How to Add GTIN or MPN to Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for E-commerce Success

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding GTIN and MPN
3. Preparing Your Shopify Store for GTIN and MPN Integration
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Adding GTIN and MPN in Shopify
5. Best Practices for Managing GTINs and MPNs in Shopify
6. Common Challenges and Solutions
7. Optimizing Product Listings with GTINs and MPNs
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of online shoppers leverage product identifiers like GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) when making purchasing decisions? These unique identifiers not only help consumers find the exact products they’re looking for but also enhance your store's visibility on platforms like Google Shopping. As e-commerce professionals, it’s crucial for us to optimize our online stores for better search visibility and customer trust.

In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of adding GTINs and MPNs to your Shopify store. We will cover the significance of these identifiers, provide a step-by-step guide on how to add them, and address common challenges you might encounter along the way. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to effectively integrate GTINs or MPNs into your Shopify product listings, ultimately boosting your store's performance and increasing your sales potential.

Understanding GTIN and MPN

What is GTIN?

GTIN is a globally recognized standard for identifying products. It encompasses various formats, including:

• GTIN-12 (UPC): Commonly used in North America.
• GTIN-13 (EAN): Widely used internationally.
• GTIN-14 (ITF-14): Used for packaging products in logistics.

GTINs serve as unique identifiers that help differentiate products in a crowded marketplace, making it easier for consumers and retailers alike to track and manage inventory.

What is MPN?

MPN is a unique identifier assigned by manufacturers to their products. Unlike GTINs, which are standardized and globally recognized, MPNs can vary significantly across different manufacturers. They provide additional context and specificity for products, particularly in sectors where multiple variations exist.

Why are GTIN and MPN Important for E-commerce?

1. Enhanced Visibility: GTINs and MPNs help improve the indexing of your products on search engines and marketplaces, leading to increased visibility and higher click-through rates.
2. Improved Customer Trust: Including these identifiers in your product listings assures customers of the product's authenticity and helps them make informed purchasing decisions.
3. Compliance with Marketplaces: Many online platforms, including Google Shopping, require GTINs and MPNs for product listings. Failure to provide this information can result in disapproval of your ads or listings.

Preparing Your Shopify Store for GTIN and MPN Integration

Before we dive into the process of adding GTINs and MPNs, let’s ensure your Shopify store is ready for integration.

Step 1: Enable GTIN Support in Shopify

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Settings > General.
3. Scroll down to the Store details section and check the option to enable GTIN support.

Once this option is enabled, you can start adding GTINs and MPNs to your products.

Step 2: Verify Your Product Information

Before adding GTIN or MPN, ensure that you have accurate and valid identifiers for each product. These can be obtained from:

• Your suppliers or manufacturers.
• Online databases or barcode services.
• By generating your own GTINs through GS1.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding GTIN and MPN in Shopify

Now that your store is prepared, let’s walk through the steps to add GTINs and MPNs to your products.

Step 1: Access Your Product Listings

1. In your Shopify admin, click on Products.
2. Select the product you want to edit or click on Add product to create a new one.

Step 2: Enter GTIN and MPN Information

1. GTIN: Locate the Inventory section. Here, you will find a field labeled Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.). Enter the GTIN for the product here.
2. MPN: Scroll down to the Variants section (if applicable). Each variant can have its own MPN. Under the SKU field, you can add the MPN for that specific variant.

Step 3: Save Changes

After entering the necessary GTIN and MPN information, click Save to update your product listing.

Step 4: Verify in Google Merchant Center

If you are using Google Merchant Center to advertise your products, ensure that the GTIN and MPN are correctly reflected there:

1. Log in to your Google Merchant Center account.
2. Navigate to Products > All products.
3. Confirm that your products display the correct GTIN and MPN information.

Best Practices for Managing GTINs and MPNs in Shopify

To maximize the benefits of integrating GTINs and MPNs, we recommend the following best practices:

1. Unique Identifiers for Each Variant: Ensure that each product variant has its own unique GTIN and MPN. This is crucial for inventory management and tracking.
2. Regular Audits: Periodically review your product listings to ensure GTINs and MPNs are accurate and up-to-date. This will help maintain compliance and improve performance.
3. Utilize Bulk Editing Tools: If you have a large catalog, consider using bulk editing tools like the PowerCommerce eStore Suite to streamline the process of adding or updating GTINs and MPNs across multiple products.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Missing or Invalid GTINs

Solution: Double-check the GTINs provided by your suppliers. If they are not valid, consider purchasing new GTINs from GS1 or another recognized provider.

Challenge 2: GTIN Exemptions

If you sell custom products or handmade items, you may qualify for a GTIN exemption.

1. Navigate to your Google Merchant Center account.
2. Follow the guidelines to apply for a GTIN exemption, providing any necessary documentation to support your request.

Challenge 3: Managing Multiple Variants

Managing multiple variants can be cumbersome, especially when each requires a unique GTIN or MPN.

Solution: Use Shopify's bulk editor feature or consider using the PowerCommerce eStore Suite to manage multiple products efficiently. This allows you to update GTINs and MPNs in bulk, saving you time and effort.

Optimizing Product Listings with GTINs and MPNs

Incorporating GTINs and MPNs into your product listings not only improves visibility but can also enhance your SEO rankings. When search engines and marketplaces recognize standardized identifiers, they can accurately categorize and display your products to relevant audiences.

Benefits of Optimized Listings

1. Increased Click-Through Rates: Higher visibility leads to more clicks and potential conversions.
2. Better Product Recommendations: Marketplaces can suggest related products based on GTIN data, which can enhance cross-selling opportunities.
3. Streamlined Inventory Management: Unique identifiers simplify tracking and managing stock levels across different platforms.

Conclusion

Adding GTINs and MPNs to your Shopify store is an essential step towards optimizing your product listings for better visibility, trust, and credibility. By understanding the importance of these identifiers, preparing your Shopify store for integration, and following our step-by-step guide, you can enhance your e-commerce strategy and achieve sustainable growth.

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of digital commerce, let’s leverage innovative technology solutions, like the PowerCommerce eStore Suite, to elevate our operations and drive significant growth.

FAQ

1. Why do I need to add GTINs and MPNs to my Shopify store?
GTINs and MPNs improve product visibility, build customer trust, and are often required by online marketplaces for product listings.

2. What if my products don’t have GTINs or MPNs?
If your products are custom or handmade, you may qualify for a GTIN exemption by applying through Google Merchant Center.

3. Can I bulk add GTINs and MPNs to my products?
Yes, you can use Shopify’s bulk editing features or third-party apps to efficiently manage and update product identifiers in bulk.

4. Where can I find GTINs for my products?
You can obtain GTINs from your suppliers, manufacturers, or by purchasing them from GS1 or other recognized services.

5. How can I verify that my GTINs are being accepted by Google?
You can check your product listings in Google Merchant Center to ensure that the GTINs and MPNs are correctly reflected and accepted.

For further assistance or to explore our comprehensive suite of services, including seamless Shopify migrations and storefront optimization, visit us at PowerCommerce eStore Suite.