Changing your domain name on Shopify is a significant step towards rebranding or adjusting your online presence. It can affect how customers find you and perceive your brand, so it's essential to do it correctly. Here’s how to change your domain name on Shopify:
Prepare Your Domain:
- If your domain is registered with another provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap), log into your account there and locate your DNS settings.
- You'll need to edit your DNS records: Point your A record to Shopify's IP address, which is
23.227.38.65, and your www CNAME record to shops.myshopify.com.
Add Your Domain in Shopify:
- Log in to your Shopify admin.
- Go to “Settings” > “Domains”.
- Click “Connect existing domain”.
- Enter your domain name and click “Next”.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by Shopify to verify your domain if necessary.
Additional Considerations
- SEO Impact: Changing your domain name can temporarily affect your search engine rankings. To mitigate this, set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one, informing search engines that your site has moved.
- Email and Communication: If you use email addresses associated with your old domain, you’ll need to set up new ones for your new domain. Ensure that all your business communications reflect your new domain.
- Update Marketing Materials: This includes business cards, brochures, social media profiles, and anywhere else your domain name might appear. Consistency across all platforms is crucial for brand recognition.
- Monitor Traffic and Performance: After changing your domain, closely monitor your website traffic and search engine rankings. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track performance and identify any issues.
- Consider Timing: Choose a low-traffic time to make the change, to minimize the impact on your customers and sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use multiple domains with my Shopify store?
A: Yes, Shopify allows you to have multiple domains, but you will designate one as the primary domain.
Q: How long does it take for the new domain to become active?
A: It can take up to 48 hours for domain changes to propagate and become fully active across the internet.
Q: Will changing my Shopify domain name affect my store’s data?
A: No, changing your domain name does not affect your store’s data, products, or configurations. It only changes how customers find your store online.
Q: What happens to my old domain after I switch to a new one?
A: You can keep your old domain connected to your Shopify store and set up redirects to the new one, or you can let it expire. If you plan to discontinue using it, ensure you remove any association with your Shopify store.
By carefully planning and executing the change of your domain name on Shopify, you can ensure a smooth transition that minimizes disruptions to your business and maintains your store's online presence and SEO rankings.
