Can I Change Domain Name on Shopify? A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Shopify Domains
  3. The Significance of a Custom Domain
  4. Steps to Change Your Shopify Domain
  5. FAQs
  6. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself pondering the possibility of altering your Shopify store's domain name? Maybe you’ve undergone a rebranding, found a more fitting domain name, or simply made a typing error when initially setting it up. Whatever the reason, the question on your mind is: Can I change my domain name on Shopify? In this extensive guide, we step through the nuances of Shopify domain names, providing you with actionable insights and detailed steps on how to make the transition seamless for your business. By the end of this post, you will be equipped with a thorough understanding of how domain management works on Shopify, alongside the implications and best practices of making a change. Let's dive into the world of Shopify domains and unravel the process of changing your store's online identity.

Understanding Shopify Domains

Before we navigate through the process of changing your domain name, it's essential to grasp what a Shopify domain is and its importance. A Shopify domain, in simplest terms, is the web address where customers can find your store. It's the URL you share on your business cards, online ads, and social media profiles. By default, Shopify assigns a domain in the format of your-store-name.myshopify.com upon signing up. However, this default domain might not align with your branding or could be hard for customers to remember, prompting the need for a change.

The Significance of a Custom Domain

A custom domain acts as a pivotal element in constructing your brand's online presence. It not only enhances brand recognition but also instills trust in your customers. With a custom domain, your store presents itself as a professional and established business, distinguishing itself from the myriad of stores operating with a generic .myshopify.com address. Therefore, securing a custom domain is a strategic move towards solidifying your brand's identity and credibility in the eCommerce realm.

Steps to Change Your Shopify Domain

Acquiring a New Domain

  1. Direct Purchase from Shopify: You can buy a new domain directly from Shopify. This is the most straightforward approach as Shopify automatically configures the new domain for you. Navigate to your Shopify admin dashboard, head to Online Store, and then to Domains. Here, you can search for your desired domain name and purchase it directly.

  2. External Purchase: Alternatively, you might opt to buy a domain from third-party registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap. This route may offer you a wider range of prices and options for domain names. However, it requires you to manually configure the DNS settings to point your new domain to your Shopify store.

Setting Up Your New Domain in Shopify

Once you have your new domain ready, it’s time to make it the primary domain for your Shopify store. This process varies slightly depending on whether you’ve purchased your domain through Shopify or an external registrar.

  • For Shopify Purchased Domains: Access your Shopify admin, navigate to Online Store, then to Domains, and use the Set as primary option next to your new domain.

  • For Externally Purchased Domains: You'll need to connect your external domain to Shopify first. This involves updating your domain’s DNS settings to point to Shopify’s servers. Once connected, you can set it as your primary domain in the Domains section of your Shopify admin.

After Changing Your Domain

After making the switch, Shopify automatically redirects your old domain (including the default .myshopify.com domain) to your new primary domain. This ensures that any existing links pointing to your old domain still lead customers to your store, preserving your site’s traffic and search engine ranking.

FAQs

Can I change my .myshopify.com URL?

Your primary .myshopify.com URL can't be altered as it's permanently tied to your Shopify account for login purposes. However, this shouldn’t be a concern since your custom domain will be what your customers see and use.

What happens to my old domain when I switch?

Shopify automatically redirects your old domain to the new one. This applies to both the default Shopify domain and any old custom domain you’ve replaced.

Will changing my domain affect my store's SEO?

While any domain change can temporarily affect your store’s search engine visibility, Shopify’s automatic redirection helps minimize this impact. To further mitigate risks, consider informing your existing customers about the change and updating any external links where possible.

Conclusion

Changing your domain name on Shopify can be a straightforward process, whether you’re buying a new domain through Shopify or connecting one from an external provider. Remember, a well-chosen domain enhances your brand’s visibility and credibility, making it a vital asset in your online business strategy. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging Shopify’s seamless redirection feature, you can transition to a new domain without losing your digital footing.

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