How to Add a Custom Domain on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Add a Custom Domain?
3. Before You Start: Secure a Domain
4. Connecting an Existing Domain to Shopify
5. Making Your Custom Domain the Primary Domain
6. Secure Your Domain with HTTPS
7. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
8. FAQ Section
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine setting up your dream online store on Shopify, only to realize your default domain—something like mystore.myshopify.com—lacks the personal touch. A custom domain, on the other hand, not only amplifies your brand’s credibility but also establishes a strong online identity. But how do you add a custom domain on Shopify? In this guide, we'll take you through every step of the process. Whether you already own a domain or need to purchase one, this blog post will cover it all comprehensively.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to add a custom domain on Shopify, ensuring that your store stands out and reaches your customers effectively.

Why Add a Custom Domain?

Brand Identity

Adding a custom domain helps in establishing a unique brand identity, which is essential for attracting and retaining customers. Unlike the standard myshopify.com URL, a custom domain, such as www.mybrand.com, can make your store more memorable and professional.

SEO Benefits

A custom domain can significantly influence your search engine ranking. Search engines like Google often favor custom domains over subdomains, giving your store a better chance of ranking higher in search results.

Customer Trust

Using a custom domain also builds trust among your customers. A unique and professional domain name can make your business appear more legitimate and credible, enhancing customer confidence.

Before You Start: Secure a Domain

Before integrating a custom domain with your Shopify store, you first need to secure a domain name. This can be done in two ways:

Purchase Through Shopify

Shopify offers the convenience of purchasing a domain directly through its platform.

Steps to Buy a Domain on Shopify

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Online Store and select Domains.
3. Click on Buy new domain.
4. Enter your desired domain name and choose from the listed extensions (.com, .net, etc.).
5. Review the purchase details and privacy options.
6. Confirm the purchase.

This method costs $11 per year and simplifies the process by automatically configuring your new domain to work with your Shopify store.

Purchase from a Third-Party Provider

If you prefer, you can also purchase a domain from a third-party provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Once you have your domain, proceed to the next section to connect it to Shopify.

Connecting an Existing Domain to Shopify

Automatic Connection for Specific Providers

Shopify supports automatic integration with specific providers like Google Domains and GoDaddy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.
2. Go to Online Store and select Domains.
3. Choose Connect existing domain.
4. Enter the domain you purchased.
5. Shopify will guide you through the connection process, including logging into your domain provider’s dashboard to authorize the connection.

Manual Connection

For other providers, you’ll need to connect your domain manually by modifying your DNS settings.

Steps to Manually Connect a Domain

1. Log into your domain provider’s dashboard.
2. Locate your DNS settings.
3. Update the A record to point to Shopify’s IP address 23.227.38.32.
4. Set the CNAME record for www to shops.myshopify.com.
5. Save your changes.

After changes are made, it can take up to 48 hours for them to propagate across the internet. Once propagated, your domain should be listed as connected on your Shopify dashboard.

Making Your Custom Domain the Primary Domain

After connecting your domain, you’ll want to set it as the primary domain so that it’s used in all customer-facing communications.

Steps to Set Primary Domain

1. In your Shopify admin panel, go to Online Store → Domains.
2. Locate the section for Primary Domain and select Change primary domain.
3. Choose your custom domain from the list.
4. Confirm the change.

Secure Your Domain with HTTPS

Shopify automatically provides a TLS certificate when you add a domain. This ensures that all data transmitted between your store and visitors are encrypted, providing a secure browsing experience.

1. In your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Online Store → Domains.
2. Verify that the SSL Pending status changes to SSL Available, indicating your store is secure.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Occasionally, you might encounter issues when adding or verifying a custom domain. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Domain Verification Failed

If Shopify is unable to verify your domain, it could be due to incorrect DNS settings. Double-check that your A and CNAME records are correctly configured.

DNS Propagation Delays

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate. If your domain isn’t working immediately, be patient and check back later.

Unwanted Redirects

Ensure that no old redirects interfere with your new domain. You can manage redirects under Online Store → Navigation.

Contact Support

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact Shopify’s support team for assistance.

FAQ Section

1. Can I link multiple custom domains to my Shopify store?

Yes, you can add up to 20 domains to your Shopify store. If you’re on the Shopify Plus plan, you can add up to 1,000 domains.

2. How much does it cost to purchase a domain through Shopify?

Domains purchased through Shopify generally cost $11 per year.

3. Will my existing URLs break after adding a custom domain?

No, Shopify redirects existing URLs to your new custom domain, ensuring seamless user experience.

4. Do I get an email address with my custom domain?

While Shopify doesn’t offer email hosting, you can create forwarding email addresses, such as info@mydomain.com.

5. How long does it take for a new domain to be active?

It can take up to 48 hours for domain changes to propagate and become fully functional.

Conclusion

Adding a custom domain to your Shopify store is a crucial step in establishing your brand’s online presence and credibility. Whether you buy a domain through Shopify or a third-party provider, the process is straightforward and ensures that your store looks professional and trustworthy. Follow the steps laid out in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your Shopify store with a custom domain. Happy selling!