A Comprehensive Guide on How to Add a Product Type in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Product Type in Shopify?
3. Understanding Shopify Product Types Versus Collections and Tags
4. How to Add a Product Type in Shopify
5. Managing Product Types with CSV Files
6. Optimizing Your Product Types for SEO
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the myriad of choices in an online store? If so, you’re not alone. As online shopping continues to thrive, the importance of streamlined navigation becomes paramount for a positive customer experience. One of the essential elements in achieving this is through organized product categorization. So, how can our Shopify merchants create a seamless shopping experience for their customers? A crucial step is understanding how to add a product type in Shopify.

In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of product types in Shopify. We’ll break down what product types are, why they are essential for your ecommerce business, and how to efficiently add and manage them in your store. As ecommerce merchants, we have the power to transform our online stores through thoughtful organization, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales.

Our goal is to empower you to effectively utilize the product type feature to provide a smooth shopping experience for your customers. We will also highlight the distinctions between product types, collections, and tags, which will further enhance your understanding of how to optimize your Shopify store. Let’s dive in and uncover the strategies to streamline your product offerings!

What is a Product Type in Shopify?

A product type in Shopify is a classification that helps you organize your inventory based on shared characteristics. Think of it as a way to categorize your products into manageable groups. For instance, if you run an online clothing store, your product types might include "Tops," "Bottoms," or "Dresses." Each product can only have one product type assigned to it, which makes it essential to choose wisely.

This classification is not just a matter of aesthetics; it plays a significant role in improving store navigation, inventory management, and sales insights. By categorizing products under specific types, you simplify your store's structure, making it easier for both you and your customers to find what they need.

Why Does Your Shopify Store Need Product Types?

The necessity of product types in your Shopify store cannot be understated. Here are several compelling reasons for utilizing them:

• Enhanced Store Organization: Product types make it easier to locate and manage items. This helps you maintain a clean inventory and improves overall operational efficiency.
• Improved Customer Experience: When products are categorized appropriately, customers can find what they are looking for faster. This convenience enhances their shopping experience, which can lead to increased sales and repeat purchases.
• Actionable Analytics: By segmenting your products, we can collect valuable data on performance within specific categories. Analyzing this data aids in making informed business decisions.
• Facilitated Inventory Management: Defined product types assist in keeping track of stock levels and reordering processes, ensuring that popular items are restocked quickly.

With these advantages in mind, embracing product types is an essential step towards building a robust and user-friendly Shopify store.

Understanding Shopify Product Types Versus Collections and Tags

To maximize the potential of your product organization, it’s crucial to understand the differences between product types, collections, and tags.

Product Types

As discussed, product types serve as the core classification system for your products. Each item can only have one product type, offering a broad category that reflects its nature, like "Watches" or "Shoes."

Collections

On the other hand, collections group products together based on specific themes or attributes. Collections can be either manual or automated:

• Manual Collections: You manually select which products to include. For example, a "Sale" collection where you add products with discounted prices.
• Automated Collections: Products are automatically added based on set conditions, such as product type or tags. For instance, a "Summer Apparel" collection might include all products tagged with "Summer."

Tags

Tags are keywords that you can assign to products for additional sorting and filtering. Tags are flexible and help refine customer searches, making it easier for them to find specific items in your store.

In summary, while product types provide a broad categorization for your inventory, collections and tags offer more granular classification, enhancing customer navigation and marketing strategies.

How to Add a Product Type in Shopify

Adding a product type to your Shopify store is a straightforward process. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced merchant, following these steps ensures you manage your inventory effectively:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard. This is where all the magic happens.

Step 2: Go to Products

Navigate to the Products section on the left-hand menu. Here, you’ll find a list of all your existing products.

Step 3: Select a Product

Click on the product to which you wish to add or edit the product type. This opens up the product details page.

Step 4: Locate the Product Type Field

Scroll down to the Product organization section on the product page. Here, you will find the Product type input field.

Step 5: Enter the Product Type

In the Product type field, enter the desired type for the product. You can create a custom product type if it doesn’t fit into one of Shopify's standard categories. For instance, if you sell handmade jewelry, you might enter "Handmade Jewelry" as the product type.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once you’ve added the product type, it’s crucial to save your changes. Scroll to the top or bottom of the page and click the Save button.

Bulk Adding Product Types

For larger inventories, manually updating each product can be time-consuming. You can streamline this process by bulk editing product types.

Steps for Bulk Editing:

1. Access Products: Go back to the Products section in your Shopify admin.
2. Select Products: Check the boxes next to the products you wish to edit.
3. Bulk Edit: Click on the Bulk actions dropdown menu, then select Edit products.
4. Add Product Type Column: If the Product type column isn't displayed, click on Columns and select Product type.
5. Assign New Types: Enter the new product types for each product and click Save.

Managing Product Types with CSV Files

For those managing larger catalogs, utilizing CSV files is an efficient way to update product types in bulk. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Export Products

In your Shopify admin, navigate to the Products section. Click on the Export button to download your product list in CSV format.

Step 2: Edit the CSV File

Open the CSV file in a spreadsheet application like Excel or Google Sheets. Find the column labeled Product Type and fill in or modify the product types as needed.

Step 3: Import the CSV File

Once your changes are complete, go back to the Products section in your Shopify admin. Click on the Import button and upload your edited CSV file. Follow the prompts to complete the import process, which will update the product types accordingly.

Optimizing Your Product Types for SEO

Utilizing product types correctly can also enhance your SEO efforts. When organized effectively, product types can boost your visibility in search engines. Here are a few strategies to optimize them:

• Be Descriptive: Use clear and descriptive naming conventions for your product types. For example, instead of using vague terms, opt for "Organic Cotton T-Shirts" instead of just "T-Shirts."
• Utilize Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your product types. This practice improves your SEO rankings and helps potential customers find your products during search engine queries.
• Consistent Use: Maintain consistency in how you label product types across your inventory for better organization and easier customer navigation.

Conclusion

Understanding how to add a product type in Shopify is a crucial element of effective inventory management and improving customer experience. By categorizing products thoughtfully, you not only streamline your store but also enhance visibility and usability, driving sales and fostering customer loyalty.

As we’ve explored, combining product types with collections and tags provides the flexibility to meet various organizational needs. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a large inventory, embracing these features enables us to create a sophisticated and user-friendly online shopping experience.

If you’re ready to enhance your online store, we invite you to explore our shipping protection solutions that can safeguard your inventory and empower your business growth. Check out our interactive demo to see our offerings in action!

FAQ

What exactly is a product type in Shopify?

A product type in Shopify is a classification that helps categorize and organize your products. Each product can only have one product type, which simplifies inventory management and improves customer navigation.

How do I edit an existing product type?

To edit a product type, go to the Products section in your Shopify admin, select the product, and find the Product type field in the Product organization section. Make your changes, then save.

Can I use both standard and custom product types?

Yes, you can use both standard product types, which are predefined by Shopify, and custom product types that you create to meet your specific needs.

How will using product types benefit my SEO?

Using descriptive and keyword-rich product types enhances search engine visibility, making it easier for potential customers to discover your products through organic search results.

Do I need to use product types for every product?

While it’s not mandatory to assign product types to every product, doing so provides better organization, improves inventory management, and enhances your store's user experience.

By effectively utilizing product types, we can build a thriving Shopify store that both delights customers and drives our ecommerce success!