Branding isn’t just about your logo or the aesthetic of your Instagram page. In fact, your branding starts with the name of your shop and picking the wrong one can come with serious consequences.
The problem is that if you’ve already embarked on your branding journey, the original name you chose is plastered all over the internet. It’s relatively easy to change your brand name on social media platforms, but you may not know how to change your Shopify store name.
Today, we’re going to talk about why you might want to consider changing your Shopify store name. We’re also going to walk you through how to do it–and how to avoid losing customers in the process.
Read on to learn how to change your Shopify store name and more!
Understanding Your Shopify Store Name vs. Shopify Store Domain
First, let’s talk about the difference between the name of your Shopify store and the name of you’re Shopify domain. These things go hand in hand, but changing one does not automatically change the other.
Your Shopify store name is what your customers see on the front end of your Shopify store. You use it in your branding and it is likely included in your logo.
Your Shopify store domain is the URL that people type in, click on, or navigate to in order to visit your Shopify store. If you have never customized your Shopify store domain, it should currently end in “myshopify.com.” It will also reflect the original Shopify store name you chose when setting up your Shopify store.
Signs That You Should Change Your Shopify Store Name
How do you know if you should change your Shopify store name? Let’s take a look at a few common reasons that other Shopify store owners have chosen to change their Shopify store name and, likely, their Shopify store domain.
Rebranding
There are many signs that you should rebrand your business. Perhaps you’re no longer getting the traction you used to because your branding is outdated or you’ve changed your business model and you’re original branding doesn’t align. A small-scale rebranding process can include changing your logo and messaging, but a large-scale rebranding can cover everything including your shop name.
Expanding or Merging with Another Business
Many businesses start out with a narrow focus, selling a specific product or type of product. As that business succeeds, the owner may decide that they want to expand their product line or merge with another business. If your original Shopify name does not reflect the new products you’re selling or you want to address the merger, a new shop name may be the answer.
The Current Name Is Causing Confusion
What if you discover that your current Shopify store name is too similar to another brand’s name, and it’s creating confusion for your customers? What if your shop name is actually causing legal issues because it’s infringing on a trademark? While it may take time for the confusion to die down after you’ve changed your Shopify store name, this change is typically the best solution to avoid confusion or liability.
How to Change Your Shopify Store Name the Easy Way
If you’re not familiar with the backend of your Shopify store, changing your Shopify name might seem intimidating. The truth is that it’s a simple process, and all you need to do is follow these exact steps:
- Open your Shopify dashboard and locate the Settings link in the bottom left corner. Click on Settings to open the page.
- Locate Store Details followed by Basic information. Select “Edit” next to Basic information, where you can then change your store name, your company’s legal name, and the industry you work in.
- Find the “Store name” field at the top of the Basic information page. Enter your new store name in the “Store name” field. If you also need to update your company’s legal name or industry, you can do this now, too.
- Click Save at the bottom or upper right-hand corner of the Basic information page.
Just like that, the job is done! Congratulations, you have now updated your Shopify store name!
How to Change Your Shopify Store Domain in a Few Quick Steps
If you change your Shopify store name, it makes good sense to change your Shopify store domain, too. This consistency will make the transition easier for you and your customers to navigate.
First, you will need to make the change from the generic domain Shopify gave you to a custom Shopify domain. Because this is a separate process from changing your Shopify store domain, we’ve provided instructions for both.
Switching to a Custom Shopify Domain
Switching to a custom Shopify domain is great because a custom domain is more concise and looks more professional. You have three options to consider:
- buying a domain through Shopify (easiest)
- connecting a domain to Shopify
- transferring a domain to Shopify (hardest)
On the Settings page, you can access all of these options by navigating to Domains.
To buy a domain through Shopify, type the domain you want into the “Domain” field. Then, select the suffix (i.e. “.com” or “.shop”) you want to use based on price points and preference.
To connect a domain that you already own to Shopify, select View instructions under “Connecting your domain.” Follow the instructions and select Verify connection to ensure that the connection has worked.
To transfer a domain that you already own to Shopify, you will need to verify that your domain is eligible for transfer through the original domain provider. You will then need to register the domain with Shopify and, once again, select Verify connection to ensure that the transfer was successful.
Changing Your Shopify Store Domain
Now that you have completed the process of accessing a custom domain, it’s time to officially change your Shopify domain by following these steps:
- Head back to Settings and navigate to Domains.
- Click on Change primary domain in the upper right-hand corner.
- On this page, you will see both your original domain and the domain you just created. Toggle the button next to your new domain and click Save.
You have now updated both your Shopify store name and your Shopify store domain!
How to Protect Your SEO After a Shopify Store Name and Domain Change
In the months or years that you’ve been running your Shopify store, you’ve worked toward strong SEO. Changing your store name can cause your SEO to take a temporary hit, as the old links and related searches won’t yield the same results. Fortunately, there are ways that you can protect your SEO and build it back up at a faster rate.
Set Up 301 Redirects
A 301 Redirect allows customers who type in your old URL to navigate seamlessly to your new URL. Without a 301 Redirect, your customers will land on an error page without knowing where to turn. Your 301 Redirect also won’t hurt the SEO ranking of your new URL.
Update All Connections to Your Old URL
Most business owners use what is called an omnichannel approach to their marketing, which means that they direct customers to their webpage from a variety of sources. Chances are, the links to your old URL are embedded in tons of different places, including:
- social media profiles or posts
- blog posts and content on your website
- your newsletter
- paid or sponsored advertisements
- guest posts or partner blogs
Make sure to swap out the old domain with the new one on as many of these connection points as possible. In some cases, you may have to reach out to partner bloggers or delete social media posts that can’t be edited.
Notify Your Customers
There’s no reason to hide your rebranding efforts from your customers. In fact, the more direct you are with them about these changes, the less likely you are to leave them feeling confused or distrustful. Announce these changes on your website, Shopify store, social media, and in your newsletter, explaining why the change is for the better and what it means (if anything) for your customers.
Recapture Your Audience
Many businesses lose customers in the process of a name change or rebranding effort, and it will take time to recapture your target audience. A good brand strategy will include sponsored ads, content syndication, and aggressive pursuit of brand awareness. While you’re not starting from scratch, you will need to take steps to familiarize your original audience with your new brand.
Cover Your Tracks When Changing Your Shopify Store Name
Learning how to change your Shopify store name isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With this guide, you can not only change your Shopify store name and Shopify store domain but also protect your SEO ranking and your wide customer base.
iWriter is here to help. As a Shopify store owner, your focus is on delivering great products, and branding efforts don’t always get the time they need. Contact us to find out more about our content creation and syndication services and how they can benefit your business.
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