The Ultimate Guide on How to Change Your Shopify URL Name

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Change Your Shopify URL Name?
  3. The Process of Changing Your Shopify URL Name
  4. SEO Considerations and Best Practices
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ Section

Introduction

Have you found yourself pondering over your Shopify store's URL name and feeling it doesn’t quite encapsulate the essence of your brand anymore? Perhaps you're in the throes of rebranding, or maybe you've found a name that resonates more with your target audience. Whatever the cause, the decision to change your Shopify URL name is a significant one that can have a profound impact on your brand's online presence. But where do you begin?

In this step-by-step guide, we'll venture into the world of Shopify URL names - unraveling why and when you should consider making a change, detailing the process, and outlining key SEO considerations to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're a seasoned Shopify user or a new entrant, this article aims to empower you with the knowledge to reinvent your online store's identity confidently.

Why Change Your Shopify URL Name?

Before diving into the process, let’s explore the reasons that might necessitate such a change:

  • Rebranding can necessitate a more relevant URL that matches your new brand name or ethos.
  • A need for a more memorable or SEO-friendly URL that resonates with your target audience and enhances your online presence.
  • Domain availability: You may have initially settled for a URL because your preferred choice was taken. If your ideal domain becomes available, changing to it can boost your brand identity.
  • Market expansion or redirection: As your business evolves, your URL may need to reflect new product lines or market focus.

Knowing why you're making the change helps in understanding the implications and planning the transition effectively.

The Process of Changing Your Shopify URL Name

Changing your Shopify URL name involves a few critical steps. Here’s a broad outline:

1. Preparation and Backup

Before making any changes, it’s crucial to back up your store’s important data. While changing your URL name does not directly affect your store's internal data, it’s always wise to have a current backup.

2. Choosing Your New Shopify URL Name

Think carefully about your new URL name. It should be:

  • Memorable: Easy for customers to remember.
  • Relevant: Represents your brand or the products you sell.
  • SEO-friendly: Contains keywords that help in ranking higher on search engines.

3. Making the Change

To change your Shopify URL, you’ll primarily have two options:

  • Changing the .myshopify.com URL: This URL is your default Shopify domain. While Shopify allows you to change this once, it's recommended to opt for a custom domain for more flexibility and brand visibility.
  • Adding a Custom Domain: Purchasing a custom domain (e.g., www.yourbrandname.com) can be done directly through Shopify or through third-party domain registrars. This not only enhances your brand's professionalism but also improves memorability and SEO.

4. Setting up Redirects and Updating SEO

Upon changing your URL name, setting up redirects from your old URL to the new one is crucial to maintain SEO rankings and ensure that existing customers and any links pointing to your old domain are seamlessly directed to your new site.

SEO Considerations and Best Practices

When changing your Shopify URL name, preserving your SEO rankings is paramount. Here are some best practices:

  • 301 Redirects: Implement 301 redirects for all your old store URLs to the new ones. This informs search engines that your site has moved permanently, helping in transferring the SEO value.
  • Update Your Content and Links: Ensure that all internal links, including those in your blog posts and product pages, reflect the new URL.
  • Notify Google: Use Google Search Console to inform Google of your domain change. This can help in re-indexing your site faster under the new URL.
  • Communicate with Your Customers: Notify your customers about the change through social media, email newsletters, and other communication channels.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify URL name is a significant move that requires thoughtful consideration and meticulous planning. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transition that not only boosts your brand identity but also preserves, or even enhances, your SEO rankings. Remember, the goal is to make your online store as accessible and memorable as possible to your target audience, propelling your brand towards greater online success.

FAQ Section

1. Can I change my Shopify URL name by myself? Yes, you can change your Shopify URL by yourself, either by changing the .myshopify.com domain once or by purchasing a custom domain.

2. Will changing my Shopify URL name affect my store's data? Changing your Shopify URL name does not directly affect your store's data. However, implementing 301 redirects is crucial for SEO and user experience.

3. How long does it take for the new Shopify URL to become active? A custom domain can take up to 48 hours to become fully active. However, redirects and other changes might require additional time to propagate fully across the internet.

4. Can I revert to my old Shopify URL after making a change? If you change your .myshopify.com URL, you cannot revert it. For custom domains, you can switch back as long as you own the domain.

Implementing a new Shopify URL name can be the catalyst for redefining your brand's online footprint. By carefully planning and executing this change, you're setting your store up for future success.