How to Change Shopify Domain for Free: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Shopify Domain?
3. How to Change Your Shopify Domain for Free
4. Additional Considerations When Changing Your Domain
5. How Changing Your Domain Can Impact SEO
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, establishing a strong online presence is more critical than ever. With over 1.7 million businesses operating on Shopify, the question isn't whether to create an online store, but rather how to ensure yours stands out. Believe it or not, a staggering 75% of consumers admit to judging a company's credibility based solely on its website design and domain name. This underscores an essential truth for every Shopify merchant: your domain name is more than just a web address—it's an integral part of your brand identity and customer engagement strategy.

Changing your Shopify domain is a crucial step for many merchants as they rebrand, expand their operations, or simply seek a more professional online appearance. However, this process can seem daunting, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the technical aspects of domain management. In this blog post, we will explore why changing your domain is necessary, how to make this change effectively, and how Tevello can streamline this process for your Shopify store.

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 for creating and managing online courses and communities integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than navigating complex third-party platforms. Let’s dive in!

What is a Shopify Domain?

A Shopify domain refers to the unique web address that customers will use to visit your online store. It’s essentially the digital “home” for your brand on the Internet. When you first set up your Shopify store, you're automatically given a free subdomain, usually in the format of yourstorename.myshopify.com. However, as your business grows, it's advisable to change this to a custom domain name that aligns better with your branding and professional image.

The Importance of a Professional Domain

Having a personalized domain isn’t merely a cosmetic upgrade—it greatly enhances your online credibility and improves customer trust. A well-selected domain name can help elevate your brand's visibility on search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find you. A domain that reflects your brand identity can also create a more cohesive and memorable experience for your visitors.

You're probably wondering, why should you invest your time in changing your Shopify domain? Here are some common scenarios:

• Branding and Rebranding: If you're planning to rebrand or shift your business focus, your domain name should reflect this change.
• Professional Appearance: A custom domain portrays professionalism, while a subdomain often gives an impression of a lack of commitment and credibility.
• SEO Benefits: A keyword-rich domain can enhance your SEO efforts, making your store easier to find online.

Let's explore how to change your Shopify domain for free easily!

How to Change Your Shopify Domain for Free

Changing your Shopify domain may seem complex, but with the right steps and guidance, it can be accomplished smoothly. Here’s a detailed walkthrough on how to do this:

Step 1: Choose a New Domain Name

Before you can change your domain, you need to select a new one. Consider the following when brainstorming:

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your domain reflects your business name or core offerings.
• SEO Considerations: Incorporating relevant keywords may help improve your search rankings.
• Length and Clarity: Aim for a domain name that is easy to spell, pronounce, and remember.

You can use Shopify's AI business name generator to help brainstorm ideas for your domain name.

Step 2: Purchase a Custom Domain

While Shopify provides a free subdomain, having a custom domain often involves purchasing one. The costs can range from $11 a year upwards, depending on the TLD you choose. Fortunately, here are some options for acquiring a domain for free or low cost:

1. Free Domain Registrars: Services like Freenom offer free domains, albeit with less common TLDs (such as .tk, .ml, etc.). However, using these may not always project the best image for your brand.
2. For a Minimal Fee: Some hosting providers might offer a free domain if you subscribe to their hosting service. This can be a cost-effective way to own a professional domain without large upfront expenses.

If you decide to buy your custom domain, navigate to the Domains section within your Shopify admin panel and click on "Buy new domain." Follow the prompts to secure your chosen name.

Step 3: Connect Your New Domain to Your Shopify Store

After purchasing your new domain name, the next step is to link it to your Shopify store. Follow these easy steps:

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin: Start at your Shopify dashboard.
2. Go to Online Store: From the left menu, click on Sales channels, and then select Online Store.
3. Select Domains: Click on the Domains option.
4. Connect Existing Domain: If you purchased a domain externally, click on Connect existing domain. Enter your new domain name and follow the prompts.
5. Update DNS Settings: For domains bought from a third-party provider, you’ll need to update the DNS settings. Point the domain to Shopify's servers using the provided IP addresses.

Step 4: Change Your Primary Domain

Once your new domain is connected to your Shopify store, you need to set it as the primary domain. This ensures customers will see this domain when accessing your store.

1. Click on Change Primary Domain: Under the Domains section, you will be prompted to change your primary domain.
2. Select Your New Domain: Choose the newly connected domain from the dropdown menu.
3. Save Changes: Hit Save, and voilà! Your domain is now changed.

Step 5: Create Redirects (Optional but Recommended)

Setting up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one can help maintain your SEO rankings. This ensures customers visiting your old domain are seamlessly redirected to your new site, saving them from landing on a “404 Page Not Found.”

Step 6: Monitor the Transition

Post-transition, it’s vital to monitor your website’s performance. Tools like Google Search Console will help you ensure that your site is indexed correctly and that there are no broken links.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively change your Shopify domain with ease.

Additional Considerations When Changing Your Domain

It's essential to consider certain aspects beyond simply changing the domain. Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth transition:

• Email Addresses: If you have previously used email addresses associated with your old domain, you might want to consider setting up new email accounts with your custom domain.
• Notify Customers: If your existing customers have been using your old domain, it's wise to inform them about the change to maintain strong communication.
• Update Branding: Update all branding materials, including social media profiles, email signatures, and any offline materials, to reflect your new domain name.

How Changing Your Domain Can Impact SEO

Changing your domain can have both positive and negative effects on your site’s SEO. Understanding the implications will help you retain or improve your search rankings:

1. Impact on Backlinks: If you have backlinks pointing to your old domain, a 301 redirect will preserve link equity, keeping your SEO intact.
2. Search Engine Indexing: Initially, search engines may take time to allow your new domain to be indexed. Ensuring that you properly submit your new domain to search engines can speed up this process.
3. Keyword Rankings: If you purchased a keyword-rich domain, this potentially could lead to higher visibility in search results over time.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify domain can be a straightforward process, yet it is one of the most critical steps in establishing your online presence. It strengthens your brand identity, improves customer trust, and can have a significant impact on your SEO rankings.

At Tevello, our mission is to empower Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our platform provides the tools that allow you to create online courses and digital products seamlessly, integrated directly into your Shopify store to keep everything in one place.

Are you ready to take the next step in elevating your e-commerce business? Don't hesitate—start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

FAQ

1. Can I really change my Shopify domain for free?
Yes, while Shopify provides a free subdomain, to get a custom domain, you typically need to purchase one unless you opt for less conventional free domain registrars.

2. How do I purchase a custom domain through Shopify?
You can do this directly from your Shopify admin panel under Sales Channels > Online Store > Domains. Click on "Buy new domain" and follow the prompts.

3. Is it necessary to set up redirects when I change my domain?
Setting up 301 redirects is highly advisable to ensure your old domain traffic continues flowing to your new site, preserving SEO and enhancing user experience.

4. How does changing my domain affect my SEO?
While changing your domain can have an initial negative effect on your SEO rankings, following best practices like setting up redirects helps mitigate this and can improve your visibility over time with a more relevant domain.

5. Can I change my primary domain name more than once?
Yes, you can change your primary domain as many times as necessary using the steps provided in your Shopify settings. Just ensure that all associated URLs are updated accordingly.

By preparing strategically and utilizing the right tools, you can ensure a smooth transition, setting your store up for success in the competitive digital marketplace. Remember, a strong domain and brand presence can significantly impact your growth and consumer trust.