So, you’ve decided to take your Shopify store to the next level with a new name and domain. Exciting! But let’s be honest, the process can feel daunting.
Changing your store’s identity can be a double-edged sword. While it opens doors for growth and rebranding, it also comes with a set of challenges that can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Think SEO headaches, technical complexities, and the potential to lose customers along the way.
But fear not! We’re here to guide you through the process, step-by-step of how to change Shopify store name and domain, while minimizing the risks and ensuring a smooth transition for your store.
Planning Your Rebrand
Before diving into the technical aspects of changing your Shopify store name and domain, it’s crucial to carefully plan your rebrand. This involves:
1. Defining Your Goals
- Why are you rebranding? Are you expanding your product line, targeting a new audience, or simply refreshing your brand identity? Understanding your goals will guide your name and domain selection.
- What do you want your new brand to represent? Consider the values, emotions, and image you want to evoke with your new name and domain.
Changing your Shopify store name can be the key to differentiating your brand and capturing the attention of your target audience.
A unique Shopify name will cut through the noise and attract your ideal customer.
(From Dunkin’ Donuts to Dunkin’ (2018). This shift reflected their broader menu offerings, including healthier beverages and breakfast items)
2. Checking for Trademark and Copyright Conflicts
- Conduct a thorough trademark and copyright search to ensure your chosen name and domain are available and legally permissible to use.
- Avoid names too similar to existing brands to prevent confusion and potential legal issues.
Trademark Search:
- The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers a free Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) on their website https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search.
- Use TESS to search for trademarks that might be similar to your chosen name.
Copyright Search:
- The U.S. Copyright Office website offers a searchable database https://copyright.gov/, though it’s not as comprehensive as TESS.
3. Selecting a New Name and Domain
- Choose a name that is:
- Memorable and easy to pronounce.
- Relevant to your brand and target audience.
- Unique and differentiates you from competitors.
- For your domain name:
- Opt for a .com extension if possible.
- Keep it short and easy to type.
- Consider using keywords relevant to your business.
Remember: Your new name and domain should be a natural extension of your brand and resonate with your target audience. By carefully planning your rebrand, you’ll lay the foundation for a successful transition.
How to change the name of the Shopify store IN 3 STEPS
Before you dive into the technicalities of changing your store’s name, it’s crucial to carefully consider the new name. Ensure it reflects your brand’s identity, is easy to remember, and is free from legal complications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of renaming your Shopify store in three straightforward steps, ensuring a smooth transition for your business.
Remember, this change will affect your store’s website title and automated emails sent to customers, so accuracy is key.
How can the Shopify domain name be changed to a new 'myshopify.com' domain?
3. Quickly insert your new domain here and then click “Save.”
BE CAUTION:
- Though you can now change the domain name Shopify, be selective because you can only change it into a new myshopify.com domain name ONCE.
- After changing, you may still have the same old myshopify.com domain on your admin dashboard. But don’t be worried; when your shoppers visit your Shopify store from the storefront, they’ll see the new domain name instead.
- You can add up to 20 domains or subdomains to your Shopify store and your .myshopify.com URL. If your store is on the Shopify Plus plan, you can add up to 1,000 domains or subdomains. When you add a domain to Shopify using any method, a new TLS certificate is automatically created for free.
How do you change your Shopify domain to a custom domain?
You’ve picked a great brand name for your Shopify store! Let’s ensure your website address (URL) matches it perfectly. Having the same name in both places makes it easier for customers to find you, builds a stronger brand image, and avoids confusion.
Step 1: Preparing for Domain Change
Before you initiate the domain change, consider the following:
– Ensure the new domain name is available for purchase and resonates with your brand.
– Check for trademarks to avoid any legal complications.
– Plan for the transition to minimize any potential disruption to your business.
Step 2: Purchasing or Transferring Your New Domain
Log into your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the “Settings” section in the bottom left corner.
– In the section “Store details,” click “Domains.”
You have two options in this part: Buy new domains or connect to existing ones:
Option 1: Buy new domains.
– Click’ Buying new domain‘ in your Shopify admin’s ‘Domains’ section’
You will head to Shopify’s domain search. Type in your dream domain name. If it’s available, congratulations! You can follow the prompts to purchase and register it. However, if your ideal name isn’t available, don’t worry!
Shopify will recommend other domain options that closely match your initial idea. This way, you can still choose a domain that reflects your brand and resonates with your customers.
Option 2: Connect to existing domains (domain bought from the third party)
If you purchase your domain from a different provider (not Shopify), follow this process to connect it to your store:
– In your Shopify admin’s ‘Domains’ section, click ‘Connect existing domain.’
Enter your domain name and follow the instructions to complete the transfer process.
Shopify Store Name & Domain Change: What to Watch Out For
Shifting your Shopify store name is an exciting move, but it’s challenging. Understanding the technical aspects and branding implications is crucial for ensuring a smooth customer experience and maintaining your online presence.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. How can you minimize any potential disruptions for your customers?
1. Branding
a. Trademark Conflicts:
- Problem: Someone else might already be using the name you want for your store, and you could get into legal trouble if you use it without checking.
- Solution: Use FREE online resources from The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on their website to ensure your name is unique and not already taken.
b. Marketing material updates:
- Problem: You’ll need to update all your marketing materials with the new store name, including website content, social media profiles, email signatures, packaging, and any printed materials. This can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
- Solution: To save on costs, prioritize updating your digital marketing materials first. Digital assets are generally easier and cheaper to modify compared to printed materials. Develop a comprehensive list of all marketing materials that need updating, ensuring nothing gets overlooked during the transition
2. SEO
Your search ranking (SEO) doesn’t have to take a hit! Shopify makes it easy. They have tools that automatically set up “redirects” – like detours for the internet. Visitors searching for your old address will automatically land on your new one. That way, you keep the SEO power you’ve built up.
Just remember, a quick double-check is always helpful. Ensure those redirects are working and update any links to your store on other websites. This keeps everything smooth for search engines and helps customers find your awesome shop, even with the new name!
Best Free Theme on Shopify: Top 10+ for Trending Niches
A New Name, a New Chapter
While changing your Shopify store name may seem daunting at first, with careful planning and execution, it can be a powerful way to revitalize your brand and propel your business forward.
Remember, a well-chosen name can differentiate you from the competition and forge deeper connections with your target audience. By meticulously managing the transition, you can ensure a seamless experience for your customers and pave the way for exciting growth opportunities.
So, embrace the change, choose a name that resonates with your brand’s essence, and watch your Shopify store flourish!
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Grace is a creative writer at WizzCommerce, specializing in e-commerce and Shopify content. She creates compelling articles that help merchants optimize their Shopify stores and drive success in the competitive online marketplace.