How to Change Business Name on Shopify: A Complete Guide for Ecommerce Entrepreneurs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Change Your Shopify Store Name?
3. The Difference Between Your Shopify Store Name and Domain Name
4. How to Change Your Business Name on Shopify
5. Changing Your Domain Name on Shopify
6. Potential SEO Impacts and How to Mitigate Them
7. Best Practices for Announcing Your New Name to Customers
8. Conclusion
9. FAQs

Introduction

Did you know that over 90% of consumers say brand name plays a significant role in their purchasing decisions? As ecommerce entrepreneurs, we understand that our store name is not just a label; it’s the first impression we make on potential customers. Whether you're rebranding, expanding your product line, or simply looking for a name that resonates better with your audience, knowing how to change your business name on Shopify is essential.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of updating your Shopify store name, explain the implications of such a change, and highlight the importance of aligning your store name with your brand identity. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to successfully navigate this transition while minimizing disruption to your business operations.

We'll cover the following topics:

• Why you might want to change your Shopify store name
• The difference between your store name and domain name
• A step-by-step guide on how to change your business name on Shopify
• Potential SEO impacts and how to mitigate them
• Best practices for announcing your new name to customers

Let's dive in and explore how to effectively manage your brand identity on Shopify.

Why Change Your Shopify Store Name?

Changing your Shopify store name is not a decision to be taken lightly, but there are several valid reasons for doing so:

1. Rebranding or Brand Evolution

As our businesses grow, so do our brand identities. A rebrand may be necessary if our current store name no longer reflects our values or the products we offer. For instance, if we started as a niche clothing store but have expanded to include accessories and home goods, our original name may feel limiting.

2. Expanding Product Lines

If we've broadened our product offerings, a name change can help potential customers understand our full range of services. For example, if "Bob's Shoes" now includes clothing and gear, a name like "Bob's Boutique" might better represent the business.

3. Mergers and Acquisitions

After acquiring another business, renaming our Shopify store can help unify branding and messaging. This is often essential for seamless integration and brand recognition.

4. Addressing Misleading Names

If our store name confuses customers or is too similar to a competitor's, changing it can reduce bounce rates and improve customer satisfaction. A clear, descriptive name helps customers easily identify what we sell.

The Difference Between Your Shopify Store Name and Domain Name

Before making changes, we should clarify the distinction between our store name and domain name.

• Store Name: This is the name displayed on our Shopify store and used in marketing materials. It reflects our brand identity.
• Domain Name: This is our web address, such as mystore.myshopify.com or a custom domain like mystore.com. The domain name is crucial for driving traffic and is often linked directly to our brand recognition.

While we can change our Shopify store name without impacting our domain name, it's beneficial to ensure both are aligned to strengthen our brand identity.

How to Change Your Business Name on Shopify

Changing your business name on Shopify is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

• Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to your admin dashboard.

Step 2: Go to Settings

• Click on Settings located in the bottom left corner of the admin panel.

Step 3: Select General

• In the Settings menu, select General. This will take you to the general settings page for your store.

Step 4: Edit Your Store Name

• In the Store details section, you will see the current store name displayed. Click the pencil icon to edit.
• Enter your new store name in the provided field.

Step 5: Save the Changes

• After entering your new store name, click Save in the upper right corner to apply the changes.

Step 6: Update Your Legal Business Name (If Necessary)

• If you also need to update your legal business name, which appears on billing and tax documents, return to the General settings, locate the Legal name section, and enter the updated information.

Step 7: Review Your Store's Appearance

• Once you've made the changes, visit your store to ensure that the new name appears correctly on all pages. If you’re using a custom theme, check the theme settings to confirm that the name is updated there too.

Changing Your Domain Name on Shopify

If you wish to change your domain name to match your new business name, follow these steps:

Step 1: Purchase a New Domain

• If you don’t already have a new domain, you can purchase one directly through Shopify. Go to Settings > Domains, and follow the prompts to buy a new domain.

Step 2: Set Your New Domain as Primary

• After acquiring your new domain, go back to Settings > Domains. Click on the new domain you want to use and select Set as primary.

Step 3: Redirect Old URLs

• Set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one to maintain SEO value and ensure customers are directed to the correct site.

Potential SEO Impacts and How to Mitigate Them

Changing your business name and domain can affect your SEO rankings. Here are some essential strategies to minimize any negative impact:

1. Implement 301 Redirects

Setting up 301 redirects from your old URLs to the new ones is crucial. This tells search engines that your pages have permanently moved, preserving link equity.

2. Update External Links

Reach out to websites that link to your old domain and request they update their links to your new address. This helps both your SEO and customer experience.

3. Announce Your Changes

Notify your existing customers through email newsletters, social media, and on your website about the name change. This helps maintain customer trust and engagement.

4. Monitor Your Rankings

After making changes, keep an eye on your search engine rankings. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic and performance.

Best Practices for Announcing Your New Name to Customers

Once your new business name is live, it’s important to communicate this change effectively to your audience:

1. Send a Newsletter

Craft a clear announcement email explaining the reason for the name change and what it means for your customers. Include a call to action, such as visiting the store or checking out new products.

2. Update Social Media Profiles

Make sure to update your social media accounts with the new name and any relevant graphics. This ensures consistency across all platforms.

3. Create a Landing Page

Consider creating a dedicated landing page that explains the change. This can help with SEO and provide a resource for customers who might have questions.

4. Use Promotions

Offer a special promotion or discount celebrating the new brand identity. This can generate excitement and draw traffic to your store.

Conclusion

Changing your business name on Shopify is a significant decision that can positively impact your brand identity and customer perception. By following the outlined steps and best practices, we can ensure a smooth transition while minimizing the effects on SEO and customer engagement.

As ecommerce professionals, we must continually align our brand identity with our evolving business goals. If you're looking for comprehensive support in optimizing your Shopify store and navigating transitions like this, explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite. Our AI-powered solutions can empower your digital commerce growth, ensuring you remain competitive in today’s fast-paced marketplace.

FAQs

1. How can I change the name of my Shopify store? To change your Shopify store name, go to Settings in your Shopify admin dashboard, select General, edit your store name in the Store details section, and click Save.

2. Will changing my Shopify store name affect my SEO rankings? Yes, changing your Shopify store name and domain can impact your SEO rankings due to URL changes. However, implementing 301 redirects and updating external links can help mitigate these effects.

3. Can I change my Shopify domain name? You can change your domain name by purchasing a new domain through Shopify, and then setting it as your primary domain in the Domains section of your settings.

4. How often can I change my store name on Shopify? You can change your store name as often as you like, but frequent changes can confuse your customers and negatively impact your branding efforts.

5. What should I do if my store name isn’t updating on my website? If your store name isn’t updating, clear your browser cache or check your theme settings, as some themes allow for separate customization of the store name.