How to Change Website Link on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Shopify URL Structures
2. Changing the MyShopify URL
3. Changing Product and Collection URLs
4. Managing Custom Domains
5. SEO Implications of URL Changes
6. Best Practices for URL Management
7. Conclusion
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

At the heart of every successful ecommerce business lies a simple yet crucial element: a clear, accessible, and memorable web address. If you’re running a Shopify store, having an optimized website link is vital for customer trust and engagement. Did you know that even a minor adjustment in your URL can influence your shop’s search engine ranking, making it more likely for potential customers to find you?

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of changing website links on Shopify, covering everything from the basics of URL handles to the more advanced aspects of domain management. Our aim is to empower you, as an ecommerce merchant, with the knowledge you need to harness the full potential of your Shopify store—because every link matters.

By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage your website links within Shopify, ensuring that they align with your branding strategy and boost your ecommerce success. We will cover the following key aspects:

• An overview of Shopify URL structures and how they work
• Steps to change the URL of product, collection, and page links
• Detailed instructions for managing custom and ‘myshopify.com’ domains
• SEO implications of making URL changes
• Best practices for maintaining a professional online presence

So, let’s dive into the world of Shopify URL management and discover how to optimize your ecommerce website for both search engines and customers alike!

Understanding Shopify URL Structures

Every link associated with your Shopify store has a specific structure, consisting of two main components: the domain and the URL handle. The domain is the primary address of your online store (like ‘yourstore.myshopify.com’), while the URL handle (the part that comes after the initial path, such as ‘/products/product-name’) can be customized to better reflect your content.

The Importance of URL Handles

The URL handle is valuable not only for search engine optimization (SEO) but also for providing a user-friendly experience. A clean, descriptive link can enhance your store's credibility and improve click-through rates. For instance, instead of a URL like https://yourstore.myshopify.com/products/12345, a more descriptive URL like https://yourstore.myshopify.com/products/vintage-watch will resonate better with both users and search engines.

At ShipAid, we recognize that a well-structured URL is crucial for creating a trustworthy shopping experience. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that every package—and every package link—matters in building robust customer relationships.

Changing the MyShopify URL

Changing your primary Shopify URL, the ‘myshopify.com’ part, can initially seem daunting. However, Shopify now allows you to change it once during your store setup. Here’s a concise guide on how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your MyShopify URL

1. Log into your Shopify Admin: Start at your Shopify dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click on 'Settings' located at the lower left corner of your screen.
3. Select Domains: Go to ‘Domains’ from the menu.
4. Change Your URL: You will see an option stating ‘Change to a new myshopify.com domain’. Click on this.
5. Enter Your New Domain: Fill in your desired name and click ‘Add domain’.
6. Save Changes: The original ‘myshopify.com’ URL will automatically redirect to your new one.

Keep in mind that this change can happen only once. If you need to change your myshopify URL again, you would have to set up a new Shopify store. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a URL that represents your brand well from the very beginning.

Changing Product and Collection URLs

In addition to changing your store’s primary URL, you can customize the individual URLs for product and collection pages. This flexibility allows you to fine-tune your SEO strategy and improve customer experience.

For Product Pages

Here’s how to edit the URL handle for a product page:

1. Go to Products: In your Shopify Admin, click on ‘Products’ and select the item you want to edit.
2. Edit Website SEO: Find the section called ‘Search engine listing preview’ and click ‘Edit website SEO’.
3. Modify the URL Handle: In the URL and handle field, input your new desired URL handle.
4. Save Changes: Don’t forget to click 'Save' after making changes.

For Collection Pages

The process for changing collection URLs is nearly identical:

1. Access Collections: Navigate to ‘Products’, and then select ‘Collections’.
2. Edit SEO Settings: Under the Search engine listing preview section, click ‘Edit website SEO’.
3. Update URL Handle: Enter your preferred URL in the URL and handle field.
4. Save Your Changes: Click ‘Save’ to finalize your updates.

