How to Change Name of Shopify Store

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Your Store Name
3. Steps to Change Your Shopify Store Name
4. Updating Your Domain
5. SEO Implications
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever felt that your current Shopify store name doesn't perfectly align with your brand or the direction your business is heading? Perhaps you've come up with a name that better represents your offerings, or maybe you're going through a rebranding phase. Whatever your reason, changing the name of your Shopify store is a significant decision and one that can have extensive implications. This blog post will walk you through the steps and considerations necessary to change your Shopify store name, ensuring the transition is smooth and effective.

By the end of this article, you'll understand not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind a name change and the impact it could have on your overall brand strategy and SEO performance.

Importance of Your Store Name

Your Shopify store name is more than just a title; it's an integral part of your brand identity. It appears on every page of your online store and is crucial for brand recognition and customer trust. Therefore, changing it should not be taken lightly. Here are some common reasons you might consider changing your Shopify store name:

1. Rebranding: If your business is pivoting or expanding its product line, a new name can signify a shift in focus or market positioning.
2. Clarity and Precision: Sometimes, the initial name chosen might not accurately reflect your product offerings, causing confusion among potential customers.
3. Acquisition: If your store has been acquired, the new owner might want to change the name to align with their existing portfolio.
4. SEO and Marketing: Your current name might not be optimized for search engines or may lack the market appeal required for successful marketing campaigns.

Steps to Change Your Shopify Store Name

1. Access Your Shopify Admin

To start, log in to your Shopify admin dashboard. This is your control center for everything related to your store.

2. Navigate to Settings

In the bottom left corner of your dashboard, you will find the 'Settings' option. Click on it to open the settings menu.

3. Edit Store Details

In the settings menu, find and select 'General'. This will take you to a page where you can edit various store details, including your store name.

4. Change Store Name

Look for the 'Store name' field under 'Store details'. Enter your new store name in this field.

5. Save Changes

After entering the new name, click 'Save' either at the bottom or the top right corner of the page. Your store name will be updated immediately.

Updating Your Domain

Changing your store name doesn’t automatically update your domain name. Your Shopify store's URL is a separate entity, and updating it involves a different process.

Options for Domains

1. Buy a New Domain: You can purchase a new domain directly through Shopify, which is the simplest option.
2. Connect an Existing Domain: If you already own a domain from a third-party provider, you can connect it to your Shopify store.
3. Transfer a Domain: Transfer an existing domain to Shopify to manage everything in one place.

Steps to Update Domain

1. Navigate to Domains in Settings: Go back to your Shopify settings and find 'Domains'.
2. Change Primary Domain: Click on 'Change primary domain' and select your new domain from the list of available options.
3. Save Changes: Click 'Save' to update your primary domain. Make sure to set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one to preserve SEO rankings.

SEO Implications

Changing your store name and domain can impact your SEO. However, Shopify provides tools to mitigate these effects, such as:

1. 301 Redirects: Set up 301 redirects to ensure any traffic to your old domain is seamlessly directed to your new one.
2. Update External Links: Ensure that all external links pointing to your store are updated with the new domain.
3. Announce the Change: Use blog posts, social media, and newsletters to inform your customers about the change. This not only helps in maintaining traffic but also in rebranding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my store name multiple times?

Yes, you can change your Shopify store name as many times as you like. However, frequent changes can confuse your customers and negatively impact your brand recognition and SEO.

Will changing my store name affect my existing domain?

No, changing your store name will not affect your existing domain. To change the domain, you will need to follow the steps mentioned in the 'Updating Your Domain' section.

How long does it take for the changes to reflect?

Changes to your store name are immediate. However, DNS changes for your domain can take up to 48 hours to propagate.

Will I lose my SEO rankings if I change my domain?

Not necessarily. By setting up 301 redirects and updating all external links, you can preserve most of your SEO rankings.

Conclusion

Changing the name of your Shopify store is a significant yet manageable process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition without negatively impacting your brand or SEO. Whether you're rebranding, expanding, or simply updating for clarity, a well-thought-out name change can be a strategic move to better align with your business goals.

With careful planning and execution, changing your Shopify store name can help rejuvenate your brand and set the stage for future success. Happy selling!