How Do I Change My Website Name on Shopify? A Complete Guide for Merchants

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Distinction: Store Name vs. Domain Name
2. Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name
3. How to Change Your Shopify Store Name: Step-by-Step Guide
4. How to Change Your Shopify Domain: Important Considerations
5. How to Connect a Custom Domain
6. Impact on SEO When Changing a Store Name or Domain
7. Conclusion
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever considered that your Shopify store name might not fully represent your evolving brand or product lineup? As your business develops and your offerings expand, you might find that your original store name no longer aligns with your identity or marketing strategy. This is a common scenario for many ecommerce entrepreneurs. Changing your website name is not merely a cosmetic adjustment; it can strategically reposition your brand in the market.

In this blog post, we’ll explore various aspects of changing your website name on Shopify, including the step-by-step process, important considerations regarding domains, potential impacts on SEO, and the underlying rationale behind such changes. By the end of this post, you will have a clearer understanding of not just how to change your store name, but also the broader implications and opportunities that come with such a decision.

Let’s dive into this essential topic and take a closer look!

Understanding the Distinction: Store Name vs. Domain Name

Before diving into the practical steps of changing your store name, let’s clarify an important distinction: your Shopify store name and your Shopify domain name are two different entities.

Shopify Store Name

Your Shopify store name is the name visible to your customers when they visit your site. It could be anything you choose that reflects your brand's identity and mission. When customers see your store name, it serves as an introduction to your brand's personality, ethos, and offerings. This name can be modified fairly easily and reflects your current business focus.

Shopify Domain Name

In contrast, your domain name is the web address or URL that customers use to access your store, which often takes the form of "yourstorename.myshopify.com" unless you have purchased a custom domain. While your store name can be changed without significant issues, altering your domain name can be more complex and carries specific restrictions.

Understanding this distinction is key because it shapes how you approach changes to your site.

Reasons for Changing Your Shopify Store Name

There are several reasons why you might consider changing your Shopify store name:

1. Rebranding: As your business grows, rebranding can help reflect a more matured vision or change in direction. This may include updating your store name to fit a new product range or altering the branding approach.
2. Expansion of Offerings: If your original store name restricted your brand to a particular product, such as "Jim’s Shoes," it may be time to change it to "Jim's Fashion" if you start offering clothing and accessories.
3. Acquisition: If you have acquired another business or merged with another brand, incorporating a new name can unify your offerings under one recognizable identity.
4. Correcting Misleading Names: Sometimes, the original name may raise confusion or not accurately represent what you sell. A new name can clarify your brand message.
5. Improving SEO and Online Visibility: A more relevant and optimized store name can enhance your visibility on search engines, attracting more traffic to your site.

Exploring these factors can shed light on whether a name change is necessary for the viability and growth of your brand.

How to Change Your Shopify Store Name: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your Shopify store name is a straightforward process that can usually be accomplished within minutes. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Log into your Shopify Admin

Begin by logging into your Shopify admin account. This is where all administrative changes can be made, including adjustments to your store name.

Step 2: Access Settings

Navigate to the "Settings" option located at the bottom-left corner of your Shopify dashboard.

Step 3: Store Details

Inside the Settings menu, click on "General" to access the "Store details" section. Here, you'll find your current store name displayed.

Step 4: Edit Your Store Name

Next to your store name, click the "Edit" button (pencil icon). Enter your new store name in the designated "Store name" field.

Step 5: Save Changes

Don’t forget to click the “Save” button in the upper right corner to implement your changes. Once saved, your new store name will be reflected across various customer-facing areas of your store, including your checkout and email notifications.

Key Consideration

While changing the store name is simple, it’s crucial to understand how this name connects with your branding and marketing strategy. A hasty decision in changing your name without considering customer perception could impact your brand equity.

How to Change Your Shopify Domain: Important Considerations

Unlike changing your store name, altering your domain name is more complex—you can typically only change your "myshopify.com" URL once. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Head to Domains in Settings

After logging into Shopify and accessing the Settings, click on "Domains." Here, you will see your current domain details.

