Lots of news from Google Base this past week. Sweet!!

There was a post yesterday afternoon on the Google Base blog announcing the re-introduction of the model_number attribute. Model numbers are similar to the MPN (manufacturers part number) or UPC (Universal Product Code) data feed attributes.

Model numbers are basically unique numbers or codes that get assigned to a particular product by the item manufacturer. Some of the attributes are required, some are not. The model_number attribute is optional, but it is a good idea to include it within your data feed so Google can see even more information about the products you offer. Product attributes are primarily used to help classify different items and to help shoppers find what you offer. Remember, just because you include extra attributes doesn’t always mean you will rank higher in Google Product Search or Base results, including the Onebox area.

In case you aren’t already familiar with Base attributes, here’s a list (with links) to the required, optional and item specific attributes…

Base Upload Program Policies:

• It’s always a good idea to review the Google Base Program Policies

Required Attributes (All Products):

• product_type
• brand
• title
• description
• price
• image_link
• link
• id
• mpn
• upc
• isbn
• condition
• expiration_date

Optional or Custom Attributes (All Products):

• quantity
• model_number
• payment_accepted
• payment_notes
• price_type
• shipping
• pickup
• tax_region
• tax_percent

Specific Item Type Attributes (View Attribute List Links), click [+]‘s:

Each specific item type has its own list, click “View Attribute List Links” above to see attribute specifics.

• Apparel (color, department, made_in, material, size, style)
• Books (author, binding, edition, genre, pages, publisher)
• Consumer Electronics: Cell Phones (color, functions, height, length, tech_spec_link, width, wireless_interface)
• Consumer Electronics: Computers (battery_life, capacity, color, height, length, operating_system, optical_drive, processor_speed, recommended_usage, screen_size, tech_spec_link, weight, width)
• Consumer Electronics: Digital Cameras (color, focus_type, height, length, megapixels, resolution, tech_spec_link, width, zoom)
• Consumer Electronics: Monitors (aspect_ratio, color, display_type, height, length, resolution, screen_size, tech_spec_link, width)
• Consumer Electronics: MP3 Players (capacity, color, functions, height, length, tech_spec_link, width)
• Consumer Electronics: Printers (color, color_output, functions, height, length, memory_card_slot, tech_spec_link, width)
• Consumer Electronics: Televisions (aspect_ratio, color, display_type, height, length, resolution, screen_size, tech_spec_link, width)
• Consumer Electronics: Video Cameras and Camcorders (color, height, length, screen_size, tech_spec_link, weight, width, zoom)
• Consumer Electronics: Washers (capacity, color, height, length, load_type, tech_spec_link, width)
• Consumer Electronics: Other (color, height, length, tech_spec_link, width)
• Home and Garden: Furniture (artist, department, feature, height, length, made_in, width)
• Home and Garden: Kitchen Appliances (capacity, height, installation, length, made_in, width)
• Home and Garden: Rugs (feature, length, made_in, material, width)
• Home and Garden: Other (department, height, length, made_in, width)
• Jewelry (artist, department, material, occasion, style)
• Music (artist, edition, format, genre)
• Movies (actor, director, format, genre, rating, year)
• Shoes (color, department, heel_height, made_in, material, shoe_width, size, style)
• Toys (age_range, made_in)
• Video and PC Games (genre, platform, rating)

There are many attributes to keep track of and update, especially if you offer any of the specific item types like consumer electronics or home and garden products. Keep this list handy and check the Google attributes page often so you can offer up the best feed possible. It is very important to choose the correct product_type to begin with, that way you know which attributes to use (both required and custom) for your data feed.