Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Change Your Shopify Store URL?
- Understanding the Types of URLs
- Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Store URL
- Important Considerations Post-URL Change
- The Benefits of Using Tevello for Your Shopify Store
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
Did you know that nearly 80% of online shoppers say that a brand’s URL can impact their decision to click through to an e-commerce site? As Shopify merchants, we understand the significance of an appealing and memorable URL. After all, it serves as the gateway to our businesses and can dictate first impressions. If you're looking to change your Shopify store URL but aren't quite sure how to proceed, you're in the right place.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the ins and outs of changing your Shopify store URL. We'll explore the necessity of this change, step-by-step methods for executing it, and the implications of both myshopify.com URLs and custom domain names. By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to ensure your store reflects your brand identity.
At Tevello, we are dedicated to empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams while fostering meaningful connections with your audience. Built to integrate seamlessly into your Shopify ecosystem without the need for external platforms, our app provides a user-friendly, all-in-one solution.
So, are you ready to enhance your Shopify store’s identity? Let's dive in!
Why Change Your Shopify Store URL?
Changing your Shopify store URL can be a strategic move, and understanding the motivations behind it sets the stage for navigating the process efficiently. Let's explore why you might want to consider this change.
1. Branding and Identity
Your Shopify URL significantly contributes to your brand image. A custom URL—like www.yourfashionstore.com—can instill confidence and credibility among customers as it offers a more professional appearance. Alternately, a generic myshopify.com address may not resonate with your audience.
2. SEO Considerations
Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for driving organic traffic to your site. A memorable and keyword-rich URL can enhance your visibility in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Changing your URL to one that accurately represents your business can optimize these aspects.
3. Trust and Recognition
Online shoppers often assess the credibility of a website based on its URL. When you opt for a custom domain, customers are likely to perceive your store as more trustworthy. It encourages them to engage with your products and make purchases.
4. Business Evolution
As businesses grow and evolve, it’s common for their branding to shift. If you’ve undergone a rebranding process or shifted your business focus, updating your Shopify store URL can be necessary to accurately convey your offerings.
5. Professionalism
A unique domain name not only looks professional but can enforce your company’s identity. Imagine operating a boutique named "Fashion Street" but using a URL scrambled with numbers and letters. It creates a disconnect that could turn potential customers away.
Understanding the Types of URLs
Before we discuss changing the URL, it's essential to differentiate between the types of URLs you'll encounter with Shopify:
1. myshopify.com URL
This is the default URL assigned to your store when you first sign up with Shopify, composed of your chosen store name followed by ".myshopify.com". For instance, if you name your store “FashionStreet”, your URL would automatically become fashionstreet.myshopify.com.
Once you set it, you can only alter it once. If you've changed it before and want to do so again, it would require creating a new store.
2. Custom Domain
A custom domain is the web address (URL) that customers will primarily see when they interact with your store. It can take many forms, such as “fashionstreet.com” or “fashionstreetonline.com”. This domain can be purchased through Shopify or third-party domain registrars and offers more flexibility than the myshopify.com URL.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Shopify Store URL
Now that we’ve discussed why and what types of URLs exist, let's get practical. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you change your Shopify store URL:
1. Log in to Your Shopify Account
To begin, log into your Shopify admin dashboard by navigating to shopify.com.
2. Navigate to Settings
Once logged in, find the “Settings” option located at the bottom-left corner of your dashboard.
3. Select Domains
Next, locate and click on the “Domains” option found within the settings menu.
4. Change Your myshopify.com URL
If you still have not changed your myshopify.com URL previously, you’ll see a blue link stating “Change to a new myshopify.com domain”. Click this link.
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Enter a New Name: Type in your desired new myshopify.com URL in the designated field.
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Add Domain: Finally, click "Add Domain". This will set the new myshopify.com URL as your primary domain.
5. Setting Up a Custom Domain (Optional)
If you prefer to create a custom domain or wish to supplement your myshopify.com URL with a custom domain:
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You can purchase a new domain directly from Shopify or connect an existing one you've purchased from another provider.
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Follow the provided prompts, whether it’s transferring a domain, buying a new one, or connecting an existing domain.
6. Relaunch Your Store with the New URL
After updating your URL, be sure to check that everything functions properly. Test your new URL to confirm it redirects correctly, and that all links throughout your store reflect the changes.
Important Considerations Post-URL Change
Once you’ve successfully changed your Shopify store URL, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Redirection
Shopify automatically sets up redirection from your old myshopify.com domain to the new one. This ensures customers who try to access the old URL will seamlessly land on the new one.
2. Update Your SEO Settings
When changing your URL, it’s crucial to update your SEO settings. This means adjusting your sitemap and ensuring search engines recognize the changes. You may want to re-submit your site to Google Search Console.
3. Update Marketing Materials
Remember to update any marketing collateral—such as email signatures, social media profiles, or promotional materials— with your new URL. This helps maintain brand consistency and avoids confusion.
4. Inform Your Customers
If you have an existing customer base, consider notifying them about the changes. Transparency can enhance trust and engagement with your audience.
5. Monitor Traffic
Post-change, keep an eye on your website traffic to ensure the transition hasn’t negatively impacted your sales or visitation rates.
The Benefits of Using Tevello for Your Shopify Store
We understand that changing your store URL is just one of many aspects of running an effective e-commerce platform. At Tevello, we aim to provide Shopify merchants with robust solutions that streamline course creation and community engagement.
With our app, you can seamlessly integrate courses and digital products directly into your Shopify store, building vibrant online communities without the hassle of navigating multiple platforms. Our commitment to user-friendliness, combined with industry-leading developer support, ensures a smooth experience every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to diversify your revenue streams or cultivate deeper connections with your audience, investing in the right tools is vital. Our focus on accessible, all-in-one pricing means you can harness these capabilities without hidden fees. If you want to explore how Tevello can revolutionize your Shopify store experience, we encourage you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.
FAQ Section
Can I change my myshopify.com URL more than once?
No, you can only change your myshopify.com URL once. If you want to change it again, you would need to create a new store.
How does changing my Shopify URL impact SEO?
Changing your Shopify URL can impact your SEO positively if the new URL is more relevant to your business. However, it’s crucial to update your settings and re-submit your sitemap to maintain visibility.
Is it necessary to change my URL if I have a custom domain?
If you’re satisfied with your custom domain and its branding, you may not need to change your myshopify.com URL. However, having a memorable and relevant URL is beneficial for branding and trust.
How do I connect a custom domain to my Shopify store?
To connect a custom domain, go to Settings > Domains in your Shopify admin and follow the prompts to either purchase a new domain or connect an existing one.
What should I do if my customers experience issues after the URL change?
If customers encounter problems accessing your site after the change, check that redirections are functioning correctly. Communication is key—inform your customers of the change and provide them with updated links.
Conclusion
Changing your Shopify store URL is not just a technical adjustment; it’s an opportunity to refine your brand identity and enhance customer engagement. By taking the time to ensure your URL aligns with your overall business strategy, you position your store for greater credibility and visibility in an increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.
At Tevello, we believe in empowering merchants like you to take charge of your online presence. We're here to support you in creating, managing, and selling your online courses and digital products while building rich online communities. If you’re ready to elevate your Shopify experience and switch things up, we invite you to install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify and take advantage of our free trial. Together, let’s forge a path to success!
