A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change My Shopify Store URL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shopify Store Domains
3. Can You Change Your Myshopify.com URL?
4. Steps to Change Your Shopify Store URL
5. Acquiring a Custom Domain
6. Managing URLs for Multiple Markets
7. Taking Advantage of Tevello’s Support for Course Creators
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that a staggering 20% of all Shopify stores are abandoned at the registration stage due to unclear naming strategies? It's a common hurdle for entrepreneurs stepping into the e-commerce realm. Choosing the right URL can significantly impact your branding, customer experience, and search engine optimization (SEO).

As Shopify merchants, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, analyzing the factors that can elevate our online presence. For those of us who wish to transition from the generic "myshopify.com" URLs to more personalized and brand-focused domains, we need to understand the importance of this change. The right URL not only creates a more professional appearance but also fosters consumer trust and improves discoverability.

This blog post serves to illuminate the process of changing your Shopify store URL, whether you’re looking to switch your “myshopify.com” domain to something more memorable or integrate a custom domain. We will explore the essential steps involved, delve into the reasons behind making such a change, and offer practical advice to guide you through this endeavor. Additionally, at Tevello, we advocate for leveraging online courses and community-building tools to support our growth, which can be facilitated through effective domain strategies.

Are you ready to sharpen your online identity? Let’s dive deep into the effective ways to change your Shopify URL.

Understanding Shopify Store Domains

Before we embark on the nitty-gritty of changing URLs, it’s crucial to comprehend the structure of Shopify store domains. Shopify issues each store a default domain formatted as “yourstore.myshopify.com”. This initial domain can feel generic, which is often unappealing to brands looking to establish a unique identity.

1.1 What is a Custom Domain?

A custom domain backs your brand and can enhance your business's credibility. It provides a more polished image and enables a substantial increase in direct traffic. For instance, a thoughtful domain like "CraftedByJessica.com" reflects personal branding and allows customers to remember your store easily.

1.2 Why Change Your Shopify Store URL?

Changing your Shopify store URL can drastically impact your online success for the following reasons:

• Brand Identity: A custom domain strengthens your brand identity and can ease marketing integration.
• SEO Benefits: Custom URLs can help with SEO efforts by making it easier for customers to remember and find your site.
• Increased Trust: A professional domain enhances perceived legitimacy with customers, encouraging them to engage with your brand.

Can You Change Your Myshopify.com URL?

It's essential to note that Shopify only allows you to change your “myshopify.com” URL once. Therefore, you should choose wisely when selecting your new domain. If this change isn't sufficient, you will need to create a new store.

2.1 When Do You Need to Change Your Shopify Store URL?

• Rebranding: If your brand image has evolved or you want to communicate a new message.
• Business Expansion: When you're expanding your product line or target audience and the old URL no longer represents your brand.

2.2 Challenges in Changing Your Shopify Store URL

One potential challenge is that even after changing your URL, your original “myshopify.com” URL will still exist and redirect to the new domain. Therefore, properly implementing this step effectively requires additional thought if you're exploring customized branding.

Steps to Change Your Shopify Store URL

Changing your Shopify store URL may seem daunting, but we will streamline the process. Below is a detailed outline of how to execute this change:

3.1 Accessing Your Shopify Admin Panel

1. Log in to Your Shopify Admin: Use your existing “myshopify.com” URL to log in to your store.
2. Go to Settings: Once you’re in the admin panel, find the “Settings” option located toward the bottom left of the sidebar.

3.2 Change Your Myshopify.com Domain

1. Select Domains: In the Settings, locate the “Domains” section.
2. Change Myshopify.com Domain: Here, you will see an option for “Change to a new myshopify.com domain”.
3. Enter New Domain: Type in your desired new domain. Remember, you get only one opportunity to make this change.

3.3 Saving Changes

1. Review Your Changes: Before finalizing, double-check the new domain spelling and ensure it aligns with your brand.
2. Save: Click the save button once you're satisfied with the changes.

After completing this step, the new “myshopify.com” URL will automatically redirect visitors from the old URL.

Acquiring a Custom Domain

While changing the “myshopify.com” URL is straightforward, many merchants opt to acquire a custom domain for enhanced branding.

4.1 Steps to Purchase a Custom Domain through Shopify

1. Navigate to Domains: Again, navigate to the “Domains” section from the Shopify Admin panel.
2. Buy New Domain: Click on “Buy new domain” and search for your desired domain name.
3. Complete Purchase: Once you locate your preferred domain, follow the prompts to complete your purchase.

4.2 Setting Your Custom Domain as Primary

Once acquired, make sure to set your new custom domain as the primary domain. This step ensures visitors to your site will see the custom URL instead of the “myshopify.com” version.

1. Choose Primary Domain: Upon completing your domain purchase, find the option to set it as the primary domain within the Domains section.
2. Save Changes: Click on “Save” to confirm your new primary URL, streamlining the customer experience.

Managing URLs for Multiple Markets

For those of us targeting different geographical markets, Shopify allows the configuration of separate domains or languages.

5.1 Subfolders, Subdomains, and Separate Domains

There are three strategies available when managing URLs for different markets:

• Subfolders: e.g., yourwebsite.com/en for English speakers.
• Subdomains: e.g., en.yourwebsite.com.
• Separate Domains: Local domains like yourwebsite.fr for French customers.

Choosing the right configuration can enhance your brand’s local presence and overall trust.

5.2 SEO Considerations

From an SEO perspective, subfolders are often preferred as they consolidate domain authority. However, specific market needs can sometimes demand different strategies, so consider the following:

• Customer localization benefits.
• Variations in language or shipping options.

Taking Advantage of Tevello’s Support for Course Creators

At Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants by enabling them to create, manage, and sell online courses—all while building vibrant online communities within their stores. As you’re undertaking the URL changes, consider incorporating online education as part of your offerings.

6.1 Integrating Courses into Your Brand Strategy

One way to leverage your new URL is to highlight the educational content associated with your brand:

• Courses as Marketing Tools: Engaging customers with workshops can invite more interaction and build a loyal customer base.
• Creating a Community: Use the newly structured URL to create discussions and forums, enhancing engagement.

To embark on expanding your community and course offerings, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and explore how our features can integrate seamlessly with your new URL.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify store URL, whether it’s transitioning from "myshopify.com" to a custom domain, is a strategic move that can elevate your brand and enhance customer interaction. By undertaking these changes wisely and with foresight, you can ensure that your e-commerce presence remains competitive and approachable.

As you embark on this journey, remember that Tevello is here to support you. We offer comprehensive tools for Shopify merchants looking to not only change their store URL but also expand into the world of online courses and community interaction.

Ready to take your Shopify experience to the next level? Start your free trial with Tevello today and discover the many ways we can help streamline your e-commerce efforts.

FAQ

Can I change my Shopify store URL multiple times?

No, you can only change your “myshopify.com” URL once. If you feel the need to make further changes, you will have to create a new store.

What are the benefits of using a custom domain?

Custom domains improve your brand’s credibility, enhance trust with customers, and make it easier for them to find and remember your website.

How do I set my new custom domain as the primary domain?

After purchasing your custom domain, navigate to the "Domains" section in your Shopify admin panel, select your new domain, and mark it as primary.

Are there SEO benefits to changing my store URL?

Yes, using a custom domain can enhance your SEO strategy by improving your site's appearance in search results and facilitating easier direct access for your customers.

Will changing my Shopify URL affect existing links or marketing materials?

The previous “myshopify.com” domain will automatically redirect to your new primary domain, ensuring that existing links remain functional. However, it is best practice to update all marketing materials to reflect your new custom domain for optimal professionalism.