Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Remove 'Shopify' from Your URL?
- How to Remove 'Shopify' from Your URL
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Have you ever stumbled upon a Shopify store and noticed the '.myshopify.com' in the URL? It's a common sighting for many new and even established Shopify stores. While Shopify provides an invaluable platform for merchants to launch and manage their online stores, the default domain setup might not scream the professionalism or brand uniqueness you're aiming for. A URL that directly reflects your brand could be the difference in making your store stand out in the crowded e-commerce space. This blog post will guide you through the process of removing 'Shopify' from your store's URL, ensuring your brand shines through unobstructed.
Introduction
Did you know that customizing your store's URL by removing the 'Shopify' part can significantly boost your brand's perception and SEO? A unique, brand-specific URL is more memorable, serves as a trust signal, and can improve click-through rates from search results. Today, we're diving deep into how you can achieve this brand-boosting change for your Shopify store.
Understanding the importance of a clean, branded URL is crucial in today’s digital marketplace. A URL is often the first thing potential customers notice, and having 'Shopify' in it might not align with the sleek, professional image you're aiming to project. Plus, from an SEO standpoint, a concise URL can potentially rank better in search engine results.
The purpose of this post is to equip you with all the necessary information and steps to successfully remove 'Shopify' from your store's URL. We'll cover why it matters, how to do it seamlessly, and the implications it will have on your store's branding and SEO. Whether you're a Shopify newcomer or looking to refine your current store, this guide is for you.
By the end of this post, you will understand the different methods to mask or remove the 'Shopify' segment from your URL, how to add a custom domain, and the steps to ensure your new URL functions perfectly without affecting your store's operations. Let's make your store not just another Shopify store but your brand's home online.
Why Remove 'Shopify' from Your URL?
Having a 'myshopify.com' domain does its job when you're starting out, acting as a lifeline to the online world. However, as your brand grows, it becomes an unnecessary crutch. Here's why you should consider removing it:
- Professionalism: A custom domain exudes professionalism. It shows your commitment to your brand and helps build trust with potential customers.
- Branding: A URL tailored to your brand can significantly enhance brand recall. It’s easier for customers to remember ‘www.yourbrandname.com’ than a generic Shopify URL.
- SEO Benefits: Custom domains are generally favored by search engines, potentially boosting your visibility in search results.
- Marketing and Communications: A distinct domain is easier to integrate into your marketing and communications, making for more effective campaigns.
How to Remove 'Shopify' from Your URL
Removing 'Shopify' from your store's URL involves two key steps: acquiring a custom domain and setting it as your primary domain. Here's how to go about it:
Purchase a Custom Domain
The first step is procuring a domain that fits your brand. This can be done directly through Shopify, which offers an easy purchase process and setup, or through third-party domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or others.
Set Up Your New Domain in Shopify
Once you've secured your custom domain, it's time to connect it to your Shopify store. Shopify provides comprehensive guides on connecting domains purchased both from Shopify and third-party providers. The process involves:
For Shopify Purchased Domains: Automatically, Shopify sets up and connects your new domain to your store.
For Third-Party Domains: You’ll need to edit your DNS settings on your domain provider’s site, pointing your A record to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.65) and your CNAME record to ‘shops.myshopify.com’. After this, you add your domain in Shopify’s admin under ‘Domains’, following simple prompts to verify and finalize the connection.
Make Your Custom Domain Primary
With your domain connected, the final step is setting it as the primary domain in your Shopify settings. This ensures all traffic goes to your custom domain, and the '.myshopify.com' URL is used solely in the backend.
Redirects and SEO Consideration
After setting up your custom domain, ensure to redirect any traffic from your old '.myshopify.com' domain to your new domain to retain SEO juice and provide a seamless user experience. Shopify automatically handles some of this, but double-checking never hurts.
Conclusion
Elevating your brand's online presence by removing 'Shopify' from your store's URL is a strategic move towards building a distinct and memorable e-commerce brand. By following the steps outlined above, you're not just enhancing your store's professionalism and branding, but potentially setting the stage for better SEO outcomes.
Embracing a custom domain for your Shopify store signals to your customers and search engines alike that you're serious about your business and brand. It's a small but significant change that could lead to increased trust, better brand recall, and ultimately, more conversions.
FAQ
Will removing 'Shopify' from my URL affect my store’s functionality?
- No, it won’t. Your store will function the same way as before, just with a more professional-looking URL.
Can I purchase a domain through Shopify?
- Yes, Shopify allows you to buy domains directly through the platform, simplifying the setup process.
How long does it take to set up a custom domain on Shopify?
- If purchased through Shopify, it’s almost immediate. For third-party domains, it can take up to 48 hours for DNS settings to propagate worldwide.
Is it worth buying a custom domain for my Shopify store?
- Absolutely. The benefits in branding, SEO, and customer trust far outweigh the cost of purchasing and setting up a custom domain.
Taking the step to remove 'Shopify' from your URL is more than a technical tweak; it’s a commitment to your brand's identity and future success.