Shopify Domain Pricing & Tips: 11 of What You Need to Know

Your Shopify domain plays a crucial role in defining your brand identity, improving SEO rankings, and establishing credibility with customers. Whether you're launching a new Shopify store or optimizing an existing one, choosing the right domain name and properly setting it up can make a significant difference. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Shopify domains, from selecting the perfect name to purchasing, connecting, and managing your domain efficiently.

What is Shopify domain?

A Shopify domain is the web address that customers use to access your Shopify store. It is an essential component of branding, SEO, and online visibility. When you create a store on Shopify, you are automatically assigned a free default domain in the format yourstorename.myshopify.com. However, for a more professional and branded appearance, store owners often prefer to purchase a custom domain through Shopify or from third-party domain registrars. Having a Shopify domain name that aligns with your brand can improve credibility, help customers find you easily, and enhance your marketing efforts. Shopify allows users to register, connect, and manage domains directly within the platform, making the process seamless.

How to Pick Good Shopify Domain Names: Tips and Avoidable Errors

Choosing the right domain for Shopify is crucial for your business's success. Here are some best practices and common mistakes to avoid when selecting your Shopify domain name.

Make it Memorable and Brief

A good domain name should be easy to remember and type. Avoid long, complicated names that are hard to spell or pronounce. Ideally, your domain should be short, catchy, and relevant to your brand. For example, if your store sells handmade candles, a name like “CandleCraft.com” is more memorable than “HandmadeCandlesAndMore.com.”

Make it driven by your Brand

Your domain name should align with your brand identity. If your business has a unique name, try to incorporate it into your domain. This helps build brand recognition and makes it easier for customers to find you. For instance, if your brand is called “EcoGlow,” your domain could be “EcoGlowCandles.com.”

Give the.com extension Priority

While there are many domain extensions available today, such as .net, .org, and .shop, the .com extension is still the most trusted and widely recognized. If possible, always opt for a .com domain. It’s what customers are most familiar with, and it lends credibility to your business.

Make Good Use of Keywords

Including relevant keywords in your domain name can improve your store’s SEO and make it easier for customers to find you. For example, if you sell organic skincare products, a domain like “OrganicGlowSkincare.com” can help your store rank higher in search results.

Good to know: How to Improve SEO on Shopify: Tips for Beginners

Check your Spelling and Pronunciation

A domain name that’s difficult to spell or pronounce can confuse customers and make it harder for them to find your store. Avoid using complex words, unusual spellings, or slang that might not be universally understood.

Verify Availability on Different Platforms

Before finalizing your domain name, check if it’s available on social media platforms. Having a consistent name across your website and social media accounts helps strengthen your brand and makes it easier for customers to find you.

Avoid Using Hyphens or Numbers

Hyphens and numbers can make your domain name harder to remember and type. They can also lead to confusion, as customers might forget to include them or type them incorrectly. Stick to letters whenever possible.

Avoid Being overly Generic

A domain name that’s too generic can make it difficult for customers to associate it with your brand. For example, a name like “BestProducts.com” doesn’t tell customers what you sell or why they should choose you over competitors.

Avoid Disregarding the Implications of SEO

Your domain name plays a role in your store’s SEO. Avoid using obscure or unrelated words that don’t align with your products or services. A well-chosen domain name can help improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your store.

Avoid Selecting a Popular Name

While it might be tempting to choose a domain name that’s similar to a well-known brand, this can lead to legal issues and confuse customers. Always opt for a unique name that reflects your brand and sets you apart from competitors.

Disregarding Scalability

Choose a domain name that allows for future growth. If you plan to expand your product line or target new markets, make sure your domain name is flexible enough to accommodate these changes. For example, a name like “NYCJewelry.com” might limit your store’s appeal if you decide to sell internationally.

How to connect Domain to Shopify

Connecting a domain for Shopify is an essential step to ensure your store runs smoothly. Shopify allows users to either buy a new domain through its platform or connect an existing one from a third-party provider. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to connect your domain to Shopify:

Connecting a Domain Purchased from Shopify

You would typically need to manually update the DNS records in your service provider's account in order to connect a domain that you bought from a third-party provider, such Google Domains or Wix, to Shopify. The reason behind this is that Shopify support is unable to access third-party settings.

To accomplish this, sign in to your service provider's account, find the domain administration or DNS settings section, and modify the following entries, especially the Shopify IP address for domain:

1. Point the A record to the Shopify IPv4 address 23.227.38.65

2. If required, switch the host to @

3. Remove any additional A records on the domain

4. Point the Shopify IPv6 address 2620:0127:f00f:5 to the AAAA record.

5. If required, switch Host back to @.

6. Remove all additional AAAA records from the domain.

7. Point to shops.myshopify.com in the CNAME record with the name www. (The period at the end of the domain must be included.)

8. Click "Save."

Following these steps, you ought to be able to finish the procedure in Shopify's settings:

1. Navigate to Settings > Domains from the Shopify admin panel.

2. Select "Connect Existing Domain."

3. Click Next after entering your URL in the Domain box.

4. Select "Connect Domain."

Don't worry if your domain doesn't update right away; remember that changes can take up to 48 hours to take effect. It's important to remember that in order to update domain settings and make payments for renewals, you will still need to go into your third-party account.

