Learn how to automate multimedia in catalogs to boost engagement and simplify content creation by seamlessly adding videos, product tags, and interactive elements.
Note: Automation is available with the Enterprise plan.
Step 1. Create the CSV for your multimedia elements
By setting up a simple CSV or XLSX file in Google Sheets, or a similar program you can automate the entire process in just a few steps.
We recommend creating or importing the datasheet for elements, directly in Google Spreadsheet, because it will be easier to update.
Now you can look in the image below, and see that you can column headers as the SKU (which serves as a unique identifier for the data sync feature), and the next interactive elements are up to you, here are some examples:
- Product tags: A quick insight about a product, such as its category, features, or promotional status.
- Pop-up frames: Display additional product information, videos, or interactive content in a pop-up. For this, you will need an Iframe cod.
- Slideshow: To showcase multiple views or variations of a product within your catalog
Note: For image slideshows, all URLs must be placed in the same cell of your feed, separated by semicolons (;). If you encounter difficulty finding the correct URL for your images, you can upload them directly to the Design Studio, hover over the image, and select Copy Link to retrieve the URL. Additionally, you can include up to 10 images per slideshow.
Here is an example of how a spreadsheet can look like:
Important: Your spreadsheet must have a column with a valid SKU so that Flipsnack can connect to it.
For a start, you can easily download and customize one of our pre-made templates to include the necessary information and edit it as you like.
Step 2: Upload your data
On the main dashboard, go to Automation, on the bottom left side, click on Import feed.
Now either click on the Upload CSV file or Google Drive.
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After you click, the preferred option, you will have the option to download our pre-mapped templates, if you download them you will get the Simple Product Feed and Variant-Rich Product Feed in the same folder. As a starting point, we recommend using our sample file for simple product feed, if you don’t already have the spreadsheet prepared.
For this example, I will connect to my Google Drive, because it will be easier to update it later on if I make any changes to my spreadsheet if needed.
Click on the Connect Google Drive. You will have to log in to your account. From your account, you can pick your spreadsheet and wait until it's getting imported.
After the upload is complete, the mapping modal will open, called Set unique ID, allowing you to connect your spreadsheet with our platform.
If your columns have the same names as those in the mapping modal and also in the demo template, they will be mapped automatically.
If not, for example, if you have "Product tag" instead of "Description," you will need to map it manually so it can make the connection between your feed and our platform.
Important: It’s mandatory to have a valid column with the SKU in the spreadsheet because that is how it will help to sync your catalog ig have any changes. If it’s not valid an error will appear.
After you make sure, that the feed columns are properly mapped, click on Save Changes.
Then, go back to the Home page, and from Flipbooks, choose the catalog in which you want to add the products from the spreadsheet and click on the Edit button, on the left side of the flipbook card.
In my case, I uploaded a PDF catalog, but you can start one from scratch in Flipsnack and have the flexibility to make your template.
After that, on the left-hand side, you will see the Automation section with a list of all the elements you've added to your spreadsheet.
Now, you have to pick the interaction you put in the spreadsheet, from the Side Navigation bar on the left side.
For example, you can add a product tag next to the product, select de product tag, and click on Connect to feed on the upper right side. A mapping modal will appear.
Map the element to the corresponding column in your data feed and select the specific information you want to display in the product tag. After that, click on Save Changes.
Tip: You can use Ctrl+D on Windows or Cmd+D on Mac. A duplicated product tag will already be connected to the feed.
Return to your spreadsheet in the Automation tab drag and drop the elements over the specific product tag. They will connect automatically if mapped correctly.
Click on the Preview button in the upper-right corner to test your catalog.
The same goes for the other elements as well.
If you need to update any information regarding the elements, simply open your spreadsheet and make the necessary changes. Find out more about synchronization here.
If you have any more questions about preparing a spreadsheet for Flipsnack automation or other questions about automation, contact us via live chat.