Table of Contents
Introduction
Imagine this: you've spent countless hours perfecting your online store, curating products, and designing the layout, only to realize that your domain name doesn't align with your brand's identity or vision anymore. Or perhaps, your business has pivoted, and the current domain name no longer reflects the products or services you offer. Sounds like a headache, right? But, what if there's a solution that could address this issue seamlessly? Enter the query that might be lingering in your mind: "Can I change my domain name on Shopify?"
In this blog post, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about changing your domain name on Shopify. Whether you're looking to revamp your brand or align your domain name with your evolving business model, we've got you covered. By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the process, from considerations before making the switch to executing the change and ensuring a smooth transition for your customers.
Why Change Your Domain Name?
Changing a domain name isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It can involve a considerable amount of effort and can affect your branding and search rankings. However, it can be necessary for several reasons including rebranding, changing your business model, targeting a new market, or correcting a previous mistake in domain choice.
Before You Begin
It’s vital to prepare thoroughly before changing your domain name to minimize disruptions and maintain your search engine ranking as much as possible. Ensure you have a clear plan for redirecting your old URLs to the new domain to avoid dead links and lost customers. Also, consider the timing of the change carefully to avoid peak shopping times.
How to Change Your Domain Name Step-by-Step
Acquiring Your New Domain
Before anything else, you'll need to secure your new domain name. You have the option to purchase it directly through Shopify, which streamlines the process of setting it up for your store. While Shopify’s domain services are competitive in pricing, they do not offer email hosting. However, they do support third-party email hosting services, allowing you to connect your email accounts effortlessly.
Setting Up Your New Shopify Domain
Once you've acquired your new domain, you can easily set it as your primary domain in Shopify. This involves:
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For Shopify-Bought Domains: If you’ve purchased your domain through Shopify, navigate to the 'Domains' section in your Shopify admin dashboard. Here you can select your new domain and set it as the primary domain with just a few clicks. The process is straightforward whether you’re doing it from a desktop or via Shopify’s mobile app.
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For External Domains: If your new domain was purchased from a third-party registrar, you would need to connect it to your Shopify store by modifying your DNS settings. This involves pointing your A record to Shopify’s IP address and setting up a CNAME record for 'shops.myshopify.com'. After these changes propagate, you can set the external domain as your primary domain through your Shopify admin.
Redirecting Your Old Domain
Redirecting your old domain to your new one is crucial for maintaining SEO rankings and ensuring that customers and any bookmarked links are seamlessly directed to your new site. Shopify makes this easy by automatically redirecting all traffic from your previous primary domain to the new one once you make the switch.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
When changing your domain name, it's essential to keep a few best practices in mind:
- Communicate the Change: Let your customers know about the change in advance through email newsletters, social media, and announcements on your site.
- SEO Implications: A domain change can temporarily affect your search engine rankings. Use 301 redirects effectively, submit your new domain to search engines, and update your sitemap to mitigate this.
- Monitor Traffic and Performance: After the switch, keep a close eye on your website traffic and search rankings to identify any issues promptly.
FAQ
Q: Will changing my Shopify domain name affect my store's data?
A: No, changing your domain will not affect your store's data. Your products, collections, and configurations remain intact.
Q: How long does it take for the domain change to propagate across the internet?
A: DNS changes can take up to 48-72 hours to fully propagate, but it’s often much quicker.
Q: Can I change my '.myshopify.com' URL?
A: No, your '.myshopify.com' URL cannot be changed once it's set. However, this is primarily used for login purposes, and your customers will only see your custom domain.
Q: Can I transfer an external domain bought from another registrar to Shopify?
A: Yes, you can transfer most domains to Shopify, except for some country-specific extensions which can only be connected via DNS settings rather than fully transferred.
Q: What happens to my old domain after the change?
A: Your old domain can still be used and will automatically redirect to the new primary domain. It’s a good idea to keep your old domain registered to you for at least a year to ensure a smooth transition.
Changing your domain name on Shopify is a straightforward process that can breathe new life into your brand, reflect a pivot in your business, or simply start afresh with a new identity. With careful planning, clear communication to your customers, and attention to SEO considerations, you can make the transition smoothly and continue to grow your online presence.
