A Complete Guide on How to Change Domain on Shopify

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Change Your Shopify Domain?
  3. The Process of Changing Your Shopify Domain
  4. Preserving SEO and Avoiding Downtime
  5. Conclusion: Embracing Your New Domain
  6. FAQ Section

Introduction

Have you ever experienced the sinking realization that your Shopify store’s domain name isn't conveying the right message to your potential customers? Or perhaps, your business has evolved, and the existing domain name just doesn't fit anymore. Whatever the reason, changing your domain on Shopify is a critical task that can impact the visibility and success of your online store. But don't worry: the process is simpler than you might think. This article will guide you through every step of changing your primary domain on Shopify, including necessary considerations and best practices to keep in mind. Whether you have a custom domain or are using a Shopify-provided domain, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to seamlessly make the switch and rebrand your store effectively.

As we delve into this topic, we promise not only to provide clear-cut instructions but also to unveil the benefits and nuances associated with such a change. You'll learn how to minimize disruptions, preserve search engine rankings, and ensure that your shiny new domain reflects the essence of your brand's identity. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of how to change your domain on Shopify and the confidence to implement these changes successfully.

Why Change Your Shopify Domain?

Before diving into the "how," it's important to discuss the "why." Your Shopify domain is not just a URL; it's the gateway for customers to enter your online marketplace. A well-picked domain aligns with your brand, makes it instantly recognizable, and can improve your search engine rankings. Therefore, keeping your domain updated and relevant to your business is essential. Here are some of the top reasons why store owners decide to change their Shopify domain:

  • Rebranding: Businesses evolve, and a rebrand might necessitate a new domain that better represents the current ethos and offerings of your company.
  • Memorability and simplicity: Your original domain may be long or difficult to remember. A concise and catchy domain can help customers find you with ease.
  • SEO advantage: Domains containing keywords relevant to your business can contribute to improved visibility on search engines.
  • Professionalism: Moving away from a '.myshopify.com' domain to a custom domain can enhance the professional image of your online store.

The Process of Changing Your Shopify Domain

Now that we understand the importance, let's jump into the process.

Buying a Shopify Domain

If you don't yet have the domain you want to change to, you'll need to purchase one. Shopify conveniently allows you to buy a domain through the platform, and here’s how:

  1. Log into the Shopify admin panel and navigate to 'Online Store' and then 'Domains'.
  2. Click on 'Buy new domain'.
  3. Enter the domain you wish to purchase and survey the available extensions, keeping in mind each extension’s price.
  4. Once you’ve made your selection, review and confirm the payment details.
  5. Finalize your purchase by clicking 'Buy domain'.

This domain will be earmarked for your Shopify store but won't become the primary one until you set it as such.

Adding an External Domain to Shopify

If you bought your domain through a third-party provider, you’d need to connect it to Shopify.

  1. In your Shopify admin, go to 'Sales channels', 'Online Store', and then 'Domains'.
  2. Select 'Connect existing domain'.
  3. Enter the domain you acquired and follow the prompt to 'Next'.
  4. Update your domain’s DNS records to point to Shopify’s servers with the IP address 23.227.38.32 and set the CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com.

The DNS change might take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.

Setting Your New Domain as Primary

Once you have your domain purchased or connected, you’re ready to make it your primary domain.

  1. Go back to the 'Domains' section in your Shopify admin.
  2. Click on 'Change primary domain'.
  3. Select the domain you want to set as the primary one and save your changes.

Post-Change Considerations

After changing your domain, you need to think about the following:

  • Update all references: Change any mentions of your old domain across social media, business cards, and marketing materials.
  • Monitor your redirects: Check periodically to make sure that your old domain redirects properly to the new one.
  • Communicate the change: Let your customers know about the change to prevent any confusion.

Preserving SEO and Avoiding Downtime

SEO ranking and website availability are crucial for any online business. Here’s how to change your domain on Shopify without harming your SEO or experiencing downtime:

  • Implement permanent (301) redirects from your old domain to the new domain.
  • Use Google Search Console to inform Google of the change of address.
  • Maintain the structure of your website to preserve existing backlinks.

Avoid making multiple major changes at once; space them out to give search engines time to adapt.

Conclusion: Embracing Your New Domain

Changing your Shopify store’s domain is like setting out a new welcome mat for your customers. When done correctly, it can reflect your brand’s perspective, help solidify your online presence, and make your site easier for customers and search engines to find. This guide provides the foundation, but remember, the most successful domains echo the innovation and uniqueness of the businesses they represent.

FAQ Section

Can I buy a new domain directly from Shopify?

Yes, Shopify offers a direct domain purchase option through the admin panel.

How long does it take for a new domain to activate after purchase?

It may take up to 48 hours for your domain changes to propagate throughout the Internet.

Will changing my domain affect my search engine rankings?

There might be a temporary impact on your SEO rankings, but following best practices like setting up 301 redirects can mitigate these effects.

Do I need to inform my customers about the domain change?

Yes, it's best practice to notify your customers about the change to manage expectations and preserve trust.

Can I have multiple domains for one Shopify store?

Yes, you can have multiple domains, but a single domain must be set as the primary domain for your store. Other domains will automatically redirect to the primary domain.

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