google shopping data feed updates

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

I think we forgot one minor detail, which is to look at the source the image machine spits out - taking Dan's example of http://www.vermontgear.com/test.html - you get the following in the source code:

<img id="main_image" src="graphics/en-US/mmui/dot.gif" alt="test"> <div id="thumbnails" class="thumbnails"></div> <div id="closeup_div" class="closeup"><img id="closeup_image" src="graphics/en-US/mmui/dot.gif" alt="test"><div>

So - if Google doesn't see the actual image on the page anyhow - what's the point?

[wcw]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

That example is using the image machine to show the first custom product image in the default variant record. So the way Google wants it is that for each variant you have to have a separate product export. In his example he has 4 variants, hence 4 separate lines in the feed. Google is linking to the initial variant (master product) so shoppers would initially see a different image from variants 2, 3 and 4. But Google is going to show all of the variants in its index, each with a the correct image for the applicable variant. Google knows it is a variant product because the master's product code is in the item_group_id column. So the automated indexing and checking by Google techs know exactly which products have variants. If they are regular products (no variants) that column is blank.

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

so you are saying it doesn't matter that all product and variant images on the Miva PROD page have the same name in the source code?

[wcw]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

When I upload a feed with variants and then view the products in the Google dashboard, it shows the specific variant image. I think that is what the Google people expect. In their listing you see the variant image with a link to the master product. They know the image is not going to display until you take some action on the actual product page to select a different attribute from the default.

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

so at least it will work with the feed - that's a good thing - now it just needs to get fixed in the source code...

[wcw]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

If they were going to slam you for css swapping out data, they are going to get you for the price a lot quicker. Example: Price: <span id="price-value" class="bold">$0.00</span> The page is at http://www.emporiumplus.com/BOGUS.html and it has a visible real price which changes with the attribute selected. Looking at the source code it appears you have a bunch of free products.

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

So what happens to product image indexing? They wouldn't show up then...

[wcw]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

They show up in the index matched with the variant. Each variant has a different image. When the customer clicks on the product link at Google they go to the main product page. As they click attributes they see the images swap out.

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

I was talking about Google image search results

[lesliekirk]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

I think we forgot one minor detail, which is to look at the source the image machine spits out - taking Dan's example of http://www.vermontgear.com/test.html - you get the following in the source code:

<img id="main_image" src="graphics/en-US/mmui/dot.gif" alt="test"> <div id="thumbnails" class="thumbnails"></div> <div id="closeup_div" class="closeup"><img id="closeup_image" src="graphics/en-US/mmui/dot.gif" alt="test"><div>

So - if Google doesn't see the actual image on the page anyhow - what's the point?

Sabine, I think we may need to start a new thread. I'm thinking Bill has figured out how to tell the Google Feed where to find the actual images for the feed. You have an excellent point though for how does the Googlebot find the images for Google Image Search, ect.

Leslie

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

go ahead - open a new threat...

[lesliekirk]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

go ahead - open a new threat...

Oh thank you for the laugh - I have really, really needed one. I knew what you meant ... I hope ;)

[GDesigns]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

but - why? - I like threatening you ;)

[adaml]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

Template Data Feed v5.0650 has been released. This update incorporates the upcoming Sept Google requirements; e.g. variant unique ids, prices, weights, multiple images, availability.

GREAT. Thank you. What frustration Google has caused this year!

The last change (in May) they only gave us a one-month warning. I hadnt the opportunity to add UPI's to all of our 10,000 something products but thankfully the money makers haven't been thrown out yet. September may be another story...

[GregM]

Re: google shopping data feed updates

What if you have a bunch products that do not have images (spare parts, etc). If you submit products without images along with products that have images, does Google reject the entire feed, or will it just reject the products without images?

If it rejects the whole feed, can you add an option Bill to exclude products without images?