DataFeeds in XML & CSV

[Marc Gear]

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This weeks newsletter article - incase you dont read it :P

<font size=4>DataFeeds in XML & CSV</font>
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Over the next three weeks, we are going to feature one of the three parts of our upcomming content delivery suite. Some aspects already exist and you may be using them already, some have enhanced features which you may not be aware of, and some are altogether new to affiliate marketing in the UK. This week, we're focusing on Datafeeds...<p class=main>
<b>What is a Datafeed?</b><br>
CSV? XML? Whats this idiot blathering on about this week? A datafeed is a flat file which contains all the information about a merchants products in one place. Names, manufacturer, description, price, links, and images are all stored in the file, allowing the affiliate to create pages targeted towards the products availiable for that merchant.
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Previously this data was only availiable in XML format (eXtensible Markup Language), but this has now been expanded to include CSV files (Comma Separated Values) recently. This has allowed many more affiliates to take advantage of the merchants product data availiable on Affiliate Window.<p class=main>

<b>What can I do with it?</b>
Well, because the datafeed is just a simple file with information in it, affiliates need some techncial know-how in order to make good use of them. Examples of the sorts of things you can do with a datafeed are:
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<li><p class=main>Use the information to build individual product pages, and target them heavily for Search Engine Optimisation with the merchants own info.
<li><p class=main>Combine with other data and add the ability to compare prices on several different items.
<li><p class=main>Build features on your pages about the best selling products with ease, since you have all the information to hand.
</ul>
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Affiliate Window are offering this service to all affiliates for free now. We have product information for over 100 merchants, and around 700,000 products - meaning this is the biggest collection of feeds of thier kind availiable through a UK Affiliate Network.
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<b>How can I get them?</b><br>
If you're interested in using datafeeds on your website, <a href="http://www.affiliatewindow.com/ips/datafeed_application.php">click here</a> to apply to have them availiable on your account.
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[Rich]

Soz Marc, its coming up with a 404 error.

[Jeff]

I've had IPS enabled for months, but I've found it to be very slow, so I haven't made much use of it. Instead I've been using my own product database made from csv files provided by the other networks, so I'm pleased csc is now available from AW.

Do I need to apply separately for a csv feed or do I get it automatically as an IPS user?
And if so, where do I pick up the file?

I can't find any info about csv on the AW site or in the IPS support forums.


Also I've not received the latest newsletter(s), the last one I have is dated 26/8.

[Aquanuke]

I've had IPS enabled for months, but I've found it to be very slow

When it first came out it was pig slow, but I find its pretty good now. As well as that its converting pretty well for me.

[Marc Gear]

Originally posted by Rich
Soz Marc, its coming up with a 404 error.

so it is, my fault, but i can't fix it from home... should be okay tomorrow

[Marc Gear]

Originally posted by Jeff
I've had IPS enabled for months, but I've found it to be very slow, so I haven't made much use of it.

As Aquanuke says, performance has been improved a lot, and we're ever working to increase it.

Do I need to apply separately for a csv feed or do I get it automatically as an IPS user?
And if so, where do I pick up the file?

You do need to apply separately, though we just need to know who wants to use it really, its not an 'application' just a request to use it. Just email me with your ID and i'll send you the details.

I can't find any info about csv on the AW site or in the IPS support forums.

Thats because its so new, we havent put it up yet We have a lot of information about the offerings going up soon, but for the moment i'll be announcing things here and in the newsletter

Also I've not received the latest newsletter(s), the last one I have is dated 26/8.

Its going out right now, you should have it shortly.