How to Remove myshopify.com from Your URL: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Importance of Removing "myshopify.com" from Your URL
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove "myshopify.com" from Your URL
4. The Benefits of a Custom Domain
5. Case Studies: Successful Brand Transformations
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

In today's competitive ecommerce landscape, establishing a strong and memorable online presence is essential for success. Did you know that 75% of consumers judge a brand's credibility based on its website design? When your Shopify store's URL includes "myshopify.com," it can undermine your professional image and brand identity. This default URL can make your store appear less credible, affecting customer trust and purchase decisions.

If you've recently launched your ecommerce store on Shopify, you may be eager to present a more polished and professional image to your customers. By the end of this blog post, we will guide you through the process of removing "myshopify.com" from your URL and explain why this change is vital for your brand. We will cover the steps needed to purchase and set up a custom domain, the benefits of having a unique domain, and how this can positively impact your business.

So, as we delve into this topic, we invite you to reflect on your current digital strategies and consider how enhancing your URL can elevate your online brand presence. Let's explore how to effectively remove "myshopify.com" from your URL and create a more professional online storefront.

Understanding the Importance of Removing "myshopify.com" from Your URL

The Role of a URL in Branding

Your URL is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. A customized domain name can significantly enhance your brand’s credibility and memorability. When your URL reflects your brand rather than the platform you’re using, it sends a message of professionalism and commitment to your customers.

SEO Benefits

Having a custom domain can also improve your search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines favor branded and concise URLs, making it easier for customers to remember and search for your store. This can lead to increased organic traffic and improved ranking in search results.

Customer Trust and Perception

When customers see a "myshopify.com" URL, it may raise questions about the legitimacy of your store. A custom domain instills confidence and reassures customers that they are dealing with a serious business. This perception is crucial for driving conversions and reducing cart abandonment rates.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove "myshopify.com" from Your URL

Step 1: Plan Your Domain Change

Before you take any action, it’s essential to plan this change carefully. Consider how it aligns with your branding and marketing strategies. Take the time to backup your store’s data to prevent any potential loss during this transition. Notify your team or stakeholders about the upcoming change to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Choose Your Custom Domain Name

Selecting the right custom domain name is crucial. Aim for something memorable that accurately represents your brand identity. Avoid using special characters or hyphens, as these can complicate the URL and make it less user-friendly. Check to ensure that your chosen name is unique and not already in use.

Step 3: Purchase Your Custom Domain

You can acquire your custom domain through Shopify’s domain registration service or a third-party registrar. Keep in mind that domain registration typically involves annual costs. Whether you choose Shopify or a third-party provider, ensure that you have clear ownership of the domain.

Step 4: Add Your Custom Domain to Shopify

Once you have your custom domain, it’s time to connect it to your Shopify store. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard and navigate to Settings > Domains. Select Connect existing domain if you purchased it from a third-party registrar, or choose Buy new domain if using Shopify’s service.

Step 5: Configure DNS Settings

If you’re using a third-party registrar, you’ll need to set up your DNS settings to point to Shopify’s servers. This typically involves updating A and CNAME records. Ensure you follow the specific DNS instructions provided by Shopify to avoid any disruption in service. Remember that DNS changes may take some time to propagate, so be patient.

Step 6: Set Your Custom Domain as Primary

In your Shopify admin, find the domain settings to set your new custom domain as the primary domain. This action effectively removes "myshopify.com" from your visible URL. However, keep in mind that your original "myshopify.com" URL will still be accessible for admin purposes.

Step 7: Test Your New Domain

After you’ve made the change, test your new custom domain by entering it into a web browser. Verify that it loads your Shopify store correctly. Check it across different devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.

Step 8: Update Internal Links

Finally, scan your store’s content, including product descriptions and blog posts, for any internal links that may still point to the old "myshopify.com" URL. Update these links to reflect your new custom domain for a seamless user experience.

The Benefits of a Custom Domain

Enhanced Brand Identity

A custom domain is a powerful branding tool. It allows you to create a unique identity that resonates with your target audience. Instead of being associated with a platform, your store becomes synonymous with your brand, enhancing customer loyalty.

Improved Professionalism

Having a personalized domain shows customers that you are serious about your business. It enhances your overall professionalism and can set you apart from competitors who may still be using default URLs.

Increased Visibility and Traffic

A well-chosen custom domain can improve your visibility in search engines. This not only makes it easier for potential customers to find you but also helps you rank higher in search results, driving more organic traffic to your store.

Greater Control Over Your Online Presence

By establishing a custom domain, you gain more control over your online presence. You can tailor your URL to reflect your brand’s voice and values, making it easier to market your products and services.

Case Studies: Successful Brand Transformations

Case Study 1: ABC Fashion

ABC Fashion initially launched their online store with the default "myshopify.com" URL. After realizing that their URL was hindering their branding efforts, they purchased a custom domain. Within weeks of making the switch, they reported a 30% increase in organic traffic and a significant boost in customer trust.

Case Study 2: Tech Gadgets Hub

Tech Gadgets Hub had a similar experience. By transitioning to a custom domain, they were able to enhance their SEO efforts. The result was a higher ranking on Google, which led to a 25% increase in sales over a three-month period.

Conclusion

Removing "myshopify.com" from your URL is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your brand's credibility, visibility, and overall online presence. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your online identity and create a more seamless shopping experience for your customers.

As you embark on this journey, remember that a custom domain is just the beginning. To fully realize your ecommerce potential, consider exploring the comprehensive services offered by PowerCommerce. Our PowerCommerce eStore Suite provides the tools and insights necessary for optimizing your storefront, enhancing your conversion rates, and driving sustainable growth.

Explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite today: Order Now.

FAQ

1. Can I remove "myshopify.com" from my URL completely?

No, you cannot delete the "myshopify.com" URL as it is tied to your Shopify account. However, you can mask it by setting a custom domain as your primary domain.

2. Will changing my URL affect my SEO?

If done correctly, changing to a custom domain can positively impact your SEO. Ensure to update all internal links and redirect traffic from the old URL to the new one.

3. How long does it take for the DNS changes to propagate?

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours to propagate fully. During this time, some users may still see the old URL.

4. What should I do if I encounter issues during the domain setup?

If you experience any difficulties, refer to Shopify’s support documentation or contact their customer support for assistance.

5. Is there a cost associated with purchasing a custom domain?

Yes, purchasing a custom domain typically involves an annual registration fee, which varies depending on the registrar and the domain name itself.