How to Remove Shopify From Your URL

In today’s digital landscape, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. With platforms like Shopify providing a user-friendly and feature-rich environment for creating and managing online stores, more and more entrepreneurs are turning to this e-commerce solution. However, one common challenge that many Shopify store owners face is the default inclusion of “Shopify” in their store’s URL. While this may not seem like a big issue at first, it can have significant implications for branding and search engine optimization (SEO). In this article, we will explore why customizing your Shopify URL is important and provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove “Shopify” from your URL.

Understanding the Importance of Customizing Your Shopify URL

Your store’s URL is more than just an address on the web; it is a representation of your brand and a key element of your online identity. When potential customers see a URL that includes “Shopify,” it can create confusion and give the impression that your store is just one of many using the same platform. Customizing your URL not only helps differentiate your store but also instills trust and credibility in your customers. Moreover, a customized URL allows you to align your store’s web address with your brand name, making it easier for customers to remember and associate with your business.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Shopify from Your URL

Now that we understand the importance of customizing your Shopify URL, let’s dive into the process of removing “Shopify” from your web address. Please note that this guide assumes you already have a Shopify store set up and have access to its settings.

1. Login to your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the “Online Store” section.

2. Click on “Domains” in the left sidebar.

3. In the “Manage Domains” section, you will see your current Shopify domain listed. Click on “Manage” next to it.

4. Scroll down to the “Third-party domains” section and click on “Connect existing domain.”

5. Enter the domain name that you would like to use for your Shopify store. Keep in mind that the domain must be available and not already associated with another website.

6. After entering the domain name, Shopify will provide you with instructions on how to connect your domain to your store. These instructions may vary depending on your domain registrar, so be sure to follow them carefully.

7. Once you have successfully connected your custom domain, you can remove the default Shopify domain by clicking on the “X” next to it.

The Benefits of Removing Shopify from Your URL

Customizing your Shopify URL offers several benefits. Firstly, it enhances your store’s branding by creating a unique web address that aligns with your business name. This not only makes it easier for customers to remember and find your store but also establishes a professional and polished image. Secondly, removing “Shopify” from your URL can positively impact your store’s SEO. Search engines tend to favor websites with customized domains, as they perceive them as more trustworthy and authoritative. By customizing your Shopify URL, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results and attracting organic traffic.

Common Issues with Default Shopify URLs

While the default Shopify URLs are functional and reliable, they do come with some drawbacks. One of the main issues is the lack of personalization. When a customer sees a URL with “Shopify” in it, they may assume that the store is just a generic template or lacks uniqueness. This perception can hinder the establishment of a strong brand identity and impact customer trust. Additionally, default Shopify URLs can be long and difficult to remember, leading to lower direct traffic and a higher reliance on search engine referrals. Customizing your URL addresses these issues and puts you in control of your online presence.

Choosing a Custom Domain for Your Shopify Store

When selecting a custom domain for your Shopify store, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, choose a domain that reflects your business name or the products you sell. A domain that closely matches your brand increases recognizability and makes it easier for customers to associate with your store. Secondly, opt for a domain that is short, memorable, and easy to spell. This will help customers type your web address correctly and improve the overall user experience. Lastly, consider incorporating relevant keywords in your domain to align with your SEO strategy. However, be careful not to overstuff your domain with keywords, as it can negatively impact your search engine rankings.

Exploring Different Methods to Remove Shopify from Your URL

If you already have an established Shopify store with a default URL, you might be wondering if it is possible to remove “Shopify” without changing your domain entirely. While Shopify does not offer a built-in option for removing “Shopify” from your URL, there are alternative approaches you can explore. One method is to use a subdomain, such as “store.yourdomain.com,” which can help create a more seamless transition. Another option is to utilize a URL redirection service, which redirects visitors from a custom domain to your Shopify store. These methods can offer a workaround for removing “Shopify” from your URL while maintaining your existing domain.

How to Set Up a Custom Domain in Shopify

Setting up a custom domain in Shopify is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Login to your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the “Online Store” section.

2. Click on “Domains” in the left sidebar.

3. In the “Manage Domains” section, click on “Buy new domain” if you need to purchase a new domain. Alternatively, click on “Connect existing domain” if you already own a custom domain.

4. If purchasing a new domain, follow the on-screen prompts to select and purchase your desired domain. Shopify simplifies the domain purchasing process by offering a seamless integration with leading domain registrars.

5. If connecting an existing domain, enter your domain name and follow the instructions provided by Shopify to connect it to your store.

6. Once your custom domain is connected, you can set it as the primary domain by clicking on the “Make primary” button next to it.

Migrating Your Existing Shopify Store to a Custom Domain

If you already have an established Shopify store and wish to migrate it to a custom domain, it is important to plan the process carefully to minimize disruption and preserve your search engine rankings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you migrate your store:

1. Choose your new custom domain and connect it to your Shopify store following the steps outlined in the previous section.

2. Set up URL redirects to ensure that visitors are automatically redirected from the old Shopify URL to the new custom domain. This helps preserve SEO rankings and ensures a seamless transition for existing customers.

3. Inform your customers about the upcoming changes and the new web address. Consider sending out email notifications, updating your social media profiles, and adding banners or pop-ups on your website to alert visitors of the migration.

