Shopify Domain Cost: Everything You Need to Know

A good online presence must begin with a suitable domain name. Shopify domain name costs are important to consider for Shopify users when making such a purchase as well. This is BSS Commerce Shopify’s guide on how different cost factors affect domain pricing: first up, registration and renewal fees.

Let’s understand the elements associated with Shopify domain cost and how you can best invest in them for your online store.

So, let’s get started!

What is a Shopify Domain?

Shopify domain is the unique web address that directs customers to your online store. Thus, it serves both as a navigational tool and a part of your brand identity. When you create a Shopify store, it provides you with a free subdomain (yourstore.myshopify.com), which would be good for testing but is not very professional if you want to mature as an online business.

When you buy your store on a custom Shopify domain (like yourstore.com), it boosts the store’s visibility and increases its credibility, enabling customers to easily remember and trust the website. Shopify has done all to simplify the process of acquiring and managing custom domains directly on its platform without going through the typical long path of registering domains with third-party registrars.

Read more: Shopify Domain Checker: The Ultimate Tool for Choosing Your Domain Name

Types of Domains Offered by Shopify

There are two specific types of domains given by Shopify for your online store:

Free Subdomain

You’re given a free subdomain automatically formatted as yourstore.myshopify.com at the sign-up for Shopify. This is the free subdomain that would allow you to immediately start selling without incurring additional charges. It’s really handy for new users but probably doesn’t do a lot for the professionalism or brand that a custom domain could give.

Custom Domains

More classically addressing online presence, Shopify sells you a custom domain such as www.yourstore.com. These custom domains can be purchased from Shopify or any other registrar. This type is good for brand credibility, custom domain will make your customer remember your address better. Generally, the custom domain is attached along with some features like WHOIS privacy protection and the capability of setting up an email address associated with your domain.

The Final Verdict: The free subdomain seems appropriate for all tests and setups but buying a custom domain would be a very good decision in building a trust and recognition-based online brand.

How Much Does a Shopify Domain Cost?

Shopify domain cost is quite different as a result of so many variables such as: the domain type to choose, and additional services you may want. Here is a complete discussion about what to expect with regard to pricing on domains at Shopify:

Shopify domain pricing overview:

• Free Subdomain: Signing up for Shopify gets you access to a free subdomain in the format yourstore.myshopify.com. This would be suitable for getting your store up and running for testing purposes, but it does not have the same professionalism that you would use with a custom domain.
• Prices for Custom Domain: If you are considering having your own custom domain, then the costs would generally range from about $10 to more than $30 each year depending on the top-level domain (TLD) extension).

Check out this list below of top level Shopify domain pricing that you can consider:

.com – $15
.net – $18
.org – $17
.us – $16
.online – $11
.co – $18
.info – $25
.shop – $10
.store – $9
.ca – $16
.sale – $32

Before buying a domain name from the many domain registration companies, it is vital to know what top level domain (TLD) you require. For example, the most typical and ideal TLD would be .com, which most Shopify stores employ, especially the ones that operate for profit.

Here’s an important things to consider:

• Initial Buying Cost: Different registrars may charge differently depending on their extension, as well as running promotions or discounts. Most registrars have some form of cut-throat pricing for attracting customers in the first year.
• Renewal Rate: The renewal of the ownership of the domain takes place at a higher rate than the introductory price after expiry. Whenever you plan long-term, you will find that maintaining your domain does not choke your finances in the foreseeable future.
• Domain Extensions (.com, .net, .shop, etc.): The price of most extensions is affected by the selection of a domain extension. The common extensions like .com, .net, and .org tend to have very high prices because of a large number of people requesting those domains. Even so, the relatively new and specialized ones such as .shop or .blog are more cost-effective and can serve as great personal brand alternatives.
• Premium Names: Some domain names are categorized as premium based on their perceived worth. Premium domains are typically very short or memorable, and some contain specific relevant keywords that relate directly to certain industries. Premium domain names vary in price, with some demanding a high price in secondary markets and others staying at a reasonable price.
• Privacy Protection: Domain privacy protection, also called WHOIS privacy, is an optional service that secures personal information from public domain registration records. It is often charged extra and may also be a factor in the complete cost of owning a domain.

