How to Change the Store Name in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Change Your Shopify Store Name?
3. How to Change Your Shopify Store Name
4. Understanding the Difference Between Store Name and Domain Name
5. Monitoring SEO After Changing Your Store Name
6. Additional Steps to Consider
7. FAQs
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself staring at your online store, wondering whether your store name still reflects your brand's identity and purpose? You're not alone. According to a recent report, nearly 60% of e-commerce businesses alter their branding or core offerings over time, which often necessitates a change in store name. This evolution makes sense: as we expand into new product lines or refine our target market, our online presence should clearly reflect these changes to maintain relevance with customers.

Changing your Shopify store name isn't just a minor adjustment—it's a strategic move that can significantly impact your brand's visibility and customer perception. In this blog post, we'll walk through the reasons you might consider changing your store name, the steps to do it easily, and the best practices to ensure a smooth transition without affecting your customer base or SEO.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to create spaces that resonate with their audience. That's why we offer an all-in-one solution integrated into the Shopify ecosystem, allowing you to manage your courses and digital products efficiently. So, whether you're thinking about rebranding or simply updating your store name after a business pivot, we aim to guide you through the entire process.

So, reflect on your current Shopify store or business goals: Does your store name resonate with the customers you want to attract and the products you sell? If not, let's dive into how to effectively change your store name in Shopify.

Why Change Your Shopify Store Name?

Changing your Shopify store name might seem simple, but it can be a transformative move for your brand. Here are a few compelling reasons to consider:

1. Rebranding

Companies often undergo rebranding to better align with their mission or to adapt to changes within their market. If your brand has evolved, stray not from reflecting that evolution in your name.

2. Domain Name Change

Should you have changed or want to change your domain name, updating your store name is crucial to maintain consistency.

3. Change in Business Model

If your business model shifts—like branching out from selling clothing to also including accessories or home goods—updating your store name to better represent your offerings is essential.

4. Consolidation of Stores

For Shopify merchants managing multiple storefronts, consolidating businesses under one name can streamline operations and enhance customer engagement.

5. Change of Ownership

If you’ve recently acquired a store or inherited one, changing the store name to align with your vision or new brand is prudent.

How to Change Your Shopify Store Name

Now that we understand the ‘why,’ let’s tackle the ‘how.’ Changing your store name on Shopify involves a few straightforward steps:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Log into Your Shopify Account
   Begin by logging into your Shopify dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings
   Locate the Settings option, usually located on the bottom left of your screen.
3. Select General Settings
   In the settings menu, choose General. This will direct you to the general settings page where you can enter store details.
4. Change Your Store Name
   Scroll down to the Store details section. Here, you’ll find a field displaying your current store name. Edit this field to update it to your desired new name.
5. Save Your Changes
   Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Save to apply the changes. Congratulations, your store name has now been updated!

For Mobile Users

If you’re operating with the Shopify mobile app, the process is similarly straightforward:

• Open the app and tap on Store.
• Navigate to Settings and select General.
• Tap the current store name, enter the new one, and hit Save.

Important Considerations After Changing Your Store Name

Changing your store name is just the first step; there are several other elements that may require updating. Here are a few key considerations:

• Update Branding Elements: Make sure to revise branding elements that display your store name. This includes your logo, header, email templates, and social media profiles. Presenting a consistent brand identity is vital for customer recognition.
• Communicate the Change: If your customer base is already established, it’s crucial to communicate the name change effectively. Utilize email newsletters, social media announcements, or banners on your website to ensure transparency about the transition.
• SEO Management: While Shopify provides tools for handling redirects, it’s essential to monitor your website's traffic and rankings. Updating your metadata (titles, descriptions, etc.) to reflect the new store name will help maintain SEO performance.
• Domain Name Implications: If you’re utilizing a custom domain, you may also need to amend the domain name to mirror the updated store name. Navigate to the Domains section within your settings to address any required changes.

Understanding the Difference Between Store Name and Domain Name

Before we go further, let’s clarify the distinction between your Shopify store name and its domain name to avoid confusion.

• Store Name: This is the unique title displayed to customers. It serves as a catchphrase representing your brand and is also part of the URL for your Shopify store (e.g., yourstore.myshopify.com).
• Domain Name: This is your store’s designated internet address, similar to the ISBN of a book. It directs customers to your site, and usually takes the form of custom URLs like www.yourstore.com.

Having a coherent relationship between your store name and domain name enhances brand recognition and can facilitate discovery.

Monitoring SEO After Changing Your Store Name

With any name change, one key concern is how it affects website traffic and search engine visibility. Although changing your store name won’t necessarily wreck your SEO rankings, here’s how to manage the transition:

• Utilize 301 Redirects: This ensures that any links pointing to your old store name are automatically rerouted to the new one, safeguarding your existing SEO value.
• Optimize Metadata: Update all SEO metadata ( like titles, descriptions, and alt text) to match the new store name. This practice helps search engines recognize your updated brand identity.
• Monitor Traffic and Rankings: Use tools like Google Analytics to observe shifts in your traffic patterns post-change. Keeping tabs on your website performance should be a priority to understand the effect of the name change.

Additional Steps to Consider

Beyond changing your store name, think about these additional preventive steps to ensure the health of your eCommerce business during the transition:

• Legal Considerations: Depending on your location and the nature of your products, you may need to assess any legal requirements for branding changes.
• Update Policies and Legal Documents: Ensure that all formal documents, including terms of service and privacy policies, reflect your new store name.
• Engage with Your Community: If you have a community built around your store, consider involving them in the change. Crowdsource name ideas or allow them to vote on options. This not only builds community engagement but also provides a sense of ownership.

FAQs

Can I change my Shopify store name after it’s been established?

Yes, Shopify allows users to change their store name at any time.

Will changing my store name affect my SEO?

If managed correctly, changing your store name will not negatively impact SEO. Implementing 301 redirects and updating metadata minimizes risks.

What happens to my old domain name when I change my store name?

Your domain name remains unchanged unless you specifically alter it. It’s crucial to maintain consistency between both.

How long does it take for the changes to reflect on my store?

Changes should reflect immediately in your store after saving your changes.

Is there a specific character limit for the store name in Shopify?

While Shopify does not specify exact character limits, it is recommended to keep your store name concise for brand recognition.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify store name can elevate your brand perception and align it with your evolving business strategy, but it requires thoughtful execution. From conducting post-change communication to monitoring SEO implications, comprehensive planning helps ensure a seamless transition that retains customer loyalty.

At Tevello, we are dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants like you to strengthen your online presence. Our robust features allow for seamless transitions and expansive, vibrant community building. If you’re ready to take your learning delivery to the next level and try out our all-in-one solutions, start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.

By following this guide, we’ve equipped you with everything you need to change your Shopify store name effectively and sustainably. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to reach out!