How to Change Shopify Primary Domain Name: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Change Your Shopify Domain Name?
3. What to Consider Before Changing Your Domain Name
4. Steps to Change Your Shopify Primary Domain Name
5. Best Practices for a Successful Domain Change
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

As we explore the vibrant landscape of e-commerce, it’s evident that online presence is paramount. Did you know that nearly 1.7 million new businesses are launched every year in the U.S. alone? In this thriving creator economy, having a prominent domain name serves as the cornerstone of your digital identity. Our online stores need to resonate with our brand values, engage our target audience, and facilitate seamless navigation for customers.

When we consider rebranding, expanding product lines, or simply wanting to provide a clearer message to our customers, changing our primary domain name can be an essential move. However, it’s not a casual endeavor; the process requires strategic thinking and careful implementation to maintain your brand's integrity and customer trust.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of changing your Shopify primary domain name. Whether you’re a seasoned merchant or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, we will provide insights into the implications of such a change, the technical requirements involved, and the best practices to ensure a smooth transition. At Tevello, we are dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience, making transitions like these easier with our all-in-one solutions.

By the end of this guide, you will have a detailed roadmap for successfully changing your Shopify primary domain name, and we'll emphasize how Tevello supports your journey toward growing your online business. Let’s dive in!

Why Change Your Shopify Domain Name?

Before we jump into the steps, let's explore the main reasons why changing your Shopify domain name can be beneficial:

Rebranding

Rebranding is one of the primary reasons businesses choose to change their domain names. As our business evolves, the name may no longer fit our identity or offerings. For instance, a business that initially focused on handmade pottery might expand into a broader category of home decor and subsequently feel the need to switch from "handmadepots.com" to "decorathome.com". This change not only signifies growth but aligns our digital identity with our current brand message.

SEO Improvement

Another compelling reason for changing a domain name is search engine optimization (SEO). A domain name that includes relevant keywords can improve search rankings, making it easier for customers to discover your online store. If your previous domain was difficult to spell or remember, transitioning to a more straightforward and relevant name can boost your website traffic significantly.

Legal Reasons

Sometimes, a business is forced to change its domain name due to legal or trademark issues. If we find ourselves in a situation where our existing domain infringes on another company’s trademark, changing our domain name is not just beneficial but necessary.

Moving to a More Credible Domain Extension

Businesses beginning with less popular domain extensions (like .info or .biz) might aspire to switch to a more widely recognized extension, such as .com or .shop. Such a migration can lend credibility and boost customer trust, essential factors for maintaining a healthy online presence.

What to Consider Before Changing Your Domain Name

Changing your domain name isn't a decision to take lightly, as it can significantly impact various aspects of our online business. Here are some critical factors to ponder:

1. SEO Impact

Your existing domain likely has some authority built up with search engines. Switching to a new domain name without proper planning could result in loss of traffic. To mitigate this, implementing 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one is crucial. This technique ensures that we retain the SEO benefits associated with the previous domain name.

2. Technical Requirements

We must also be aware of the technical updates required when changing our domain name. This includes updating DNS records, ensuring that all internal links point to the new domain, and checking for any broken links that could disrupt the user experience.

3. Business Continuity and Communication

In changing our domain name, it’s essential to communicate effectively with our existing customer base about the transition. This includes updating customer communication, social media links, and possibly running a marketing campaign to inform users about our new web address.

Steps to Change Your Shopify Primary Domain Name

Now that we’ve established the context and considerations, let’s delve into the steps for changing your primary domain name on Shopify.

Step 1: Choose Your New Domain Name

Selecting a new, memorable domain name that accurately reflects your offerings is the first step. Consider using Shopify’s domain name generator to brainstorm ideas and check availability. A concise and relevant domain name enhances brand recall and can positively impact SEO.

Step 2: Register Your Domain Name

Once you’ve decided on a new domain name, you'll need to register it. You can purchase a domain directly from Shopify for simplicity or through an external provider. If you choose Shopify, log into the admin panel and select:

• Online Store > Domains > Buy New Domain.

Follow the prompts to secure your new domain.

