How to Change Your Shopify Store Name & Domain: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Difference Between Your Shopify Store Name and Domain
  3. Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name
  4. How to Change Your Shopify Store Name
  5. Changing Your Shopify Domain
  6. Mitigating SEO Impact
  7. FAQs on Changing Your Shopify Store Name
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever thought about changing the name or domain of your Shopify store? Whether it's a rebranding effort or a strategic move to better reflect your product offerings, changing your store name and domain on Shopify can seem like a daunting task. However, it's a pivotal step towards aligning your online presence with your business goals. This guide dives deep into the process, ensuring you understand not only how to make these changes but also the implications for your business, particularly concerning SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

A store name and domain that resonate with your brand and offerings can significantly impact your online identity. They can make your store more memorable to customers, improve your online searchability, and ultimately, boost sales. Let's explore how you can successfully change your Shopify store name and domain, with a close look at maintaining your SEO rankings amidst these changes.

The Difference Between Your Shopify Store Name and Domain

Firstly, it's crucial to differentiate between your Shopify store name and your store domain:

  • Your Shopify Store Name is the name that appears on your online store and any communications or marketing materials. It's what customers identify your brand with.
  • Your Shopify Domain, on the other hand, is the web address (URL) through which customers access your online store. By default, it includes “.myshopify.com” unless you opt for a custom domain.

Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name

There are several scenarios where changing your Shopify store name might be necessary:

  1. Rebranding: A comprehensive change in your brand identity might warrant a new store name that aligns with the new brand image.
  2. Business Expansion: Expanding your product line or entering new markets might require a name that reflects the broader scope of your offerings.
  3. Acquiring Another Store: Integrating another store into your business might necessitate a name change to maintain brand consistency.
  4. Clarification: If your current name causes confusion or doesn't accurately represent your offerings, a change can clarify your brand identity.

How to Change Your Shopify Store Name

Changing your store name is relatively straightforward:

  1. Navigate to your Shopify dashboard and select "Settings."
  2. Go to "Store Details" and click on the "Edit" button in the Basic Information section.
  3. Enter your new store name and save the changes.

Changing Your Shopify Domain

Updating your domain is equally essential but involves a few more steps:

  1. Purchase or connect a new domain that better fits your brand through Shopify's "Domains" settings.
  2. Ensure to set your new domain as the primary domain to automatically redirect all traffic to this new URL.
  3. Implement 301 redirects for any previous custom domains to maintain SEO juice and prevent broken links.

Mitigating SEO Impact

Changing your domain can affect your SEO rankings temporarily. To lessen the impact:

  • Set up 301 redirects for old URLs to inform search engines of the change.
  • Update all external links pointing to your website, including social media profiles and any backlinks you can edit.
  • Notify your existing customer base of the change through email marketing or social media to prevent confusion.
  • Consider running retargeting ads to capture traffic that might still be going to your old domain.

FAQs on Changing Your Shopify Store Name

Q: Will changing my Shopify store name affect my SEO rankings? A: Yes, particularly if your URL changes too. However, with proper management and 301 redirects, you can mitigate any negative impacts.

Q: Can I change my store name on Shopify more than once? A: Yes, but frequent changes are not recommended as they can confuse customers and impact brand recognition.

Conclusion

Rebranding by changing your Shopify store name and domain can be a strategic move towards realigning your business with its evolving goals. While the process is straightforward, it's critical to consider the implications on SEO and customer perception. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure a seamless transition to your new online identity, positioning your store for greater success in the digital marketplace.