Advanced Shopify Import: Shopify Google Sheets Integration

In the following article, we will introduce you to an essential time-saver – Shopify Google Sheets integration, which significantly enhances the default Shopify data management routine. You will learn the import side of the process. We describe Shopify Google Sheets exports in another guide.

By default, you cannot send any data from Shopify to Google Sheets because the e-commerce platform relies on manual file uploads. You must admit that it is a notable limitation especially if your updates are usually stored on third-party platforms, such as as Google Sheets or Google Drive. To overcome this limitation, we’ve introduced the Firebear Import & Export Tool for Shopify, which allows you to connect Shopify to Google Sheets seamlessly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of importing data from Google Sheets to Shopify. First, you will learn what Google Sheets is and how to integrate it with your e-commerce website with the help of the platform’s built-in instruments. Next, the article describes a more advanced way of Google Sheets Shopify integration and its import side. 

What is Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a widely used spreadsheet application with many compelling features that is totally free and highly user-friendly. You can access it via the web or as a mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms. And it’s also available as a desktop application for Google’s ChromeOS.

Compatibility with Microsoft Excel file formats is Google Sheets’ remarkable advantage that lets you effortlessly upload any Excel file to your Google Drive and quickly convert it into a Google Sheets table with just a few clicks. The platform also supports functions and formulas!

Collaboration and real-time editing are also among the top Google Sheets features. Multiple users can work on a Google Sheets document simultaneously, allowing for seamless teamwork and data sharing. You can track changes, leave comments, and communicate with team members within the document, enhancing collaboration efficiency.

So, how to integrate all the Google Sheets benefits into your Shopify routine? Let’s explore the two possible ways.

Default Shopify Google Sheets Integration

Integrating Shopify with Google Sheets, while not a direct built-in feature, can be accomplished through a series of manual steps. Yes, they are time-consuming. Yes, they are prone to error. But if you don’t want to deal with third-party apps to connect Shopify to Google Sheets, you still have an option that works. Follow these steps to transfer data from Google Sheets to Shopify:

Export Data from Google Sheets

1. Open your Google Sheets document containing the data you want to import into Shopify.
2. Navigate to “File” and choose “Download” from the dropdown menu.
3. Select the format for your export. For compatibility with Shopify, choose “Comma-separated values (.csv).”
   
4. The document will be downloaded to your computer as a CSV file, which is a commonly used format for data interchange.

Edit the Google Sheets Data

If data from a Google Sheets spreadsheet doesn’t follow the Shopify requirements, you may need to edit it before exporting a CSV file. Do it straight in the spreadsheet since it is the most user-friendly way:

1. Open the spreadsheet that you want to import from Google Sheets to Shopify.
2. Review and edit the data as required.
   Ensure that the columns and formatting align with Shopify’s data structure.
   If you find any attributes (column titles) that are not available in Shopify – replace them with the columns the e-commerce platform uses.
   Also, pay heed to the values of your spreadsheet. If their format is not supported, format them.
   For further information on the default requirements, follow our Shopify Import Guide.
   
3. When the spreadsheet follows Shopify’s requirements, return to the previous step and export it as CSV.

Import Data from Google Sheets to Shopify

Now, you need to import your CSV file from Google Sheets to Shopify. It is a standard import procedure that consists of the following steps:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin.
2. Go to the admin section that requires the update. For instance, you want to update products so proceed to Admin – Products.
3. Click the “Import” button.
4. Next, hit the “Add file” button and upload the edited CSV file containing your data to run the Shopify Google Sheets integration.
   
   
5. Click “Upload and preview.” If the update is not suitable for your Shopify store, you won’t be able to import the file: return to the editing step and continue your attempt to import data when all problems are fixed.
6. If the “Import products” button is active, it means that everything is okay with your file and you can start the transfer.

It’s important to note that the success of this approach to Shopify Google Sheets integration depends on how you map Google Sheets column titles and values to Shopify’s data structure. It is a time-consuming process that takes place in a data file and is prone to errors. But you can rely on the Import & Export Tool to establish a direct Shopify Google Sheets integration. The application not only automates data imports between Shopify and Google Sheets but also provides the ability to apply mapping right in your Shopify admin. Let’s see how it works!

