A Complete Guide on How to Point a Domain to Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Domain Basics
3. Choosing Your Domain Host
4. Steps to Point a Domain to Shopify
5. Linking Your Domain to Shopify in Different Scenarios
6. Testing Your Domain Connection
7. Managing Multiple Domains in Shopify
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, the ability to establish your online presence is paramount. Did you know that nearly 90% of consumers start their online shopping journeys with a search engine? As Shopify merchants, we have a unique opportunity to harness this traffic by customizing our domain names—a crucial aspect that influences brand perception and customer trust.

When setting up your Shopify store, Shopify provides a default URL (something like yourstore.myshopify.com). However, to enhance professionalism and drive branding efforts, we encourage connecting a custom domain name to your Shopify store. This blog post's purpose is to walk you through the process of how to point a domain to Shopify, ensuring your store not only looks credible but also becomes easier for customers to find. We'll explore why pointing a domain to Shopify is essential, discuss different domain hosting options, and provide a step-by-step guide to complete the setup.

As we delve deeper into this subject, let's consider your current Shopify store. Are you ready to take the next step in solidifying your brand identity? At Tevello, we believe in empowering our users to unlock new revenue streams and create meaningful connections with customers. Our simple, all-in-one solution integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, making it easier for you to focus on what matters most—building your online community and selling your digital products.

So, let’s explore the nuances of pointing a domain to Shopify!

Understanding Domain Basics

Before diving into the technical steps, it's crucial to understand what a domain is and how it works. A domain is your online store’s address, consisting of two main parts: the name (e.g., yourstore) and the extension (e.g., .com, .net, etc.). This address serves as an identifier for your e-commerce venture, connecting potential customers to your products.

Why Is a Custom Domain Important?

A custom domain can significantly impact your online store’s success for several reasons:

• Trust and Credibility: Customers are more likely to make purchases from sites that feature custom domain names as opposed to generic ones.
• Branding Consistency: A unique domain name can reinforce your brand identity and help you stand out in a crowded market.
• SEO Benefits: Custom domains often perform better in search engine rankings, enhancing visibility and driving organic traffic.

Understanding the significance of a custom domain lays the groundwork for our next discussion: how to point a domain to Shopify.

Choosing Your Domain Host

Before we move on to the steps for connecting your domain to Shopify, you first need to choose a domain host if you haven’t done so already. Some popular options include:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Bluehost

Here at Tevello, we recommend picking a provider that offers robust support and transparency in pricing—after all, your choice in domain hosting contributes to your overall business strategy.

Purchasing a Domain

Once you’ve selected a hosting provider, the next step is to purchase a domain name. It should be:

• Relevant: Choose a domain that aligns with your brand and resonates with your target audience.
• Easy to Spell: Avoid complex patterns or unusual spellings that may confuse customers.
• Short and Memorable: The easier it is to remember, the more likely customers will return.

Make sure to confirm that your chosen domain is available; many hosting companies provide this as part of their service.

Steps to Point a Domain to Shopify

Once you have your domain purchased and ready, it’s time to point it to your Shopify store. The process can slightly vary based on your domain host, but generally, it involves the following steps:

Step 1: Access Your Domain Dashboard

1. Sign in to your domain registrar’s account.
2. Navigate to the Domain Management section. This is where you will find a list of your registered domains.

Step 2: Select the Domain to Connect

Locate the specific domain name you wish to connect to your Shopify store and select it for further configuration.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings

DNS settings are crucial for linking your domain to Shopify.

1. Create A Records:
   • Set the A Record for @ (this indicates the root domain) to point to Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
2. Create CNAME Records:
   • Create a CNAME record for www and map it to shops.myshopify.com.
3. Optional for Subdomains:
   • If you want to create a subdomain (like store.yourdomain.com), just add a CNAME record pointing to shops.myshopify.com.
4. Deleting Unnecessary Records: If a default URL Redirect record exists for your @ host, delete it. This helps with SSL certificate provisioning and avoids conflicts.

Step 4: Save DNS Changes

Once all records are configured correctly, save your changes. Keep in mind that DNS changes may take some time to propagate, often within an hour.

Step 5: Verify Your Connection in Shopify

1. Go to your Shopify admin panel.
2. In the Online Store > Domains section, click on Verify Connection.
3. If everything is set correctly, you will receive a confirmation of your successful connection.

Additional Verification: TXT Records

To complete the verification process, you might need to create a TXT record to verify domain ownership. The specific value needed for this will be provided within your Shopify account.

Linking Your Domain to Shopify in Different Scenarios

While the steps outlined above are standard, the process can slightly differ depending on your specific situation. Here are scenarios with guidance on how to point your domain to Shopify.

If You're Using Namecheap as Your Domain Host

Namecheap is a popular choice among e-commerce merchants. Let's look at how to point a domain to Shopify with Namecheap specifically.

1. Sign in to your Namecheap account.
2. Navigate to your Domain List and select the domain you wish to configure.
3. In the Advanced DNS tab, locate the DNS Records section.
4. Add the A Record (as previously described) and the CNAME Record for www.
5. Save changes, and verify the connection in your Shopify admin panel.

For those looking for a straightforward solution, we recommend using our feature set at Tevello, which integrates all necessary elements to prevent confusion. Explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products.

If You're Using GoDaddy

Here’s a quick guide for pointing a domain to Shopify through GoDaddy:

1. Access your GoDaddy account and navigate to My Products.
2. Choose your domain and select DNS.
3. Similar to Namecheap, you will add the appropriate A and CNAME Records.
4. Ensure you save changes and wait for updates to reflect.

Testing Your Domain Connection

Once you have completed the steps above, it's essential to test the connection. Open a browser and type in your new custom domain. If everything is set up correctly, it should route directly to your Shopify store.

If it does not work immediately, patience is key. Sometimes, it can take a few hours for the changes to reflect across the web due to DNS propagation.

Managing Multiple Domains in Shopify

As e-commerce businesses grow, having multiple domains can be beneficial. For example, if you’re launching a new product line or service, a dedicated domain can help in marketing those efforts more effectively.

Setting Up Multiple Domains

In Shopify, managing multiple domains can be handled all from the same admin dashboard:

1. Go to Online Store and then Domains.
2. Click on Add existing domain.
3. Enter the domain name you wish to add and follow the verification steps.

Conclusion

Understanding how to point a domain to Shopify is a crucial step in establishing a professional and reliable online presence. By selecting the right domain, ensuring the proper DNS configurations, and verifying ownership, we can set the stage for increased visibility, credibility, and trust—key components of a successful Shopify business.

We at Tevello are committed to empowering Shopify merchants like you by ensuring that you have a seamless experience integrating digital products and online courses directly into your store. Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and witness our all-in-one solution transform your online business!

FAQ

How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?

Typically, DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate fully. Most commonly, changes reflect within an hour.

What if my domain doesn't show up in Shopify?

If your domain isn't showing up in Shopify after proper configuration, ensure that all records are set correctly and verify the connection again in your Shopify admin.

Can I point more than one domain to my Shopify store?

Yes, you can connect multiple domains to your Shopify store. This can be helpful for marketing campaigns or different product lines. All domains can be managed from the same Shopify admin.

What if my custom domain isn't available?

If your desired domain isn’t available, consider alternative names that still align well with your brand, or check if it can be purchased from the current owner.

In closing, pointing a domain to Shopify is straightforward with the right guidance. We encourage you to take the necessary steps and leverage Tevello's powerful tools to maximize your online business potential. Ready to build your course? Get started with Tevello.