Additional Step: Creating URL Redirects

When you change a URL handle, it’s wise to set up a URL redirect. By checking the box that says ‘Create a URL redirect for’ during the editing process, you ensure that anyone clicking on the old URL will be redirected to the new one. This helps retain traffic and maintains your SEO rankings.

Managing Custom Domains

In addition to adjusting your myshopify.com address, you can also connect a custom domain, which is critical for creating a professional online presence. This ensures customers see a branded URL—resulting in increased trust and credibility.

How to Add a Custom Domain

1. Access Settings: Just like before, go to ‘Settings’ in your Shopify dashboard.
2. Select Domains: Click on ‘Domains’ from the menu.
3. Connect or Buy a Domain: You have the option to either connect an existing domain or purchase a new one directly through Shopify.
4. Primary Domain Selection: After adding your custom domain, select it as your primary domain. This URL will now be the one customers see.
5. Confirm Changes: Make sure to complete any verification steps required by Shopify or your domain provider.

SEO Implications of URL Changes

Changing or customizing URLs is not just a matter of appearance; it has significant implications for SEO. Search engines prioritize user-friendly URLs. Here are a few best practices to implement:

1. Keep URLs Descriptive

Using keywords relevant to your products in the URL can boost your visibility. For instance, instead of a URL that is simply ‘/products/12345’, consider one like ‘/products/hand-crafted-vases’ to improve context for search engines.

2. Maintain Consistency

Once you set a URL, try to avoid changing it frequently. Frequent changes can damage your SEO rankings, as search engines may view it as a lack of reliability. Remember, consistency helps establish authority.

3. Set Up 301 Redirects

Whenever you change a URL, always set up a 301 redirect. This tells search engines that the URL has been permanently moved, preserving link equity and preventing broken links.

By embracing these SEO practices, Shopify store owners will not only enhance the user experience but also boost organic traffic from search engines.

Best Practices for URL Management

Managing your URLs effectively can significantly improve the customer journey and SEO. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Use Hyphens, Not Underscores

When creating URL handles, use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_). Search engines interpret hyphens as word separators, improving readability and SEO.

2. Avoid Special Characters

Steer clear of using special characters or excessive parameters in your URLs. They can create confusion and make links harder to share and remember.

3. Monitor URL Changes

Whenever you make URL changes, keep track of them. This can help in analyzing traffic sources and understanding usability patterns.

Conclusion

With a clear understanding of how to change your Shopify website links, we hope you feel empowered to optimize your online store effectively. Remember, every URL you create can significantly impact customer trust and search engine rankings. Investing time in making your links descriptive and user-friendly ensures your ecommerce business is well-positioned for growth.

As we’ve explored throughout this post, a strong, carefully-crafted URL structure can serve as a fundamental building block of your online presence. Now that you know how to modify your URLs within Shopify, why not take action and start optimizing your store today?

For additional support in creating a seamless post-purchase experience, consider integrating our innovative shipping protection solutions at ShipAid. With features like our Delivery Guarantee and an intuitive Resolution Portal, we help empower ecommerce merchants with reliable delivery systems that build customer trust and boost revenue. Together, let’s ensure every package matters to your business!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I change my “myshopify.com” domain URL more than once?

No, you can change your “myshopify.com” URL only once. If you need to change it again, you will have to create a new Shopify store.

What happens to my old URL after I change it?

When you change a URL handle, it’s important to create a 301 redirect to your new link. This way, anyone using the old link will be sent to the new one, preserving incoming traffic.

How do I ensure my new URLs are SEO-friendly?

Make your URLs descriptive, short, and keyword-rich while avoiding special characters and excessive complexities.

Can I connect multiple custom domains to my Shopify store?

You can connect multiple domains, but only one can be set as the primary domain, which is the URL customers will see.

If you have any more questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at ShipAid. We’re here to support you in your ecommerce journey!