Datafeed implementation

[L2Ser]

Can someone who is familiar with the implementation of datafeeds please explain to us webmasters how we can use them and what the advantages are? Is it just an xml file that we can access, maybe by using a script on our site to auto update product offerings?

For example, I would like to place more affiliate program banners, widgets, and text links on my site that automatically display the latest featured products without my intervention.

Also, I have thousands of pages on several sites, and I hate affiliate program offers that expire. I don't have time to spend trying to keep up with them all. I just want to place the code once and have it take care of itself, presenting the latest great offers. Do datafeeds offer a solution?

Thanks to anyone who can help on this.

[GregK]

Hey L2Ser,
I know almost nothing about data feeds, but a few of the people in these forums do. I'll let them know you're interested in hearing more and send them this way.

[Kevin]

Datafeeds work really well as you can set them up on a cron job to update for you so they are always up to date.

Here is a small site i use datafeeds on nothing great but shows what they do The Cozy Shop Find the best home comfort products around from beds to couches

Most merchants that offer them keep them up to date with offers and new products and and old ones deleted, so if running on a cron job you dont need to touch it just let it run.

The script i use for that site is free called affilistore.

[L2Ser]

That's a real useful example of how to use datafeeds. I looked at several sites using the affilistore script and it looks like a very practical way for the merchant to promote sale items.

Thanks!