>> You may concern: How to Change Shopify Store Name

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Comparing Shopify Domain Cost to Other Registrars

These days, registrars such as GoDaddy, Google Domains, and Namecheap tend to offer competitive rates:

• The Initial Payment: For some registrars, it could cost as little as $0.99 for the first year, especially when offered as an introductory price. But these low first-year payment rates often come with higher renewal rates.
• Renewal Prices: The renewal price varies on a wider scale. For example, renewal fees at Shopify would usually match first-year costs, while third-party registrars will have huge jump-off figures as compared to what they charge within the first year of registration.
• Privacy Protection: A majority of third-party registrars will charge an additional fee for WHOIS privacy; this is free with Shopify domains.

In short, Shopify offers a convenient and integrated solution for purchasing domains. However, third-party registrars could offer lower up-front pricing and a greater range of domain extensions. Therefore, look into your needs such as budgeting, classes of domain extensions you want and ease of management in order to determine where to purchase your domain.

Buying a Domain Name Through Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Purchasing a domain name from Shopify entails a series of steps that are exhaustive and properly structured to simplify the whole process. Each step is purposeful with its requirements.

The first step is selecting a domain name, an inevitable backbone of brand identity. An engaging and memorable domain name for a business should closely reflect the business for effective branding.

Next, ensure that the domain name that you have chosen is wholly original. In this regard, you can take help from a good domain name generator provided by Shopify. After you have decided on the name and the top-level domain (TLD) you want to use, you can proceed to the next steps.

Step 1: Go to Shopify Admin Panel: Start by selecting the Settings section, then click on Domains.

Step 2: Click on the Buy New Domain option.

Step 3: Enter Your Desired Domain Name

Step 4: Check out TLD Extension availability: Review the above list of TLD extensions available. If you don’t get your desired extension, go for a variant or search again. Remember, TLD availability is ever-changing, so check it out later if needed.

Step 5: Opt for Your Domain: After finding the desired website, click Buy.

Step 6: Review Your Purchase Details: Carefully check your purchase summary before proceeding to payment. Ensure that all personal details, domain renewal preferences, and privacy options are accurate:

• In the Domain to be registered section, consider enabling automatic renewal to avoid losing your domain when it expires.
• In the Contact information section, verify that the email and details of the Shopify store owner are correct.
• Confirm that WHOIS privacy is included for your domain extension; a message will indicate its presence.

Step 7: Provide Payment Information: Enter the required payment details to finalize your domain purchase. Shopify accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

Step 8: Review Policies: Read before you pay for it – get through the ICANN policy and read the Domain Registration Agreement too.

Step 9: Make Your Purchase: Click on the Buy domain button to finish your transaction.

Step 10: Verify Your Email Address: Check every mail from Shopify after buying your domain to verify your email address. This includes confirmation of your purchase, instruction to verify your email address, and data-sharing options in the email.

>> You shouldn’t miss: How To Set Up B2B And Wholesale Stores On Shopify In A Effective Way

Pros and Cons of Buying a Domain Through Shopify

Many online retailers may find it attractive to buy a domain through Shopify, but it has its good and bad sides. Here’s a complete outline of all the pros and cons so that you can make a decision on whether this is a way you want to go:

Pros of Buying a Domain Through Shopify

• Integrated System: One benefit of buying a domain through Shopify is that it provides an uninterrupted experience for purchasing a domain name that sets up without hassle with your online store. Basically it is configured automatically but does not require manual modifications of DNS settings, which can become pretty scary if you don’t have a technical background.
• Central Management: Now that you have your domain linked yet to your store’s settings in the Shopify admin panel, everything becomes a lot easier to manage. Now, you have one centralized location where you can oversee and track all operations in relation to your domain and store.
• Included Services: If you bought a domain through Shopify, it would also cover WHOIS privacy and SSL certificates at no extra cost to add security and trustworthiness across the board.
• User-Friendly for Beginners: If someone wants an easy setup experience, buying a domain through Shopify provides the simplest way to avoid all the complications in dealing with third-party registrars.

