How to Change the URL in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Ecommerce Professionals

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shopify's URL Structure
3. Why Change Your Shopify URL?
4. How to Change the URL in Shopify
5. The Importance of URL Redirects
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that a well-structured URL can significantly boost your ecommerce site's SEO and improve user experience? According to a recent study, 70% of consumers prefer sharing short and clean URLs over lengthy and complicated ones. As ecommerce professionals, we understand that every aspect of our digital presence matters, from product descriptions to the URLs we share.

Changing the URL in Shopify, while seemingly straightforward, can have lasting effects on your store's visibility and customer engagement. In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of how to change the URL in Shopify, covering everything from the basics to advanced strategies. By the end of this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of URL management within Shopify and be equipped with actionable steps to enhance your online store's performance.

We will explore the different types of URLs in Shopify, the implications of changing them, and the best practices for ensuring a smooth transition. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of URL redirects and how they can preserve your SEO rankings. Whether you're a seasoned ecommerce leader or just starting, this guide will provide valuable insights into optimizing your Shopify store's URL structure.

Understanding Shopify's URL Structure

What is a URL?

A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the web address used to access a resource on the internet. In the context of Shopify, every product, collection, and page has a unique URL that helps customers find and navigate your store.

Shopify's Default URL Format

When you create a Shopify store, the default URL follows the format: your-store-name.myshopify.com. This URL serves as your primary address on the Shopify platform. However, Shopify allows you to customize this to a certain extent by adding a custom domain, such as www.yourbrand.com, which can provide a more professional and memorable presence.

Types of URLs in Shopify

1. Primary Domain: This is the main URL that customers see when they visit your store. It can either be your default myshopify.com domain or a custom domain that you purchase and connect.

2. Product URLs: These URLs are automatically generated for each product and follow the structure: your-store-name.myshopify.com/products/product-name. The last part can be customized to make it more user-friendly.

3. Collection URLs: Similar to product URLs, collection URLs are formatted as your-store-name.myshopify.com/collections/collection-name.

4. Page URLs: Page URLs include static content like "About Us" or "Contact Us" and follow the format: your-store-name.myshopify.com/pages/page-name.

Understanding these components is crucial as it lays the foundation for changing URLs effectively.

Why Change Your Shopify URL?

Enhancing SEO

A clear and concise URL not only improves user experience but also enhances your site's SEO. Search engines favor shorter, keyword-rich URLs that are easier to read. For instance, changing your-store-name.myshopify.com/products/3d-demo-product-new-#80298448576 to your-store-name.myshopify.com/products/3d-demo can positively impact your search rankings.

Improving User Experience

Clean URLs are more user-friendly and easier to remember. They instill confidence in customers, making them more likely to click on links shared via social media or email marketing campaigns. This can lead to higher click-through rates and conversions.

Brand Consistency

Customizing your URLs aligns them with your brand identity. A consistent URL structure that reflects your branding can help in building recognition and trust among your audience.

How to Change the URL in Shopify

Changing the Primary Domain

1. Log in to Shopify Admin: Begin by logging into your Shopify account.

2. Navigate to Settings: Click on Settings at the bottom left corner of your admin dashboard.

3. Select Domains: Click on the Domains option. Here, you will see your current primary domain displayed.

4. Change Domain: To change your primary domain, click on the option to Change to a new myshopify.com domain. Enter your desired new domain name and save your changes.

5. Redirect Old Domain: Once changed, ensure that your old domain redirects to the new one, preserving any existing traffic.

Changing Product or Collection URLs

1. Access Product/Collection: From your Shopify admin, go to Products or Collections, and select the item you wish to edit.

2. Edit SEO: Scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section and click on Edit website SEO.

3. Modify URL: In the URL and handle field, enter your desired new URL. Ensure it is concise and relevant.

4. Set Up Redirects: Check the box to create a URL redirect, ensuring that anyone using the old link will be directed to the new one.

5. Save Changes: Click Save to finalize the changes.

Changing Page URLs

1. Navigate to Online Store: In your Shopify admin, select Online Store and then Pages.

2. Select Page: Choose the page you want to edit.

3. Edit SEO: Similar to products and collections, scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section and click Edit website SEO.

4. Change URL Handle: Modify the URL and handle field as needed, ensuring it remains user-friendly.

5. Create Redirect: Again, check the box to create a URL redirect if necessary, then Save your changes.

The Importance of URL Redirects

When changing URLs, it is crucial to implement URL redirects. A URL redirect is a way to ensure that visitors who attempt to access the old URL are automatically taken to the new URL. This is vital for preserving traffic and SEO rankings.

How to Create URL Redirects

1. Access Navigation: From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Navigation.

2. View URL Redirects: Click on View URL Redirects.

3. Create Redirect: Click Create URL redirect. In the Redirect from field, enter the old URL, and in the Redirect to field, enter the new URL.

4. Save Redirect: Click Save redirect to finalize the process.

Best Practices for URL Redirects

• Limit Redirect Chains: Avoid creating multiple redirects that lead from one URL to another, as this can slow down your website and negatively impact SEO.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly check your redirects to ensure they are functioning properly and not leading to broken links.
• Use 301 Redirects: For permanent changes, always use 301 redirects to inform search engines that the content has moved permanently.

Conclusion

Changing the URL in Shopify is a critical aspect of optimizing your ecommerce store for better visibility and user experience. By understanding the URL structure, implementing changes effectively, and setting up redirects, we can enhance our digital presence and drive more traffic to our stores.

If you're looking to take your Shopify store to the next level, consider exploring the PowerCommerce eStore Suite. Our comprehensive suite of services is designed to empower ecommerce brands with cutting-edge solutions that drive conversion and optimize performance. Order Now.

FAQ

1. Can I change my Shopify store's primary domain more than once?
No, the primary myshopify.com domain can only be changed once. If you need a new one, you must create a new Shopify store.

2. Will changing my URL affect my SEO?
Yes, changing your URL can affect your SEO positively if done correctly. Ensure you set up proper redirects to maintain existing traffic.

3. How do I check if my URL redirects are working?
You can test your redirects by entering the old URL in your browser. If it takes you to the new URL without issues, the redirect is functioning properly.

4. What is the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 redirect indicates that the content has moved permanently, while a 302 redirect indicates a temporary move. For URL changes, always use 301 redirects to maintain SEO value.

5. Can I change the URL structure of my Shopify store?
You cannot change the overall structure of your Shopify URLs (like /products/ or /pages/). However, you can customize the last part of your product, collection, and page URLs.