How to Change Domain on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Ecommerce Leaders

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Your Shopify Domain
3. When to Change Your Domain
4. Steps to Change Your Domain on Shopify
5. Maintaining SEO During a Domain Change
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands with a custom domain rather than those using generic ones? In today's competitive ecommerce landscape, having the right domain is crucial for establishing brand credibility and enhancing customer trust. Whether you're rebranding, expanding your product line, or simply looking to create a more memorable online presence, changing your Shopify domain is a critical step that can significantly impact your business.

In this blog post, we will explore the process of changing your domain on Shopify. We'll cover everything from understanding the importance of your domain to step-by-step instructions on how to make the switch seamlessly. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of how to change your domain effectively while preserving your SEO rankings and enhancing your brand image.

As we delve into the intricacies of Shopify domain changes, we invite you to reflect on your current digital strategies. Are you maximizing your online presence? Is your domain name reflective of your brand? Let’s embark on this journey to empower your ecommerce business with the right tools and insights.

Understanding Your Shopify Domain

What is a Shopify Domain?

A Shopify domain is essentially your online store's address on the internet. When you create a Shopify account, you're assigned a default domain in the format of https://yourstorename.myshopify.com. However, this generic domain isn't ideal for building brand identity or gaining customer trust. A custom domain, such as https://yourbrand.com, is essential for establishing a professional image and improving online visibility.

Why Change Your Domain?

Changing your domain can be a strategic move for several reasons:

1. Rebranding: If your business has undergone a transformation or you're launching a new product line, a new domain can better reflect your brand's identity.

2. SEO Benefits: A domain that includes relevant keywords can improve your search engine rankings and attract more traffic to your store.

3. Memorability: A short, catchy domain is easier for customers to remember, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits.

4. Professionalism: A custom domain enhances the credibility of your brand, making it more appealing to potential customers.

When to Change Your Domain

Before diving into the "how," it’s important to recognize the right scenarios for changing your domain:

• Business Expansion: If you've expanded your product offerings and your current domain no longer represents your business accurately.
• Market Repositioning: If you’re targeting a new audience and need a domain that resonates with them.
• Brand Consistency: If your current domain is inconsistent with your marketing materials or social media presence.

Steps to Change Your Domain on Shopify

Changing your domain on Shopify is a straightforward process. Below, we outline the steps you need to follow, whether you are purchasing a new domain or connecting one you already own.

Step 1: Purchase a New Domain (If Applicable)

If you don’t already own a custom domain, you can purchase one directly through Shopify or from a third-party provider.

To Buy a Domain through Shopify:

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Domains.
3. Click on Buy new domain.
4. Enter your desired domain name and review the available options and pricing.
5. Complete the purchase by entering your payment details.

Step 2: Connecting an Existing Domain

If you already own a domain (for example, purchased through GoDaddy), you need to connect it to your Shopify store.

To Connect Your Domain:

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.
2. Go to Online Store > Domains.
3. Click on Connect existing domain.
4. Enter your domain name and click Next.
5. Follow the instructions to update your DNS settings with your domain registrar. You'll typically need to set the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address (23.227.38.32) and the CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.

Step 3: Change Your Primary Domain

Once your domain is purchased or connected, you can set it as your primary domain. This is the domain that will be visible to your customers.

To Change Your Primary Domain:

1. In your Shopify admin, navigate to Online Store > Domains.
2. Find the domain you want to set as your primary domain.
3. Click on Change primary domain.
4. Select your new domain from the list and click Save.

Step 4: Verify and Test

After changing your primary domain, it’s crucial to verify that everything is functioning properly. Check that:

• Your new domain is displaying correctly in the browser.
• All previous links redirect to the new domain (set up 301 redirects if necessary).
• Your website's SEO settings (like title tags and meta descriptions) are updated to reflect the new domain.

Maintaining SEO During a Domain Change

Changing your domain can impact your SEO rankings, but with careful planning, you can mitigate any negative effects.

1. Implement 301 Redirects

Setting up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one is essential. This tells search engines that your content has moved permanently, helping to retain your SEO rankings. It also ensures that visitors trying to access your old domain are automatically redirected to the new one.

2. Update Internal Links

After changing your domain, ensure that all internal links on your site are updated to reflect the new URL. This includes links in your navigation, footer, and any embedded links within your content.

3. Notify Google

Use Google Search Console to inform Google about your domain change. This helps the search engine process your new domain more efficiently.

4. Monitor Performance

After transitioning to your new domain, keep an eye on your website's performance metrics. Use analytics tools to track any changes in traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates.

Conclusion

Changing your domain on Shopify is a strategic move that can enhance your brand identity, improve SEO, and ultimately drive more sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a seamless transition that positions your ecommerce store for success.

At PowerCommerce, we believe in empowering ecommerce brands through innovative, AI-driven solutions that optimize storefront performance and fuel sustainable growth. If you’re looking to elevate your online presence, consider exploring our PowerCommerce eStore Suite, designed to help ambitious brands achieve measurable growth.

Are you ready to take your ecommerce business to the next level? Reflect on your current domain and consider whether it’s time for a change. With the right strategies, you can ensure your brand stands out in the crowded digital marketplace.

FAQ

Q: Can I change my Shopify domain name at any time?
A: Yes, you can change your Shopify domain name whenever necessary, but it’s advisable to do so strategically to avoid confusion among your customers.

Q: Will changing my domain affect my existing SEO rankings?
A: Changing your domain can affect your SEO rankings, but implementing 301 redirects and updating your internal links can help maintain your visibility.

Q: Do I need to purchase a new domain if I want to change my Shopify domain?
A: Not necessarily. You can connect an existing domain that you already own or purchase a new one through Shopify.

Q: How long does it take for the new domain to become active?
A: It can take up to 48-72 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate and for your new domain to become active across the internet.

Q: What if I want to revert back to my old domain?
A: You can revert back to your old domain by following the same steps to change your primary domain back. However, it’s important to consider the potential impact on your branding and SEO.