How Do I Change My Domain on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Shopify Domain Basics
  3. Step 1: Preparing for the Change
  4. Step 2: Adding and Setting Your New Domain as Primary
  5. Handling Special Cases: .fr Domains
  6. FAQs

Changing your domain on Shopify might seem like a daunting task, especially if you're not very tech-savvy. But, did you know that approximately 1.75 million merchants sell through Shopify, and at some point, many of them decide to change their domain for various reasons? Whether it's a rebranding effort, a move to a more suitable domain name, or simply a desire for a fresh start, knowing how to change your Shopify domain is an invaluable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring that by the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to make the change smoothly and efficiently.

Introduction

Imagine you've decided to take your online store in a new direction, targeting a completely different demographic. Naturally, your current domain name, which once felt so perfect, no longer aligns with your store’s revamped identity. Panic sets in as you wonder, "How do I change my domain on Shopify to match my new brand?" Fear not, as this is not only possible but also simpler than you might think.

This blog post aims to demystify the process of changing your Shopify domain. By the end, you will learn how to update your primary domain, the difference between transferring and connecting a domain, and how to handle special domain types like .fr domains. Moreover, we'll cover what functionalities Shopify supports in terms of domain management, ensuring that you're equipped with all the information needed to make this significant transition as seamless as possible.

Understanding Shopify Domain Basics

Initially, upon signing up for Shopify, your store is assigned a default domain, typically in the format your-store-name.myshopify.com. However, establishing a unique online identity often involves acquiring a custom domain that reflects your brand more accurately. Before we dive into how to change your domain, it’s crucial to grasp a few key concepts:

  • Primary Domain: This is the main domain name displayed in the address bar when customers visit your online store. Shopify allows only one primary domain, but you can have multiple redirect or alias domains pointing to it.
  • Redirect Domains: These are additional domains that automatically send visitors to your primary domain. Useful for preventing lost traffic if you have multiple domain names associated with your brand.
  • Alias Domains: Unlike redirect domains, alias domains point to the target (your Shopify store) but won't automatically change to show the primary domain in the browser’s address bar.

Step 1: Preparing for the Change

Before you can change your primary domain on Shopify, a few preliminary steps are necessary:

  1. Obtain a New Domain: If you haven't already, purchase the new domain you wish to use. This can be done through Shopify or any third-party domain registrar, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
  2. Understand the Limitations: While you can change your Shopify store's primary domain, note that you cannot alter your .myshopify.com URL. However, this doesn't affect customer visibility, as your custom domain will be the one seen by your audience.

Step 2: Adding and Setting Your New Domain as Primary

Once you have your new domain ready, follow these steps within your Shopify admin:

  1. Add the New Domain: Navigate to Settings > Domains, click on ‘Connect existing domain’ if you purchased it from a third-party registrar, or ‘Buy new domain’ to acquire one directly from Shopify.
  2. Set as Primary Domain: After adding and verifying your domain, you can set it as the primary domain. Remember, upon making this change, the new domain will be displayed to customers visiting your store.

Handling Special Cases: .fr Domains

If you’re setting a .fr domain as your primary, note that Shopify cannot directly transfer these domains into its system due to specific registrar policies. However, you can still connect your .fr domain by:

  1. Connecting Your Domain: Through your Shopify admin, select the domain you wish to connect, and update the DNS settings in your third-party registrar’s dashboard to point to Shopify’s servers.
  2. Understanding the Connection vs. Transfer: While you can’t transfer .fr domains to be managed directly through Shopify, connecting them ensures your store appears at your chosen .fr domain. Management and renewal of the domain, however, will remain with your original registrar.

FAQs

Q: Will changing my primary domain affect my SEO? A: While any domain change can temporarily impact SEO, proper redirects and informing Google through the Search Console can minimize these effects.

Q: Can I have multiple domains pointing to my Shopify store? A: Yes, you can have multiple redirect or alias domains, but only one primary domain.

Q: What happens to my old domain after I switch? A: Your old domain can be kept as a redirect domain to prevent losing traffic or be let go entirely. Consider keeping it for a while to ensure a smooth transition.

In conclusion, changing your Shopify domain requires careful planning but is ultimately a straightforward process. Whether you’re rebranding or simply found a better domain name, following the steps outlined above will ensure a smooth transition, keeping your online presence strong and consistent.

Changing your domain is a significant step, but with the right preparation and understanding, it’s a change that can lead to new opportunities and a stronger brand presence online. Keep your audience informed, follow the technical steps carefully, and your store will continue to grow and thrive under its new name.