WordPress Data Feed Import

There is an updated version of the WordPress Datafeed Import script available for download.

The new version of the script introduces WordPress internal tag support for datafeed files. Basically, you can add a series of tags you wish to include with the products being imported.

Please note, however, that this version of the WPDFI script cannot be used with WordPress versions below 2.5.x; if you’re still using an older version of WordPress, then you’ll need to upgrade in order to use the updated version of this script.

As always, please be sure to print and read the included ReadMe.pdf file because it contains, not only usage instructions, but helpful tips for preparing your datafeeds.

Also included in this release are two additional documentation files: A troubleshooting guide and the datafeed preparation guide. The troubleshooting guide covers the most common errors which crop up and solutions. It also includes links to two helpful tools for preparing and customizing datafeed files. The datafeed preparation guide is a walk through on preparing a Shareasale datafeed from start to finish using Microsoft Excel. Although it uses a specific merchant’s datafeed and Excel, the guide can still be beneficial even if you’re using different software and another merchant’s datafeed.

To get the updated script, log into the download section using the information provided in your confirmation email. If you no longer remember your login details, you can use the password recovery tool to have it sent to you.

If you’ve been trying to use the script with version 2.3.x-2.5.x of WordPress, you may have run into an error or three. For the past few months, I’ve been planning a major rework of the script to introduce some new features, however, that’s not a small undertaking. In plain English, it would mean a significant delay to updating the script for WP 2.3.x - 2.5.x compatibility.

That said, I know many of you use the one-click installation with many hosts and they automatically install the latest version of WordPress. So, instead of delaying the release of an update further, I’ve decided to post a patch instead which will allow the script to import properly (categories and all) with WP 2.3.x - 2.5.x without problems.

Please note that WPDFI version 2.5.1 will only work with WordPress 2.3.x and up (i.e. 2.5.x). If you are using any other version of WordPress, please use an earlier version of the WPDFI script.

So, without further ado, here’s the download link (You will, first, need to be logged into the member’s area in order to download the files.):

• WPDFI v. 2.5.1

Please note that this version has not been added to the download package and won’t be until the full planned update is ready. It can only be downloaded from the link above.

While working on another affiliate website, I was thinking about a few questions I received recently about how to set up a datafeed file for import. Since it’s something I’m familiar with, it’s quite easy for me to forget that some are just starting out and aren’t yet proficient at cleaning up/preparing datafeed files.

That said, I’ve put together a brief guide on the process from start to finish. (This guide was actually written as I went through the process of cleaning up a datafeed that I will be using on a site.) It’s only 7 pages long and loaded with screen shots to illustrate everything I was doing.

Free download -> Preparing a Datafeed Using Microsoft Excel (PDF - 144kb)

When I have some additional time, I’ll probably put together a datafeed prep guide using OpenOffice Calc as well.

[tags]datafeed prepation, data feed preparation, affiliate marketing software[/tags]

The WP Datafeed Import script has undergone another update, and it introduces some additional features:

• Multiple categories are now supported. You can use additional categories by separating the categories with a comma or by defining a subcategory.
• Ability to overwrite previous content added. On the import screen, you’ll be presented with an option to overwrite previous content, even if the product was already imported, instead of skipping it. Of course, you can still continue with the regular import process, which will skip any duplicate entries.
• Minor bug fixes and code clean up.

The script has also been tested and is working with WordPress 2.2.x and will now come packaged with a full installation of WordPress. The included WordPress files have been modified slightly to provide the following features (everything else will remain exactly the same):

• Removal of default post, page, comment, and blogroll links on installation
• You can specify a default category, blog description, and user screen name during the installation process
• The default link category has been changed from ‘Blogroll’ to ‘Resources’

If you haven’t already downloaded the newest version of the files, please take a moment to do so. After downloading, please remember to add your script unlock code to the new file. (You will, first, need to be logged into the member’s area in order to download the files.)

• WPDFI v. 2.5

You can grab the full download (which includes the modified version of WordPress) from the download area. If this is your first time using or downloading the WPDFI script, it’s recommended that you download the files from your download area or read through the online documentation before using.

Looks as though Google is continuing its portfolio expansion with the recent acquisition of DoubleClick.net, a major player in the affiliate marketing world.

Performics affiliates should have received an e-mail from Stuart Frankel, the president of Performics, saying, in part:

I am pleased to announce that DoubleClick has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Google. The transaction is expected to close later in 2007. To review the press release, please visit: www.doubleclick.net.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with another industry leader and to provide significant added value to our customers. Joining forces with Google will accelerate our ability to bring innovations to market while maintaining our commitment to providing you with the high level of service to which you are accustomed.

You will retain the advantages you now receive from DoubleClick – including world-class service, leading solutions, deep expertise in and understanding of your business – which, upon closing, will be enhanced by Google’s renowned research and development expertise and leadership in innovation. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to bring you even more effective ways to monetize your inventory.

What does this mean? It means that Google really is positioning themselves to become a leader in the affiliate marketing business and it really is no surprise after the recent announcement of their CPA program (currently in beta).

If you’re interested, you can catch a few glimpses of the CPA backend.

[tags]google, doubleclick, double click, performics[/tags]