Step 3: Category mapping
In the previous lesson, we covered product feed settings. In this lesson, we’ll focus on another essential feature: category mapping. You’ll find the category mapping tool located on the right side of the feed settings interface. This section contains a table with three columns: “Shop Category,” “Feed Category,” and “Products.”
Selecting Categories to Include in the Product Feed
The category mapping tool serves two primary functions. First, it enables you to choose which webshop categories to include in your product feed. Second, if the channel you’re working with has its own categories—like Google, for example—you can link each of your webshop categories to the corresponding channel categories.
To select all your webshop categories at once, simply click the ‘Select’ field located at the top left corner of the table. Doing so will include all categories in your product feed. If you prefer to be selective, use the checkbox next to the specific webshop category you wish to include.
Mapping Your Webshop Categories to Channel Categories
Once you’ve selected the webshop categories, you’ll notice text that reads “Map to Default Category (edit)” under the “Feed Category” column. This indicates that, by default, your selected shop categories will map to the default channel category you previously set in the feed parameters. If you want to change this, click the ‘Edit’ link and use the dropdown menu to select a more appropriate channel category.
The dropdown menu will display the categories available for the channel you’re working on, if applicable. If the channel has no specific categories, an empty text field will appear where you can manually enter a category.
If you’re working with the Google Merchant channel, you’ll also find an option to “Select by Category Number,” allowing you to enter the Google Category number ID.
Products with Multiple Categories
Some shops feature products that belong to multiple webshop categories. In such cases, our plugin integrates with either the Yoast SEO plugin or Rank Math SEO to identify the default category for each product. This default category is then used by the category mapping tool.
In summary, you’ve successfully set up the parameters for your product feed. You’ve selected and mapped webshop categories to the appropriate channel categories. To save these settings, click the ‘Save’ button. Then, proceed to the next lesson where we will explore the filter tool.