How to Add a Domain Name to Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why You Need a Custom Domain for Your Shopify Store
3. How to Add a Domain Name to Shopify
4. Buying a New Domain Through Shopify
5. The Importance of Domain Strategy in E-commerce
6. Utilizing Tevello for Your E-Commerce Success
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that online customers are 80% more likely to trust businesses with a custom domain than those using a generic domain? For any Shopify store owner, this statistic highlights a crucial aspect of building a credible and recognizable brand in the bustling world of e-commerce. As we continue witnessing an explosion in e-commerce opportunities, diversifying our revenue streams becomes essential. A well-chosen domain not only elevates your brand's identity, it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer trust and search engine visibility.

So, have you ever wondered how a custom domain name could transform your Shopify store? This post dives deep into the significance of owning your domain, the steps to add it to your Shopify store effectively, and the advantages of using Tevello’s comprehensive platform to facilitate this process.

At Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants to embrace their entrepreneurial journey by providing an all-in-one solution for creating and managing online courses, selling digital products, and cultivating thriving online communities—all seamlessly integrated within their Shopify environment. Our value proposition lies in our commitment to user-friendliness, robust features, and industry-leading developer support, all at a flat-rate pricing model.

By the end of this blog post, not only will you know how to add a domain name to your Shopify store, but you'll also appreciate why this is a vital step in your e-commerce journey. Let’s get started!

Why You Need a Custom Domain for Your Shopify Store

A custom domain is essential for several reasons:

1. Establishing Brand Identity

When customers see your domain, it becomes a reflection of your brand. A relevant, memorable domain name helps clarify who you are and what you offer. For instance, a Shopify merchant selling gourmet pet treats might choose a domain like “GourmetPaws.com” instead of a generic name, fostering instant recognition and trust.

2. Credibility and Professionalism

A custom domain enhances your store's professional image. It signals to potential buyers that you are a serious business, thereby increasing their likelihood of making a purchase. With a professional domain, customers are more inclined to feel confident while shopping on your site, essential for driving conversions.

3. Improved SEO

Search engines favor custom domains over generic ones. By incorporating relevant keywords into your domain name and ensuring it reflects your brand, you can also enhance your search engine rankings. For example, if you sell vintage clothing, including the word ‘vintage’ in your domain can improve visibility.

4. Customer Retention

A memorable domain name makes it easier for customers to return to your site. This facilitates customer loyalty and fosters long-term relationships. Think about how often you revisit sites you remember easily—your Shopify store should be one of them!

With Tevello, we emphasize the importance of these factors in elevating your Shopify store's potential. Ready to build your course and engage your audience effectively? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

How to Add a Domain Name to Shopify

Now that we understand the importance of having a custom domain, let’s get into the practicalities of adding a domain name to your Shopify store. The process is straightforward, and we will break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Log Into Your Shopify Admin Panel

Begin by logging into your Shopify admin account. This is where you manage all settings for your store, including domain names.

Step 2: Navigate to Online Store Settings

Once logged in:

1. Go to the Sales channels section.
2. Choose Online Store.
3. Click on Domains. Here is where you can see your current domains and manage new ones.

Step 3: Connect an Existing Domain

If you already own a domain, follow these instructions:

1. Click on the Connect existing domain link.
2. Enter your purchased domain name in the provided field and click Next.

Step 4: Updating DNS Settings

For External Domains

If your domain was purchased through another provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap), you will need to update the DNS settings. Here's how:

1. Log in to your domain provider’s dashboard.
2. Locate your domain's DNS settings.
3. For the A Record, point it to Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
4. For the CNAME Record, set it to point to shops.myshopify.com.

This instructs the internet's traffic to direct visitors from your domain to your Shopify store.

Step 5: Verify Connection

After updating the DNS settings, return to Shopify:

1. Click on Verify Connection to ensure Shopify can recognize your newly connected domain.

Step 6: Make it Your Primary Domain

If you want to designate this domain as your primary domain, follow these steps:

1. In the Domains section, look for Change primary domain.
2. Select the new domain you want to be primary and click Save.

