Changing your Shopify store’s URL might seem like a technical task, but it can be a simple process when done right. Whether you’re rebranding, switching domains, or just want a cleaner web address, Shopify makes it easy to update your store’s URL.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, give helpful tips, and explain what you need to watch out for to avoid common pitfalls.
How to Change the URL on Your Shopify Store?
1. Log into Your Shopify Account: Access your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click on Settings located at the bottom left corner of your dashboard.
3. Go to Domains: Select Domains from the settings menu.
4. Change Your myshopify.com Domain:
Click on Change to a newmyshopify.com domain.
Enter your desired new domain name and click Add domain. Note that you can only change this URL once; if you need to change it again, you’ll have to create a new Shopify store.
5. Set Up a Custom Domain (Optional):
If you want a more professional appearance, consider purchasing a custom domain or connecting an existing one. You can do this by selecting either Buy new domain or Connect existing domain in the Domains section.
6. Update Internal Links and Redirects:
After changing your URL, ensure that all internal links are updated to point to the new URL.
Set up URL redirects so that visitors accessing the old URL are automatically redirected to the new one, preserving SEO value and user experience.
Why Change Your Shopify Store URL?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your Shopify store’s URL:
Rebranding: If you’re giving your store a new name or identity, a matching URL is essential.
Switching to a custom domain: Many sellers start with Shopify’s default domain (yourstore.myshopify.com) and later switch to a more professional custom domain like yourstore.com.
SEO and branding improvements: A shorter, clearer, or more memorable URL can help with search engine optimization (SEO) and improve brand perception.
Avoiding confusion: If your old domain isn’t aligned with your products anymore, a new one can prevent customer confusion.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Here are a few common issues you might encounter during the Shopify URL change process and how to resolve them:
DNS Propagation Delays: It may take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate. If your new URL isn’t working right away, wait a bit and check again later.
SSL Certificate Issues: Shopify automatically generates SSL certificates (for HTTPS) when you connect a new domain. If you see a warning about your site being “not secure,” wait a few hours for the certificate to activate.
Broken Links: Use a tool like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to scan for any broken links on your site and fix them by setting up redirects.
Conclusion
Changing the URL of your Shopify store may sound complicated, but by following the steps in this guide, you can make the switch smoothly and confidently. Whether you’re rebranding or upgrading to a custom domain, a new URL can boost your brand’s image and improve customer trust. Just make sure to follow best practices like setting up redirects, notifying customers, and monitoring your SEO performance to ensure a seamless transition.
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