Search for a recognizable product name, compare the category paths and copy the numeric Google ID for the most specific correct category. Test one product in Merchant Center before changing an entire catalog.
Start with the product, not the department
Search for running shoe instead of only sports. A concrete term usually returns categories that are closer to the actual item.
Read the complete path
The same term can occur in different branches. Check parent categories to avoid selecting an accessory, toy version or business component by mistake.
Copy the ID or path
Google accepts the numeric value and the complete path. IDs work well in exports and mappings; paths are easier during human review.
Test before making a bulk change
Apply the category to a small representative set first. Check processing and category-specific field requirements before reusing the mapping across your catalog.
