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Setting Up Feed URLs in GMC

The recommended way to get your products into GMC is through feed URLs. GMC fetches your feed on a schedule, keeping your products up to date automatically.

BenefitDescription
Automatic updatesGMC fetches changes on schedule
Easy debuggingDownload and inspect feed files
No API quotasFetch method has no rate limits
Historical dataFeed files preserved for troubleshooting
Industry standardWidely documented and supported
  1. Go to Feeds

    In Feedy McFeed Feed, click Feeds in the sidebar.

  2. Select your feed

    Click on your Google Shopping feed.

  3. Copy the URL

    Click the Copy URL button next to “Feed URL”.

Your URL looks like:

https://yourdomain.com/feeds/abc123-def456.xml
  1. Open Merchant Center

    Go to Google Merchant Center.

  2. Navigate to Feeds

    Click Products > Feeds in the left menu.

  3. Add new feed

    Click the + button or Add feed.

  4. Configure feed basics

    • Country of sale: Your target market
    • Language: Feed content language
    • Click Continue
  5. Enter feed name

    Use a descriptive name like “Feedy McFeed Feed - All Products”.

  6. Choose scheduled fetch

    Select Scheduled fetch as the input method.

  7. Enter feed URL

    Paste your Feedy McFeed Feed URL.

  8. Set fetch frequency

    Choose how often GMC fetches:

    • Daily — For most stores (recommended)
    • Weekly — For stable catalogs
  9. Set fetch time

    Choose when GMC fetches. Pick a time after Feedy McFeed Feed regenerates.

  10. Create feed

    Click Create feed to finish.

Store TypeRecommended FrequencyReason
Frequent price changesDailyKeep prices accurate
Frequent inventory changesDailyAvoid selling out-of-stock
Stable catalogWeeklyReduce unnecessary processing
Large catalog (100k+)DailyAllow time for processing

For best results, ensure GMC fetches after Feedy McFeed Feed regenerates:

Example schedule:

  1. Feedy McFeed Feed regenerates at 2:00 AM
  2. GMC fetches at 4:00 AM
  3. Products updated by morning
  1. Go to Feeds > select feed > Settings
  2. Set Regeneration Schedule
  3. Choose time before GMC fetch

After adding your feed:

  1. Go to Products > Feeds
  2. Click on your feed
  3. Click Fetch now
  4. Wait for processing

Download and inspect your feed:

  1. In Feedy McFeed Feed, click Download Feed
  2. Open the file
  3. Verify products appear correctly

Add supplemental feeds for additional data:

  • Add data to existing products (don’t create new ones)
  • Override specific attributes
  • Add custom labels or promotions

In GMC:

  1. Go to Products > Feeds
  2. Click Add supplemental feed
  3. Enter Feedy McFeed Feed supplemental URL
  4. Map attributes to update

You might need multiple feeds for:

ScenarioApproach
Multiple countriesOne feed per country/language
Different product setsFiltered feeds by collection
Testing vs ProductionSeparate feeds with different settings
  1. Create separate feeds in Feedy McFeed Feed for each need
  2. Add each feed URL to GMC
  3. Label feeds clearly in both systems

Check:

  • URL is accessible (test in browser)
  • No firewall blocking Google’s IPs
  • Feed file isn’t empty

Common errors and solutions:

ErrorSolution
404 Not FoundVerify URL is correct
403 ForbiddenCheck token if protected
TimeoutLarge feed may need more time
Invalid XMLCheck feed for formatting errors

Check:

  • Feed actually regenerated with changes
  • GMC completed fetch (check fetch history)
  • Processing didn’t fail (check diagnostics)

Cause: Same product in multiple feeds or ID conflicts. Solution: Use unique IDs or designate one feed as primary.

OptionProsCons
PublicSimple setupAnyone can access
Token-protectedSecureSlightly complex setup
  1. In Feedy McFeed Feed, go to feed Settings
  2. Enable Require authentication
  3. Copy the generated token
  4. Add token to GMC feed URL:
    https://example.com/feeds/abc.xml?token=secret123

For maximum security, restrict access to Google’s IPs:

  • Configure in your hosting/firewall
  • Google publishes their IP ranges