Categories, how do they help, how do you use them?

[andyodell]

Im trying to organise my store a little better. Something that I should have done a long time ago. I am interested in the effect that categories has on sales. Are they a good thing or can products get to lost into sub categories. Are the used or do you rely on search/tags.

Are you organising by theme, event, product... Learning how others do this would be beneficial.

How do you decide when something might fall into 2 categories. For example a "Thank you" sticker could fall into "small business packaging" or even "wedding stationery" - with editable text fitting for both.

Thanks for any comments

[BKMuir]

I organize my items by SUBJECT MATTER.

EXAMPLE 1: Animals ... subcategories: Cats, Dogs, Horses, Marine Animals ...

EXAMPLE 2: Nature ... Subcategories: Agriculture, Flowers, Grasses, Seasons, Sky, Trees & Leaves

I leave the product type up to Zazzles organization links.
As far as affecting sales - who knows - My organization makes it easier for me to find specific designs and easily determine if I am missing a specific product. If I want to promote a product type, I make a Collection and link to that.  (Animal Jig-Saw Puzzles, Bird Jig-saw Puzzles, etc.)

[WHS_Designs]

this link might help address some of your questions
How to Choose the Category Where You Want Your New Product to Live – Zazzle Help Center

[Connie]

I don't know how much of an affect good categorizing has on my actual sales, but I do know that keeping things organized keeps me sane! I need to have everything sorted so I can see what products I have with a particular design. And I'm sure if customers actually do come to my store, they'll be happy to be able to find what they are looking for easily.