Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that enables individuals and businesses to set up online stores and sell products. One of the essential elements of a successful online store is its domain name. A domain name is the web address that customers use to access your website. It is essential to choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
However, there may be instances where you need to change your Shopify domain name due to rebranding, domain expiry, or simply because you want a more suitable name. In such cases, it’s crucial to understand how to add or change your Shopify domain name correctly.
This guide will take you through the process of adding or changing your Shopify domain name step-by-step. We’ll discuss the necessary steps to ensure a seamless transition while avoiding any potential pitfalls. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to add or change your Shopify domain name with ease.
A brief overview of the Shopify domain
A Shopify domain is the web address that your customers use to access your online store on the Shopify platform. Your domain name is essential because it reflects your brand and helps customers find and remember your online store.
When you sign up for a Shopify account, you’ll be given a default domain name in the format of “yourstorename.myshopify.com.” However, you can customize your domain name by purchasing a unique domain name from a domain registrar or transferring an existing domain to Shopify.
Customizing your domain name is an important step in establishing your brand identity and improving your online presence. It also helps to improve your search engine rankings and provides a more professional image for your business.
Changing your Shopify domain name is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. However, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure a seamless transition and avoid any potential issues.
How to add a Shopify domain name?
Here’s a brief guide on how to add a Shopify domain name:
- Purchase a domain name from a domain registrar or transfer an existing domain to Shopify.
- Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to the “Online Store” section.
- Click on “Domains” to access the domains settings page.
- Click on “Connect Existing Domain” if you’ve transferred a domain or “Add Domain” if you’ve purchased a new domain.
- Enter your domain name in the provided field and follow the prompts to verify ownership of the domain.
- Once verification is complete, set your domain as the primary domain for your Shopify store.
- Configure your DNS settings to point your domain name to your Shopify store.
- Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take up to 48 hours.
- Test your domain by accessing your online store using your new domain name.
That’s it! Following these steps will allow you to add a custom domain name to your Shopify store, which can improve your brand identity and search engine rankings.
How to change the Shopify domain name?
Here’s a brief guide on how to change your Shopify domain name:
- Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to the “Online Store” section.
- Click on “Domains” to access the domains settings page.
- Click on the “Manage” button next to your current domain name.
- Scroll down and click on “Disconnect Domain.”
- Confirm that you want to disconnect the domain.
- Purchase a new domain name from a domain registrar or transfer an existing domain to Shopify.
- Click on “Add Domain” to add your new domain name to your Shopify store.
- Follow the prompts to verify ownership of the new domain name.
- Once verification is complete, set your new domain as the primary domain for your Shopify store.
- Configure your DNS settings to point your new domain name to your Shopify store.
- Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take up to 48 hours.
- Test your new domain name by accessing your online store.
That’s it! Following these steps will allow you to change your Shopify domain name while ensuring a seamless transition and avoiding potential issues. Remember to update any external links or marketing materials that reference your old domain name.
Purchasing a Shopify Domain Name
To purchase a domain through Shopify, go to the “Domains” section of your admin account and select “Buy a new domain.” Search for the domain you want and purchase it by filling out your personal and payment details. You can also add domain privacy. After purchasing, the domain will connect to your store automatically.
Adding an External Domain
If you buy a domain elsewhere, you can connect it to your Shopify store by going to the “Domains” section of your admin account and selecting “Connect existing domain.” Then, update the DNS settings at your domain registrar by adding the IP address for Shopify (23.227.38.32). Wait a few days for the process to complete, and follow the steps to set up the new domain within your account. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to help with this process.
Benefits of Changing Your Shopify Domain Name
There are several benefits to changing your Shopify domain name, including
Brand identity: A new domain name can help you rebrand your business and improve your overall brand identity. You can choose a domain name that better reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience.
SEO: Changing your domain name can help improve your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. You can choose a domain name that includes relevant keywords and phrases that can help your store rank higher in search engine results pages.
Customer trust: A professional-looking domain name can help build trust with your customers. If your old domain name looked unprofessional or didn’t match your business, changing it can improve your customers’ perception of your store.
Legal reasons: If your business has undergone a legal name change, you may need to change your domain name to match your new legal name.
Expansion: If you’re expanding your business into new markets or niches, changing your domain name can help you better target those audiences and increase your reach.
Overall, changing your Shopify domain name can help you improve your brand identity, SEO, customer trust, and legal compliance.
