How to Change the URL of Your Shopify Store: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shopify Store Names and URLs
3. Steps to Change Your Shopify Store URL
4. Implications of Changing Your Shopify Store URL
5. Best Practices for a Successful URL Change
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Introduction

Did you know that 70% of customers will abandon an online purchase if they encounter a poorly designed or confusing website? In the competitive world of ecommerce, having a clear and memorable URL is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. As ecommerce professionals, we understand that your Shopify store's URL plays a significant role in your branding, SEO, and overall user experience. Whether you're rebranding, expanding your product offerings, or simply looking to enhance your online presence, knowing how to change the URL of your Shopify store is essential.

In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of changing your Shopify store URL, including the differences between your Shopify store name and URL, the implications of changing them, and best practices to follow to ensure a smooth transition. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the steps involved and how to optimize your store for the best possible results.

We invite you to reflect on your current digital strategies and consider whether your store's URL aligns with your brand identity. Let's dive into the details of this crucial aspect of your ecommerce operations.

Understanding Shopify Store Names and URLs

What is a Shopify Store Name?

Your Shopify store name is the title that appears on your storefront and is visible to your customers. It represents your brand and is a key element in your marketing efforts. The store name is often used in branding materials, social media, and customer communications.

What is a Shopify Store URL?

The Shopify store URL is the web address that customers use to access your store. When you first create your Shopify account, you receive a default URL that follows the format yourstore.myshopify.com. This URL is primarily used for logging into your store and is not typically shared with customers.

To create a more professional and memorable online presence, many businesses opt for a custom domain (e.g., yourstore.com). A custom domain enhances your brand's credibility and makes it easier for customers to remember how to find you online.

Why Change Your Shopify Store URL?

Changing your Shopify store URL can be necessary for several reasons:

1. Rebranding: If your business evolves or you want to shift your brand identity, updating your URL can help reflect these changes.
2. Expansion: If you broaden your product offerings, a new URL may better represent your store's diverse catalog.
3. SEO Optimization: A well-structured and relevant URL can improve your search engine rankings, driving more organic traffic to your site.
4. User Experience: A concise and memorable URL enhances user experience, making it easier for customers to find and share your store.

Steps to Change Your Shopify Store URL

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin

Begin by logging into your Shopify admin dashboard using your unique credentials. This is where you'll manage all aspects of your store.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings

Once logged in, locate the Settings option at the bottom left corner of your dashboard. Clicking on this will take you to various settings related to your Shopify store.

Step 3: Access Domain Settings

In the Settings menu, click on Domains. This section contains all the domain-related information associated with your store.

Step 4: Change Your MyShopify URL

If you want to change your default myshopify.com URL, you'll find the option labeled Change to a new myshopify.com domain. Click this link, and you'll be prompted to enter your desired new URL. Remember, you can only change your myshopify.com domain once, so choose wisely.

Step 5: Set Up a Custom Domain (Optional)

If you're changing your URL to a custom domain, you can either purchase a new domain through Shopify or connect an existing one. To do this, follow these steps:

• Click on Add existing domain or Buy new domain in the Domains section.
• If purchasing, enter the domain you want, and Shopify will provide pricing options.
• Once you have your custom domain, set it as the primary domain by selecting it and clicking Save.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

After making the necessary changes, ensure you click Save to apply the new settings. Your store's URL will now reflect the updates.

Step 7: Set Up Redirects (If Necessary)

If you've changed your primary domain, setting up 301 redirects from your old URL to the new one is crucial. This ensures any visitors using the old URL will be automatically redirected to the new one, preserving traffic and SEO rankings.

Implications of Changing Your Shopify Store URL

SEO Considerations

Changing your Shopify store URL can impact your SEO. However, by following best practices, you can mitigate negative effects:

1. Implement 301 Redirects: This is essential to guide users and search engines from your old URL to the new one.
2. Update Your Sitemap: After the change, ensure your sitemap is updated with the new URL to help search engines index your site correctly.
3. Notify Google: Use Google's Change of Address tool to inform them about your URL change.
4. Monitor Traffic: Keep an eye on your analytics to understand how the change affects your traffic and rankings.

Customer Communication

It's important to communicate your URL change to your existing customers. Use your newsletter, social media, and website banners to announce the change. Explain the benefits of the new URL and encourage them to update their bookmarks.

Best Practices for a Successful URL Change

• Choose a Memorable URL: Your new URL should be easy to remember and reflect your brand identity.
• Keep It Short and Simple: A concise URL is more user-friendly and easier to share.
• Avoid Special Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens to ensure compatibility across platforms.
• Update Links: Make sure to update any links in your marketing materials, social media profiles, and previous blog posts.

Conclusion

Changing the URL of your Shopify store is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your branding, user experience, and SEO. By following the outlined steps and best practices, you can successfully navigate this transition and enhance your online presence.

As we strive to empower ambitious ecommerce brands, we invite you to explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite. Our comprehensive suite of services is designed to optimize your storefront, improve conversion rates, and drive sustainable growth. Discover how our AI-powered solutions can transform your ecommerce operations by visiting PowerCommerce eStore Suite.

FAQs

How often can I change my Shopify store URL?

You can change your myshopify.com URL only once. If you need to change it again, you must create a new Shopify store.

Will changing my Shopify store URL affect my SEO rankings?

Yes, changing your URL can impact your SEO rankings. Implementing 301 redirects and updating your sitemap can help mitigate any negative effects.

How do I set up a custom domain for my Shopify store?

You can set up a custom domain by purchasing one through Shopify or connecting an existing domain. Navigate to the Domains section in your Shopify admin and follow the prompts.

What happens to my old URL after changing it?

If you set up 301 redirects, visitors using your old URL will be automatically redirected to the new one. However, it's essential to communicate this change to your customers.

Can I revert back to my old Shopify store URL?

Once you've changed your myshopify.com URL, you cannot revert back to the old one. If you need to use the previous URL, you would need to create a new store.