How to Change the URL of Your Shopify Store: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Types of URLs in Shopify
3. How to Change Your MyShopify.com URL
4. Changing Your Custom Domain URL
5. Best Practices and Considerations
6. The Role of Tevello in Your Shopify Journey
7. Case Studies to Consider
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 80% of e-commerce businesses thrive on just a handful of platforms? As we ride the wave of the creator economy, having a strong online presence is essential for converting clicks into sales. But what happens when your store's URL no longer resonates with your brand or target audience?

Changing your Shopify store's URL can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when you consider its implications on branding, customer trust, and SEO. Whether you’re rebranding, expanding your product range, or simply want an easier-to-remember URL, the need to change your store URL is more common than you might think.

In today’s blog post, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to change your Shopify store URL effectively. We’ll explore the different types of URLs you can change, step-by-step instructions, and the implications of each option. By the end, we hope you’ll feel empowered to make changes that can enhance your e-commerce strategy, and we’ll highlight how Tevello can simplify your experience in growing your online store.

Are you currently satisfied with your Shopify store's URL, or are you contemplating a change? Our all-in-one solution not only allows you to manage and sell digital products and courses but also builds thriving online communities around your brand. Let’s delve into the details of changing your Shopify store URL.

Understanding the Types of URLs in Shopify

When we talk about changing a URL in Shopify, we typically refer to two types: the “myshopify.com” URL and a custom domain URL. Understanding both and the differences between them is critical in making an informed decision.

1. The MyShopify.com URL

This is the default domain assigned to your Shopify store when you first create it (i.e., yourstorename.myshopify.com). It’s primarily used for logging into your store’s admin and is not usually disclosed to customers. Importantly, you can only change this URL once during your store's lifetime.

2. Custom Domain URL

A custom domain (like yourstorename.com) optimizes the branding of your store and is what your customer sees. Unlike the “myshopify.com” URL, you can connect or change your custom domain multiple times.

Why Change Your Store's URL?

A well-chosen URL enhances your store’s visibility and branding. Here are multiple scenarios where changing your store URL might be essential:

• Rebranding: When you’re launching a new brand identity or altering your product line.
• SEO optimization: Improving search engine ranking by adopting a keyword-rich URL.
• Market expansion: Adapting your URL for different markets or languages.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the types of URLs, let's explore how to change them.

How to Change Your MyShopify.com URL

Changing your “myshopify.com” URL may seem straightforward, but keep in mind that this action can be carried out only once. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Log in to Your Shopify Admin

• Open your Shopify admin interface.

Step 2: Access the Domains Settings

• Click on ‘Settings’ located at the bottom left corner of your admin dashboard.
• Select the ‘Domains’ tab.

Step 3: Change Your MyShopify.com Domain

• Locate the “myshopify.com” domain. It will list your current URL.
• Click on “Change to a new myshopify.com domain.”

Step 4: Enter Your New Domain

• In the pop-up window, type in your desired new myshopify.com name. Ensure that your new URL aligns with your branding goals.
• Click “Add domain.”

Step 5: Confirm the Change

• Shopify will automatically redirect your old myshopify.com URL to the new one, ensuring that your customers won’t encounter broken links.

Important Note

Make sure to save your old myshopify.com URL, as you’ll still need it for administrative accesses and communications with Shopify support.

Changing Your Custom Domain URL

The process of connecting, changing, or purchasing a new custom domain is straightforward. Let’s go through the steps.

Step 1: Log into Shopify Admin

• As with changing your “myshopify.com” URL, start by logging into your Shopify dashboard.

Step 2: Access Domains

• Click on ‘Settings’ and select ‘Domains’ from the menu.

Step 3: Connect Your Domain

• If you already have a domain that you wish to connect, click on "Connect existing domain".
• Alternatively, select the option to “Buy new domain” to purchase your desired custom domain through Shopify.

