Can You Change Website Domain Name On Shopify?

Emily Levingston

October 26, 2024· 6 min read

Changing domain name on Shopify website.

Changing your website domain name on Shopify is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition for your business and customers. Whether you are rebranding, enhancing your SEO strategy, or simply finding a more memorable domain, Shopify provides the tools you need to update your store's URL effectively. Understanding how to change your domain name on Shopify is essential for maintaining your online store’s professional appearance and SEO rankings. If you're looking for a detailed guide on this, you can check out Shopify’s official documentation on changing your primary domain.

In this article, we’ll explore why you might want to change your domain, how to do it on Shopify, and what to keep in mind during the process. Changing your domain is more than just a technical update; it impacts your brand identity and customer experience, so it's crucial to approach it thoughtfully. For additional insights, the Shopify community forums are a great resource where many store owners share their experiences and tips.

Why Change Your Shopify Domain Name?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your Shopify domain name:

Rebranding: A new domain name can better align with your updated brand identity and help attract your target audience.
Improved SEO: Choosing a domain that includes relevant keywords can boost your store's search engine ranking and make it easier for customers to find you.
Market Expansion: As your business grows, you might want a domain that reflects your expanded product range or market reach.

Before making any changes, it’s essential to plan your new domain carefully to ensure it supports your long-term business strategy. You can find more tips on the GetShogun website about changing your Shopify store name and its impact.

How to Change Your Domain Name on Shopify

Here are the steps to change your domain name on Shopify:

Purchase a New Domain: If you don't have a new domain yet, you can buy one through Shopify or a third-party provider.
Add the New Domain to Shopify: Log into your Shopify admin, navigate to "Online Store" > "Domains," and add your new domain by clicking "Connect existing domain" or "Buy new domain."
Set the New Domain as Primary: Once the new domain is added, set it as your primary domain. This can be done in the "Domains" section by selecting your new domain and clicking "Set as primary."
Redirect Old Domain Traffic: To avoid losing traffic and SEO value, set up a 301 redirect from your old domain to your new domain. This ensures visitors are seamlessly redirected to your new site.

For a more comprehensive guide, check out the FreeUp guide on changing your Shopify domain name.

Key Considerations When Changing Your Domain Name

SEO Impact: Changing your domain name can temporarily impact your SEO rankings. It's essential to set up redirects properly and monitor your SEO performance.
Email Accounts: If your email addresses are tied to your old domain, you'll need to update them to align with your new domain.
Customer Communication: Inform your customers about the change ahead of time to prevent confusion and ensure a smooth transition.

Streamlining Domain Changes with Effective Customer Support

As you make significant changes to your Shopify store, such as updating your domain name, it’s essential to maintain strong customer support to handle any queries or issues that arise during the transition. VanChat, an AI-powered pre-sales chatbot designed specifically for Shopify, can be a valuable tool in this process. VanChat can handle up to 97% of customer inquiries without human intervention, addressing common questions related to product information, order tracking, and returns. This capability ensures that even if your customers are temporarily confused by the domain change, they still receive prompt and accurate support.

Moreover, VanChat enhances the customer shopping experience by providing personalized recommendations based on user preferences and behaviors. By continuously learning from your store's data, VanChat offers a tailored shopping experience that can help retain customers and drive sales during the transition period. This personalized approach is particularly beneficial when undergoing significant changes, as it helps maintain customer engagement and satisfaction. To learn more about how VanChat can enhance your Shopify store, visit the VanChat Shopify App page.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify domain name is an important decision that requires careful planning and execution. By following the correct steps and considering the SEO and customer implications, you can make this transition smoothly and effectively. Additionally, leveraging tools like VanChat can help you maintain a high level of customer service and sales efficiency during the process.