Can You Add Your Own Domain to Shopify?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why You Should Use Your Own Domain with Shopify
3. How to Add Your Own Domain to Shopify
4. Transferring Your Domain to Shopify
5. Enhancing Your E-Commerce Strategy with Tevello
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine this scenario: you’ve successfully launched your Shopify store, filled with well-selected products and carefully designed pages, but every time you promote your store online, you have to share a clunky URL that’s hard for customers to remember. It feels like a missed opportunity to showcase your brand's identity.

Statistics show that nearly 64% of online consumers are more likely to trust a brand with its own domain rather than a subdomain. This underscores the importance of presenting your e-commerce store in a professional light, not just for credibility, but also for better customer retention and engagement.

At Tevello, we recognize the potential of Shopify as a powerful e-commerce platform for merchants to establish their online presence. We believe that integrating your own domain within your Shopify store is not just an option—it's an essential step for any serious business owner looking to create an authentic brand experience.

In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of using your own domain with Shopify, from understanding the benefits to the steps required to add or transfer your domain. We’ll provide clear guidance and practical insights, making your transition smooth and successful. So, how does your current Shopify domain fit into your business goals? Are you ready to take that leap and create a tailored online identity? Let’s dive deeper into this topic to empower your e-commerce journey.

Why You Should Use Your Own Domain with Shopify

Control Over Brand Identity

Using your own domain provides unparalleled control over your brand identity. It strengthens your brand image and ensures consistency across all platforms. A custom domain acts as a memorable digital signpost for your customers, making it easier for them to find you online and fostering familiarity.

Professionalism

Picture this: a customer sees your store's URL, https://yourstorename.myshopify.com. Now, imagine the same store with the URL https://yourbrand.com. Which one instills more trust and confidence? The latter, undoubtedly. Having your own domain can elevate your perceived professionalism and credibility, essential factors in convincing consumers to make purchases.

Enhanced SEO Performance

Search engines like Google prioritize custom domains for credibility, often leading to better search rankings. When you optimize your website with a relevant domain, you're not just promoting your products; you're boosting your visibility in a crowded marketplace. More visibility can translate into increased traffic and ultimately, sales.

Building Customer Loyalty

Customers are more likely to remember a straightforward, brand-specific domain than a generic subdomain. This memory association helps in building customer loyalty as your audience becomes more familiar with your store and brand identity.

Alignment with E-learning and Community Building

In today’s digital economy, diversifying revenue through online courses or community engagements is vital. At Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants to create not only an e-commerce platform but also vibrant educational and community spaces. Having your own domain plays a significant role in how these offerings are perceived by your audience.

How to Add Your Own Domain to Shopify

Adding your own domain to Shopify is a straightforward process, and we’re here to guide you through it. Whether you’re purchasing a new domain directly through Shopify or connecting an existing one from another provider, follow these steps to ensure a successful integration.

Step 1: Purchase a Domain Through Shopify

If you’re looking to buy a new domain, the process is simple:

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin: Access your Shopify dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Domains Page: From the admin panel, go to Online Store and select Domains.
3. Buy New Domain: Click on the Buy new domain button, enter your desired domain name, and then click Search.
4. Select Your Domain: If the domain is available, click on Add to cart and proceed to checkout.
5. Enter Payment Details: Once you fill in your payment information, you can purchase the domain.

Step 2: Connect an Existing Domain

If you already have a domain from another provider, follow these steps to connect it to Shopify:

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin: Access your dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Domains Page: As above, go to Online Store and select Domains.
3. Connect Existing Domain: Click on Connect existing domain and enter your domain name.
4. Follow the On-screen Instructions: Shopify will guide you through the steps on how to update your DNS records.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings

Essential for connecting an existing domain, updating your DNS settings is crucial:

1. Login to Your Domain Registrar: This could be GoDaddy, Bluehost, or any other provider.
2. Access DNS Settings: Look for the option to manage your DNS settings.
3. Change A Record: Set the “A Record” to point to Shopify’s IP address, 23.227.38.65.
4. Set CNAME Record: Update your “CNAME” record for “WWW” to point to shops.myshopify.com.
5. Save Changes: Ensure you save your updates, and it might take up to 48 hours for the changes to take effect.

Step 4: Set Your Primary Domain

Once your domain is connected and the DNS records are updated:

1. Return to Your Shopify Admin: Go to the Domains section again.
2. Change Primary Domain: Select your new domain as the primary option, ensuring all traffic from your old domain redirects to your new site.

Following these steps will ensure that your Shopify store is effectively linked to your custom domain. This not only enhances your brand's professionalism but also secures a stronger position in the digitized marketplace.

Transferring Your Domain to Shopify

If you wish to fully transfer your domain to Shopify for more streamlined management, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: Prepare for Transfer

Before initiating the transfer, ensure that:

• Your domain is unlocked at your current registrar.
• You have access to your domain's EPP code (a transfer authorization code).

Step 2: Initiate the Transfer

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin: Access your dashboard.
2. Go to Domains Page: Navigate to Online Store and select Domains.
3. Select Transfer Domain: Click on Transfer domain and input your domain name.
4. Enter EPP Code: Enter the EPP code from your previous registrar.
5. Complete Transfer Process: Follow indicated steps to complete the transfer.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings

Post-transfer, you may still need to update the DNS settings similarly to ensure everything is pointed correctly to Shopify’s servers.

Enhancing Your E-Commerce Strategy with Tevello

As we’ve discussed, using your own domain significantly influences your Shopify store's success. But at Tevello, we believe this is just the starting point. Our all-in-one platform allows merchants to create and sell online courses, engage communities, and manage digital products seamlessly.

Imagine the potential of offering a course based on your expertise directly through your own domain. Our user-friendly tools empower you to forge meaningful connections with your audience, turning one-time customers into lifelong community members. Discover how to integrate these additional revenue streams by starting your journey with Tevello.

Through our focus on robust features, user-friendly design, and an unwavering commitment to merchant success, we enable Shopify store owners to fully leverage their e-commerce potential.

Conclusion

In a world where e-commerce is continuously evolving, establishing an online identity through your domain is not merely an option; it’s a necessity. By adding or transferring your domain to Shopify, you take a vital step toward enhancing your brand’s credibility, improving SEO, increasing customer loyalty, and ultimately boosting sales.

As you consider your next steps, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Allow us to empower you to create not just an online store, but a thriving community surrounding your brand.

FAQ

What is a Shopify domain?
A Shopify domain is the unique web address that customers use to access your online store. Upon creating a Shopify account, you automatically receive a subdomain (e.g., yourstorename.myshopify.com).

How to add an existing domain to Shopify?
To add an existing domain, go to the Domains section in your Shopify admin, select Connect existing domain, enter your domain name, and follow the instructions to update your DNS settings.

How much does a Shopify domain cost?
Shopify domain prices typically start from around $15 per year, depending on the domain extension you choose (e.g., .com, .net).

Can I use multiple domains for my Shopify store?
Yes, Shopify allows you to connect multiple domains and select one as your primary domain for customer connection.

Does Shopify provide email hosting?
Shopify does not offer email hosting, but you can set up email forwarding through your domain provider, creating branded emails that forward to your main account.

By understanding the significance of your domain and taking the essential steps to establish it on Shopify, you’re not just blending into the e-commerce landscape; you’re setting the stage for lasting success. Ready to make your mark? Join us at Tevello today!