Before anything else, purchase your new domain. If it’s a Shopify domain, you can buy it directly through your Shopify dashboard. For external domains, like those bought via GoDaddy, you’ll have it ready for connection.

Setting the Primary Domain:

After connecting your new domain, you must set it as the primary domain. This action tells Shopify which domain to display in the address bar when customers visit your store.

Updating DNS Settings:

If you’re connecting an external domain, you’ll need to update the DNS settings with your domain provider to point to Shopify. This involves changing your A record to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.32) and your CNAME record to 'shops.myshopify.com’.

Finalizing the Change:

It may take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate online. Once complete, your store will be accessible through the new domain. Don't forget to update any existing marketing materials or links that used the old domain.

How Do I Change My Domain Name on Shopify: A Simplified Guide

Introduction
Understanding Shopify Domain Changes
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Domain
Common Concerns and Questions
Conclusion
FAQ Block

Have you ever wondered about the impact a domain name can have on your Shopify store? Consider this: your domain name is not just a URL. It's the first handshake with your online audience, encapsulating your brand identity, and playing a critical role in driving traffic to your store. But what happens when you outgrow your current domain name or pivot your business model? Changing your domain name on Shopify might seem daunting, especially if you're not very tech-savvy. Yet, it's a crucial step towards aligning your online presence with your evolving business strategy.

Introduction

Imagine this scenario: you launched your online store under the name “gymelectronics.com,” with a focus on selling fitness-related electronic gadgets. A couple of years down the line, you decide to revamp your business, focusing now on the French cookware market, necessitating a change to “cockine.fr” to better represent your new brand. This is not just a hypothetical situation; many entrepreneurs face this challenge as their businesses evolve. Changing your domain name on Shopify is critical for such strategic pivots, but the process can seem complex at first glance.

This post will break down the steps to change your Shopify domain name, explore why you may consider such a change, and address some common questions about the process. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to make the transition smoothly, ensuring your Shopify store's domain reflects your brand's current direction.

Understanding Shopify Domain Changes

The Basics of Shopify Domains

Initially, your Shopify store comes with a default domain, structured as “your-store-name.myshopify.com.” While functional, this default domain doesn’t scream professionalism. That's where custom domains come in, allowing you to brand your store’s URL to match your business identity. For instance, changing from “your-store-name.myshopify.com” to “yourcustomdomain.com” enhances your brand’s credibility and visibility online.

The Need for Change

Why might you need to change your domain name? The reasons vary from rebranding, expanding into new markets, or simply finding a more suitable name that reflects your brand’s essence better. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to ensure that your domain name aligns with your brand strategy to attract the right audience.

How Shopify Handles Domain Changes

Shopify simplifies the process of changing your domain name, whether you’re buying a new domain through Shopify or connecting an external domain purchased from providers like GoDaddy. However, it's essential to understand the difference between transferring a domain and connecting a domain. While you can connect any third-party domain to your Shopify store, certain domains, particularly those with specific national extensions (.fr, for example), might have restrictions around transferring ownership directly to Shopify.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Domain

Preparation: Before anything else, purchase your new domain. If it’s a Shopify domain, you can buy it directly through your Shopify dashboard. For external domains, like those bought via GoDaddy, you’ll have it ready for connection.
Connecting Your Domain: Once you have your new domain:
- Navigate to your Shopify admin panel.
- Go to ‘Online Store’ and select ‘Domains’.
- Choose ‘Connect existing domain’ and enter your new domain name.
Setting the Primary Domain: After connecting your new domain, you must set it as the primary domain. This action tells Shopify which domain to display in the address bar when customers visit your store.
Updating DNS Settings: If you’re connecting an external domain, you’ll need to update the DNS settings with your domain provider to point to Shopify. This involves changing your A record to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.32) and your CNAME record to 'shops.myshopify.com’.
Finalizing the Change: It may take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate online. Once complete, your store will be accessible through the new domain. Don't forget to update any existing marketing materials or links that used the old domain.

Common Concerns and Questions

Will Changing My Domain Affect SEO?

Yes, changing your domain can affect SEO, but you can minimize the impact by setting up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one, which tells search engines that your site has moved and transfers the SEO value.

Can I Change My ‘.myshopify’ Domain?

The default ‘.myshopify’ domain cannot be changed as it is permanently linked to your store for login and Shopify’s backend purposes. However, your customers will only see your custom domain, maintaining your store’s professionalism.

What Happens to My Old Domain?

Your old domain can still be linked to your Shopify store and automatically redirect to the new primary domain, ensuring you don’t lose any traffic during the transition.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify store’s domain name can be a significant step towards rebranding and refining your online presence. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition to a domain name that better reflects your brand’s identity and mission. Remember, the key to a successful domain change is preparation and attention to detail—ensuring that your SEO rankings are preserved and your audience can seamlessly find you at your new online home.

FAQ Block

Q: Can I change my Shopify domain name myself, or do I need technical support? A: You can change your Shopify domain name yourself following the steps outlined in this guide. However, if you’re not comfortable with the process, especially the DNS settings part, seeking help from a web developer might be beneficial.

Q: How often can I change my Shopify domain name? A: There are no limits on how often you can change your Shopify domain name, but frequent changes are not recommended due to potential confusion and SEO implications.

Q: How long does it take for the domain change to take effect? A: Setting up and connecting a new domain can be relatively quick, but it might take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate throughout the Internet.

Q: Should I inform my customers about the domain change? A: Yes, it’s good practice to inform your customers about the change in advance. This can be done via email newsletters, social media updates, or an announcement on your website.