Step 3: Update Your DNS Settings

Whether you purchase through Shopify or an external provider, it’s vital to configure the DNS settings. If using a third-party domain provider, you’ll need to update settings to point your domain to Shopify’s servers:

• Use the IP address: 23.227.38.65.

This update may take up to 48 hours to propagate throughout the internet.

Step 4: Set Up 301 Redirects

To ensure continuity and retention of SEO benefits, setting up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one is essential. This redirects any visitors seeking your old domain directly to the new URL, preserving traffic and authority.

1. In your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Online Store > Domains.
2. Select the old domain and choose Manage.
3. Set up the redirect to your new domain.

Step 5: Change the Primary Domain

Finally, it’s time to designate your new domain as your primary domain. Here’s how:

• Navigate to Online Store > Domains in your admin panel.
• Click on Change Primary Domain.
• Select your new domain from the dropdown list and click Save.

Your Shopify store is now live with the new primary domain name!

Step 6: Monitor and Test Your New Domain

Even after switching, it’s crucial to monitor traffic and check for any broken links. Use Google Search Console to address any potential issues and check how your new domain ranks in search results.

With the right preparations, changing your domain name can yield positive results for your brand identity and SEO.

Best Practices for a Successful Domain Change

Adopting best practices can significantly ease the transition process. Here are some suggestions to enhance your approach to changing your domain:

• Communicate Clearly: Notify your existing customers about the new domain. Consider sending an email campaign and posting updates on social media platforms.
• Update Internal Links: Go through your site and update all internal links to reflect the new domain. This ensures that users can navigate your site effortlessly without encountering errors.
• Verify the Change: Use Google Search Console to inform search engines of your new address. This will help speed up the recognition of your new domain.
• Engage with Your Audience: Share the new brand story that comes with the domain change. Engaging your audience with content about why you are changing the domain connects them to your brand evolution emotionally.
• Use Tevello to Support Your Transition: At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants through comprehensive solutions. Our platform offers seamless features that allow you to manage your digital products and online community effectively, providing robust support during pivotal transitions like these.

How Tevello Enhances Your E-Commerce Experience

With Tevello, we foster a simple and flat-rate pricing model that eliminates the need for external platforms, all while enhancing your Shopify store experience. By using our platform, you can effortlessly create and sell courses or build vibrant online communities, ensuring your transitions are supported every step of the way.

Ready to enhance your Shopify store? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!

Conclusion

Changing your primary Shopify domain name is a significant transition that can yield substantial benefits, including improved SEO, enhanced branding, and a clearer communication of your business’s identity to customers. By following the steps and recommendations outlined in this post, we can ensure a seamless transition that minimizes disruptions and maximizes customer retention.

At Tevello, we understand the intricacies involved in e-commerce, and we are dedicated to supporting Shopify merchants in building meaningful connections with their audiences. Changing a domain name might seem challenging, but with preparation, clear communication, and strategic actions, we can navigate this journey successfully.

Interested in making this change? Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify and begin your 14-day free trial today!

FAQ

Can a domain be renamed?
No, a domain itself cannot be renamed. To have a new domain name, you need to register a new domain and implement redirects from the old to the new one.

How much does it cost to change a domain name?
The cost varies greatly depending on domain registration fees, associated hosting changes, and any technical services needed for migration. Typical domain prices range from $10 to $12 per year but can include additional costs for transfers and adjustments.

Is it a good idea to change my domain name?
Yes, changing your domain name can be a strategic decision if your business evolves. However, it requires careful planning to avoid negative impacts on your existing brand recognition or SEO.

What are 301 redirects, and why are they important?
301 redirects are permanent redirects from one URL to another and are crucial for maintaining SEO authority and ensuring customers reach your new domain seamlessly.

How do I verify my new domain with Google?
After changing your domain, you can verify it through Google Search Console by using the verification method that suits you best. This helps Google recognize your new site and index it appropriately.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and leveraging the features offered by Tevello, you can navigate the changing landscape of e-commerce efficiently and effectively. Together, we’re building not just stores, but meaningful online experiences for everyone involved.