If you’re setting up your products in Google Merchant Center for Shopping Ads or free product listings, you’ll need to provide Google with a properly formatted product data feed.
This can be done in multiple formats—commonly XML (often in the RSS format) or CSV. In this guide, we’ll walk through a simple XML feed example and also give you a file you can download and use.
Understanding the XML/RSS Format
The RSS-based feed is an XML structure where each <item>
contains the required (and optional) product attributes in Google’s namespace. You’ll notice tags like <g:id>
, <g:title>
, <g:description>
, and so on. Each tag holds critical information about a product—such as its price, availability, link to your product page, and images.
An XML feed is often advantageous if your e-commerce platform automatically generates it, or if you have more complex product data that changes frequently. You can submit the feed to Google Merchant Center by providing a direct URL. Google will then periodically crawl this feed to keep your product data fresh.
Key Attributes to Include
- id – A unique identifier for your product.
- title – The product title.
- description – A concise and accurate description of the product.
- link – A link to the product page on your website.
- image_link – A direct link to the main product image.
- availability – For instance, “in_stock,” “out_of_stock,” or “preorder.”
- price – Your product’s price, typically followed by the currency code (e.g., USD).
- brand – The brand or manufacturer of the product.
- condition – Typically “new,” “used,” or “refurbished.”
- shipping – Details about shipping cost and times (optional but helpful).
Below you can see an example of a XML feed:
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:g="http://base.google.com/ns/1.0">
<channel>
<title>Outdoor Journey Store</title>
<link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com</link>
<description>Gear and apparel for camping, hiking, and backpacking</description>
<item>
<g:id>TL-1001</g:id>
<g:structured_title>
<g:digital_source_type>trained_algorithmic_media</g:digital_source_type>
<g:content>"Rest Under the Stars: AI-Enhanced TranquilLight Sleeping Bag (Regular)"</g:content>
</g:structured_title>
<g:structured_description>
<g:digital_source_type>trained_algorithmic_media</g:digital_source_type>
<g:content>"Stay warm on cool nights with the AI-Enhanced TranquilLight Sleeping Bag. Designed to retain heat while remaining breathable, it ensures restful sleep for backpackers and car campers alike."</g:content>
</g:structured_description>
<g:link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/tranquillight-sleeping-bag</g:link>
<g:image_link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/images/tranquillight_sleeping_bag.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:availability>in_stock</g:availability>
<g:price>99.99 USD</g:price>
<g:brand>TranquilLight</g:brand>
<g:color>Red/Grey</g:color>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:shipping>
<g:country>US</g:country>
<g:service>Standard</g:service>
<g:price>7.50 USD</g:price>
<g:min_transit_time>3</g:min_transit_time>
<g:max_transit_time>5</g:max_transit_time>
</g:shipping>
<g:shipping_weight>2.0 lb</g:shipping_weight>
</item>
<item>
<g:id>RR-2002</g:id>
<g:title>RangeRider Hiking Boots</g:title>
<g:description>Durable boots designed for traction and stability on rugged trails. Leather and mesh construction to keep feet protected and comfortable through any terrain.</g:description>
<g:link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/rangerider-hiking-boots</g:link>
<g:image_link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/images/rangerider_hiking_boots.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:availability>in_stock</g:availability>
<g:price>129.95 USD</g:price>
<g:brand>RangeRider</g:brand>
<g:color>Brown</g:color>
<g:size>10</g:size>
<g:gender>male</g:gender>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:shipping_label>OvernightEligible</g:shipping_label>
<g:custom_label_0>Backpacking</g:custom_label_0>
</item>
<item>
<g:id>AF-3003</g:id>
<g:title>AquaFlow Hydration Pack</g:title>
<g:description>Lightweight 2-liter hydration backpack with breathable shoulder straps. Perfect for trail running, mountain biking, or day hikes.</g:description>
<g:link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/aquaflow-hydration-pack</g:link>
<g:image_link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/images/aquaflow_hydration_pack.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:availability>in_stock</g:availability>
<g:price>45.00 USD</g:price>
<g:brand>AquaFlow</g:brand>
<g:color>Blue</g:color>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:product_detail>
<g:section_name>Reservoir</g:section_name>
<g:attribute_name>Capacity</g:attribute_name>
<g:attribute_value>2 liters</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>
<g:product_detail>
<g:section_name>Material</g:section_name>
<g:attribute_name>Fabric</g:attribute_name>
<g:attribute_value>Ripstop nylon</g:attribute_value>
</g:product_detail>
</item>
<item>
<g:id>SM-4004</g:id>
<g:title>SummitMaster Cookware Set</g:title>
<g:description>Compact cookware kit with a non-stick pot, pan, kettle, and foldable utensils. Stacks together for easy packing, ensuring a quick meal after a long day on the trail.</g:description>
<g:link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/summitmaster-cookware</g:link>
<g:image_link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/images/summitmaster_cookware.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:availability>in_stock</g:availability>
<g:price>39.99 USD</g:price>
<g:brand>SummitMaster</g:brand>
<g:color>Grey</g:color>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:cost_of_goods_sold>22.00 USD</g:cost_of_goods_sold>
</item>
<item>
<g:id>CE-5005</g:id>
<g:title>CampEasy Folding Chair</g:title>
<g:description>Sturdy, portable folding chair with a built-in cup holder and carrying strap. Ideal for relaxing around the campsite or cheering at outdoor events.</g:description>
<g:link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/campeasy-folding-chair</g:link>
<g:image_link>https://www.adventuregearpro.com/images/campeasy_folding_chair.jpg</g:image_link>
<g:availability>in_stock</g:availability>
<g:price>24.50 USD</g:price>
<g:brand>CampEasy</g:brand>
<g:color>Green</g:color>
<g:condition>new</g:condition>
<g:product_highlight>Lightweight frame built for quick setup</g:product_highlight>
<g:product_highlight>Durable fabric supports up to 300 lbs</g:product_highlight>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
Download the CSV File
You can download the Google Shopping Feed Template here:
How to Use This CSV File
- Open Your Google Merchant Center: Navigate to Products → Feeds → Press the plus (+) button to add a new primary feed.
- Select “Upload” as your input method.
- Choose the CSV File: Click on “Browse” and select the
google_feed_example.csv
file you saved. - Review & Confirm: Make sure the mappings look correct when Google’s interface reads the file headers.
- Finish: Google will process your products, and any errors or warnings will be displayed in your Merchant Center dashboard.
Want to try the #1 AI Writer for SEO Copywriting?
Create anything from blog posts to product descriptions with 1-click AI drafts or our chat assistant. Powered by a next-gen SEO engine that ensures your content actually ranks. Try it now with a free trial→