How to Choose and Set Up a Shopify Domain Name

Selecting a domain name for your Shopify store is a major decision. Your domain is the first thing a new customer interacts with, even before entering your store. For this reason, it needs to accurately describe your brand and what your customers can expect shopping with you.

A memorable and well-selected domain name is a key part of your online store's branding strategy. And it helps establish your online presence. If you've been wondering how to choose and set up a Shopify domain name, read on.

What Is a Domain Name?

A domain name is simply the name of your website. It's the word(s) that come after the "www." in a web address and after the "@" in an email address. So, for example, our domain name is skuagency.com.

When you own an e-commerce website on Shopify, Shopify becomes your DNS host, meaning they register and manage your domain configuration. You can buy a custom domain name from Shopify, import your existing domain from a third-party domain provider, or set up a free domain with a MyShopify subdomain.

How to Choose a Domain Name

Include Your Brand Name If Possible

If you have a distinct store name, then it may be possible to set your domain name as simply [storename].com. But there's always a possibility that someone already has that domain name.

Make It Stand Out (In a Good Way)

Your business already stands out, but you need a domain name to reflect that. Really think about your customer, or dream customer, and go from there.

Capture Your Store's Experience

You want your domain name to evoke the same feeling shopping at your store does. Whether you sell clothing, household goods, sports equipment, or skincare, your store's name sends a message.

Keep It Short, Sweet, and Succinct

There isn't a potential customer out there who wants to type out a 27-character domain address. The more concise you are, the more likely customers will bother visiting your store.

How Not to Choose One

The SEO Route

Do not choose a domain name just to improve your SEO rankings. This is tempting, but it can hurt your business in the long run.

False Advertising

Your domain name needs to be an honest depiction of your business. It should tell customers exactly what they will find in your store.

How to Set Up Your Shopify Domain Name

Shopify lets you search for available domains and register your store. You will have to buy a custom domain from Shopify if you do not own one already. Prices start at $11 per year.

Setting Up a New Domain

1. Log into your Shopify account and go to your admin page
2. Click on Online Stores
3. Click Domains
4. Click Buy new domain
5. Enter your chosen domain name and click Buy when yours pops up
6. After reviewing your personal information and agreeing to privacy statements, click Buy domain

Managing Your Shopify Domain

Subdomains

Set up subdomains to organize your Shopify store. Subdomains categorize separate pages on your website, all managed under the same domain.

International Domains

To initiate sales with customers across the globe, you should set up an international domain with country-specific extensions like .fr for France, .jp for Japan, or .ca for Canada.

WHOIS Privacy

WHOIS Privacy protects your personal information. It is included when you buy your domain from Shopify.

Email Forwarding

Shopify lets you connect your email address to your domain name, no matter what provider you use.

Conclusion

Choosing your Shopify store's domain name is exciting. When choosing your domain, remember to include your brand name if possible, and make it reflect the experience you want to provide to your customers.