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    Error
    Field: link

    Missing Product Link in Google Shopping Feed

    Your product feed is missing the required 'link' field. This URL is where customers land when they click on your Shopping ad.

    Use our free Feed Validator to check for this and other errors automatically.

    What This Error Means

    The link field contains the URL to your product's landing page. This is where shoppers go when they click on your ad, so it's absolutely essential.

    Without a valid link, Google cannot direct customers to your product, which means your product cannot appear in Shopping ads or free listings.

    The linked page must match the product in your feed — same price, availability, and product details. Mismatches can result in policy violations or ad disapprovals. Understanding the data flow between your CMS and Catalog is key to preventing these broken links.

    How to Fix It

    1. Use HTTPS URLs — Google strongly prefers secure URLs. HTTP links may still work but are not recommended.
    2. Link to the specific product page — Don't link to category pages, search results, or your homepage.
    3. Ensure the page is accessible — The URL must be publicly accessible without requiring login or payment.
    4. Verify links are working — Broken links (404 errors) will cause your products to be disapproved.

    Examples

    Incorrect
    <item>
      <g:id>SKU-12345</g:id>
      <title>Blue Running Shoes</title>
      <g:price>79.99 USD</g:price>
      <!-- Missing link field! -->
    </item>
    Correct
    <item>
      <g:id>SKU-12345</g:id>
      <title>Blue Running Shoes</title>
      <link>https://www.example.com/products/blue-running-shoes-12345</link>
      <g:price>79.99 USD</g:price>
    </item>

    Additional Tips

    • Include tracking parameters (UTM) if you want to track Shopping traffic in analytics
    • For variants, each should link to its specific variant page or use variant-aware URLs
    • Avoid redirects where possible — direct links perform better
    • Test your links regularly to catch broken URLs before Google does
    • Mobile-friendly landing pages are essential for Shopping success

    Related Issues

    Validate Your Feed Now

    Use our free Google Shopping Feed Validator to check for this and other common errors before uploading to Merchant Center.

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