How to Add a Custom Domain on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Custom Domain?
3. Types of Domains
4. Benefits of Having a Custom Domain on Shopify
5. How to Buy a Custom Domain Through Shopify
6. How to Connect an Existing Domain to Shopify
7. How to Change Your Primary Domain in Shopify
8. What to Do After Purchasing Your Domain
9. Troubleshooting Common Issues
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 90% of consumers today expect a seamless online experience when they shop? In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, maintaining a professional online presence has transcended from being an optional add-on to an absolute necessity. Just as physical businesses thrive in high-traffic areas, an online business flourishes under the canopy of a memorable, professional domain name.

If you're operating a Shopify store, one of the pivotal steps to enhance your brand identity is adding a custom domain name. This not only helps you appear trustworthy but also makes it easier for customers to find and remember you. Here at Tevello, we believe that empowering Shopify merchants with the tools they need to succeed—like easily integrating a custom domain—can unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about how to add a custom domain to your Shopify store. From understanding what a custom domain is to the step-by-step process of adding it, we’ll ensure you have the necessary insights to elevate your online presence. Are you ready to take your Shopify store to the next level?

Let's dive into the details of custom domains for your Shopify store!

What is a Custom Domain?

A custom domain is a unique web address that allows customers to find your online store. Instead of using a generic URL such as yourstorename.myshopify.com, a custom domain enables you to create a brand-specific web address (e.g., www.yourbrand.com) that reflects your business and its offerings.

Importance of a Custom Domain

1. Brand Identity: A professional domain name enhances your brand's credibility. It signals to your customers that you're serious about your business.
2. Memorability: A memorable domain makes it easier for customers to find you again. It promotes repeat visits and customer retention.
3. SEO Benefits: While the domain itself isn’t a direct ranking factor, having a domain that is easy to remember helps in driving traffic and engagement, thereby contributing positively to your SEO.

At Tevello, we always highlight the importance of establishing a strong brand identity through customization, be it in domains or online courses.

Types of Domains

Before we discuss how to add a custom domain on Shopify, let’s look at the different types of domains you can consider:

1. Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

These are the extensions you’ll see at the end of a domain name. Common TLDs include:

• .com: The most recognized and widely used domain extension.
• .net: Often used by technology companies.
• .org: Frequently used by organizations, especially non-profits.
• Country specific (ccTLDs): Such as .co.uk (United Kingdom) or .ca (Canada).

2. Subdomains

A subdomain is a part of a larger domain. For example, blog.yourbrand.com is a subdomain of yourbrand.com. They are often used to organize different sections of a website but may dilute your brand identity if not used correctly.

3. Custom Domains vs. Generic Domains

While custom domains focus on brand identity, generic domains describe what you sell (e.g., handmadejewelry.com). Custom domains are preferable for establishing a unique brand identity, whereas generic domains can help in immediate recognition of the service or product.

Benefits of Having a Custom Domain on Shopify

1. Professional Appearance: A custom domain stands out and gives your Shopify store a polished look. This can greatly enhance customer trust.
2. Increased Traffic: SEO strategies become more effective when your domain is tailored to your brand, which could lead to increased organic traffic.
3. Smart Marketing: A memorable domain name can be a cornerstone of your marketing materials, making it easier for customers to recall your brand.
4. Greater Control: Owning your domain name gives you more control over your online presence, including email addresses and advertising.

At Tevello, we support branded domains as a means to empower our merchants, offering possibilities to sell courses and connect with communities seamlessly.

How to Buy a Custom Domain Through Shopify

Getting a custom domain through Shopify is straightforward, and it can enhance your branding efforts significantly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

1. Log into your Shopify account.
2. Click on "Online Store" in the left navigation panel.
3. Navigate to the "Domains" section.

Step 2: Purchase a New Domain

1. Click on "Buy new domain."
2. Enter your desired domain name in the search box.
3. Review the available options and extensions.
4. Select your preferred domain and click "Buy."
5. Fill out the payment details to finalize your purchase.