4. Monitor your website’s performance and closely monitor any potential issues post-migration, such as broken links or missing content. Regularly check your analytics and conduct thorough testing to ensure a smooth user experience.

Best Practices for Optimizing Your Customized Shopify URL

Once you have successfully removed “Shopify” from your URL and customized it to align with your store’s branding, you can further optimize your web address for SEO and user experience. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Use a consistent URL structure throughout your store. This includes using lowercase letters, avoiding special characters and spaces, and utilizing hyphens to separate words.

2. Optimize your URL by including relevant keywords that accurately describe the content of the page. However, ensure that your URLs remain concise and not overly lengthy.

3. Avoid changing your custom domain frequently, as it can negatively impact your SEO rankings. Consistency is key when it comes to establishing authority and trust with search engines.

4. Regularly monitor and update your URL redirects to ensure that all pages are correctly redirected from the old Shopify URLs to the new custom URLs. This helps prevent broken links and preserves SEO rankings.

Avoiding SEO Pitfalls when Changing Your Shopify URL Structure

While customizing your Shopify URL can have several benefits, it is important to approach the process cautiously to avoid potential SEO pitfalls. Changing your URL structure without proper planning and implementation can lead to a loss of organic traffic and temporarily impact search engine rankings. To mitigate these risks, consider the following strategies:

1. Map out your new URL structure and ensure it aligns with your website’s overall information architecture. Properly redirect old URLs to their corresponding new URLs to avoid broken links and loss of traffic.

2. Update your internal links to reflect the new URL structure. This includes updating navigation menus, footer links, and any hardcoded links within your website’s content.

3. Notify search engines of your URL structure changes by submitting an updated sitemap. This helps search engines crawl and index your new URLs more efficiently.

4. Monitor your website’s rankings, traffic, and indexed pages using tools like Google Search Console. Keep a close eye on any sudden drops in rankings or changes in organic traffic and make necessary adjustments as needed.

How to Redirect Traffic from Old URLs to New Custom URLs in Shopify

Redirecting traffic from old Shopify URLs to the new custom URLs is crucial to preserving rankings and ensuring a seamless user experience. Shopify provides a built-in URL redirect feature that simplifies the process. Here’s how you can set up URL redirects in Shopify:

1. Login to your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the “Online Store” section.

2. Click on “Navigation” in the left sidebar, then select “URL Redirects.”

3. Click on the “Add URL redirect” button.

4. In the “Old path” field, enter the URL of the old Shopify page that you want to redirect.

5. In the “New path” field, enter the URL of the corresponding new custom page.

6. Choose the redirect type. “301 Redirect” is the recommended option, as it signifies a permanent redirect and helps preserve search engine rankings.

7. Save the redirect, and Shopify will automatically handle the redirection for you.

Troubleshooting: Dealing with Broken Links and Redirect Errors after Removing Shopify from Your URL

Despite careful planning, there may be instances where broken links or redirect errors occur after removing “Shopify” from your URL. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to address these issues:

1. Double-check your URL redirects to ensure they are set up correctly. Confirm that the old Shopify URLs are redirected to the corresponding new custom URLs.

2. Use a tool like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to identify any broken internal or external links on your website. Update or fix these links to ensure a smooth user experience.

3. Analyze your website’s analytics data, paying attention to any sudden drops in traffic or referral sources. This can help identify specific pages or sections that may be experiencing issues.

4. Reach out to Shopify’s customer support if the issues persist or require further investigation. They have a team of experts available to assist with technical difficulties and provide guidance.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition: Preparing to Remove Shopify from Your URL

Before embarking on the process of removing “Shopify” from your URL, it is essential to prepare yourself and your store for a smooth transition. Here are a few steps to take:

1. Backup your website’s data and content to ensure that no valuable information is lost during the migration process.

2. Update any external links or marketing materials that may be pointing to your old Shopify URLs. This includes social media profiles, email campaigns, and online advertisements.

3. Communicate with your customers and inform them about the upcoming changes. Provide clear instructions on accessing your store using the new custom domain to minimize any potential confusion.

4. Monitor your website’s performance closely post-migration. Be prepared to address any issues promptly and communicate with your customers if any downtime or disruptions occur.

Understanding the Impact on SEO when Changing Your Shopify URL

Changing your Shopify URL has significant implications for your store’s SEO. While a smooth and well-planned migration can preserve or even improve your rankings, a poorly executed one can have adverse effects. It is important to understand the potential impact on SEO when changing your URL structure. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Search engines may take some time to recognize and index your new URLs. Be patient and monitor your website’s performance closely during this period.

2. Update your XML sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console to help search engines discover and crawl your new URLs more efficiently.

3. Monitor your website’s rankings and organic traffic post-migration. If you notice significant drops, evaluate potential technical issues, such as incorrect redirect setup or broken links.

4. Continuously monitor and optimize your website’s SEO efforts, including on-page optimization, content creation, and link building, to maintain or improve your search engine rankings.

In conclusion, customizing your Shopify URL by removing “Shopify” is an important step in establishing your brand’s online identity and enhancing your store’s SEO. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article and considering the best practices outlined, you can successfully remove “Shopify” from your URL and create a more personalized and professional web address for your Shopify store. Remember to plan carefully, monitor your website’s performance, and address any issues promptly to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any negative impact on SEO and user experience.