A Comprehensive Guide on How to Change Your Shopify URL

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. How to Change Your Shopify URL
  3. Conclusion

Introduction

Changing the Shopify URL might initially seem like a daunting task. However, with the right information and steps, it’s more straightforward than you may think. Whether you're rebranding, correcting a typo, or shifting focus, updating your Shopify URL is a pivotal move towards aligning your online store's identity with your brand message. In this article, we dive deep into the reasons why you might consider changing your Shopify URL, the steps to achieve it, and how to ensure the transition is smooth without negatively impacting your search rankings. Stick with us to transform your Shopify store’s URL into a more brand-cohesive, customer-friendly version.

Why Change Your Shopify URL?

  1. Rebranding: A change in brand direction often requires a new URL that reflects your updated business focus.
  2. Simplicity and Memorability: Shorter, snappier URLs are easier for customers to remember and type.
  3. SEO Optimization: Including relevant keywords in your URL can improve your store's search engine ranking.
  4. Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring your domain matches your brand name across all platforms enhances brand recognition.

How to Change Your Shopify URL

Step 1: Determine Your New URL

Before anything else, decide on your new Shopify URL. Consider making it relevant to your brand, easy to spell, and memorable.

Step 2: Choosing Between a Custom Domain and myshopify.com

Shopify offers two types of URLs - the default myshopify.com domain (e.g., yourbrand.myshopify.com) and custom domains (www.yourbrand.com). While the first option is quick and doesn’t involve additional costs, the second is more professional and brand-specific.

Step 3: Purchasing or Connecting a New Domain

To buy a new custom domain, you can either purchase it directly through Shopify or through a third-party provider. If choosing the latter, you'll need to connect it to your Shopify store later in the settings.

Purchasing Through Shopify:

  1. Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
  2. Navigate to ‘Online Store’ and select ‘Domains’.
  3. Click ‘Buy new domain’ and follow the on-screen instructions to purchase and set it up.

Connecting a Third-Party Domain:

  1. Obtain your new domain from a registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
  2. In Shopify, go to ‘Online Store’ > ‘Domains’.
  3. Select ‘Connect existing domain’ and enter your new domain name.
  4. Update your DNS settings on your domain provider’s site, pointing your A record to Shopify’s IP address and your www CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com.

Step 4: Making Your New Domain Primary

After purchasing or connecting your new domain, making it your primary domain is crucial so that customers are directed to this new URL when they visit your store.

  1. In the ‘Domains’ section of your Shopify admin, find the ‘Change primary domain’ option.
  2. Select your new domain from the list and click ‘Save’.

Step 5: Redirection and SEO Considerations

Don’t forget to set up URL redirects from your old Shopify URLs to the new one to retain your store’s SEO value and ensure a smooth transition for your visitors. This involves creating 301 redirects, which permanently move SEO value to the new URL.

Step 6: Update Your Branding Material

Ensure your new URL is reflected across all your branding materials, social media profiles, business cards, and any external content that features your old Shopify URL.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify URL is a significant step in evolving your e-commerce business. While it involves several crucial steps—from choosing the right domain to ensuring a smooth transition—careful planning and execution can boost your brand's visibility and customer experience. Remember, the goal of updating your Shopify URL is not just about having a “nice” address online; it’s about aligning your digital presence with your brand’s identity and mission.

FAQs about Changing Your Shopify URL

Q: Will changing my Shopify URL affect my search rankings? A: It can, temporarily. However, using 301 redirects helps in retaining your SEO value. Always inform Google of your URL change through Google Search Console.

Q: Can I change my Shopify URL more than once? A: Yes, but frequent changes can confuse customers and negatively impact branding and SEO.

Q: How long does the process take? A: The process can be completed within a day, but DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully.

Q: Is buying a domain through Shopify more expensive than external providers? A: Shopify’s prices are competitive, but some external providers may offer domains at a lower cost. However, purchasing through Shopify offers a seamless setup and integration.

Q: What happens to my old Shopify URL after I switch? A: Your old Shopify URL will still be active. It’s essential to set up redirects to your new URL to guide visitors and search engines correctly.

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