How to categorize Google Products

Google only accepts categories from their official taxonomy. You can submit either:

• The category ID (e.g., 2271)
• The full path (e.g., Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops)

Always use the most specific category that describes your product:

Select the single category that best describes your product's primary function. If a product has multiple uses, choose the most relevant one.

Example: An MP3 player with a built-in clock should use the MP3 player category, not clock or electronics.

Set a default Google Product Category at module level:

Location: Magmodules → Google Shopping - Feed → Attributes → Google Product Category

This category applies to all products unless overridden.

Override the default for specific Magento categories:

Location: Catalog → Categories → [Select Category] → Google Shopping tab

Products in this category will use the specified Google Product Category instead of the default.

For individual products needing a different category:

1. Create a product attribute for Google Product Category
2. Map this attribute in the extension configuration
3. Set the value per product as needed

Google provides a complete list of categories:

• English: https://www.google.com/basepages/producttype/taxonomy-with-ids.en-US.txt

1. Search for your product type - Look for the most specific match
2. Check competitor listings - See what categories similar products use
3. When unsure, go broader - A correct broader category is better than an incorrect specific one

Google updated their taxonomy in August 2011. Categories from before this date are no longer valid.

Solution: Use current categories. Google translates old categories automatically, but using current ones ensures accuracy.

Generic categories like "Electronics" or "Clothing" reduce ad relevance.

Solution: Drill down to the most specific subcategory that fits your product.

Different products of the same type using different categories confuses Google's algorithms.

Solution: Create a mapping strategy and apply it consistently across your catalog.