Step 4: Follow the Instructions

• For connecting an existing domain, follow the specific instructions provided by Shopify. Generally, this involves updating DNS settings with your domain registrar to point to Shopify’s IP address.

Step 5: Set the Primary Domain

• After your domain is connected, select it from the domain list and click on “Change primary domain”.
• You can choose which domain will be primarily displayed to customers.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

• Ensure all details are correct and click “Save”. Your custom domain is now set!

Best Practices and Considerations

Consider SEO Implications

Changing a URL can potentially affect your SEO, hence:

• Use 301 redirects to inform search engines that the URL has moved.
• Update your sitemap accordingly.

Notify Your Customers

Inform your customers about the URL change, especially if you anticipate significant traffic using the old address.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Choose a URL that aligns with your overall brand strategy. It should be simple, memorable, and relevant to your products or services.

Regular Updates and Maintenance

Keep your domain names updated and regularly check for any issues with connecting or renewing the domains. This ensures seamless access for your customers.

The Role of Tevello in Your Shopify Journey

At Tevello, we understand the significance of a strong online presence. Our Shopify app empowers merchants to not only manage digital products and courses effortlessly but to also foster communities that elevate engagement and drive sales.

If you’re looking to enhance your store with user-friendly features for course creation and community building without relying on multiple platforms, we encourage you to explore our offerings. By tailoring your store to fit your brand identity seamlessly, you can improve your customer retention and deliver a more integrated experience.

Curious about how to build your course or community? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and see the magic unfold in your Shopify store.

Case Studies to Consider

To underline how effective a URL change can be, let’s examine a couple of hypothetical scenarios.

Example 1: A Craft Supply Store

Imagine a Shopify merchant named Jane, who runs a store called “Crafty Corner” with the default URL craftycorner.myshopify.com. After numerous product launches, she decides to shift toward a more niche audience focusing on eco-friendly crafting supplies. She opts for the new custom domain “ecocraftcorner.com”.

The rebranding not only aligns her URL with her niche but also enhances her SEO efforts, leading to improved search visibility. Her traffic growth is mirrored by an increase in course sign-ups, thanks to Tevello's course management features.

Example 2: A Fitness Instructor

Similarly, John, a fitness instructor, started with the URL fitnesswithjohn.myshopify.com. After developing a comprehensive series of online training programs and meal plans, he rebranded to “FitLifeWithJohn.com”.

Not only did this change help him attract new customers searching for digital fitness solutions online, but his community platform also enabled a thriving interaction among participants. Tevello's features allowed him to manage course content effortlessly while providing a space for discussions and support.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify store's URL is a significant step toward enhancing your brand identity and improving your customer’s navigation experience. Whether you’re updating your myshopify.com URL or connecting a custom domain, it’s imperative to navigate through this process with careful consideration of SEO and customer communication.

By aligning your URL strategy with your broader branding objectives, you can foster stronger customer loyalty and extract maximum value from your e-commerce endeavors.

Don’t hesitate to elevate your Shopify store with Tevello. Start your free trial today and unlock the potential of selling online courses while building a vibrant community.

FAQ

Can I change my Shopify store URL multiple times?

You can change your "myshopify.com" URL only once. However, you can connect, buy, or change your custom domain multiple times.

What should I consider before changing my store URL?

Evaluate the SEO implications, inform your customers, and ensure that the new URL aligns with your brand's identity.

How do I revert to my old URL after changing it?

Once you change your "myshopify.com" URL, you cannot revert it. Make sure to select your new URL carefully.

Is it important to use a custom domain?

Yes, a custom domain enhances credibility, branding, and SEO efforts. It is crucial for customer trust and recognition.

How does Tevello support Shopify merchants?

Tevello provides an all-in-one platform that allows merchants to create, manage, and sell online courses and build communities directly within their Shopify store, enhancing overall customer engagement and sales opportunities.

Empower your Shopify store with the right tools and watch your online business flourish!