Fortunately, you can connect your domain to Shopify immediately if you purchased it from Shopify domain name generator like GoDaddy or IONOS, which will save you a great deal of trouble. In this instance:

1. Navigate to Settings > Domains from the Shopify admin panel.

2. Select "Connect Existing Domain."

3. After entering your domain, click Next.

4. Select "Connect Automatically."

5. Open your IONOS or GoDaddy account and log in.

6. After selecting Connect, select Close.

Cost for a Shopify Domain and How to Buy a Domain on Shopify

Can you buy domain through Shopify? Yes. Purchasing a Shopify domain is a straightforward process. Shopify offers domain registration services at competitive prices, making it easy to manage your store’s domain within the Shopify ecosystem.

The cost of a Shopify domain varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type of domain you want and any other services you may like. Here is a thorough explanation of what to anticipate in terms of Shopify domain pricing for your Shopify domain search:

Overview of Shopify domain cost:

• Free Subdomain: You can receive a free subdomain in the format yourstore.myshopify.com by registering for Shopify. Although it might be appropriate for testing purposes to get your store operational, it lacks the professionalism that comes with a personalized domain.

Find out more: What is Myshopify: Choose a Right Domain & Guide to Avoid Scams

• Custom domain prices: Depending on the top-level domain (TLD) extension, the price range for a custom domain would typically be between $10 and over $30 annually.

Reference for prices:

• .com domains: Around $14 per year

• .net domains: Around $17 per year

• .org domains: Around $16 per year

• Other TLDs like .store, .shop, and .co may have varying prices, typically ranging from $20 to $40 per year

Shopify domains include free SSL certificates, which secure your website and improve search engine trust.

How to Buy a Domain on Shopify

Follow these steps to purchase a domain through Shopify:

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin and go to Settings > Domains.

2. Click Buy New Domain and enter the desired domain name.

3. Shopify will show available domain options and their prices.

4. Choose the domain you want and proceed to checkout.

5. Complete the purchase, and Shopify will automatically configure the domain for your store.

Buying a domain directly through Shopify simplifies domain management, as it integrates seamlessly with your store, eliminating the need for manual DNS configuration. Therefore, it is advised to buy domain name Shopify for newbies or people who look for simplicity.

What You Should Know Before Changing Your Shopify Domain Name

Changing your Shopify domain name can have significant impacts on your brand identity, SEO rankings, and customer recognition. Before making the switch, consider the following factors:

SEO and Traffic Implications

When you change your domain name, search engines need time to reindex your website. This may temporarily affect your store’s rankings and organic traffic. To minimize this impact:

• Set up 301 redirects from the old domain to the new one.

• Update your domain in Google Search Console and Google Analytics.

• Inform customers and update links on social media and marketing materials

Find out more: Essential SEO Tips for Shopify: Increase Online Store Traffic

Email and Branding Considerations

• Update any email addresses associated with the old domain.

• Notify customers about the domain change via email and announcements.

• Revise branding materials such as business cards, packaging, and advertisements.

Third-Party Integrations

If you use third-party apps or services that rely on your domain name (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel), make sure to update their settings to reflect the new domain.

FAQs About Shopify Domains

Can I use my existing domain with Shopify?

Yes, you can use an existing domain with Shopify. Whether you’ve purchased your domain from a third-party provider or already own one, you can connect it to your Shopify store by updating your DNS settings.

Is it better to buy a domain from Shopify or a third-party provider in my Shopify domain name search?

Buying a domain directly from Shopify is convenient because it integrates seamlessly with your store and includes automatic SSL certification. However, third-party registrars may offer lower prices, more control over DNS settings, and additional features like email hosting. If you prioritize ease of use, Shopify is a good choice. If you want more flexibility, a third-party provider might be better.

What happens if my domain expires?

If your Shopify-registered domain expires, your store’s website may become inaccessible. Shopify allows a grace period for renewal, but after a certain time, the domain may become available for purchase by others. To avoid this, enable auto-renewal in your Shopify Admin under Domains.

Can I change my Shopify domain name later?

Yes, you can change your domain name on Shopify, but it requires updating settings, redirecting traffic, and considering SEO impacts. If you change your domain, ensure you set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new one and update all business-related links, including marketing materials and social media profiles.

What if I Transfer to another Domain Shopify no email?

The verification email might have been sent, but it might have been blocked or never made it to your inbox. You might try looking for a Shopify email in your inbox or in your spam bin.

A well-chosen Shopify domain name strengthens your brand, enhances SEO, and makes your store more accessible to customers. Whether you’re buying a domain through Shopify or connecting an external one, following best practices ensures seamless integration and long-term success. Keep your domain simple, memorable, and relevant to your brand while avoiding common pitfalls like hyphens, overly generic names, and SEO mistakes. By properly managing and securing your Shopify domain, you can create a strong online presence and drive sustainable growth for your eCommerce business.