There are many different store names on Shopify, and you need to pick a special one to make your store stand out. In this article, BSS Commerce Shopify will show you the important steps and tricks to find the perfect Shopify domain name using the Shopify domain checker. Plus, we’ll share some easy ways to buy or change your Shopify domain.

What is a Shopify domain?

Your Shopify domain is your online store’s unique address

Your Shopify domain is your online store’s unique address, where customers visit to explore your offerings. It’s crucial to select a cool store name that’s memorable and represents your business well.

>>> 150+ Best Shopify Store Name Ideas to Elevate Your Online Business

Additionally, in today’s digital landscape, ensuring your store is mobile-friendly is essential, and Shopify effortlessly caters to this requirement. A distinctive domain name strengthens your brand and maintains consistency as your business progresses. Opting for simple endings like .com aids customers in finding you easily and enhances your visibility on search engines.

Shopify simplifies the entire process by providing a comprehensive package that covers domain registration, hosting, and efficient domain management. This integrated approach ensures that everything, from your storefront to your sales, is centralized, eliminating the complexities of managing multiple platforms.

Steps to Choose the Right Shopify Domain Name?

You can follow four steps to choose a suitable Shopify domain name for your store:

Choose a good name for your online store

Start by thinking of different names that match your products or brand. You can also use words that are similar or related. Using your brand name as the domain is a good idea. Once you have some options, check if they are available.

Check domain name availability using Shopify domain checkers

Use the Shopify domain checker to see if the name you want is free. If it is, you can use it. If not, try other names. It’s a good idea to check both .com and .net versions. Even though new options like .shop or .us exist, .com domains are often more trustworthy.

Set up your account and change DNS settings

Shopify has different domain options. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Choose a Domain: Pick one that suits your needs and set up your account.
  • Adjust DNS Settings: Modify your DNS settings. If you need help, Shopify’s support team can assist you.
  • DNS Activation: The DNS records may take a few hours to activate. You can check the status in Shopify admin under ‘Domains.’
  • Subdomain vs. Root Domain: If you prefer a subdomain (e.g., shop.mydomain.com), adjust it in the ‘Domains’ section.
    Linking to Specific Store: If you want to connect a particular Shopify store to a custom domain, add the domain under ‘Store settings’ in the ‘Domains’ section.
  • Note for Shopify Lite Plan: With Shopify Lite, you can only use a shop.shopify.com domain and can’t link a custom domain.

Connect your domain to Shopify

Set up your account and change DNS settings

  • After your DNS settings are active, link your domain to Shopify to create your online store. Here’s a quick guide:
  • Go to ‘Settings’ in Shopify admin.
  • In the ‘Domains’ section, enter your desired domain in the ‘Domain name’ field.
  • If the domain is free, choose ‘Add domain.’
  • If it’s taken, choose an alternative domain name.

Review Top 3 Best Shopify Domain Checker Tools

#1 GoDaddy Shopify Domain Checker

GoDaddy Domain Name Search

Outstanding Features:

  • Extensive Database

GoDaddy stands out with its vast database, offering a wide selection of domain names. This extensive collection gives users ample choices when selecting a domain that aligns with their brand or personal preferences.

  • Recommendations

In situations where your preferred domain name is already taken, GoDaddy proves helpful by suggesting alternative names and extensions. This feature assists users in finding suitable options that may closely match their original choice.

  • Additional Services

GoDaddy goes beyond domain registration, offering a suite of additional services. From hosting solutions to a website builder and SSL certificates, users can conveniently access various tools to enhance their online presence, all within the GoDaddy platform.

  • Competitive Pricing

For budget-friendly options, this Shopify domain checker provides basic domain names at a low cost of $0.99 per year. While pricing can vary based on domain popularity and extension, GoDaddy’s competitive starting point makes domain ownership accessible to many users.

Pricing

Basic domain names are available starting at a remarkably low price of $0.99 per year, although costs may vary depending on the popularity and extension of the chosen domain.

Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface: GoDaddy’s user-friendly interface simplifies domain management.
  • Integrated Services: GoDaddy seamlessly integrates services, covering everything from domain registration to web hosting in one platform.
  • Domain Auctions: For those interested in buying or selling domain names, GoDaddy provides a platform for domain auctions.

Cons

  • Renewal Rate Variations: While the initial pricing may be attractive, renewal rates on GoDaddy can sometimes be higher, impacting the long-term cost.
  • Aggressive Upselling: The checkout process on GoDaddy may involve assertive upselling of additional services, which can be seen as a drawback for some users.

#2 Google Domains – A good Shopify domain checker tool

Google Domains

Outstanding Features

  • Simple Interface: The domain service offers a simple, user-friendly interface with a minimalistic design. This approach prioritizes ease of use, making it accessible to individuals with varying technical expertise.
  • Integrated with Google Services: One of the notable advantages of this Shopify domain checker is its seamless integration with Google Services, including the popular G Suite. This integration enhances convenience for users already accustomed to utilizing Google’s suite of tools for business and communication.
  • Transparent Pricing: A vital feature of this Shopify domain checker is its commitment to transparent pricing. Users can expect a straightforward pricing structure without hidden fees or aggressive upselling tactics. This openness creates trust and makes users feel confident, making sure they know all the expenses connected to registering their domain.

Pricing

The cost for .com domains begins at $12 per year.

Pros

  • Free Domain Privacy: There’s no extra charge for keeping your domain registration details private.
  • Transparent Renewal Costs: Renewal pricing is straightforward to understand.
  • Reliability: Google’s strong infrastructure ensures a reliable service.

Cons

  • Limited Promotions: There are fewer special offers or discounts available when using this Shopify domain checker
  • Few Additional Services: Offers fewer extra services related to domains compared to some other providers.

#3 Namecheap – Shopify Domain Checker

Namecheap Domain Name Checker

Outstanding Features

  • Privacy Protection at No Cost: Provides complimentary domain privacy to safeguard user’s personal information during registration.
  • Domain Recommendations: Offers insights by proposing domain names aligned with commonly used keywords, assisting users in making informed choices.
  • Diverse Selection: Offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary Top-Level Domains (TLDs) for users to select from, meeting diverse preferences and requirements.

Pricing

  • Affordable Rates: This Shopify Domain Checker has Entry-level pricing, which begins at $0.88 per year for specific domain extensions, while standard .com domains are available at an annual rate of approximately $8.88.

Pros

  • Clear Renewal Pricing: Ensures transparent pricing with no significant increases upon renewal, building trust among users.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive dashboard for easy navigation, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Exceptional Customer Support: Offers outstanding customer service to address queries and promptly assist.

Cons

  • Limited Supplementary Services Integration: Provides fewer integrated extra services compared to GoDaddy.

💥Check Out: FREE DOMAIN NAME GENERATOR & IDEAS BY SHOPIFY 

Pricing Plan of Shopify domain name

Shopify’s domain checker pricing is very clear, with no hidden fees. It’s one of the most budget-friendly choices for a .store or .shop domain. When we compare the costs of Shopify domains with other companies:

  • Jimdo Domains: charge 20 euros per year, but the options for different types of domains are limited. Your domain might be free for the first year, depending on your chosen plan.
  • Square Online is available in only a few countries, and it’s slowly expanding. This is something to remember if you have customers from around the world.
  • WordPress has attractive initial costs, but renewing rates are much higher.
  • Zyro offers affordable rates in the first year, and the renewal costs are more reasonable than WordPress.

How to Check Domain Name Availability Shopify

When you’ve got a few potential domain names in mind, you can easily see if they’re available on Shopify. Just visit the Shopify website, go to the domain registration page, and type your desired domain name in the search box. Shopify will then show if it’s available or already taken. You can use some Shopify domain checker tool to check it. Besides, Shopify might suggest other options or variations you can still register if your choice is unavailable.

It’s important to know that a domain’s availability can change over time. Just because it’s taken now doesn’t mean it will always be that way. Checking back later might reveal your desired domain is now available.

Besides checking availability, Shopify also lets you register domains. If you find an available name that suits your business, you can register it directly through Shopify. This makes the process easier and ensures your domain is correctly connected to your Shopify store.

