If you're running an online store on Shopify, you might need to change your domain name at some point. This can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In this article, we'll take you through the entire process of changing your domain name step by step, with helpful tips and guidance along the way.
Understanding Domain Names and Shopify
Before we get started on changing your domain name, it's important to understand what a domain name is and how it works with Shopify.
A domain name is more than just an address that people use to access your website. It's a crucial part of your brand identity and can have a significant impact on your online presence.
When you choose a domain name for your Shopify store, you're essentially choosing the name that customers will use to find you online. It's the first thing they'll see when they come across your website, and it can help establish your brand and make your store more memorable.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a unique identifier that's used to locate your website on the internet. It's the URL that you type into your browser to get to a particular site. For example, our domain name is shopifysupport.net.
Domain names are made up of two parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the part of the domain name that comes after the dot, such as .com, .org, or .net. The SLD is the part that comes before the dot and is usually the name of your business or brand.
Choosing the right domain name is important because it can affect your online visibility and credibility. A good domain name should be easy to remember, easy to spell, and relevant to your business or brand.
Why is a Domain Name Important for Your Shopify Store?
Your domain name is an important component of your online store's identity. It communicates your brand and helps customers remember how to find you online. A domain name can also affect your visibility in search engine results, so it's worth taking the time to choose a good one.
When you choose a domain name for your Shopify store, you're essentially choosing the name that customers will use to find you online. It's the first thing they'll see when they come across your website, and it can help establish your brand and make your store more memorable. A good domain name can also help you rank higher in search engine results and attract more traffic to your store.
It's important to choose a domain name that's relevant to your business or brand and easy to remember. Avoid using numbers or hyphens in your domain name, as these can make it harder for customers to find you online.
How Shopify Handles Domain Names
Shopify provides two options for managing your domain name. You can either use a domain name that's provided by Shopify or bring your own domain name. If you choose to use a domain name that's provided by Shopify, it will look something like shopifysupport.myshopify.com.
If you bring your own domain name, you can either transfer it to Shopify or connect it to your store. Transferring your domain name to Shopify means that Shopify becomes your domain registrar and manages all aspects of your domain name. If you connect your domain name to Shopify, your domain name remains with your current registrar, but Shopify manages the DNS settings for it.
Transferring your domain name to Shopify can be a good option if you want to consolidate all of your website management tasks in one place. It can also make it easier to manage your domain name and website settings, as everything will be in one place.
Connecting your domain name to Shopify can be a good option if you want to keep your domain name with your current registrar. This can be useful if you have an existing relationship with your registrar or if you're happy with their pricing and services.
Regardless of which option you choose, Shopify makes it easy to manage your domain name and website settings. You can access all of your domain and website settings from the Shopify admin panel, and make changes as needed.
Preparing for the Domain Name Change
Before you start changing your domain name, there are a few things you need to consider. It's important to evaluate whether you really need to change your domain name and take the necessary steps to prepare for the change. Changing your domain name can be a big decision and can have an impact on your website's traffic and search engine rankings.
One important factor to consider is whether the domain name change is necessary. Some reasons for a domain name change include rebranding, legal issues, or a more memorable domain name. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of changing your domain name and to make sure it aligns with your business goals.
Evaluating the Need for a Domain Name Change
Changing your domain name can impact your search engine rankings, backlinks, and social media links. As such, it's important to evaluate whether you really need to change your domain name. If you are rebranding your business or changing your business name, a domain name change may be necessary to reflect these changes. However, if you are not making significant changes to your business, it may not be necessary to change your domain name.
Choosing a New Domain Name
If you decide to change your domain name, the next step is to choose a new one. When choosing a domain name, consider your brand, the type of products you sell, and your target audience. Make sure your domain name is easy to remember and spell. It's also important to choose a domain name that is relevant to your business and reflects your brand identity.
One way to choose a new domain name is to brainstorm a list of potential names and then check their availability. You can also use online tools to generate domain name ideas based on keywords related to your business.
Checking Domain Name Availability
Before you can buy a new domain name, you need to make sure it's available. You can use a domain registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy to check for domain name availability. It's important to choose a domain name that is unique and not already in use by another business.
When checking domain name availability, it's also important to consider the top-level domain (TLD) you want to use. Common TLDs include .com, .net, and .org, but there are many other options available. Choosing the right TLD can help your website stand out and improve your search engine rankings.
Purchasing Your New Domain Name
Once you've found an available domain name, you need to purchase it. You can buy a domain name directly from a domain registrar or through Shopify's domain name service. When purchasing a domain name, it's important to choose a reputable registrar and to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some registrars may offer additional services like website hosting or email hosting, so it's important to consider these options as well.
Overall, changing your domain name can be a complex process, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be a smooth transition. By evaluating the need for a domain name change, choosing a relevant and memorable domain name, and purchasing your new domain name from a reputable registrar, you can ensure a successful transition to your new domain name.
Changing Your Domain Name in Shopify
Now that you've prepared for the domain name change, it's time to start changing your domain name in Shopify.
Accessing Your Shopify Domain Settings
The first step in changing your domain name in Shopify is to access your domain settings. You can do this by going to Online Store > Domains in your Shopify dashboard.
Adding Your New Domain Name
Once you're in your domain settings, you can add your new domain name. Click on "Connect existing domain" and enter your new domain name.
Setting Your New Domain as Primary
After you've added your new domain name, you need to set it as your primary domain. Click on the three dots next to your new domain name and select "Make primary."
Removing the Old Domain Name
Once you've set your new domain as your primary, you can remove your old domain name. Click on the three dots next to your old domain name and select "Remove."
Updating Your Shopify Store Settings
Now that you've changed your domain name in Shopify, you need to make sure your store settings reflect the new domain name.
Updating Store Name and Email Address
You should update your store name and email address to reflect your new domain name. You can do this by going to Settings > General in your Shopify dashboard.
Updating Social Media Links
If you have social media links in your store, make sure to update them with your new domain name.
Updating Third-Party Integrations
If you use any third-party integrations like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel, you need to update them with your new domain name to ensure they continue working properly.
Changing your domain name in Shopify can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and guidance, it's a manageable process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change your domain name confidently and successfully.
