How to Add a Domain to Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing Your Brand Online

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why You Should Consider Adding a Custom Domain to Your Shopify Store
3. How to Add a Domain to Shopify
4. Insights into Domain Management Best Practices for E-commerce
5. Building Your E-learning Community with Tevello
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 2.14 billion people worldwide are expected to buy goods and services online in 2021 and beyond? With the e-commerce landscape thriving at an unprecedented rate, establishing a strong online presence is more crucial than ever for any Shopify merchant. But how can you ensure that your Shopify store stands out amid the digital noise? One of the first steps is opting for a custom domain name that reflects your brand identity.

A custom domain not only enhances your credibility but also improves your store's search engine ranking, driving more traffic and potential sales. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of adding a domain to Shopify—be it a new domain bought directly from Shopify, or an existing domain purchased through another provider. We’ll also delve into the significance of having a strong online identity and how it ties into our mission at Tevello: empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams while building meaningful connections with their audience.

For those of you managing an online store, we invite you to consider your current domain setup. Is it reflecting your brand effectively? If not, don’t worry—by the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and resources to make the change, with our all-in-one solution at Tevello seamlessly integrated into your Shopify experience. Let's get started!

Why You Should Consider Adding a Custom Domain to Your Shopify Store

Before we dive into the "how," it’s essential to discuss the "why." A custom domain is more than just a web address; it's the cornerstone of your online identity. Here are a few compelling reasons to prioritize a custom domain:

1. Brand Identity

Your domain name is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your brand. A unique and memorable domain can help establish your identity and credibility, making it more likely that customers will trust your store over generic options like yourstorename.myshopify.com.

2. Improved SEO

Search engines favor unique domains that resonate with user intentions. Using relevant keywords in your domain name can enhance your visibility in search results, driving organic traffic to your store.

3. Customer Trust

A custom domain fosters professionalism, making your Shopify store appear more established. Once prospective customers see a branded URL, they're more likely to feel confident in making purchases, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.

4. Flexibility and Control

Managing a custom domain allows you greater flexibility regarding your online presence. You have the option to change your web hosting or modify how you operate without affecting your URL, giving you more control over your shop's online identity.

With these advantages in mind, let's outline how you can obtain and implement a custom domain in your Shopify store.

How to Add a Domain to Shopify

Step 1: Purchase a Domain from Shopify

If you're starting from scratch, buying a domain directly from Shopify could not be easier. Here's how:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Sales Channels, then select Online Store.
3. Click on Domains from the drop-down.
4. Hit the Buy New Domain button.
5. Enter your desired domain name in the search bar and review the available options.
6. After selecting your domain, add it to your cart and complete the purchase process.

Once you’ve bought your domain, it may take up to 48 hours for the purchase to fully propagate and go live. While you wait, you can also check out our simple, transparent pricing model to see how our services can fit into your journey!

Step 2: Connect an Existing Domain to Shopify

If you already own a domain purchased from another provider, connecting it to Shopify involves a bit more effort—namely adjusting DNS records. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Sales Channels, then select Online Store.
3. Click on Domains.
4. Select the Connect Existing Domain link.
5. Enter your existing domain name and hit Next.
6. You will need to adjust your Domain Name System (DNS) settings with your domain provider. Here’s how:
   • Access your domain provider’s website and sign in to your account.
   • Locate your domain's DNS settings.
   • Point your "A" record to Shopify's IP address: 23.227.38.65.
   • Update your "CNAME" record to point to shops.myshopify.com.
   • Save your settings.

After completing these steps, it might take up to 48 hours for the DNS changes to propagate throughout the internet. During this waiting time, you may want to explore our powerful feature set that allows you to create and manage online courses and communities with ease!

Step 3: Make Your Domain Primary

Once your domain is connected, you may want to set your new domain as the primary domain that customers will see:

1. In your Shopify admin, go back to the Domains page.
2. Under the list of connected domains, locate your new domain and click on the Change Primary Domain link.
3. Select your domain and hit Save.

Now your primary domain has been changed. Congratulations, you’ve successfully established a unique online identity for your Shopify store!

Insights into Domain Management Best Practices for E-commerce

1. Choose an Appropriate Domain Name

Choosing the right domain name is a significant decision. Here are some tips:

• Keep it Short and Simple: Avoid overly complicated terms, hyphens, or numbers that are hard to remember.
• Use Keywords Thoughtfully: Including keywords relevant to your niche can help improve SEO.
• Prefer .com Extensions: If available, a .com domain is often the most recognized and easiest for customers to remember.

2. Prioritize Security

Once your domain is set up, don't overlook security measures. Ensure your domain has SSL certification activated, as Shopify typically provides this for free. SSL not only protects customer data but also impacts your search engine rankings.

3. Monitor Your Domain Status

Continuing to manage your domain effectively means monitoring its status. Make sure your domain doesn’t expire, and check DNS records periodically to ensure they remain correctly pointed to Shopify’s servers.

4. Leverage Custom Email Addresses

While Shopify doesn't provide email hosting directly, think about setting up professional email forwarding to add an additional layer of branding. Services like G Suite can help you maintain business emails like [email protected].

Building Your E-learning Community with Tevello

Having established your online store, it’s time to think about elevating your business model. At Tevello, we understand that the e-commerce landscape is rapidly evolving. With our app, merchants can create, manage, and sell online courses right from their Shopify store. By integrating engaging communities and educational resources, we empower you to build meaningful connections with your audience.

If you're not using Tevello yet, why not start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and take your e-commerce platform to the next level?

Conclusion

Establishing a professional and credible online presence starts with a solid domain foundation. By taking the time to add a custom domain to your Shopify store, you’ll enhance your brand identity, improve SEO, and cultivate customer trust. Remember, the first step in this journey is to create a domain that reflects your unique offerings.

At Tevello, we’re passionate about equipping Shopify merchants with the tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. As we move forward, we encourage you to explore our features, consult our success stories, and most importantly, install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify today.

FAQ

What is a Shopify domain?

A Shopify domain is a unique website URL (like yourstore.com) that your customers will use to visit your online store. By utilizing a custom domain, you can create a professional identity.

How do I add an existing domain to Shopify?

Log into your Shopify admin, navigate to Online Store > Domains, and select "Connect Existing Domain." Ensure to update your DNS settings to point to Shopify’s servers for the domain to work properly.

How much does a Shopify domain cost?

Buying a domain through Shopify typically starts at $14/year, although prices may vary depending on the domain extension you choose.

Can I use my existing email address with my Shopify domain?

While Shopify does not provide email hosting, you can set up email forwarding or use third-party email hosting services to maintain a professional email identity alongside your store.

What happens to my domain during a store migration?

If you're migrating from another platform to Shopify, you'll need to update your domain's DNS settings to point to Shopify. Following these steps will help you avoid any downtime during the transition.

By taking control of your online domain and leveraging our tools at Tevello, you'll be well on your way to creating a successful, engaging, and sustainable online business!