Important Considerations

• Domain Shortness: Keep your domain under 15 characters when possible for easy recall.
• Keyword Relevance: Try to include relevant keywords that reflect your business for better search optimization.

After purchasing, your domain will automatically be configured to work with your Shopify store.

How to Connect an Existing Domain to Shopify

If you already own a domain from another registrar, you can easily connect it to your Shopify store. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Shopify Admin

Access your Shopify admin panel and navigate to "Online Store" and then "Domains."

Step 2: Connect Your Existing Domain

1. Click on "Connect existing domain."
2. Enter your domain name in the provided field.
3. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings

For your Shopify store to recognize your existing domain, you'll need to change your domain’s DNS settings at your registrar.

1. Log in to your domain provider’s dashboard (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
2. Locate the DNS management section.
3. Update your A record to point to Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
4. Set the CNAME record for "www" to point to shops.myshopify.com.

Step 4: Verify and Finalize

1. Go back to Shopify and click "Verify connection."
2. Once verified, you may set this as your primary domain.

Changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, so don’t worry if it doesn’t work immediately!

How to Change Your Primary Domain in Shopify

Once you have multiple domains connected, you may want to designate one as your primary domain. Here’s how to do this:

1. In the Shopify admin, navigate to "Online Store" and then "Domains."
2. Under "Primary Domain," select the desired domain from your list.
3. Click "Save" to make it your primary domain.

Your store will now use this domain as its default address!

What to Do After Purchasing Your Domain

After securing your custom domain, there are a couple of additional steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

1. Set Up Domain Email Forwarding

Although Shopify doesn’t offer email hosting, you can create forwarding email addresses. For example, customers can email [email protected], which then forwards to your actual email address.

2. Activate SSL for Your Domain

Security is vital for online transactions. Shopify provides free SSL certificates for all connected domains, ensuring that customer transactions are secure. After adding your domain, make sure SSL is activated for secure customer interactions.

3. Monitor SEO Performance

Continue to monitor how your new domain impacts your site’s SEO and traffic. Utilizing Google Search Console can provide insights into your domain's performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after perfectly setting up your custom domain, you may face some challenges. Here are steps for addressing common issues:

Issue 1: Domain Not Redirecting Properly

If your domain isn’t redirecting to your Shopify store, revisit the DNS settings and ensure they are correctly set to Shopify's IP address.

Issue 2: SSL Not Applied

If you see SSL issues, double-check that your domain is connected and activated within Shopify. It can take some time for SSL to propagate.

Issue 3: Email Issues

If your forwarded emails aren't working, confirm you’ve set the forwarding up properly in your domain registrar’s settings.

Conclusion

Adding a custom domain to your Shopify store is essential for establishing a professional and credible online presence. Not only does it enhance brand recognition, but it also plays a substantial role in driving traffic and conversions. By following the steps we’ve provided, you can effortlessly add a custom domain and potentially reap the benefits of an increased trust factor with your customers.

At Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audiences through a range of online tools and resources. We're excited to support you on your journey to success!

Are you prepared to take the next step? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how our all-in-one course platform can help you build and manage your online presence effectively! Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify.

FAQ

What is a Shopify domain?

A Shopify domain is a web address that customers use to visit your online store. It can be a default yourstorename.myshopify.com or a custom domain like www.yourbrand.com.

How do I add a custom domain to my Shopify store?

To add a custom domain, log into your Shopify admin, go to "Online Store" > "Domains," and purchase a new domain or connect an existing one.

How long does it take for a custom domain to propagate?

Once you've added a custom domain, expect it to take up to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet.

Does Shopify provide email hosting for custom domains?

No, Shopify does not offer email hosting, but you can set up forwarding email addresses to forward emails to your regular email account.

How can I improve SEO with my custom domain?

Use a domain name with relevant keywords that reflect your business, ensuring it's short, easy to remember, and professional to enhance SEO performance.

Harness the full power of your Shopify store today with a custom domain and Tevello’s tools!