How to Make a Custom Domain on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of a Custom Domain
3. Getting Started: Buying a Custom Domain on Shopify
4. What Should You Consider When Choosing a Custom Domain?
5. How to Change Your Shopify Domain: A Quick Overview
6. Maintaining Your Custom Domain: Best Practices Moving Forward
7. Examples of Effective Custom Domains
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that a staggering 20% of all new businesses fail within their first year? In an era where digital presence is paramount, one key factor can make or break a Shopify store: its domain name. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established brand looking to diversify your e-commerce offerings, the importance of having a custom domain cannot be overstated. A well-chosen domain enhances brand identity, boosts customer trust, and significantly increases your store’s visibility.

Today, we'll delve deep into the process of creating a custom domain on Shopify, exploring every step and its significance. We aim not just to tell you how to change your Shopify domain, but also to illustrate how this process fits into the broader strategy for online business success. At Tevello, we are committed to empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams, and securing a custom domain is one of the fundamental steps in that journey.

Are you ready to enhance your Shopify store’s presence and professionalism? Let’s embark on this detailed guide together!

Understanding the Importance of a Custom Domain

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a moment to understand why a custom domain is so crucial for your Shopify store.

Build Your Brand Identity

A custom domain acts as your online business card. It directly conveys your brand’s identity and serves as the main entry point for your customers. Unlike generic domain names that might leave visitors confused about your offerings, a custom name that reflects your brand will leave a lasting impression. This is paramount, especially in the competitive online marketplace.

Enhance Credibility

Believe it or not, having a custom domain can significantly impact your perceived credibility. A professional URL (like www.yourstorename.com) not only looks more authoritative but also helps you build trust with potential customers. It signals that you are a serious business, ready to serve them and safeguard their data.

Boost SEO Efforts

Search engines favor branded domains, seeing them as more trustworthy compared to their generic counterparts. This can improve your rankings in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. A relevant keyword in your domain can even enhance your SEO, helping to attract organic traffic to your store.

Simplify Customer Access

Have you ever struggled to remember a complicated URL? A short and catchy custom domain mitigates this risk. It simplifies the journey for your customers to access your store and ensures they return easily.

Getting Started: Buying a Custom Domain on Shopify

Now that we understand why a custom domain is essential, let’s take a step-by-step approach to securing one through Shopify.

Step 1: Logging Into Your Shopify Admin

First and foremost, log into your Shopify admin panel. This is where you’ll manage all aspects of your online store, including domain settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Online Store

In your admin dashboard, locate "Sales Channels," click on it, and select "Online Store." From there, look for the "Domains" option. This is where you can manage your current domains and add new ones.

Step 3: Buying a New Domain

To purchase a domain directly through Shopify:

1. Click on "Buy New Domain."
2. Enter your desired domain name in the provided field.
3. Review the suggested extensions and select one that best fits your brand. A .com extension is often the most recognized and recommended for credible businesses.
4. Click "Buy" once you’ve made your selection, and proceed through the payment process.

Once you complete the purchase, your custom domain will be automatically configured to integrate with your Shopify store, but it may take up to 48 hours for it to function correctly.

Alternative: Connecting an Existing Domain

If you already have a domain purchased from another provider, connecting it to your Shopify store involves a few additional steps:

1. In the "Domains" section, click on "Connect Existing Domain."
2. Enter your current domain and click "Next."
3. To ensure proper connection, you’ll need to update the Domain Name System (DNS) settings at your domain registrar. This typically includes changing the A record to point to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.65) and updating the CNAME record to direct to shops.myshopify.com.

Step 4: Setting Domain Forwarding

If you want to keep your old domain while directing traffic to your new Shopify store, you can set up domain forwarding. This will lead visitors from your old URL to your new one seamlessly, ensuring you don’t lose any potential customers.

Good to Know

Domains can be purchased from various registrars, but taking advantage of Shopify’s built-in domain purchase feature simplifies the entire process. Let’s face it: we all want to avoid the hassle of navigating multiple platforms. Plus, with Tevello, you can manage your domain alongside your courses and community features, all in one place.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Custom Domain?

