How to Add Domain from GoDaddy to Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why GoDaddy and Shopify?
3. Set Up for Success: Before You Begin
4. Setting the Stage: DNS Records and Records Management
5. Automatic vs. Manual Connection
6. Concluding Steps and Support
7. Troubleshooting and Shopify Support
8. FAQ Section
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 3.4 million new businesses were launched in the United States alone in 2021? As the barriers to entry in the e-commerce landscape continue to lower, having a strong online presence is more crucial than ever. For merchants using Shopify, adding a custom domain from a reliable provider like GoDaddy not only enhances your branding but also boosts your online credibility.

However, making the leap from purchasing a domain to connecting it to your Shopify store can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not well-versed in technical details. The good news is that this guide will help demystify the entire process. We’ll explore everything from pre-requisites to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring you can confidently showcase your brand online.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one solution seamlessly integrates within the Shopify ecosystem, offering tools that help you not only set up your store but also manage online courses, digital products, and vibrant community features. With our user-friendly interface and robust support, you can focus on what matters—growing your business. So, are you ready to dive in and make your Shopify store even more unique? Let’s get started!

Why GoDaddy and Shopify?

Understanding the synergy between GoDaddy and Shopify can elucidate why this combination is so powerful for online businesses:

GoDaddy: Your Reliable Domain Registrar

GoDaddy stands as one of the largest domain registrars in the world, offering a plethora of domain names, hosting services, and customer support. The platform is designed for ease of use, providing various tools to manage your domain effortlessly. When you purchase a domain from GoDaddy, you gain access to the following benefits:

1. Extensive Domain Options: Choose from over a hundred different domain name extensions (TLDs), ensuring you find the perfect name for your business.
2. User-Friendly Tools: Manage your domain and hosting via an intuitive dashboard.
3. Solid Customer Support: With 24/7 customer service, you can quickly resolve issues that may arise during setup or management.

Shopify: The E-Commerce Powerhouse

Shopify, on the other hand, is a leading e-commerce platform trusted by millions of merchants around the globe. Its primary aim is to simplify online selling, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of technical proficiency. Here’s why Shopify is the ideal choice for entrepreneurs:

1. All-in-One Solution: With Shopify, you can build, customize, and manage your online store—everything is available in one place.
2. Scalability: Businesses of all sizes can grow on Shopify, whether you’re running a one-person operation or managing a large enterprise.
3. Community and Support: Shopify has a strong support community, offering tutorials and guidance for every aspect of the platform.

Combining the robust domain services of GoDaddy with the powerful e-commerce capabilities of Shopify creates a compelling proposition for businesses looking to establish a professional online presence.

Set Up for Success: Before You Begin

Before jumping into the connection process, there are critical preliminary steps to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s a checklist to follow:

GoDaddy Account Verification

• Account Access: Make sure you can log into your GoDaddy account. If you've recently registered your domain, remember that there is a 60-day transfer restriction that prevents domain transfers right after registration.
• Domain Ownership: Ensure that the domain you intend to connect is owned by you and is active.

Shopify Store Preparation

• Create Your Store: You should have a fully set-up Shopify store, even if it’s just in the development phase. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the back-end dashboard.
• Plan Your Branding: Consider how your domain name aligns with your overall branding strategy.

E-mail Settings Review

If you have email services linked to your GoDaddy domain, note that changing DNS settings may affect email functionality. Prepare to either move email hosting to Shopify or manage DNS settings in a way that preserves email functionality.

Setting the Stage: DNS Records and Records Management

Understanding DNS records is essential when connecting your GoDaddy domain to Shopify. DNS (Domain Name System) records act as instructions that tell the internet where to direct traffic when someone enters your domain name into their browser. The two primary DNS records you'll deal with are:

A Record

The A record points your domain to the IP address of your Shopify store. Currently, Shopify's IP address is 23.227.38.65.

CNAME Record

If you want to direct the 'www' subdomain of your website to Shopify, you will need a CNAME record that points to shops.myshopify.com.

For optimal performance, ensure that you maintain one A record and one CNAME record. This simplifies traffic routing and prevents issues down the line.

Automatic vs. Manual Connection

Shopify provides both automatic and manual methods for connecting your GoDaddy domain. Depending on your comfort level with technical details, you can choose the approach that best suits your needs.

