How to Change Product URL in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Product URLs in Shopify
3. Steps to Change Product URL in Shopify
4. Best Practices for Maintaining SEO While Changing URLs
5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Changing URLs
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that the URL structure of your products can significantly impact your store's search engine ranking and customer experience? The ability to change product URLs in Shopify is more than just a cosmetic adjustment; it’s an essential strategy for optimizing online sales and enhancing visibility. Whether you have rebranded, improved SEO strategies, or simply want to create more user-friendly links, understanding how to change product URLs in Shopify can lead to better traffic and potentially higher conversion rates.

In this blog post, we will delve into the step-by-step process of changing product URLs within the Shopify platform and discuss why this practice is crucial for your ecommerce success. We will cover the importance of URLs, how they affect search engine optimization (SEO), and the implications of changing them. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped not only with practical knowledge about the mechanics of URL changes but also with insights into maintaining your site's integrity and SEO value.

Our discussion will unfold in several sections: we will start with an overview of product URLs in Shopify, then move on to the steps involved in changing them, explore best practices for maintaining SEO, and finish with some common questions regarding URL modification. So, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of how to efficiently change product URLs in Shopify.

Understanding Product URLs in Shopify

Before we jump into the process of changing product URLs, it’s essential to understand what they are and why they matter.

What is a Product URL?

In Shopify, the product URL serves as the unique address that directs customers to a specific product page on your online store. It typically follows the format of https://yourstore.myshopify.com/products/product-name. The latter section, product-name, is the URL handle that you can customize.

Why Are Product URLs Important?

1. SEO Optimization: Search engines use URLs to crawl and index web pages. A clear, descriptive URL can improve your page's ranking in search results, making it easier for potential customers to discover your store.
2. User Experience: Clean and concise URLs are easier for customers to read and remember. A well-structured URL enhances trust and may lead to higher click-through rates.
3. Simplicity in Marketing: URLs that are straightforward and relevant can be shared more easily in promotions, advertisements, or social media campaigns, making them more appealing to potential visitors.

Key Considerations When Changing Product URLs

When modifying a product URL, bear in mind the following considerations:

• Internal Links: If there are links within your site directing customers to the old URL, these need updating to maintain a smooth user experience.
• URL Redirects: Ensure you set up redirects from the old URL to the new one. This step is crucial to avoid losing traffic and to preserve SEO equity.
• External Backlinks: If other websites link to your product's old URL, it’s wise to reach out to those sites and ask them to update to your new link.
• Marketing Collateral: Don’t forget to update email campaigns, social media posts, and advertisements that contain the old URLs to ensure consistency across all platforms.

By being conscious of these aspects, you can successfully navigate the URL change process without adversely impacting your store's traffic or search engine performance.

Steps to Change Product URL in Shopify

Now that we have the groundwork laid, let's look at the step-by-step process of changing a product URL in Shopify.

Step 1: Log in to Your Shopify Admin Panel

Head over to your Shopify admin dashboard and log in using your credentials. This area serves as the hub for managing your store and is where all changes begin.

Step 2: Navigate to the Product Section

In the left-hand sidebar, click on the Products option. You will see a list of all the products in your store.

Step 3: Select the Product to Edit

Find the product whose URL you want to change and click on its name to access the product editor page. This view allows you to edit all relevant information regarding the product.

Step 4: Edit the URL Handle

Once in the product editor, scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section. Here, click the Edit website SEO link.

You will see a field labeled URL and handle, which contains the current URL structure. Modify this field to create your desired new product URL.

It is generally advisable to use descriptive keywords relevant to the product to improve SEO. For instance, rather than using a generic handle like "product-123," use something like pink-dress if the item is a pink dress.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

After you've entered the new URL handle, make sure to click the Save button located at the top or bottom of the page. This action ensures that all your modifications are stored.

