Creating a CSV File for Digital Files for Pinterest Catalogs

lkaye · January 16, 2022

To others in my same boat...I thought a quick explanation would be helpful.

I was trying to create a pinterest catalog for my shop and couldn't quite figure it all out, and there is little to no information out there on how to really do it. I only have a handful of physical products, and well over 100 digital files in my shop. So, the provided CSV file that you can find in the "inventory" section of your shop wouldn't work for me.

Those of you with just physical products can have a file created for you by clicking on the "export all" button on the top right of your Inventory screen of your shop. You can actually select specific items to export by clicking on the empty circle to the left of each item in your inventory, then pushing the export button on the top right. It may automatically download a CSV file to your computer, or you can click on the file that pops up on the dropdown menu. You're going to get more info than you made need in the CSV file, so you may need to edit it. That's up to you.

Back to creating your own CSV file...I clicked on their example of a CSV file to know what I needed to add to a CSV file of my own. Sidenote, they actually require less now, than what their example says. There are actual requirements listed on this Pinterest page, which are the following:

Required fields:

id (You can decide what the id is)
title (The title you have it listed as in your shop)
description (something that describes your item...physical, digital, and so on)
link (a direct link to the item in your shop)
image_link (right click on your image, and select "copy image link" to find your image link)
price (the non-sale price that you have it listed)
availability (type "in stock" if it's available)
condition (although this isn't required, it helps with setting up the catalog...ex. new, used, refurbished.)

You may be aware of those requirements, for those who don't hopefully that is helpful. To

I don't have excel, because I use google sheets. To start I filled out the top of the table with all the different requirements...as listed above...id, title, description, link, image link, price, and availability. Then I started filling in the requirements for each item. Yes, in order to get a CSV file with all my digital items, I created it my own. Finding out what the image link was, was silly to figure out...because of how easy it is. It took me longer to figure out than it should have, and I didn't find any info out there about it.

When you are on the item's page right click on the image, and then select "copy image link" to get the link for you add to the table. After I added all the info for 140 items from my shop to google sheets, I needed to create a CSV file link. I tried saving it to google drive, and they won't accept that link. So after searching once again, I finally found some random video on youtube, that showed how to "publish to web". The video was old, and of course google sheets has been updated. So... Click on File, Share, Publish to Web. The popup has options. I made sure the "entire document" was selected, as well as "Comma-seperated values (.csv)", then I clicked publish. It will ask you if you want it published. Click yes. Then use the link provided, as your CSV link to paste into the required section in the pinterest catalog. Then click submit and cross your fingers that it works...haha! To be honest after trying over and over again...I was shocked it actually worked!!

I know these steps are basic, and for some they may know exactly what to do. For the rest of us, I wish I had someone to show me what to do. It would have saved me to much time and frustration.

Sidenote, my digital items loaded fine. My physical items listed with "only 1 in stock" got denied. Which I can understand. When it sells it would require that item to be removed from the catalog, and I'm not sure how easy that is to manage. I've never used this newer catalog option.

As far as listing things on sale...under the price section on the CSV file, unless you permanently have them listed on sale, its best to do the regular price. I've even learned when linking blog posts about sales, they become irrelevant when the sale is over.

These are the tips that have worked for me. I hope they work for you too, however things change often enough so this info may need to be updated. We can also hope that Pinterest and Squarespace have an easier way to integrate in the future.

Edited January 16, 2022 by lkaye
fix info on one part...

lkaye · January 16, 2022

Okay...I noticed an alert on my catalog. It suggested that I add a "google_product_category" to my CSV file. So I went to the link they provided and found the listed items that are similar to the items in my shop. Then I added this series to the column on my CSV file under "google_product_category". This is what mine looks like.... Home & Garden>Linens & Bedding>Bedding>Quilts & Comforters>505287

Go find what yours would be...then starting from the left, except the number that goes at the end, and type each category with a > symbol between each one.

This is what is suggested on the Pinterest info about Google Product Category. If you scroll down to the very bottom of that page, you'll see the info in a table they provided.

If you have to change your CSV file, like I've had to, you'll need to update the link to your pinterest. Go to File, Share, Publish to Web, and then make sure you have CSV selected, so you get the right link.