Identifying the right custom domain is no small feat! Consider these best practices:

Keep It Short and Memorable

Short, punchy names are easier for customers to remember and type correctly. Aim for under 15 characters when feasible.

Be Descriptive Yet Unique

Your domain should convey your business's essence. Utilize strategic keywords that represent your offerings, yet make sure they are unique enough to stand out.

Stick to Well-Known Extensions

Although domain extensions (.com, .net, .org, etc.) can greatly vary in popularity, .com remains the gold standard due to its familiarity and trustworthiness.

Avoid Numbers and Special Characters

Complicated domains with numbers, hyphens, or unusual spellings can confuse users and lead to misdirected traffic.

Use a Domain Generator

If you’re stuck, turn to tools like Shopify’s free domain name generator to spark inspiration and check availability effortlessly.

How to Change Your Shopify Domain: A Quick Overview

If you need to change your primary domain after purchasing or connecting several domains, here’s a straightforward process:

1. Log into your Shopify admin.
2. Navigate to "Sales Channels" > "Online Store" > "Domains."
3. Under "Primary Domain," click on "Change Primary Domain."
4. Select your new domain from the list and confirm the change.

Unique Circumstances to Keep in Mind

Changing your primary domain while maintaining an existing domain structure allows you to maintain access to all links and customer traffic, ensuring no disruptions to your business or SEO value.

Maintaining Your Custom Domain: Best Practices Moving Forward

Regular Monitoring

Check periodically to ensure your domain settings remain correct and prevent service disruptions.

Keep Your Information Updated

Ensure that the registration details (such as contact info) attached to your domain are current. This is crucial for receiving alerts about renewals and other important updates.

Leverage SSL Certificates

When using Shopify, remember that SSL certification comes included. This secures your customers’ data, boosts confidence in your store, and enhances your SEO.

Integrate with Tevello

If your goal is not only to set up a domain but to also create and sell online courses and build communities, installing the Tevello app will simplify these efforts significantly. Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and see how our all-in-one platform can transform your Shopify store.

Examples of Effective Custom Domains

To inspire your domain creation journey, let’s take a look at some successful examples of custom domains and the brands behind them:

Gymshark

Known for athletic wear, Gymshark’s domain is as catchy as it is memorable. The combination of “gym” and “shark” not only reflects its niche but has become synonymous with high-performance fitness apparel.

Huel

Huel cleverly mixes "human" with "fuel," providing a succinct representation of its offerings—nutritionally complete meals. This creative branding identity ensures recall and clarity in what it provides.

Headphones.com

Here’s a clear example of a domain that establishes authority in a specific niche right from the URL itself. The domain is straightforward, descriptive, and effectively communicates what the brand does.

Conclusion

Securing a custom domain for your Shopify store is more than simply a technical step; it's a crucial part of building your brand's online identity and ensuring customer trust. With the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can navigate the domain landscape confidently.

Remember, a custom domain paves the way for creating memorable customer experiences and drives your business forward. By integrating with Tevello, you can easily manage your online courses and community features alongside your custom domain, creating a unified brand experience.

Ready to elevate your Shopify store? Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify here and start your journey toward a more professional and thriving e-commerce presence today!

FAQ

What is a Shopify domain?
A Shopify domain is the web address for your Shopify store, usually beginning with "yourstorename.myshopify.com." It helps visitors access your online store.

Why should I use a custom domain for my Shopify store?
Custom domains enhance your brand identity, boost credibility, improve SEO, and simplify customer access, making them essential for any e-commerce venture.

How do I add my existing domain to Shopify?
Log into your Shopify admin, go to "Online Store," select "Domains," and click "Connect Existing Domain" to link your current domain.

How long does it take for my domain to function after purchase?
Typically, it can take up to 48 hours for your new domain to become fully operational online after purchase.

Can I change my Shopify store name without impacting my domain?
Yes, changing your store name in your Shopify admin does not affect the domains currently linked, allowing you to maintain brand consistency regardless of name changes.

By following these guidelines and exploring the potential within your Shopify store, you are well on your way to establishing an online presence that resonates with customers. Let's make the most of your journey in establishing a memorable and impactful online identity!