Creating a Google Shopping Feed
Google Shopping is the most popular platform for product advertising. This guide walks you through creating a feed that meets Google’s requirements.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Before creating your feed:
- Products synced in Feedy McFeed Feed
- Google Merchant Center account (for submitting the feed)
- Products that comply with Google Shopping policies
Creating Your Google Shopping Feed
Section titled “Creating Your Google Shopping Feed”-
Navigate to Feeds
Click Feeds in the left sidebar, then click Create Feed.
-
Select Google Shopping
Choose Google Shopping as your platform. This pre-configures the required attributes.
-
Name your feed
Use a descriptive name like:
- “Google Shopping - US”
- “Google Shopping - All Products”
- “Google Shopping - Apparel”
-
Choose your format
Select your preferred format:
- XML — Most flexible, supports all attributes
- TSV — Google’s recommended format, simpler structure
-
Select products
Choose which products to include:
Option Use When All products You want everything in the feed By collection You have a “Google Shopping” collection By product type You want specific categories only By availability You only want in-stock items -
Configure settings
Set feed-specific options:
- Target country — Where products will be advertised
- Currency — Must match your target country
- Language — Content language
-
Create the feed
Click Create Feed. Generation starts automatically.
Required Attributes for Google Shopping
Section titled “Required Attributes for Google Shopping”Google requires these attributes for all products:
| Attribute | Description | Feedy McFeed Feed Source |
|---|---|---|
| id | Unique product identifier | Shopify product/variant ID |
| title | Product name (max 150 chars) | Product title (customizable) |
| description | Product details | Product description (customizable) |
| link | Product page URL | Shopify product URL |
| image_link | Main product image | Featured image |
| availability | In stock, out of stock, preorder | Inventory status |
| price | Product price with currency | Shopify price |
| brand | Manufacturer or brand | Vendor or custom field |
Recommended Attributes
Section titled “Recommended Attributes”These attributes improve ad performance:
| Attribute | Impact |
|---|---|
| gtin | Required for most products with barcodes |
| mpn | Required when GTIN isn’t available |
| google_product_category | Improves ad targeting |
| product_type | Your own categorization |
| condition | new, refurbished, or used |
| additional_image_link | Show multiple product angles |
| sale_price | Highlight discounts |
| shipping | Shipping costs and options |
| custom_label_0-4 | Campaign segmentation |
Apparel-Specific Attributes
Section titled “Apparel-Specific Attributes”If you sell clothing or accessories, also include:
| Attribute | Required For |
|---|---|
| gender | All apparel |
| age_group | All apparel |
| color | Apparel and variants |
| size | Apparel and variants |
| material | When relevant |
| pattern | When relevant |
After Creating Your Feed
Section titled “After Creating Your Feed”1. Check the Health Score
Section titled “1. Check the Health Score”Review your feed’s health score and fix any issues:
- Errors — Must fix for products to be approved
- Warnings — Should fix for better performance
2. Submit to Google Merchant Center
Section titled “2. Submit to Google Merchant Center”Two options:
Option A: Feed URL (Recommended)
- Copy your feed URL from Feedy McFeed Feed
- In GMC, go to Products > Feeds > Add feed
- Choose “Scheduled fetch” and paste your URL
- Set fetch frequency (daily recommended)
Option B: Direct Upload
- Connect GMC to Feedy McFeed Feed
- Enable direct upload in feed settings
- Products sync automatically
3. Set Up Auto-Updates
Section titled “3. Set Up Auto-Updates”Configure automatic feed updates to keep GMC in sync with your inventory.
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”Title Optimization
Section titled “Title Optimization”Good titles include:
- Brand name
- Product name
- Key attributes (color, size, material)
- Model number (if applicable)
Example: “Nike Air Max 90 Men’s Running Shoes - Black/White - Size 10”
Image Requirements
Section titled “Image Requirements”Google requires:
- Minimum 100x100 pixels (250x250 for apparel)
- No watermarks or promotional text
- White or transparent background preferred
- Product clearly visible
Price Accuracy
Section titled “Price Accuracy”Your feed price must match your website:
- Include currency code
- Update when prices change
- Use sale_price for discounts (not reduced price)
Common Issues
Section titled “Common Issues”Products not appearing
Section titled “Products not appearing”- Check GMC for disapprovals
- Verify required attributes are filled
- Ensure products comply with Google policies
Price mismatch errors
Section titled “Price mismatch errors”- Regenerate feed after price changes
- Enable real-time sync
- Check for currency mismatches
Image errors
Section titled “Image errors”- Verify image URLs are accessible
- Check image dimensions
- Remove watermarks or text overlays