KMM1025 · February 1, 2022

I was able to figure out my product catalog as well. Were you able to get your Pinterest tag set up? Are you applying to be a verified merchant on Pinterest?

lkaye · February 2, 2022

@KMM1025 I'm working on getting verified right now. My base tag is working, however they want me to add event tags, which track page views, add to cart, and checkout...but I'm trying to figure out those codes, and the best place to post them. When I figure it out, I'll check here and see if you've done it as well. good luck to us both!!

lkaye · February 7, 2022

@KMM1025

Hello,

I just found out yesterday that my tags are working now. The base tag, and three event tags. Here is the code that I put into my code injection header, in the advanced section under settings. If you still need this, the only thing that you'll have to change is your user ID number in 5 spots. Which I have marked in red below...I put the same numbers in that they used in their examples. (123456789) I actually have two other codes in the same header one is my google analytics, and this code after both of them. Now I'm waiting on approval to get verified. The guy that was helping me said that he sent my info to another department, so hopefully I get approved without having to do anything else. It's crazy how many steps are required to get this to work properly. I hope this helps you, and someone else who may be looking to add tags to their Pinterest.

I should note, the three event tags that I needed were page views, add to cart, and checkout. If you need to add something different let me know, and I can show you which part to edit. Take care!

<head>
<script type="text/javascript">
!(function (e) {
if (!window.pintrk) {
window.pintrk = function () {
window.pintrk.queue.push(Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments));
};
var n = window.pintrk;
(n.queue = []), (n.version = '3.0');
var t = document.createElement('script');
(t.async = !0), (t.src = e);
var r = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
r.parentNode.insertBefore(t, r);
}
})('https://s.pinimg.com/ct/core.js');
pintrk('load', '123456789');
pintrk('page');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
<script>
pintrk('track', 'pagevisit');
pintrk('track', 'addtocart');
pintrk('track', 'checkout');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=pagevisit&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=addtocart&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=checkout&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
</head>

DanielaCharvel · February 17, 2022

Hello! I am applying for the Program, too. And I got stuck in the add catalog step. It may sound really dumb but do you know what do I need to add in Paste a portion of your feed. What do I add!? Thank you!

lkaye · February 17, 2022

@DanielaCharvel I'm not sure that I know what you're asking...so sorry. I will say the example file that they provide has more information that we really need to submit. Are you talking about the "google product catalog"?

lkaye · February 17, 2022

@KMM1025 I finally got verified and my shop is actually visible. Finally!! Have you been able to get verified and is your shop showing up? I put my catalog in before I got verified, which you probably did too...after getting verified, I asked why my shop wasn't showing up. They told me I had to select the star next to the catalog for it to show up. I'm thinking in hindsight it may have been better to make more than one CSV file. I should have made one for each category in my shop. I have three main sections. So, I may have to go back and redo that. Which should be easy to copy and paste the info to a separate CSV file. One more thing to figure out. HAHA

lkaye · February 17, 2022

FYI...For anyone working on these same issues. As you figure things out, sometimes it takes 24 hours for it to show up on Pinterest. If something isn't working right, contact Pinterest support, they are great to help find solutions!!

Edited February 17, 2022 by lkaye
fix info on one part...

muovata · March 5, 2022

On 2/6/2022 at 11:27 PM, lkaye said:

@KMM1025

Hello,

I just found out yesterday that my tags are working now. The base tag, and three event tags. Here is the code that I put into my code injection header, in the advanced section under settings. If you still need this, the only thing that you'll have to change is your user ID number in 5 spots. Which I have marked in red below...I put the same numbers in that they used in their examples. (123456789) I actually have two other codes in the same header one is my google analytics, and this code after both of them. Now I'm waiting on approval to get verified. The guy that was helping me said that he sent my info to another department, so hopefully I get approved without having to do anything else. It's crazy how many steps are required to get this to work properly. I hope this helps you, and someone else who may be looking to add tags to their Pinterest.

I should note, the three event tags that I needed were page views, add to cart, and checkout. If you need to add something different let me know, and I can show you which part to edit. Take care!

