Can I Change My Shopify Domain Name? A Comprehensive Guide for E-commerce Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Your Shopify Store Name and Domain
3. Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name or Domain
4. How to Change Your Shopify Store Name in Three Simple Steps
5. How to Change Your Shopify Domain Name
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of online shoppers research a product online before making a purchase? This statistic underscores the importance of establishing a strong digital presence for your brand. If you’re running a Shopify store, you may encounter situations where changing your store's name or domain becomes essential. Whether you're rebranding, expanding your product offerings, or simply realizing that your current name doesn’t reflect your business model, it’s crucial to understand the process and implications of making such changes.

At Tevello, we understand the significance of brand identity and how having the right domain can drive customer engagement and trust. As we assist e-commerce merchants in expanding their platforms to include online courses, digital products, and vibrant community features, we want to guide you through one of the foundational aspects of your digital storefront—changing your Shopify domain name. This post aims to clarify the distinctions between your Shopify store name and domain name, explore the reasons behind changing them, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively.

So, what’s on your mind? Is your Shopify store name outdated? Are you experiencing confusion among your customers due to your current domain? Let’s dive into the intricacies of website identity management and emphasize how our all-in-one platform can support your business’s evolution.

Understanding Your Shopify Store Name and Domain

Before we dive into changing your store name or domain, we must differentiate between the two concepts.

The Shopify Store Name

Your Shopify store name is the name you chose when creating your store, which customers see when they browse your Shopify website. It’s an essential element of your brand identity and helps create recognition among your audience. Your store name appears in crucial touchpoints:

• On your storefront
• In any marketing materials and advertisements
• In email and SMS notifications

The Shopify Domain

Conversely, your store domain (also called the URL) is the web address associated with your store, which could look like yourstorename.myshopify.com or a custom domain you’ve purchased (e.g., yourstorename.com). While your Shopify store name appears prominently, the domain may be less visible to customers if they are using a custom domain. Still, having a suitable domain is essential for SEO and branding.

For instance, while customers might recognize "Jenna's Handmade Crafts" as your store name, the associated domain, like jenna-handmade-crafts.myshopify.com, may not be as memorable. Therefore, a fitting and cohesive identity is vital.

Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name or Domain

There are various reasons merchants opt to change their Shopify store name or domain. Here are a few common scenarios:

1. Rebranding

Rebranding is often triggered by a change in your business strategy or direction. If your initial store name no longer aligns with your updated vision or offerings, it’s time for a change. For example, if you initially focused on handmade jewelry but now offer a variety of handmade crafts, consider rebranding to reflect your expanded product range.

2. Business Expansion

As your business grows, you may expand your product range or services. A store name like "Samantha's T-shirt Shop" could become limiting if you evolve into offering a full clothing line. A well-considered name change might be necessary to communicate your broadened focus to customers.

3. Market Positioning

If you find that your store name resembles a competitor or confuses customers, changing it can help avoid brand dilution. A mismatch between your name and your offerings can lead to misunderstandings about what your store represents, which could, in turn, affect sales.

4. Ownership Change

If the ownership of the store changes, perhaps due to mergers, acquisitions, or new ownership, the new owners may wish to introduce their brand identity. This change often comes with a new store name and domain.

How to Change Your Shopify Store Name in Three Simple Steps

Changing your Shopify store name is straightforward, especially when supported with an all-in-one solution like Tevello that allows for smoother transitions as you develop your online community and courses. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Access the Shopify Settings

To start, log into your Shopify account and locate the Settings option at the bottom left corner of your dashboard.

Step 2: Go to Store Details

Click on the "General" section of your settings, where you will find your store name listed under Store details. Click the pencil icon to edit.

Step 3: Enter Your New Store Name

Type in your new store name and click “Save.” Your new store name will be visible immediately.

It's vital to keep in mind that apart from simply entering a new name, it is also advisable to go through all your marketing materials and customer touchpoints after the change to ensure consistency across the board.

How to Change Your Shopify Domain Name

Now that you've changed your store name, it’s beneficial to align your domain name with the new brand identity. Here’s how to change your Shopify domain effectively:

Step 1: Go to Shopify Settings

Navigate again to the Settings area on your Shopify dashboard and choose "Domains."

Step 2: Choose the Change Primary Domain Option

Within the Domains menu, you'll see your current primary domain. Select the "Change primary domain" option.

Step 3: Select or Add Your New Domain

You have several options here:

• Purchase a new domain through Shopify: This is the simplest choice as Shopify provides a user-friendly interface for domain purchases.
• Connect an existing domain: If you have a domain registered elsewhere, you can link it to your Shopify store by updating the DNS settings with your registrar.
• Transfer a domain: If you'd like to manage your domain through Shopify, you can transfer it from your current provider.

After you’ve selected a new domain, click the corresponding buttons to complete the setup and ensure you save all changes.

Ensuring an SEO-Friendly Transition

Changing your Shopify store name and domain can affect your search engine rankings. Failing to navigate this properly may lead to lost traffic and confused customers. To ensure that your efforts benefit your business:

1. Set Up 301 Redirects: Redirect any links from your old domain to your new domain so customers who visit your old site are directed to your new site seamlessly. This action preserves SEO value by transferring organic traffic.
2. Update External Links: Assess all backlinks pointing to your old domain, including links from blogs, social media profiles, and email newsletters, to ensure they're updated.
3. Announce the Change: To minimize confusion, inform your existing customers about the change through newsletters and social media updates. An announcement can help your existing customer base transition smoothly.
4. Monitor Traffic and Performance: After changing your store name and domain, keep a close eye on site analytics to track any changes in traffic flow and engagement.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of changing your Shopify store name and domain can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in maintaining a relevant and cohesive brand identity. Whether driven by rebranding efforts, expansion, or ownership changes, aligning your store name and domain can strengthen your online presence and improve customer recall.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our straightforward, all-in-one platform not only supports you in managing your online store but also enhances your ability to offer online courses and foster communities in one seamless experience.

Ready to implement these changes? We encourage you to take the next step and start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

FAQ

Can I change my Shopify domain name?

Yes, you can change your Shopify domain name by logging into your Shopify settings, navigating to the "Domains" section, and selecting the option to change your primary domain.

How often can I change my 'myshopify.com' URL?

You can only change your 'myshopify.com' URL once. If you need to change it again, you will have to start a new trial store.

Will changing my store name affect my existing customers?

Yes. It is essential to communicate any changes proactively to your existing customers through announcements on social media, newsletters, or direct communication.

What is a 301 redirect, and why do I need it?

A 301 redirect is a permanent URL redirection from your old domain or URL to the new one. It is essential for preserving your SEO rankings and preventing lost traffic.

How do I ensure my SEO is not affected negatively by these changes?

In addition to implementing 301 redirects, update any external links that point to your old domain, inform your customers, and monitor your site's analytics closely following the changes.

By understanding and implementing best practices for changing your Shopify store name and domain, you can strategically position your brand for future growth and enhanced customer engagement. Let’s build that successful e-commerce strategy together!