Can You Change Your Shopify Store Name? A Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Shop Identity
Your Shopify store name serves as the digital foundation of your brand identity. But what happens when you need to rebrand or correct a naming mistake? This comprehensive guide answers two crucial questions: “Can you change your Shopify store name?” and “How do you modify it effectively?”
Is Shopify Store Name Modification Allowed?
Yes, Shopify explicitly allows store owners to change their shop name at any time through their admin dashboard. Unlike some ecommerce platforms that lock this feature, Shopify offers remarkable flexibility for rebranding efforts.
Important consideration: While technically simple, name changes impact your:
- Store URL structure (yourname.myshopify.com)
- SEO performance
- Customer recognition
Shopify’s official documentation confirms name changes don’t affect existing orders or product data.
How to Change Your Shopify Store Name in 5 Steps
Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin Panel
Log into your Shopify account and navigate to Settings > General in the left-hand menu. This is where all core store configurations reside.
Step 2: Locate Store Details Section
Scroll to the “Store details” section containing your current:
- Legal business name
- Display name
- Contact information
Step 3: Edit Store Name Field
Click the “Change” button next to your current store name. A text field will appear where you can input your new brand identity.
Step 4: Verify Domain Availability
Shopify automatically checks if your new name.myshopify.com URL is available. If unavailable, you’ll need to:
- Try alternative spellings
- Add location descriptors (e.g., “NYC”)
- Consider purchasing a custom domain
Step 5: Save Changes & Update Assets
After confirming, click “Save” to implement your new store name. Immediately update these elements:
- Email templates
- Social media profiles
- Marketing materials
Best Practices for Choosing a Shopify Store Name
Reduce future rebranding needs with these naming strategies:
1. Prioritize Brandability Over Trends
Create unique names like “Glossier” or “Allbirds” rather than descriptive phrases. Trendy names like “TikTokTeas” quickly become dated.
2. Conduct Thorough SEO Research
Use tools like Ahrefs Keyword Generator to find:
- Low-competition keywords
- Brandable search terms
- Industry-specific lingo
3. Ensure Cross-Platform Consistency
Check name availability on:
- Social media (@yourname)
- Domain registrars (yourname.com)
- Trademark databases
The SEO Impact of Changing Your Store Name
Major search engines like Google may temporarily lower your rankings during the transition period. Mitigate SEO damage by:
1. Implementing 301 Redirects
Permanent redirects preserve link equity from your old URLs. Shopify’s URL redirect tool makes this process straightforward.
2. Updating Schema Markup
Modify structured data using tools like Schema Markup Generator to help search engines recognize your rebranding.
3. Monitoring Search Console
Track keyword fluctuations and indexation status through Google Search Console for 90 days post-change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change My Store Name Multiple Times?
Shopify permits unlimited changes, but frequent modifications damage brand consistency and SEO performance.
Does Changing Name Affect My Custom Domain?
No. Custom domains (www.yourstore.com) remain unchanged unless you manually modify them in Domains settings.
How Long Until the New Name Appears Everywhere?
Most updates occur instantly, but some elements may take 24-48 hours:
- Google search results
- Cached website versions
- Third-party app integrations
Rebranding Checklist: Before You Change Names
Ensure smooth transition by completing these 7 tasks:
- Notify existing customers via email
- Update legal documents and tax IDs
- Create redirects for old URLs
- Refresh logo and visual assets
- Inform suppliers and partners
- Schedule social media announcements
- Backup current store data
Changing your Shopify store name is a powerful rebranding tool when executed strategically. By following this guide and considering the SEO implications, you can refresh your brand identity while maintaining search visibility and customer trust.
