Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Shopify Domains
- Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Domain
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Starting an eCommerce store on Shopify comes with a flurry of decisions, one of which involves choosing a domain name that reflects your brand. However, as your business evolves, the need to change your Shopify domain may arise. Whether it's due to a rebranding strategy, a shift in product focus, or simply the desire for a more impactful URL, changing your domain on Shopify is a topic that many store owners find themselves contemplating. If you're among them, you're in the right place. This blog post will guide you through the process of changing your Shopify domain, so your eCommerce site better aligns with your brand's vision and goals.
Introduction
Imagine launching your online store with a domain you thought resonated with your brand, only to realize down the line that it doesn't quite fit anymore. Perhaps your business has outgrown the initial scope, or you've discovered a domain that's just a perfect match for the identity you want to establish. Whatever the reason, changing your Shopify domain becomes an essential step towards aligning your online presence with your brand's evolving narrative.
In this post, we will delve deep into the realm of Shopify domains, elucidating how you can effectively change your Shopify domain without losing your brand's digital footprint. From understanding the foundational aspects of Shopify domains to exploring the step-by-step process of making the switch, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about changing your domain on Shopify. Whether you're eyeing a more brand-relevant custom domain or transitioning to a completely new sphere, we've got you covered.
Understanding Shopify Domains
Before we dive into the "how," it's crucial to grasp what a Shopify domain is and why it matters. By default, when you create a Shopify store, you're given a subdomain that looks something like yourstorename.myshopify.com. While convenient for starters, a personalized domain (e.g., www.yourbrand.com) not only lends credibility to your eCommerce site but also enhances brand recognition among your target audience. It's your unique address on the vast digital landscape, directing customers to your online store.
Why Consider Changing Your Shopify Domain?
- Brand Evolution: Your brand has undergone changes, and your current domain no longer reflects the goods or services you offer.
- Enhanced Credibility: A custom domain reinforces professionalism and builds trust with potential customers.
- Marketing and SEO: A keyword-rich domain can improve your store’s visibility on search engines, potentially driving more traffic to your site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Domain
Changing your domain on Shopify involves a few key steps, each of which is integral to ensuring a seamless transition. Here’s how to go about it:
Step 1: Purchasing Your New Domain
First off, decide whether to buy your new domain directly through Shopify or from third-party registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Purchasing through Shopify simplifies the process of setting it up since the platform automatically configures the new domain for you. However, buying from an external registrar might offer more flexibility and sometimes even cost advantages.
Step 2: Adding Your New Domain to Shopify
If you’ve purchased your domain through Shopify, it’s automatically added to your account. For domains bought externally:
- Navigate to your Shopify admin panel.
- Go to ‘Online Store’ > ‘Domains’ > ‘Connect existing domain’.
- Enter your new domain name and follow the prompts to connect it.
Step 3: Setting Your New Domain as the Primary Domain
Once added, you must set your new domain as the primary domain to ensure that it’s the one customers see when accessing your store.
- In the ‘Domains’ section of your Shopify admin, find your new domain.
- Click ‘Set as primary’.
- Confirm the change.
Step 4: Updating DNS Settings
If your domain is from a third-party registrar, you’ll need to update the DNS settings to point to Shopify’s servers. This involves modifying the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.32) and setting the CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.
Step 5: Redirecting Traffic and Ensuring SEO Continuity
After changing your domain, it’s essential to redirect traffic from the old domain to the new one to maintain SEO equity and ensure that customers can still find you. Shopify automatically redirects your old Shopify domain to the new one, but if the previous domain was a third-party one, you might need to set up redirects manually.
FAQs
Can I Use Multiple Domains with My Shopify Store?
Yes, Shopify allows you to have one primary domain and multiple secondary domains, directing all traffic to your primary domain.
Will Changing My Shopify Domain Affect My SEO?
Changing your domain can temporarily affect your SEO, but proper redirects can minimize the impact and help you retain your search rankings.
How Long Does It Take for My New Domain to Become Active?
After changing your domain settings, it can take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate across the internet.
Can I Sell or Transfer My Old Domain After Changing It?
Yes, you can sell or transfer your old domain, but consider keeping it redirected to your new domain for a while to ensure customers and search engines update their records.
Conclusion
Changing your domain on Shopify is a strategic move that can significantly impact your brand's online presence and credibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your eCommerce store remains accessible and continues to thrive under its new digital identity. Remember, a domain that resonates with your brand not only captivates your target audience but also sets the stage for your business's long-term success in the competitive online marketplace.
