How to Connect Custom Domain to Shopify
Shopify is a popular platform for creating online stores, but many users want to use their own custom domain instead of the default Shopify domain. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to connect a custom domain to your Shopify store.
Step 1: Purchase a Domain
The first step in connecting a custom domain to Shopify is to purchase a domain from a domain registrar. There are many domain registrars to choose from, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Make sure to choose a domain that reflects your brand and is easy to remember.
Step 2: Access Your Shopify Account
Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to the "Online Store" tab. Click on "Domains" to access the domain settings for your Shopify store.
Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain
Click on the "Connect existing domain" button and enter your custom domain name. Shopify will automatically verify the domain and provide you with DNS records that you need to add to your domain registrar's settings.
Step 4: Update DNS Settings
Log in to your domain registrar's account and navigate to the DNS settings for your domain. Add the DNS records provided by Shopify, including the A record, CNAME record, and TXT record. Save the changes and wait for the DNS records to propagate, which can take up to 48 hours.
Step 5: Verify Your Domain
After updating the DNS settings, return to your Shopify account and click on the "Verify connection" button. Shopify will check the DNS records to ensure that your custom domain is correctly connected to your store.
Step 6: Set Your Custom Domain as Primary
Once Shopify has verified the connection, you can set your custom domain as the primary domain for your store. This will ensure that visitors to your site see your custom domain in the address bar.
Step 7: Secure Your Domain with SSL
Shopify provides free SSL certificates for custom domains, which encrypt the data exchanged between your store and your customers. To enable SSL for your custom domain, navigate to the "Online Store" tab in your Shopify account and click on "Domains." Click on the "Enable SSL" button next to your custom domain to secure it with SSL.
Conclusion
Connecting a custom domain to your Shopify store is a simple process that can help you establish a strong brand presence online. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your customers can easily find and trust your online store. Take the time to choose a memorable domain name and follow the instructions to connect it to your Shopify store successfully.
