Can I Change My Business Name on Shopify?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Change Your Business Name on Shopify?
3. Steps to Change Your Store Name on Shopify
4. Changing Your Shopify Domain
5. SEO Implications of Changing Your Store Name and Domain
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs

Introduction

Has your Shopify store outgrown its current name? Or maybe you've come up with a better, more fitting name for your online business? If so, you're not alone. Many businesses evolve and find that a name change is necessary to reflect their new direction or expansion. The process of changing your business name on Shopify can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this blog post, we will guide you through how to change your business name on Shopify seamlessly and explore the reasons why you might consider such a change. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the steps to update your store's name, how to handle your domain, and what implications this change may have on your SEO and overall brand.

Why Change Your Business Name on Shopify?

Changing a business name is often part of a broader strategy. Here are some common reasons why a Shopify store owner might consider a name change:

Rebranding

Your initial store name might not fit your evolving business identity or market position anymore. A rebrand might include a new name to better reflect your brand values, target market, or expanded product line.

Business Expansion

If you've expanded your product offerings beyond the original scope (e.g., from selling solely shoes to a full range of apparel and accessories), your old name might feel too limiting.

Acquisitions and Mergers

If your store has been acquired or merged with another business, the new ownership might warrant a new name to reflect the combined entities.

Clarifying Your Brand

A misleading or confusing name can harm business prospects. A name change can provide clarity and better convey what your business is all about to potential customers.

Steps to Change Your Store Name on Shopify

Changing your store name on Shopify is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to Your Shopify Admin Dashboard

   Navigate to your Shopify Admin Dashboard and log in using your credentials.

2. Go to Settings

   At the bottom left of your dashboard, click on "Settings."

3. Select Store Details

   Under “Store details,” click on “Edit” located in the Basic information section.

4. Update Store Name

   Enter your new store name in the "Store name" field and click "Save."

Changes to your store name will be reflected across all customer-facing aspects of your store almost immediately.

Changing Your Shopify Domain

While changing your store name updates what your customers see on your website, changing your Shopify domain requires additional steps. Here’s how to update your domain to match your new store name:

Purchasing a New Domain

1. Navigate to the Domains Tab

   In your Shopify Admin Dashboard, go to Online Store > Domains.

2. Buy a New Domain

   If you do not have a custom domain, select “Buy new domain.” Shopify will show you available domain options and prices.

3. Register Your New Domain

   Choose the domain that best matches your new store name and complete the purchase.

Connecting an Existing Domain

If you have a domain registered with a third-party provider, you can connect it to your Shopify store:

1. Select Connect Existing Domain

   In the Domains section, click “Connect existing domain” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

2. Update DNS Settings

   Modify your DNS settings with your domain registrar by updating the A record to Shopify's IP address and the CNAME record to point to your Shopify address.

3. Verify Your Connection

   Go back to your Shopify dashboard and click “Verify connection” to confirm that your new domain is properly linked.

SEO Implications of Changing Your Store Name and Domain

Changing your store name and domain can impact your SEO, but with careful planning, you can mitigate negative effects.

Setting Up 301 Redirects

A 301 redirect informs search engines that your pages have permanently moved to a new URL. Here’s how to set up 301 redirects in Shopify:

1. Navigate to URL Redirects

   In the Shopify Admin Dashboard, go to Online Store > Navigation, and then click on "URL Redirects."

2. Add Redirects

   Click “Add URL redirect” and input the old URL in the “Redirect From” field and the new URL in the “Redirect To” field. Click “Save.”

Updating External Links and Backlinks

Reach out to partners, affiliates, and any platforms where your old URL is listed to update to your new domain. This ensures continuity and aids in maintaining your ranking.

Social Media and Marketing Updates

Update all social media profiles, email newsletters, and any promotional materials to reflect your new store name and URL. It’s essential to communicate these changes to your customers transparently.

Conclusion

Changing your business name on Shopify can be a significant move for your brand, reflecting growth, expansion, or rebranding efforts. While the process is relatively straightforward, careful planning is essential, especially regarding your domain and SEO. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and maintain the continuity and integrity of your online presence.

Changing your store name isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic step that can better align your business with its current goals and market positioning. Embrace the opportunity for growth and ensure you communicate these changes effectively to your audience for a seamless brand evolution.

FAQs

Can I change my Shopify 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 affect your brand identity. It’s advisable to choose a name thoughtfully to avoid frequent changes.

Will changing my Shopify store name affect my SEO?

Changing your store name can impact your SEO rankings. However, by setting up 301 redirects and updating external links, you can mitigate negative effects. Always approach a name change with careful SEO planning.

Can I change my Shopify subdomain?

No, you cannot change your Shopify subdomain once it’s been set. To change the subdomain, you would need to create a new Shopify store. However, you can purchase and connect a custom domain to overcome this limitation.

Is it possible to have multiple Shopify stores?

Yes, you can have multiple Shopify stores. If your new business name and domain come with a new entrepreneurial idea, setting up a second store might be a viable option.

How long does it take for changes to reflect?

Changes to your store name reflect almost immediately in the Shopify admin and on your storefront. Domain changes might take a bit longer, typically between 24-48 hours, to propagate fully.

Feel free to reach out to Shopify support if you encounter any issues during the process. Happy rebranding!