Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Why and How of Custom Domains on Shopify
- Buying and Adding a Shopify Domain
- Connecting an External Domain to Shopify
- Change Your Shopify Primary Domain
- FAQs: Mastering Domain Management in Shopify
- Conclusion
Introduction
Have you ever thought about making your Shopify store stand out with a personalized touch that caters precisely to your brand? One effortless yet profound shift to elevate your store's professional appeal is securing a unique domain name, and adding it to Shopify is more straightforward than it sounds. Not only does this foster trust among your customers, but it also carves out your exclusive identity on the internet. In this guide, we're unearthing everything you need to know about adding a domain to your Shopify store. From purchasing a domain directly through Shopify to connecting an external one, we've got you covered.
The Why and How of Custom Domains on Shopify
A custom domain is an essential asset as it gives your business a polished and professional look. By default, your Shopify store comes with a 'myshopify.com' URL, but to truly resonate with your brand, a custom name is key. It isn't just an address; it's a first impression, a part of your branding, and an integral slice of your online presence. With Shopify, you have the flexibility to manage up to 20 domains or subdomains.
Adding a domain to Shopify involves either purchasing directly from the platform or connecting a domain you own from a third-party provider. Shopify streamlines the process when you buy from them, and surprisingly, it's almost as easy to integrate an external domain—with a little DNS configuration.
Buying and Adding a Shopify Domain
Purchasing your domain through Shopify might be your easiest route. It offers the immediate advantage of automatic setup, so you don't have to fuss with technical settings like DNS records. However, you don't get email hosting from Shopify, but well-known services like G Suite and Zoho Mail can be integrated with ease. Here’s how to get started:
- Navigate to 'Online Store' and then 'Domains' in your Shopify admin.
- Click on 'Buy new domain' and search for your desired domain name.
- Once you've found the perfect fit, proceed with the purchase.
- After completion, Shopify will prompt you to make it your primary domain. Do that, and you’re essentially done!
Connecting an External Domain to Shopify
If you already have a domain with a third-party registrar, linking it to your Shopify store requires a bit of legwork but is still manageable. Connect existing domains through your Shopify admin panel by following the process highlighted above, but select 'Connect existing domain' instead.
You'll then need to modify your domain's DNS settings. Point your domain's A record to Shopify's IP address - 23.227.38.32 and the www CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com. Note that changes can take up to 72 hours to propagate globally.
Change Your Shopify Primary Domain
Outgrew your old domain or just ready for a change? No problem. Keeping your brand relevant might call for a domain update. In your Shopify admin, under 'Domains', you can change your primary domain by selecting from those you’ve added. Presuming you set up or connected multiple domains, swapping them is just a matter of a few clicks.
FAQs: Mastering Domain Management in Shopify
Q: Can I have multiple domains for my Shopify store? A: Absolutely! Shopify allows up to 20 domains or subdomains for each store. For Shopify Plus members, this number jumps to 1000.
Q: Do I need to be a technical expert to add a domain to Shopify? A: Not at all. For domains bought through Shopify, the process is almost automatic. For third-party domains, some tinkering with DNS settings is needed, but most domain providers offer guides to walk you through it.
Q: How long does it take for my new domain to start working after connecting it to Shopify? A: It can take 24 to 72 hours for domain changes to be fully active due to DNS propagation.
Q: What if I want to use a domain I already own with Shopify? A: Just select the option to connect an existing domain in your Shopify admin domain settings and adjust your DNS records with the domain registrar to point to Shopify.
Q: Is an email address included with my Shopify domain? A: Shopify does not offer email hosting even if you buy the domain through them, but it does support integration with popular email services.
Conclusion
Integrating your domain into Shopify is a vital step to forge your brand's online identity. Your domain is more than just an address; it's the hallmark of your brand credibility. Remember, with this guide in hand, you’re never too far from giving your Shopify store its deserved custom attire. Embrace this insight, give your business the professional shine it merits, and watch as your customer's trust solidifies like never before.