Step 2: Change to a New Domain

Next to "myshopify.com" domain, look for the blue text labeled "Change to a new myshopify.com domain." Click on this link.

Step 3: Enter Your New Domain

Enter your desired new domain name. Keep in mind that it should reflect your brand identity and offerings distinctly.

Step 4: Save the Changes

Once you’re satisfied with the new domain name, click on “Add domain,” and then ensure that it’s set as the primary domain to activate it.

Important Note

If you’ve changed your domain name, ensure that you still record the original "myshopify.com" URL. You’ll need this to log in to your store and for any necessary support from Shopify.

How to Connect a Custom Domain

In many cases, ecommerce merchants choose to connect a custom domain instead of using the "myshopify.com" name. This is a straightforward process that enhances brand credibility and professionalism. Here’s how to add a custom domain:

1. Purchase a New Domain: You can buy a domain directly through Shopify. To do this, navigate to "Settings," then "Domains," and follow the prompts to acquire your new custom domain.
2. Connect Your Existing Domain: If you already own a domain from a third-party provider, you can connect it to Shopify by following the instructions available in the "Domains" section.
3. Transfer Your Domain: If you want to transfer an outside domain name to Shopify for management, you’ll follow different steps—be sure to unlock the domain from your current registrar and adhere to Shopify's guidelines for the transfer process.

Connecting a custom domain not only enhances customer trust but also aids in maintaining brand identity as your business evolves.

Impact on SEO When Changing a Store Name or Domain

A common concern among merchants is the impact of a name change on search engine optimization (SEO). Fortunately, if handled carefully, changing your store name or domain can even improve your SEO performance. Here are some tips to consider:

Set Up 301 Redirects

If you change your domain, setting up 301 redirects is crucial. These redirects inform search engines that your domain has permanently moved to a new address. Not only does this direct customers from your old domain to your new one, but it also helps retain your search rankings.

Monitor External Links

Keep track of any external links pointing to your old domain. Contact webmasters of those sites and request that they update their backlinks to your new domain. This proactive step will help with overall traffic and visibility.

Review Your Content and Analytics

After making the changes, review how your content performs and drives traffic. Tools such as Google Analytics can be helpful in observing traffic patterns and identifying any effects caused by the changes.

Communicate the Change

If your store name has changed significantly, consider sending a communication to your existing customer base informing them of the change. Keeping your audience in the loop cultivates trust and reinforces your brand loyalty.

Conclusion

Changing your Shopify store name involves thoughtful consideration and strategic planning, reflecting your business’s identity over time. Though the steps are relatively simple, the implications can be significant—from enhancing brand visibility to improving customer trust and loyalty.

In summary, we’ve covered:

• The essential distinction between your Shopify store name and domain
• Various reasons behind changing your store name
• A detailed guide on how to change both your store name and domain
• SEO implications and best practices to maintain your visibility online

As you navigate this process, remember that at ShipAid, we believe in empowering ecommerce merchants every step of the way. Just as we are committed to ensuring packages are protected with our shipping solutions, we encourage you to protect your identity through careful branding and strategic adjustments.

If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your eCommerce operations, consider trying our free-to-install app at ShipAid. Together, let’s transform each opportunity into a success for your business!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rename my Shopify store? Yes, you can change your Shopify store name at any time by accessing your settings and updating the store details.

Can I change my ‘myshopify.com’ store URL? Yes, but you can only change your ‘myshopify.com’ URL once. If you need to change it again, you will have to create a new Shopify store.

How do I add a custom domain name to my Shopify store? To add a custom domain, navigate to "Settings" > "Domains" and choose to buy a new one, connect an existing domain, or transfer it from another provider.

Will changing my store name or domain impact my SEO? With proper steps, such as setting up 301 redirects, changing your store name or domain can have minimal negative impact and can even improve SEO if managed correctly.

What should I consider before changing my store name? Consider how the change might impact existing customer recognition, brand equity, and overall marketing strategy to ensure it aligns with your long-term business goals.