How to extract the catalog feed for GMC and G-MOS Search ads automation

In digital advertising, product feed is one of the most critical elements for running successful Google Ads campaigns. Without structured data containing accurate information, Google has no way of understanding your catalog, leaving ads outdated and inefficient.

​Product feeds are the backbone for Google Merchant Center (GMC), powering Shopping and Performance Max campaigns. Moreover, by using them, retailers get an opportunity to automatically transform catalog data directly into scalable Search Ads with the automation system G-MOS. In this article, we’ll explore how companies can generate GMC feeds directly from their e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, to Magento, PrestaShop, and enterprise systems like Salesforce and SAP.

Product feed explanation

A product feed, also called a catalog feed, is a structured file that includes important details about your products. Ads are only as strong as the data behind them. This is the reason why Google Ads follows strict product data specifications to categorize your catalog and approve it before showing ads. There are several formats that are usually used: XML, JSON, or CSV. In fact, the catalog feed is a bridge between your e-commerce platform and advertising systems.

Effective workflow requires a set of standardized attributes that can be correctly classified and displayed. Here are the most common ones:

ID. A unique identifier, which is commonly assigned to each product or service. It ensures that every item from your catalog is tracked individually. As a result, it prevents duplicates and irrelevant data in campaigns.

Title and description. Both are required to clarify for Google and potential customers, who’ll see ads, what exactly the item is. They directly contribute to ad relevance and may impact click-through rates.

Price and currency. Relevant and up-to-date pricing makes sure your ads reflect what buyers actually see on the landing page. So it is crucial to keep this data matching to stay approved via the Google Ads system.

Availability. Stock status indicates availability for purchasing or pre-ordering. Keeping this attribute updated avoids wasted budget via irrelevant clicks.

GTIN, MPN, or brand. Global trade item number, manufacturer part number, and brand name are the global identifiers that are often required. They help categorize products correctly to relevant search queries.

Image links. Using high-quality product images is essential for attracting clicks. Direct image URLs can be displayed in the best possible way to ensure products are visible across Shopping and Search placements.

Together, these attributes can be a strong foundation for an optimized feed ready to run in ads. When they are complete and accurate, your campaigns are more likely to be approved and displayed to the right audience by Google. A catalog feed is more than a technical file; it's the entry ticket to scalable advertising.

In Google Merchant Center, the product data file is mandatory for Shopping and Performance Max campaigns. It ensures that products are categorized correctly and will be able to display relevant information.

In automation platforms such as G-MOS, the same feed becomes a basis for running automated, scalable Search Ads. Instead of creating campaigns manually, the system generates thousands of relevant ads directly from your catalog data. 

How to generate product feeds from leading e-commerce platforms

• Shopify

Shopify is one of the leading e-commerce platforms, powering millions of online stores worldwide. It is an all-in-one commerce software solution, handling a wide range of capabilities, from managing inventory to processing payments.

How to get the feed for Shopify:

In the Admin section, go to the Sales channels page and choose Google & YouTube. After connecting your Google account, enable product publishing. As explained in the Shopify Help Center, products will sync automatically. Google documentation also gives instructions on options for automatic sync, so that Shopify stores can seamlessly provide product data to GMC. This integration ensures that the catalog remains updated for Shopping and Performance Max campaigns, while the same feed can be reused in the G-MOS automation system to launch large-scale Search Ads.

• WooCommerce

WooCommerce is an open-source, WordPress-powered platform that powers a significant share of online stores, thanks to its flexibility and low entry cost. Merchants can extend their features with official plugins.

How to get the feed for WooCommerce:

Install the official Google for WooCommerce (Google Listings & Ads) plugin. After setup, go to the Marketing section and choose the “Google” option in the dashboard. Then, via linking the Google Merchant Center account, the admin can enable product synchronization. Attribute mapping helps connect WooCommerce product attributes (such as SKU, brand, or availability) to the standardized fields required by Google Merchant Center. Once connected, product data flows automatically into GMC, ensuring compliance with Google’s requirements.

• Adobe Commerce (Magento 2)

Adobe Commerce is a robust, highly extensible platform used by mid-market and enterprise merchants. It offers powerful functionality for B2B and B2C advertising. Gartner named Magento 2 a leader in Digital Commerce.

How to get the feed for Adobe Commerce (Magento 2):

To generate a product feed for Google Merchant Center, merchants typically install a Google Shopping / Shopping Feed module. Once installed, the module allows users to generate an XML or CSV feed URL that can be submitted directly to GMC or configure the Content API for automatic synchronization. Popular options include the Google Shopping Feed Integration for Magento 2, as well as other trusted extensions such as Amasty, Mirasvit, or Wyomind. After mapping product attributes to Google’s requirements, you can schedule automatic updates. 

• PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a widely used open-source e-commerce platform and is well known for its flexibility. With thousands of modules and design themes available, PrestaShop can be customized to fit a wide range of industries, from small boutiques to large multi-category stores. 

How to get the feed for PrestaShop:

In PrestaShop, product feeds are typically managed through dedicated Google Shopping modules. After installation, the module generates an export file or a feed URL that can be linked directly to Google Merchant Center. The setup process involves mapping PrestaShop product attributes due to Google’s product data specification.

One widely used option is the official PrestaShop Marketing with Google module, which directly connects the store with Google Merchant Center. This approach ensures product data remains synchronized with GMC. Learn more in the official Help Center guide.

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a leading enterprise-grade e-commerce solution, known for its personalization and advanced integrations. It enables large merchants to manage omnichannel commerce across multiple markets.

How to get the feed for Salesforce Commerce Cloud:

Enable the official integration between Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Google Merchant Center. In the Business Manager admin panel, there’s an option to connect a Google account and complete account linking. Product data can then synchronize automatically to GMC via the integration. This ensures that attributes like SKUs, price, and availability will be updated.

Mapped out: How e-commerce platforms connect with Google Merchant Center

Since each e-commerce platform handles product feed management differently, we structured the key integration approaches into four clear categories. This framework helps merchants quickly identify how their platform connects to Google Merchant Center and what steps are typically required.

Integration Patterns for Google Merchant Center Across E-Commerce Platforms

Final Thoughts

Product feed management can be challenging, and even minor errors can lead to disapproval.  At G-MOS, our team of experts can advise you during a free demo session on how to prepare your feed for automated Search Ads. We also covered typical problems and fixes on our blog, Google Ads Feed Issues and Fixes with G-MOS. Not every company has the in-house PPC team and resources to manage PPC and feed setup internally. In such cases, the Promodo Digital Marketing Agency can handle these processes and run automated campaigns with G-MOS.