How to buy a Shopify domain

Follow these step-by-step instructions to buy a domain from Shopify:

  • Open the Shopify app and go to the ‘Domains’ section.
  • Click on ‘Buy a New Domain.’
  • Enter your preferred domain name in the search bar and click ‘Search.’
  • If your chosen domain is available, click ‘Add to Cart.’
  • If the domain is already taken, you must pick a different one.
  • Once you’re ready, click ‘Checkout.’
  • In the checkout page, provide your contact details and payment information.
  • To complete the purchase, click ‘Confirm Order.’

Congratulations! You’ve successfully obtained a domain name from Shopify. Remember that to keep your store running, you must choose a Shopify plan and make monthly payments.

How to change Shopify domain after using Shopify domain checker

  • To change your Shopify domain name, follow these simple steps:
  • Go to Shopify Admin > Online Store > Domains on your store page.
  • In the list of domains, locate and choose ‘Change primary domain.’
  • After entering your new domain name, click ‘Save.’

Some Tips to choose the best Shopify domain name

#1 Pick a short and catchy website name that’s easy to remember.

If you already have a well-known brand, using that as your web address is a good idea. This makes it easier for people to find you online. Try to get a .com domain, but .co and .net work too. You can check the domain name by Shopify domain checker after choose it.

When deciding on your web address:

  • Keep it under 15 characters.
  • Avoid using slang or tricky words.
  • Choose words that are easy to spell and understand.

#2 Give priority to a .com domain when choosing your website address.

The .com extension is widely favored by 78% of businesses because it has a good reputation and is easy to type, with many smartphones having a “.com” button.

If a .com domain is unavailable or too expensive, you can consider alternatives like .co or .net. For instance, if .com is very costly and .net is more affordable, going for the latter might be a reasonable choice. However, make sure your chosen domain doesn’t violate any existing copyrights. This is an important step that should not be ignored.

#3 Don’t use hyphens or numbers in your website name.

Mistakes happen when typing and using numbers or hyphens, which increases the chances of errors. For example, using “4” instead of “for” can confuse visitors. Avoiding numbers and hyphens also makes your website more mobile-friendly. On mobile devices, switching between letters and numbers can lead to typos. So, here’s what you should steer clear of:

  • Combining numbers and words, like in c00l-d0main.com
  • Using hyphens, like in cool-domain.com
  • Adding abbreviations, like in coolest-domain4u.com
  • Doubling letters, as in coolesttopdomain.com

#4 Consider including SEO keywords in your domain related to your content.

Think about including important SEO keywords in your website address. This can be helpful, but keeping it related to your content is crucial. Keywords assist search engines in understanding what your website is about. Having good content and providing a positive user experience might boost your site’s position on Google. Try combining your brand name with relevant keywords. To avoid seeming spammy and potentially turning away visitors, it’s a good idea to stick to one or two keywords.

#5 Use domain generators to generate ideas.

Use domain generators to generate ideas.

Utilize tools such as domain generators to generate ideas. If you’re struggling to come up with a suitable domain name, Shopify domain name generator can be a helpful resource. Just enter a keyword of your choice, and the tool will suggest various popular and alternative domain names for your business.

#6 Investigate to confirm that the domain name you want is not already taken

Make sure your chosen domain name isn’t already taken by researching. Shopify Domain Checker tool is a quick way to check if your preferred domain is available. Another option is a WHOIS lookup, which provides the same information.

Before finalizing your domain name, it’s crucial to perform three checks:

  • Trademark search: Check the USPTO.gov trademark database to see if a similar name is registered.
  • Social media review: Search for your chosen name on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and others to ensure it’s unique. This step is also useful for securing your social media accounts.
  • Google search: Type your domain name into Google to find out if there are any entities closely linked to your brand.

Conclusion

In summary, using Shopify domain checker is essential for establishing a unique online store name. It adds a professional touch to your online store and significantly contributes to brand recognition and search engine optimization. By selecting a memorable and relevant domain on Shopify, businesses can guarantee a smooth user experience and build a robust online presence.