page. Example: https://www.demo.com/catalog/women/wear/123456;
  
  
• image_link - a link to the main image of the product. Example: https://www.demo.com/catalog/women/dresses/123456/main.jpg;
  
  
• availability - the availability of goods in the store. Examples: in_stock (available), preorder (pre-order);
  
  
• price - the value of the goods, the number must be recorded according to ISO 4217 or numeric. Example: 50.00 USD. NOTE: The module automatically generates the correct price;
  
  
• brand - brand of goods, up to 70 characters. Example: Apple;
  
  
• gtin or mpn - international product codes. Example: 09745801222.

These are required fields. With a full list of attributes, options, and their meanings, as well as detailed feed requirements, we recommend reading the article on this page.

How to create a feed file?

1. Go to the admin panel of Products Catalog (CSV, Excel, XML) Export PRO module and click «New Export»:

 

 

2. Fill in and select the options you need, language, format type-«Google Shopping», and go to the third step by clicking on the «Filter Fields» button. Leave the second step - «Filter products» - blank, if you don't need to filter any fields by options & values:

 

 

 

 

3. Carefully read the required fields. The fields that are most suitable for the required values are marked in blue. Look at the tab on the left to find the field you need. One of the possible fields for export to GMC is shown below:

 

 

NOTE: This is the easiest way to export the file you need. It contains all the required fields for GMC. If you want to add other optional fields or fields with your own values, use the «Add custom field» button:

 

 

To add a custom field you need to select a field, enter a field name, choose which GMC attribute will be associated with the new field, and enter a condition if required:

 

  

That's all! Don't forget to click «Export» button or to save the option for future use by clicking «Save»: