Data Feed Optimization

Data feed optimization, the art of optimizing the information merchants provide to comparison shopping engines and marketplaces to increase relevance, web traffic and ultimately sales. The landscape of DFO is constantly evolving as shopping engines make changes in their algorithms and policies.

A Hidden Opportunity to Optimize: Google Image Search

July 30, 2012
A Hidden Opportunity to Optimize: Google Image Search

Virtually everyone involved in online marketing understands the importance of on-page image optimization. However, did you ever consider image optimization in Google Image Search as a potential source of traffic to your e-commerce store? On July 27, 2012, Google removed Product Search results from the One Box and isolated them in the new Google Shopping ... read more »

An Easier Way To Set Up Google Product Listing Ads (PLAs) And Why You SHOULDN’T Do It

July 25, 2012
An Easier Way To Set Up Google Product Listing Ads (PLAs) And Why You SHOULDN’T Do It

In an effort to get merchants into the swing of paid listings, Google has introduced a new, more streamlined way to set up Google Product Listing Ads.  It’s a quick three step process that Google hopes will draw in merchants who are not well-versed in AdWords, or who think that setting up a Product Listing ... read more »

Google Shopping Shipping and Tax

December 15, 2011
Google Shopping Shipping and Tax

If you have been having issues with your shipping costs not showing properly in Google Product Search but are unable to figure out why, we may have an answer for you. Google Merchant Center says that you must specify shipping cost in either the data feed or in the Merchant Center, but not both. We ... read more »

Google Analytics: A Closer Look

December 12, 2011
Google Analytics: A Closer Look

See how Google Analytics has changed and how it can affect eCommerce The new version of Google Analytics isn’t exactly new; it’s been available for months. However, many have avoided it for the sake of efficiency, especially those in eCommerce. While the old version runs fine and has become comfortable for many people, the new ... read more »

Google Shopping Holiday Feed Restrictions

November 23, 2011
Google Shopping Holiday Feed Restrictions

Ecommerce businesses that participate in Google’s comparison shopping engine, Google Shopping, should take notice of a few changes for the holiday season. According to this recent update from Google, new data feeds submitted after November 22, 2011 will be restricted to 500 products until further notice. It’s important to note, existing feeds will remain unaffected. ... read more »

New Google Product Search Data Feed Requirements – United States

July 15, 2011
New Google Product Search Data Feed Requirements – United States

eCommerce companies who participate in Google’s comparison shopping engine, Google Product Search, could see a decline in referrals come September 22, 2011. Google has released a new version of required attributes, intended to make the comparison shopping experience better the for end user. Online retailers may find themselves in dire straights, mobilizing to address those ... read more »

How TheFind.com is Redefining Comparison Shopping Search

July 16, 2010
How TheFind.com is Redefining Comparison Shopping Search

TheFind: Defined TheFind.com started from humble beginnings like many successful businesses before it.  An entrepreneur with seven successful ventures behind him listened to his wife softly vent about how difficult it was to not only find products and prices but also adequate merchant details and policies while shopping online. The entrepreneur, in an effort to ... read more »

Data Feed Optimization Discussion – Palo Alto – SVAMA

February 18, 2010
Data Feed Optimization Discussion – Palo Alto – SVAMA

The Silicon Valley American Marketing Association is hosting a discussion on Data Feed Optimization as part of an explosive e-commerce marketing plan.  If you are in the Palo Alto area and can swing it, you should not miss the Web Strategy Morning Forum. From the SVAMA event description - “E-Commerce sales are skyrocketing. Comparison Shopping Engines are the ... read more »

  • Page 1 of 2
  • 1
  • 2
New Google SERP Layout & Product Listing Ad Format?

April 19, 2013

Today, while surfing through Google SERPs, Vertical Railien Aaron B. stumbled upon a new search engine results page layout – the sign of a Google experiment perhaps? Changes to Product Listing Ad Formats We’ve seen this new SERP layout for location specific keywords since last year and now, it looks like Google is rolling it out to ... read more »

Nextag Closes Nextag Store Doors

April 4, 2013

It’s been a week full of changes in the world of comparison shopping engines.  Right on the tail of Shopping.com’s announcement of its merger with eBay comes another splash in industry news: starting April 15, 2013, Nextag will ending its Nextag Stores program.  (Scroll down for the official e-mail announcement) What does this mean for ... read more »

Download our guide to the NEW GOOGLE SHOPPING.

New 2013 Google Shopping Policy Updates
Just last week, the team at Vertical Rail received an e-mail (from Google Shopping) outlining upcoming policy and product feed requirements. Mark these dates down on your calendar and brace yourselves for another wave of Google Shopping changes!

February 13, 2013 ? Google Policies Merge
Previously, Google Shopping and Product Listing Ads have had two separate sets of policies. Come February 13, 2013, Google expects to release a new version- merging the two into one streamlined document.

March 2013 ? Updated Feed Specifications (Attribute Requirements) Come into Play
For countries just introduced to Google Shopping (I'm looking at you, select European countries, Brazil, and Australia), data feeds must be updated to reflect Google's new attribute requirements.  The primary feed attributes that will be affect are: google_product_category, availability, and unique product identifiers (namely brand, gtin, and mpn).

Incorrect or outdated data in these fields may result in suspension of your products.  Be sure to check out Google's new feed specifications and confirm that your information is up-to-date before the March start date to avoid any lost time in Google Shopping.

Other 2013 Updates
Expect changes in Google Shopping product policies - the list of items that were once allowed, restricted, or prohibited has now been refreshed. This is a huge game changer for merchants whose items were once prohibited ? could this be your chance to make it big in Google Shopping?

In summary, Google's policies are once again in upheaval (am I being dramatic? Maybe just a bit.) To prevent any lost time and revenue from a huge comparison shopping engine, keep an eye on Google's Product Policies Page, make sure your products are compliant, and update your feeds with fresh information regularly.

Vertical Rail will be covering these changes as they roll out, so be sure to check back for more Google Shopping news!