How to Add a Custom Domain on Shopify: The Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Go Custom?
  3. Purchasing a Domain through Shopify
  4. Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Shopify
  5. Best Practices and Tips
  6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  7. FAQ
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine trying to find a small, niche shop in a bustling, big city without a map or address. That's akin to searching for an online store without a proper, memorable domain name. In the digital marketplace, your domain is your address, your first impression, and a key aspect of your brand identity. By default, Shopify assigns your store a domain under the ".myshopify.com" URL. However, in an ocean of online stores, customizing this to a unique domain can make your brand stand out, build trust, and ensure your customers remember and return to your shop. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through why and how to add a custom domain to your Shopify store, covering everything from purchasing a domain directly through Shopify to connecting one from a third-party provider. By the end, not only will you understand the steps involved, but you'll also grasp the nuances that can make or break the customer experience on your ecommerce journey.

Why Go Custom?

Before we dive into the "how," let's clarify the "why." A custom domain:

  1. Strengthens Your Brand: Custom domains reinforce your brand name each time a customer sees your URL.
  2. Enhances Credibility: A unique domain establishes a professional image, fostering trust among customers.
  3. Improves Visibility: Opt for a domain that includes keywords relevant to your business for better SEO rankings.
  4. Offers Memorable Marketing: Easy-to-remember URLs ensure that potential customers can find you without hassle.

Purchasing a Domain through Shopify

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin

Navigate to your Shopify admin panel. Click on 'Online Store', then 'Domains'.

Step 2: Choose to Buy New Domain

Here, you can type in your preferred domain name and review the available extensions, such as .com, .net, or .store. Remember, domain names should be short, memorable, and reflect your brand.

Step 3: Complete the Purchase

After selecting your domain and ensuring your personal information is correct, click 'Buy domain'. The process might take up to 48 hours to complete, during which Shopify automatically configures your new domain.

Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Shopify

Perhaps you’ve already bought a domain from another provider or found a deal too good to pass up. Fear not, connecting your third-party domain to Shopify is straightforward.

Step 1: Access Domains Section

Log into your Shopify admin, navigate to 'Online Store', and then 'Domains'. Select 'Connect existing domain'.

Step 2: Enter Your Domain Details

Type in your domain and click 'Next'.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings

Log into your domain provider's dashboard. You’ll need to update your DNS records to point to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.32) and your CNAME record to point to shops.myshopify.com.

Note: Changes might take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.

Step 4: Verify and Make Primary

Back in Shopify, verify your domain and, if you'd like, set it as the primary domain for your store.

Best Practices and Tips

  • WHOIS Privacy: Selecting this option during domain purchase shields your personal information from the public WHOIS database.
  • Domain Renewal: Ensure your domain is set to renew automatically to avoid losing your online address.
  • Check for Typos: Before finalizing your domain, double-check for any misspellings.
  • Consistent Branding: Ensure your domain name matches your brand for cohesive marketing across platforms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Domain Not Connecting: It can take up to 48 hours. If it takes longer, double-check your DNS settings.
  2. Domain Already Connected Error: This means the domain might be associated with another Shopify store. Verify domain ownership or contact Shopify support for assistance.

FAQ

Q: Can I add multiple domains or subdomains to my Shopify store? A: Yes, you can add up to 20 domains or subdomains, including international domains, to better serve global customers.

Q: How long before my new domain works with my Shopify store? A: It can take from a few hours up to 48 hours for your domain to start working due to DNS propagation.

Q: What if I want to change my Shopify domain later? A: You can buy a new domain or connect a different third-party domain anytime through your Shopify admin panel.

Q: Does Shopify provide an email hosting service with domain purchase? A: No, Shopify doesn't offer email hosting, but you can set up email forwarding or use a third-party email hosting service.

Conclusion

Adding a custom domain to your Shopify store is not just a step toward building your brand; it's a leap. It defines how customers perceive your store, influences your online presence, and can significantly affect your store's success. While it may seem technical at first, with the right guidelines, anyone can successfully add a custom domain to their Shopify store. Remember, the goal is not just to stand apart in the digital marketplace but to own your little corner of it confidently. Happy branding!