How to Remove Shopify from Your Domain: A Comprehensive Guide for E-commerce Success

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Remove Shopify from Your URL?
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Shopify from Your URL
4. When Should You Remove Shopify from Your URL?
5. Effects of Removing Shopify from Your URL
6. Success Stories of Businesses That Made the Transition
7. Conclusion

Introduction

It’s no secret that the creator economy is booming; in fact, over 50 million creators earn their living online today. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, businesses need to stand out in a crowded marketplace. One key aspect that plays a crucial role in differentiating your online store is your website's URL. If you're currently using a Shopify-generated URL that includes "myshopify.com," you may be wondering how to remove Shopify from your domain and establish a more professional online identity.

The default Shopify URL format can limit your brand's credibility and memorability. Many entrepreneurs seek a unique custom domain that reflects their brand without the "Shopify" footprint. As e-commerce permeates our daily lives, the transition from a generic URL to a distinctive one can be the difference between making a lasting impression on potential customers or being overlooked.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of removing “Shopify” from your domain and establishing a custom URL. This journey will arm you with the tools needed to enhance your branding, improve your search engine optimization (SEO), and ultimately boost your online presence. We at Tevello believe in empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience, and we'll support you every step of the way.

Are you ready to take a significant step toward enhancing your business identity? Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide on how to remove Shopify from your domain!

Why Remove Shopify from Your URL?

Branding & Professionalism

A custom domain without the “Shopify” subdomain not only constructs a more professional appearance but also promotes a distinct brand identity. This credibility is crucial, especially for new businesses vying for customer trust in a competitive environment.

Credibility

Many customers may automatically perceive a store with “Shopify” in its URL as less credible. Removing this association can make your business seem more established and trustworthy.

Improved SEO

Custom domain names typically rank better in search engines, providing you with more control over your online visibility.

Memorability

A unique domain is not only easier to remember but can also lead to increased repeat business as customers find it easier to return to your store.

Marketing & Advertising

Using a custom domain makes your website cleaner and more appealing for marketing materials, word-of-mouth recommendations, and business cards.

Brand Control

Owning your customized URL grants you full control over your web address, allowing you to maintain branding consistency across different platforms.

International Appeal & Ownership

As you look to expand globally, a custom domain avoids the stigma associated with a particular platform. Moreover, having ownership of your domain ensures that, should you decide to switch e-commerce platforms later on, your URL stays intact.

In short, the need to remove “Shopify” from your URL extends far beyond mere aesthetics—it is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your brand’s footprint in the digital landscape.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Shopify from Your URL

Step 1: Make Plans for the Change

As we embark on this transformative journey, preparation is key. Before making changes, consider how this aligns with your branding goals. Communicate with your team or stakeholders about the upcoming change to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Step 2: Choose a Custom Domain Name

Selecting the right domain name is crucial. It should be short, memorable, and reflective of your brand identity. Avoid special characters and ensure it’s unique. Use a service like Namecheap or GoDaddy to check for domain availability.

Step 3: Purchase Your Custom Domain

Once you've chosen a name, it's time to buy it. You can opt for a domain registrar of your choice, whether that’s from Shopify directly or a third-party vendor. Make sure you're aware of the annual costs associated with domain registration.

Step 4: Back Up Your Shopify Store

Before any major changes, ensure that your Shopify store data is backed up to prevent value loss during potential hiccups. Export important data like product listings, customer information, and orders as CSV files.

Step 5: Add Your Custom Domain to Shopify

In your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to “Settings” and then “Domains.” Here, you will manage your domain settings and connect your new custom domain.

Step 6: Add a Custom Domain

If you purchased the domain from a third-party registrar, opt for “Connect existing domain.” If you’re using Shopify’s domain service, select “Buy new domain.”

Step 7: Configure DNS Settings

If you're using a third-party registrar, you need to configure the DNS settings to point to Shopify's servers. Create the necessary A and CNAME records as directed by your registrar.

Step 8: Check Your Custom Domain Connection

Once DNS settings are configured, check to confirm your custom domain is set properly in Shopify. This might take several hours, so exercise patience at this stage.

Step 9: Make Your Custom Domain Primary

Setting your custom domain as the primary domain effectively removes "Shopify" from your URL. However, ensure to double-check your email settings as they might require updates.

