How do I change my domain name?

Can you even "change" a domain name?

The question about "changing your domain name" is one of the most common for new online store owners. But it's important to understand that you can't really "change" an existing domain name, just like you can't change a house number on a building. Instead, it's about getting a new domain name and then moving your online store or website to the new address.

Think of it as moving to a new home: You keep your furniture and belongings (the content on your online store), but you get a new address (your new domain name). The process requires a bit of planning, but doesn't need to be technically complicated, especially not if you use a user-friendly platform.

The process for switching domain name

Switching domain name is about setting up your content under a new address and ensuring your old visitors find the new one. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Choose and register your new domain

  • Choose the right name: Think carefully about your new domain name. Is it easy to remember? Does it relate to your brand or your products? Avoid spelling errors and overly long names.
  • Check availability: Once you have a few ideas, you need to check if the domain name is available. This is typically done directly with your online store provider or a domain registrar.
  • Register the domain: Buy and register the new domain name so you own the right to it.

Step 2: Move or set up the content

This is the core of the process, and the complexity depends very much on the platform you use for your online store or website:

  • With a user-friendly platform (e.g., GoShup.com): One of the big advantages of using an all-in-one platform like GoShup.com is that this part is remarkably easy. You can often just connect your new domain to your existing online store via the platform's settings. The content (products, pages, blog posts) remains the same and automatically becomes available under your new domain name. The platform handles the technical connections for you.
  • With other systems: If you use more complex or self-hosted solutions, it can involve moving files, databases, and updating configuration files. This often requires technical knowledge or help from a developer.

Step 3: Set up forwarding (301 redirect)

This is one of the most important steps to ensure a smooth transition and preserve your position in search engines:

  • What is a 301 redirect? A 301 redirect is a permanent forwarding from your old domain name to your new one. It's like putting a sign on your old front door that says: "We've moved to this new address!"
  • Why is it important?
    • For users: If someone tries to visit your old address, they're automatically sent to the new one without noticing it.
    • For search engines (SEO): A 301 redirect tells Google and other search engines that your online store has moved permanently. This helps transfer the "value" (link juice, ranking) from your old domain to your new one, so you don't lose your position in search results.
  • How do you do it? Many online store and hosting providers have a built-in function to set up 301 redirects. If you're unsure, you should contact your provider's support.

Step 4: Update everything else

The domain name is only one part. Remember to update all places where your old address appears:

  • Your email addresses
  • Your social media profiles
  • Business cards, brochures, and other physical marketing materials
  • Online catalogs, industry directories, and Google My Business
  • All places where you have links to your online store (e.g., in your email signature)

Considerations before you switch

Switching domain name is a big decision. Here are a few things to remember:

  • Temporary SEO impact: Even though a 301 redirect helps, there can be a temporary period where your position in search engines drops a bit. It's normal, but you should monitor it.
  • Communication: Consider informing your regular customers via email or social media about the new address, even though forwarding is in place.
  • Patience: It can take time before search engines fully have indexed your new domain and transferred all "authority" from the old one.

Get help if you're unsure

Even though we've tried to make the process manageable, it can still seem like a big task, especially if you're new to the online store world. Never hesitate to contact your online store provider's support if you're unsure about anything. They can guide you through the specific steps for their platform and ensure the switch goes as smoothly as possible.