Auto-connect: The Seamless Approach

If you registered your domain through GoDaddy, Shopify’s automatic connection feature makes the process incredibly straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin Panel: Go to your Shopify dashboard.
2. Access Domain Settings: Navigate to 'Settings' followed by 'Domains'.
3. Connect Your Existing Domain: Select 'Connect existing domain' and enter your GoDaddy domain name.
4. Choose Automatic Connection: Opt for the automatic connection method and confirm by entering your GoDaddy credentials.
5. Manage DNS Settings: Allow Shopify to manage your DNS settings.

Once completed, the changes will take up to 48 hours to propagate, so don't panic if it’s not instant.

Manual Configuration: A Guided Process

If there are any hiccups with the automatic connection, you can manually set up your domain through GoDaddy's interface. Follow these steps:

1. Log into Your GoDaddy Account: Head to 'My Products' and select 'Domains'.
2. Manage Your Domain: Locate the domain name you want to connect and click on 'Manage'.
3. Access DNS Management: Go to the DNS management area to edit your DNS records.
4. Update the A Record: Replace the existing A record with Shopify’s IP address: 23.227.38.65.
5. Set Up the CNAME Record: Ensure the CNAME is set to shops.myshopify.com.
6. Save Changes: Save the changes and confirm the status in the Shopify admin by going to 'Settings' > 'Domains' and selecting 'Verify connection'.

Concluding Steps and Support

Once you've completed the steps above to connect your domain, it's crucial to verify the connection. In your Shopify dashboard, you can do this by selecting the 'Verify connection' option. This step ensures your customers are correctly directed to your store.

Ongoing Support and Resources

Even after you’ve successfully connected your domain, questions can arise. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the resources available through Shopify's support team, which can provide assistance if challenges emerge.

Troubleshooting and Shopify Support

When connecting your GoDaddy domain to Shopify, you may encounter a few challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot effectively:

Be Patient with DNS Propagation

After making DNS changes, it can take up to 48 hours for updates to fully propagate across the internet. Understand that this is a normal process, and sometimes, a little patience is needed.

Review DNS Records

Double-check that the records you entered are correct, paying close attention to any typos or errors. Ensuring accuracy in your A and CNAME records is vital for a successful connection.

Reach Out to Shopify Support

When you encounter problems beyond your expertise, Shopify's support team can be a tremendous resource. Their knowledgeable staff can help you diagnose and resolve any setup issues.

FAQ Section

To ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of connecting your GoDaddy domain to Shopify, let’s address some commonly asked questions:

Q: Does connecting my GoDaddy domain to Shopify affect my email service tied to the domain?

A: Yes, changes in domain settings can potentially disrupt your email services if they are solely reliant on GoDaddy’s DNS settings. We recommend either transferring email hosting to Shopify or coordinating with Shopify support to adjust DNS records without affecting email functionality.

Q: How long after the connection setup will my Shopify store be live on my GoDaddy domain?

A: Typically, the connection and propagation can take up to 48 hours. However, monitoring changes in your Shopify admin can help you gauge how soon your store is live.

Q: Can I connect multiple domains to my Shopify store?

A: Absolutely! Shopify allows you to connect multiple domains to a single store. This can be a strategic advantage for marketing or branding purposes.

Q: What if I decide to transfer my domain entirely to Shopify later on?

A: Shopify does allow domain transfers after you’ve owned the domain with your current registrar for at least 60 days. You'll need your authorization code from GoDaddy to initiate the transfer, and user-friendly guidance is provided within the Shopify admin.

Connecting your GoDaddy domain to Shopify is a significant step in your e-commerce journey. A distinct domain enhances your brand's visibility and credibility—essential in today's crowded marketplace. By taking these strategic steps, you’re not only setting up your online presence but also positioning your business for potential growth.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, the process of adding a domain from GoDaddy to Shopify is both straightforward and rewarding. By understanding the underlying DNS records and using the automatic or manual connection methods available, you’re well on your way to establishing a fully branded online store.

If you're ready to take the next step with your Shopify journey, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and explore how our platform can further enhance your business with online courses, digital products, and community-building features. Let's work together to unlock your true e-commerce potential!