Step 10: Redirect Your Old Shopify URL

Creating a 301 redirect from your old Shopify URL to your new custom domain is crucial for SEO and retaining web traffic. Shopify automates this process, making it seamless for your customers.

Step 11: Update Internal Links

To provide a consistent user experience, review and update any internal links that may still point to the old Shopify URL. Pay special attention to product descriptions, menus, and pages.

Step 12: Inform Your Customers

Once the transition is complete, communicate the change to your customers using email campaigns or social media posts. Clear communication can ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

As we move through the process, remember to keep thorough records of your actions and stay in touch with your customers. If you ever face issues with the transition process, Tevello is here to support you.

When Should You Remove Shopify from Your URL?

Determining the right timing to make this change depends on your business goals and branding strategy. Here are a few scenarios that might warrant a domain change:

Establishing Brand Identity Early

If you're serious about developing a robust brand identity from inception, consider a custom domain early in your journey.

Business Growth

As your online business grows, having a custom domain becomes critical for your professional image.

Preparing for Marketing

If you're about to launch marketing campaigns, a custom domain will contribute to a more polished and appealing promotional strategy.

During Rebranding

If you're rebranding or shifting your focus, it's an opportune moment to update your URL.

International Expansion

When embarking on international expansions, a unique domain supports a broader appeal.

Long-term Plans

If you have ambitions for your brand's long-term growth, acting early to customize your URL will help you avoid the complexities of rebranding later.

Ultimately, the decision to remove “Shopify” from your URL should correspond with your overall business strategy.

Effects of Removing Shopify from Your URL

Positive Effects

1. Branding & Professionalism: Establishes a more credible and polished image.
2. Improved SEO: Enhances your visibility in search engine rankings.
3. Full Control: Grants you ownership over your web address, ensuring consistency even during future changes.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Technical Challenges: The process may be daunting for some, requiring technical know-how.
2. Temporary Disruptions: Adjusting settings could cause brief downtime, which might impact business operations.

By carefully navigating the transition, you can maximize the positive aspects while minimizing any negative implications.

Success Stories of Businesses That Made the Transition

At Tevello, we are passionate about empowering Shopify merchants. We have seen numerous success stories from businesses that made the leap to custom domains and have reaped benefits from their enhanced credibility and branding.

• Case Study 1: A merchant specializing in eco-friendly products shifted to a custom domain and saw a 30% increase in traffic and a 50% rise in repeat customers due to improved brand recognition.
• Case Study 2: Another business focusing on handmade jewelry leveraged its unique URL in its marketing strategies, affecting not just web traffic but also social media engagement. The personal touch resonated with their community, resulting in a 20% increase in sales.

These stories of success reaffirm our belief that the change is not just a technical adjustment; it’s a vital evolution in your online business strategy.

Conclusion

Removing “Shopify” from your URL is a move that can strongly impact your overall branding and marketing strategy. It promotes a professional image, enhances SEO performance, and strengthens customer trust. As we’ve discussed, the process requires thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and careful execution.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to harness the full potential of their e-commerce business. We invite you to start your journey by installing the Tevello app today and taking advantage of a 14-day free trial to explore the full suite of our features that can further elevate your business.

Ready to take control of your online identity? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today!.

FAQ

Q: Can I revert the change if I don’t like the new URL? A: Yes, you can revert to the old Shopify URL, but be aware that this may affect your brand visibility and performance metrics.

Q: Will I lose my SEO rankings if I remove Shopify from my URL? A: If executed properly with 301 redirects, you can retain your SEO rankings and even improve them with a better custom domain.

Q: Do I need technical skills to make the change? A: While some technical know-how might be beneficial, many of the steps can be performed through guided tutorials, and our support team at Tevello is here to assist if needed.

Q: How long does it take for the changes to take effect? A: DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate fully, and you may see a temporary downtime during this phase.

Q: What do I do if I face issues during the transition? A: Reach out to our support team at Tevello or consult your domain registrar for assistance.

With this guide, we at Tevello hope to empower you to make informed decisions about your online presence. Taking control of your domain is a crucial step towards building a substantial online business, and we're here to support you through every phase of that journey.