Step 6: Set Up URL Redirects

To protect the user experience and your SEO standings, set up a redirect from the old URL to the new one. You can check the box labeled Create a URL redirect for, which will automatically handle the redirections for you. This way, anyone trying to access the old link will be seamlessly redirected to the new URL.

Step 7: Review and Test

Once saved, we recommend reviewing the product page to ensure that the changes have been made correctly. You can test the old link to confirm that it redirects properly to the new URL.

Best Practices for Maintaining SEO While Changing URLs

Changing product URLs can yield benefits, but only if done correctly. Here are some best practices to maintain your SEO standing post-change.

1. Use Descriptive Keywords

Always opt for a URL that accurately describes the product. Using relevant keywords in your URL not only helps with SEO but also informs customers about what they can expect if they click the link.

2. Maintain a Clean Structure

Keep your URLs as concise as possible by removing unnecessary words or characters. For instance, instead of writing full sentences, use short phrases that capture the essence of the product.

3. Monitor Performance

After changing URLs, track the performance of the product page through analytic tools. This data will provide insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and any potential issues arising from the URL changes.

4. Update Social Media and Marketing

As mentioned earlier, don’t forget the collateral. Update any marketing material and social media posts to feature the new URLs, ensuring that your outreach remains consistent and effective.

5. Conduct Regular Audits

Regularly audit your product URLs to ensure they still serve your marketing and SEO strategies. Make adjustments as necessary to optimize visibility and user experience continuously.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Changing URLs

Navigating URL changes can be tricky, and many merchants stumble upon common issues that hinder their ecommerce success. Here are several pitfalls to avoid:

1. Neglecting Redirects: Failing to set up redirects can result in 404 errors, which annoy visitors and can harm your SEO.
2. Ignoring Analytics: Not monitoring performance after URL changes can lead to a lack of insight into what strategies are working and what needs improvement.
3. Overcomplicating URLs: Lengthy and complicated URLs can deter clicks. Always aim for brevity and clarity.
4. Changing URLs Frequently: Regularly altering URLs can confuse both users and search engines. Make significant changes sparingly and only when necessary.
5. Not Involving Your Team: Ensure that your team is aware of URL changes to prevent confusion in customer service and marketing efforts.

Conclusion

Changing a product URL in Shopify is an invaluable skill for ecommerce merchants striving to enhance their online presence and convert visitors into customers. It involves understanding the significance of URLs, following a step-by-step process to modify them, and implementing best practices to safeguard your SEO standing.

By prioritizing clear and descriptive URLs, creating appropriate redirects, and continually monitoring your store’s performance, you’ll be better positioned to leverage the full potential of your ecommerce platform. Whether you’re rebranding or improving SEO, knowing how to strategically change product URLs can shape your store's future positively.

As you consider updating your Shopify product URLs, remember it’s not just about changing a link but aligning your online identity with your business goals. Let’s work together to ensure that every link you create becomes an opportunity for growth and success in the competitive ecommerce landscape.

FAQ Section

1. What happens if I change a product URL in Shopify?
Changing a product URL updates the link customers use to access that product page. It can impact your SEO and user experience positively or negatively, depending on how you handle the transition.

2. How do I ensure I won’t lose traffic after a URL change?
By implementing URL redirects to route visitors from the old link to the new one, you can prevent traffic loss and maintain SEO integrity.

3. Can I undo a URL change?
While you can always revert to the old URL by changing it back in the Shopify admin, this isn’t a straightforward process. Consider it carefully before making changes.

4. What’s the ideal length for a product URL?
A general rule of thumb is to keep URLs under 60 characters. They should be short enough to be user-friendly but descriptive enough to include relevant keywords.

5. Is it possible to change the URL structure permanently?
Shopify has a predefined URL structure (e.g., /products/), so while you can change the URL handle at the end, you cannot alter the foundational paths.

With the right approach and tools, we can help you embrace the power of effective URL management and enhance your Shopify experience. Let’s keep building together!