<head>
<script type="text/javascript">
!(function (e) {
if (!window.pintrk) {
window.pintrk = function () {
window.pintrk.queue.push(Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments));
};
var n = window.pintrk;
(n.queue = []), (n.version = '3.0');
var t = document.createElement('script');
(t.async = !0), (t.src = e);
var r = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
r.parentNode.insertBefore(t, r);
}
})('https://s.pinimg.com/ct/core.js');
pintrk('load', '123456789');
pintrk('page');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
<script>
pintrk('track', 'pagevisit');
pintrk('track', 'addtocart');
pintrk('track', 'checkout');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=pagevisit&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=addtocart&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=checkout&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
</head>

Hello, did you just put this in the heading?

Was there anything you put in the order confirmation page?

muovata · March 5, 2022

On 2/17/2022 at 12:33 AM, lkaye said:

FYI...For anyone working on these same issues. As you figure things out, sometimes it takes 24 hours for it to show up on Pinterest. If something isn't working right, contact Pinterest support, they are great to help find solutions!!

@ikaye did you put anything in the order confirmation page? If yes...

please can you let me know what

MRankin · March 23, 2022

I've lost so much of my life trying to get verified.

I'm stuck on getting the Product Feed URL. I spoke to SquareSpace and they said they don't support this directly... but obviously you found a workaround. I've exported my CSV, but how do I get that to be a URL that Pinterest will accept? I just can't find that anywhere and searching isn't getting me any answers.

Any help would be super appreciated.

KMM1025 · April 26, 2022

On 2/7/2022 at 1:27 AM, lkaye said:

@KMM1025

Hello,

I just found out yesterday that my tags are working now. The base tag, and three event tags. Here is the code that I put into my code injection header, in the advanced section under settings. If you still need this, the only thing that you'll have to change is your user ID number in 5 spots. Which I have marked in red below...I put the same numbers in that they used in their examples. (123456789) I actually have two other codes in the same header one is my google analytics, and this code after both of them. Now I'm waiting on approval to get verified. The guy that was helping me said that he sent my info to another department, so hopefully I get approved without having to do anything else. It's crazy how many steps are required to get this to work properly. I hope this helps you, and someone else who may be looking to add tags to their Pinterest.

I should note, the three event tags that I needed were page views, add to cart, and checkout. If you need to add something different let me know, and I can show you which part to edit. Take care!

<head>
<script type="text/javascript">
!(function (e) {
if (!window.pintrk) {
window.pintrk = function () {
window.pintrk.queue.push(Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments));
};
var n = window.pintrk;
(n.queue = []), (n.version = '3.0');
var t = document.createElement('script');
(t.async = !0), (t.src = e);
var r = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
r.parentNode.insertBefore(t, r);
}
})('https://s.pinimg.com/ct/core.js');
pintrk('load', '123456789');
pintrk('page');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
<script>
pintrk('track', 'pagevisit');
pintrk('track', 'addtocart');
pintrk('track', 'checkout');
</script>
<noscript>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=pagevisit&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=addtocart&noscript=1"
/>
<img
height="1"
width="1"
style="display:none;"
alt=""
src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=123456789&event=checkout&noscript=1"
/>
</noscript>
</head>

@lkaye Did this work for your tag? I ended up hiring a google tag manager to set up my tag and it was working for a bit then stopped and now I'm about to lose my status. Tag health on pinterest says it needs to add to cart value and checkout value...but my google tag manager says everything is set up fine and Pinterest is of zero help.

Does your add to cart and checkout tag work to bring values into your pinterest analytics? If so, what code did you use for that? (Or, did the above code work?)

Amyj · January 24, 2023

Hello,

Only 9 out of the 18 items I uploaded in the csv file have successfully been uploaded to our pinterest shop. I don't have error messages just 3 alerts. The alerts are numbered 2, 123 and 157. I've attached the messages but for the items that haven't successfully uploaded I have stated nothing different in the uploaded csv file vs the items that have successfully uploaded.

Many thanks

Amy

drunkenspyder · June 1, 2023

I am starting to slog through this issue now myself and making some headway. But I am curious if anyone knows why Squarespace and Pinterest don't play nicer together? Pinterest has catalog integration with several other platforms but not SS. Any reason?

LizzyH · November 29, 2023

Good question! I would also love to know why Pinterest doesn't have catalog integration with SS. I am assuming this is a Squarespace issue, not coming from Pinterest? But it sure would be great if they would play nicer together.

Edited November 29, 2023 by LizzyH

Creating a CSV File for Digital Files for Pinterest Catalogs

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