How do I transfer my domain to another online store?

What is a domain, and why transfer it?

Your domain is your unique address on the internet – it's, e.g., "yourcompanyname.com". When you have an online store, your domain is crucial for your customers to find you. But what do you do if you want to move your online store to a new platform but want to keep your well-known domain?

There can be many reasons to transfer your domain to another online store platform:

• You're dissatisfied with your current provider (too expensive, too hard to use, poor support).
• You want new features or a more modern solution.
• You need a simpler and more user-friendly platform that better fits your needs as a non-technical entrepreneur.

Considerations before you transfer your domain

Before you start with the actual transfer, there are a few important things to think about:

• Back up your content: Although domain transfer isn't about moving your products, images, and texts, it's always a good idea to have a backup of your current online store content, just in case. Your new online store is typically empty and requires you to create the content anew.
• Check your current agreement: Some domain providers have specific rules or locks for when a domain can be transferred. Make sure you have access to "release" the domain.
• Choose your new platform: Choose an online store provider that fits your needs for simplicity, price, and support. This is a good opportunity to choose a solution that makes it easy for you in the future.

Step-by-step guide to transferring your domain

The process of transferring your domain to a new online store platform can seem technical, but it can be boiled down to a few manageable steps. Remember, your new online store provider can often help you with this.

1. Prepare your current domain

The first step is to prepare your domain so it can be transferred. This is done with your current domain provider (which is often also your online store provider or a company like domain registrars):

• Unlock the domain: Many domains are "locked" to prevent unauthorized transfer. You need to log into your domain provider and find a setting that says something like "unlock domain" or "deactivate domain lock".
• Find your EPP code (authorization code): An EPP code (also called an authorization code or transfer code) is a unique password that proves you're the owner of the domain and gives permission to transfer it. This code you typically also find in your control panel with your current domain provider.
• Deactivate WHOIS Privacy (if activated): If you use a WHOIS Privacy service that hides your contact information, it can sometimes create problems during a transfer. Consider deactivating it temporarily during the transfer.

2. Choose your new online store platform

Once your domain is ready, you need to choose the new platform that your domain should point to. Here it's important to choose a solution that makes it easy for you to sell online. For example, GoShup.com is created to be the easiest online store system, where you avoid technical details and get free support if you need help with your domain transfer.

3. Set up the domain on your new online store

Now you need to "tell" your new online store platform that your domain should point there:

• Add domain to your new online store: Log into the control panel on your new online store and find the section for domains. Here you can typically add your existing domain and enter the EPP code.
• Update DNS settings: This is the most technical step, but your new online store provider will give you the necessary information. You need to either:
  • Change name servers: This is often the easiest solution. You change the settings with your domain provider (where you found the EPP code) so the domain points to your new online store's name servers (e.g., "ns1.newstore.com" and "ns2.newstore.com"). Your new online store provider gives you these addresses.
  • Set up an A-record: If you want to keep your domain provider and just point your online store elsewhere, you can typically change a so-called A-record to the IP address your new online store gives you. This is a bit more advanced, and name server change is often preferable for beginners.

  Important: Your new online store provider will have a clear guide on how you should point your domain over to them. Follow it precisely!

4. Check and test your new online store

After making the changes, you need to wait for them to take effect. This is called "propagation" and can take from a few hours up to 48 hours, although it often goes faster.

• Try visiting your domain in your browser. If it shows your new online store, it succeeded!
• Clear your browser's cache if you still see the old page.
• Check all pages and functions on your new online store to ensure everything works as it should.

What about my email?

If your email address (e.g., info@yourcompanyname.com) is linked to your domain, you should be aware that a domain transfer can affect it. Often email hosting comes with the domain provider. If you change name servers (the easiest method), you need to make sure to set up your email settings on the new platform if it offers email, or consider an external email solution (e.g., from Google Workspace or Microsoft 365).

Your new online store provider can guide you on what's best in your situation.

Typical challenges and solutions

Transferring your domain may sound like a big task, but with the right guidance and a user-friendly online store platform, it can be done painlessly. The most important thing to remember is always to contact support with your new online store provider if you're unsure. They're there to help you get started successfully!