How to Automatically Import Data from Google Sheets to Shopify 

To kickstart the automated Shopify Google Sheets import procedure,  follow these structured steps:

1. Install the Improved Import & Export Tool: Your first step is to set up the Improved Import & Export Tool, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth data transfer between Google Sheets and Shopify.
2. Obtain a Shareable Google Sheets Link: Next, get a shareable link to your Google Sheets file.
3. Import Data to Shopify from Google Sheets: Once the Improved Import & Export Tool is up and running, and you possess the shareable link, configure the import process.

You can learn more about the installation and configuration processes in our Import & Export Tool’s Manual. Now, let’s focus on the remaining two steps.

Retrieve a Link to Your Google Sheets File

You can get a link to your Google Sheets file as follows:

1. Open your Google Sheets file and navigate to File -> Share -> Share with Others.
   
2. Choose “Anyone with the link” in the General Access dropdown. You can choose from Viewer, Commenter, or Editor, as per your requirements.
   
3. Hit “Copy Link” and then “Done.”

Now, you can utilize this link to connect Shopify to Google Sheets.

Import Data from Google Sheets to Shopify

At this step, create a new import profile and automate all further integrations:

Access the Import Profile

Go to Apps -> Firebear Import & Export Tool -> Import and click the “New Profile” button to create a new import profile.

Configure Basic Import Parameters

The “Select File” screen displays. Follow these steps to configure the basic parameters of the Google Sheets Shopify import:

1. Specify your profile name, such as Shopify Google Sheets Product Import.
2. Choose the entity you wish to import. You can choose products or customers. Support for orders will be added soon.
3. If needed, set up a schedule of updates to automate your Shopify Google Sheets import.
4. Configure email notifications if necessary. You can get near real-time updates for failed, successful, or both types of import processes.
5. Select your file format as “google-sheets” (the app also supports CSV, XML, and XLSX files).
6. Opt for Google Sheets as your import source and paste the link to your sheet. Also, it is possible to run FTP transfers, URL imports, or Google Drive uploads.
7. Specify separators if your update contains unusual separators.
8. Configure advanced settings such as stock increment strategy.
9. Click “Continue” to proceed to the mapping screen. If the provided link is unsupported, the app will notify you. In such cases, ensure you have the correct link before proceeding.

Create a Mapping Preset

Now, you can avoid manual file editing by creating a preset suitable for all further imports from the selected Google Sheets spreadsheet to Shopify. On the mapping screen, indicate which columns from the imported file should match the properties of the products in your Shopify store. If your Google Sheets update doesn’t align with Shopify requirements, you can easily replace unsupported column names with suitable ones to enable the Shopify Google Sheets integration. 

Name your new mapping template and save it for next uploads.

Click “Continue” to proceed to the next section. 

Preview Import Results

Our app provides a preview of how your products will appear after importing them from Google Sheets. Here, you can spot any mistakes or inconsistencies, return to the previous step, and address them.

Import Data from Google Sheets to Shopify

Finally, click the “Save” button to save your Google Sheets Shopify Integration import profile. When you’re ready to import, click the “Import” button. The app will immediately initiate the data transfer from Google Sheets to your Shopify website.

If you save the profile, the app will launch a data transfer according to the specified schedule.

Final Words

The Shopify Google Sheets integration can help you simplify your store updates dramatically. You can even do everything with the built-in instruments only. But if automation of your daily chores looks reasonable, pay attention to the Firebear Import & Export Tool. It is your ultimate solution for overcoming common challenges associated with manual data transfers between the two platforms. The app enriches and diversifies your Google Sheets Shopify integration with schedules, mapping templates, and previews, ensuring 100% automation of further import and export processes. With all these and multiple other features, the integration of your e-commerce website with the popular spreadsheet editor is easy to implement and manage. For detailed information on the app, please, refer to our comprehensive documentation:

• Firebear Import & Export Tool for Shopify  
• Firebear Import & Export Tool Manual
• Contact us

Shopify Google Sheets Integration FAQ