Ultimate Guide: Change Your Shopify Store Name & URL

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Change Your Store Name?
   1. Misspelled Name
   2. Prototype Name
   3. Change in Business Focus
   4. Transfer of Ownership
3. The Importance of Planning
4. Creating Regular Backups
5. Changing the Store Name in Shopify
   1. Changing the Logo
   2. Modifying Store Name in Settings
   3. Changing the Shopify URL
6. Considering the Impact of Changing the URL
7. Steps to Change the Shopify URL
   1. Creating Backups
   2. Closing the Current Store
   3. Purchasing a New Domain
   4. Creating a New Store
   5. Importing Data into the New Store
8. Considering the Worthiness of Changing the URL
9. Conclusion

How to Change Your Store Name in Shopify

Do you find yourself needing to change your store name in Shopify? You're not alone. Many entrepreneurs encounter this challenge for various reasons. In this article, we will discuss why changing your store name is important and the step-by-step process to do it effectively.

Why Change Your Store Name?

Misspelled Name

One common reason for wanting to change your store name is a simple spelling mistake. When hurriedly setting up your store, it's easy to make typos and only realize them later. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry. There are solutions to rectify it.

Prototype Name

Another reason you might want to change your store name is if you initially used a prototype name or beta name. As your business progresses, you might come up with a more suitable and appealing name. In such cases, it's common to want to change the store name to better represent your brand.

Change in Business Focus

Businesses evolve, and sometimes, this evolution leads to a change in the products or services you offer. If you decide to shift your focus and start selling different items, it's natural to want to change your store name to align with your new business direction.

Transfer of Ownership

If you inherited or purchased a business from someone else, changing the store name might be necessary to reflect the new ownership. It's common practice to rename a business when new owners take over. The challenge arises when the Shopify URL is fixed and doesn't allow easy modification.

The Importance of Planning

To avoid the hassle of changing your store name in the future, it's essential to plan ahead. During the early stages of setting up your store, take the time to strategize and brainstorm the perfect name. Before even creating your Shopify account, make sure to check the availability of your chosen domain name. Platforms like GoDaddy or Cheap Domain Name can help you determine if the .com name you desire is free.

Creating Regular Backups

Regardless of whether you're planning a name change or not, it's good practice to create regular backups of your Shopify store. By frequently exporting your products, collections, customer information, and theme settings, you ensure that you have all the necessary data in case any unforeseen issues, such as URL conflicts, arise in the future.

Changing the Store Name in Shopify

Changing the store name in Shopify involves modifying different aspects of your store's online presence, including the logo, settings, and, most importantly, the Shopify URL. Let's explore the various steps to change your store name effectively.

Changing the Logo

If you want to update the logo displayed on your store, you can do so through the theme customization settings. Simply navigate to "Header" and swap out the existing logo with your new one. This change will help visually represent your new store name.

Modifying Store Name in Settings

To modify the store name displayed on your website, you can adjust the general settings in Shopify. In the "Settings" section, go to "General," and change the store name to the desired one. This modification will reflect the new name wherever it is displayed on the frontend of your website.

Changing the Shopify URL

Changing the Shopify URL, particularly the ".myshopify.com" part, can be a more complex process. Shopify does not provide a straightforward option to modify this URL. However, there are workarounds to achieve the desired change. It's important to note that while the Shopify URL is visible on the backend, it doesn't affect what your customers see.

Considering the Impact of Changing the URL

Before proceeding with changing the Shopify URL, it's crucial to assess whether it's worth the effort. Keep in mind that the URL visible to customers is the custom domain you've purchased and connected to your Shopify store, not the ".myshopify.com" URL. Ask yourself if the internal URL bothers you enough to invest time and resources in modifying it.

Steps to Change the Shopify URL

If you're determined to change the Shopify URL, even with the associated complexities, follow these steps:

1. Create Backups: Export your products, collections, customer data, and theme settings as CSV files or take screenshots of important information.

2. Close the Current Store: In Shopify's settings, choose the option to close or sell the store. This action will release the existing Shopify URL.

3. Purchase a New Domain: Select a new domain name for your store by exploring domain registration platforms such as GoDaddy. Ensure the new domain reflects your desired store name accurately.

4. Create a New Store: Begin a new Shopify store using the new domain you purchased.

5. Importing Data into the New Store: Gradually import the data from your backups, including products, collections, customer information, and theme settings. Make sure to import the data before closing the old store to prevent data loss or complications.

Considering the Worthiness of Changing the URL

Changing the Shopify URL can be a time-consuming process. You must evaluate if the potential benefits outweigh the effort required. Consider that the URL your customers see is the custom domain and not the Shopify URL. Changing the primary domain connection is sufficient for most cases.

Conclusion

While changing your store name in Shopify might seem like a daunting task, following the right steps and considering the impact can make the process more manageable. Remember to plan ahead, create backups regularly, and assess the worthiness of modifying your Shopify URL. By making informed decisions, you can successfully navigate the process and align your store's online presence with your brand vision.