It’s important to note that it might take up to 48 hours for the new domain to fully propagate around the internet.

Buying a New Domain Through Shopify

If you don’t have a domain yet, you may choose to buy one directly through Shopify. This method can simplify the process, as Shopify will automatically configure it for you.

Step 1: Purchase a New Domain

In the Domains settings:

1. Click Buy new domain.
2. Enter your desired domain name and click Search.
3. If the domain is available, proceed to checkout.

Step 2: Complete Purchase

During checkout, you will need to provide personal information and payment details. If applicable, select any additional services such as WHOIS privacy to keep your information private.

Step 3: Confirmation and Configuration

Once the purchase is complete, Shopify will automatically configure your new domain to link with your store. Similar to connecting an external domain, you can then set this to be your primary domain by following the previous steps.

The Importance of Domain Strategy in E-commerce

Choosing the right domain is not just about technical steps; it’s also a strategic decision that can influence your business identity and growth. Let's discuss some key aspects to consider when strategizing your domain choice:

1. Choosing the Right TLD (Top Level Domain)

Opting for a widely recognized TLD, such as .com, can significantly enhance credibility. Always consider the audience you're targeting; if you are a regional business, TLDs like .co.uk or .us may resonate better with local customers.

2. Keyword Integration

Incorporating relevant keywords into your domain name doesn't just help with SEO but also enhances memorability. Think about the main service or product you offer and how it can be represented in the domain.

3. Simplicity and Readability

Choosing a short, simple domain helps avoid confusion. Steer clear of complex spellings, hyphens, or unusual abbreviations. The easier it is to remember, the more likely customers will return.

4. Testing and Feedback

Before finalizing a domain, consider testing a few options through friends or target audience members to gauge their reactions. Did they find it easy to spell and remember? This feedback can be invaluable.

Utilizing Tevello for Your E-Commerce Success

As we continue exploring the digital landscape of e-commerce, integrating online courses and community engagement into your Shopify store can significantly enhance customer relationships and create additional revenue streams. At Tevello, our platform allows you to easily create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products, enhancing customer engagement through vibrant online communities.

Imagine offering a "Mastering Handmade Jewelry" course alongside your jewelry products, where customers can learn the art of crafting while shopping! Our solutions redefine the Shopify experience, integrating everything you need seamlessly.

Explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products.

Conclusion

Choosing and adding a domain name to your Shopify store is a crucial step that can positively impact your brand identity, credibility, SEO, and customer retention. With a carefully selected custom domain, your online store can become a trusted destination for shoppers.

We’ve navigated through the steps of adding and managing domains within Shopify, meaning that you're now equipped with the knowledge to create a professional and memorable brand presence. In the shifting landscape of digital commerce, a robust domain strategy is vital for your e-commerce success.

At Tevello, we are committed to supporting Shopify merchants in their journey, providing tools you need to build not just a store but a thriving community. Ready to build your course? Get started with Tevello and unlock new ways to connect with your audience!

FAQ

What is a Shopify domain?
A Shopify domain is your store's online address, like yourstore.com, used by customers to access your website.

How do I add an existing domain to Shopify?
Log into Shopify admin → Sales channels → Online Store → Domains → Connect existing domain → Enter your domain and click Next.

How do I link a GoDaddy domain to Shopify?
Connect the domain in Shopify, update the DNS settings in your GoDaddy account to point to Shopify’s servers, then verify the connection in Shopify.

What are the costs associated with a Shopify domain?
Shopify domains typically start at around $15 per year, although prices may vary based on the domain name and extension.

Does Shopify provide email hosting with my domain?
No, Shopify doesn’t offer email hosting directly. However, you can create forwarding email addresses or use third-party email services.

How long does it take for my domain changes to take effect?
It can take up to 48 hours for the domain changes to start showing globally.