Cons of Buying a Domain Through Shopify

• Higher Affordability Costs: Domains obtained through Shopify can cost higher than those from other third party registrars. Initial prices lie typically between $11 and $16 a year. However, the fee for renewing can cross the $20 annual boundary, proving not to be cost-effective for some users.
• Limited Options Available in Domains: Compared to a pure domain registering company, Shopify has a more limited offering of domain names and extensions. If you were after a particular country extension or niche TLDs, you might be out of the options.
• Shopify Dependency: If you buy the domain from Shopify and you decide to move to a different e-commerce platform a bit later, you will have to face further complications in transferring your domain between setups. Also, any issues regarding your Shopify account could mean affecting access to your domain.
• No Specialized Support: Domain support is one service provided by Shopify, though it may not be as specialized as with a dedicated domain registrar. In the event that there is an issue in regard to the domain, getting assistance may, therefore, prove to be somewhat more time-consuming.

In conclusion, although acquiring a domain name from Shopify brings with it ease of use and convenience, especially for novices in eCommerce, one must keep in mind the possible higher prices and limited choices such domains may come with before acting.

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Tips and Best Strategies for Choosing and Buying a Domain On Shopify

Tips to Choose a Domain On Shopify

• Keep It Short and Memorable: Choose a short domain name that is easy to spell and is memorable. Simple names will not result in many errors made by customers as regards to typing your URL.
• Reflect Your Brand Identity: The domain should reflect your overall brand identity. Whether the name is your store or just a unique description, make sure it aligns with your website’s branding.
• Prefer .com Extensions: Even though Shopify sells domains under various extensions like .store or .shop, the .com extension is by far the most recognizable and widely trusted. If your favorite .com isn’t available, you will need to come up with something unique.
• Include the Right Keywords: Some keywords that are relevant to your business can help with SEO and let you know exactly what your store is offering. For instance, a name like EcoFriendlyProducts.com tells the customer a lot about what is being sold in this store.
• Pronounce and Spell Test: Say your domain out loud to determine whether it’s easy to pronounce and spell. A straightforward name prevents lost potential customers.
• Look for Trademark Issues: Before making your final selection, check that the domain name won’t infringe on any current trademarks or copyrights, avoiding all legal tangles.
• Use Domain Name Generators: Make some noise using the Shopify’s domain name generator and let it collect creative keywords from business-related keywords.
• Research Availability Across Platforms: Other than checking for availability on Shopify, ensure that the site name is also present on social media platforms to create total brand coherence.

Tips to Get a Cost-effective Domain

• Keep an eye for Promotions: Most domains registrar offer discounts or promotional pricing on the first year of registration. Look for such promotions when buying from Shopify or any other registrar.
• Think Long-term: Sometimes, long-duration registration of cost of Shopify domain name less than annual renewals, which may vary from time to time.
• Compare Different Extensions: .com is the king, but try out extensions like .store or .online for a better price match with your brand.
• Steer Clear of Premium Domains In Case There Is No Need: Premium domains are much costlier than their normal counterparts, because what people think about them is their value. Buy only if it is really very important for your brand; else look for a modicum to fit into your budget.
• WHOIS Privacy: Make excellent use of free WHOIS privacy protection included by Shopify without making an additional expense to keep your personal details safe.
• Watch for renewal charges: Renewal charges of a domain differ with each registrar as well. Always select a registrar with upfront pricing, so there will be no nasty surprises later.

FAQs – Shopify Domain Cost

1. Does Shopify get any free domain names?

With an account on Shopify, you get a free subdomain which goes something like this: yourstore.myshopify.com; but if you want a professional look, then purchase a custom domain.

2. What’s the renewal fee for a Shopify domain?

Generally, renewal charges vary from domain extension to domain extension at Shopify. After the registration term expires, your domain would have to be renewed at a price which is usually more than the introductory rate.

3. Can I register a domain for multiple years?

Yes, you can register that domain from Shopify for many years. By doing this, you will ensure that you will hold the uses of your domain for a longer time without the need to renew it every year.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, Shopify is most likely the best option available for purchasing a domain, especially for those who are interested in starting a business online. Shopify domain cost is well worth the investment based on the offers attached to them.

Of course, to find a cheaper Shopify domain cost, follow the tips and techniques laid out in this guide. You can find an effective balance between cost and value in creating a powerful online presence for your business.

BSS Commerce Shopify hopes you find more of these tips helpful to you. Visit our website for much more interesting information and enlightenment about Shopify tutorials. Thank you for reading!