Adding item_group_id in multifeeds

[nclwe]

We're managing a feed with around 2.5k products and some of the products have 20 variants. Our connection to google Merchant Center is through Multifeeds app. I've noticed that the variants of my products are showing as individual products in google shopping ads. When I went to the settings in Multifeed for this products, it shows this: 

I've noticed in my Google Merchant Center that each variant of this product has a different product_id. In this case, placing {product_id} value to item_group_id - would make item group id of each variant to be different as well. 

What should I do? Do I need to manually create a unique item_group_id myself and assign it manually to each variant of the same product? 

[EmmanuelFlossie]

the product id for item group id, is correct. As you need to assign 1 unique value that is the same for all variants. Unique in the way that it is not used for other products.

Regardless if you submit item group ID, Google may not decide to create a grouped listing.

But you can increase the chances by submitting the product variant values, such as color, size, material, pattern, age group, gender.

[nclwe]

Thanks,  in my case each variant has a different product_id:

Hence they cannot be grouped under 1 item_group_id because each of them has a different product id, and multifeeds app uses product_id as item_group_id

[nclwe]

When replying to you, I've noticed that the first part of product_id has the same number 

while the second part varies for each product:

Would google merchant center perceive the variants as being completely different products? 

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Yes the id should be different, that is normal. And it has to be unique for each variant.

Don't confuse the id attribute with the item_group_id attribute, they are completely different. You can learn more here: https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/7052112?hl=en

[nclwe]

Thank you.

I have set up {product id} as item group ID but for some reason google ads show each variant of this product in google shopping ads as if it is separate product. How can I show only one product? For example, when I put a keyword of my product in google search - google shopping as show my same product in shopping ads feed as 7 different listings. 

[EmmanuelFlossie · Accepted solution]

That is how it should work. Every variant is a unique listing. This is normal, and the expected result.

If you don't want to show variants, then check the box in the first setting, to not include variants. But this will reduce your performance.

And yes, you should see 7 listings, as explained, grouping items, may or may not happen, that depends on Google's AI, you can not force googel to do this. Only increase the chances by submitting valid and correct data.

Also not all product niches will have this.

Also having multiple listings, is better than having 1 listings. More equity = more clicks.

[nclwe]

Thank you, this is very helpful.