Decoding Shopify’s Domain Pricing: A Complete Guide

In this article, we will break down the domain pricing of Shopify, providing you with valuable insights to empower you to make savvy decisions that drive your online business forward.

Key Takeaways

• Shopify offers a default subdomain and domain registration service with pricing that typically varies from $10 to over $30 per year.
• To secure a cost-effective domain on Shopify, consider using their tools, leveraging promotions, exploring alternative extensions, and opting for multi-year registrations.
• Choose a domain that aligns with your brand identity and is scalable to accommodate future business growth and diversification.

Buying A Domain Through Shopify: Pros and Cons

Similar to numerous Shopify entrepreneurs, you may find yourself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to purchase your domain name directly from Shopify or explore other options. 

Thus, let’s evaluate the upside and downside of buying a domain through Shopify.

Pros:

• Ease of Setup: Buying a domain through Shopify simplifies the setup process. Shopify automatically configures the domain settings, reducing the technical steps needed to connect your domain to your online store.
• Convenience: Managing your domain and online store on the same platform can streamline administrative tasks. It’s one less account to manage, and you can handle your domain settings directly from your Shopify admin.
• No Configuration Required: There’s no need to update DNS settings or redirect your domain, as Shopify takes care of this for you.
• SSL Security: Shopify provides an SSL certificate for your domain, ensuring your website is secure and building trust with your customers.
• Support: If you encounter any issues with your domain, you can reach out to Shopify’s customer support for assistance.

Cons:

• Cost: Shopify’s domain registration fees can be higher than those of other domain registrars, such as GoDaddy, BlueHost, Namecheap, etc.
• Limited domain options: Shopify offers a restricted choice of top-level domains (TLDs), limiting your options for a domain name.
• Renewal fees: Ongoing annual fees for domain registration can accumulate over time.
• Domain ownership and transfer: Shopify is listed as the domain’s registrant, potentially complicating domain transfers to other registrars.
• Limited domain management features: Shopify’s domain management features may lack advanced options like DNS settings and domain privacy.
• Platform dependence: Your domain will be closely tied to your Shopify account, potentially causing complications if you decide to switch to another e-commerce platform in the future.

How Much Does A Shopify Domain Cost?

Free Subdomain Name

When you initially signed up for Shopify, your online store automatically received a myshopify.com URL as its default web address. This means that your store’s web address will include “myshopify.com” as part of the URL, which is the default domain assigned to your store on the Shopify platform.

To establish a unique and branded online presence, many store owners choose to purchase a custom domain.

Custom Domain Name

To help you set up your domain and manage all your domain settings from your Shopify admin, you can buy a domain through Shopify.

If you decide to opt for a custom domain, it entails an annual cost of around $15 to $30. However, it’s important to note that this cost includes domain registration for one year, and you will need to renew your domain annually to maintain ownership.

The specific amount you’ll pay varies based on your choice of top-level domain (TLD) extension. Some popular extensions on Shopify encompass:

It’s crucial to determine the specific top-level domain (TLD) you require before proceeding with your domain purchase. 

For the majority of Shopify stores, especially those engaged in commercial activities, the .com TLD is the most common and recommended choice.

Although domain registration appears simple, several additional elements and expenses can influence the ultimate cost. 

• Initial purchase costs: It can vary significantly based on the domain registrar you choose, the domain extension you want, and any special promotions or discounts that may be available at the time of purchase. Domain registrars may offer competitive prices to attract customers for the first year.
• Renewal fees: After the initial year of registration has elapsed, you’ll be required to renew your domain name ownership, often at a rate higher than the introductory price.  Long-term planning is crucial to ensuring that the domain remains affordable over time.
• Domain extension (.com,.net,.shop, etc.): The choice of domain extension is a major determinant of pricing. Common extensions like .com, .net, and .org are typically more expensive because they are widely recognized and in high demand. On the other hand, newer or specialized extensions, such as .shop or .blog, may be more affordable and offer unique branding opportunities.
• Premium names: Some domain names are considered premium due to their perceived value. These premium domains are often short, memorable, and may contain keywords relevant to specific industries. Premium domain prices can vary greatly, with some reaching exorbitant amounts in the secondary market while others are more reasonably priced.
• Privacy protection: Domain privacy protection, also known as WHOIS privacy, is an optional service that shields your personal information from public domain registration records. This service typically incurs an additional cost and can influence the overall price of domain ownership.

Comparing Shopify’s Domain Prices To Other Registrars

Currently, some of the best domain registrars, including Shopify, Google Domains, Namecheap, and GoDaddy, offer a wide array of domain registration and management services.

If you’re in the process of choosing Shopify as a domain registrar for your needs, you might be wondering about its alternatives. Let’s embark on a comprehensive side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision.

How To Buy A Domain Name From Shopify

Purchasing a domain through Shopify entails a series of steps meticulously crafted to streamline the process. Every step serves a distinct purpose and comes with specific prerequisites.

Firstly, you must decide on a domain name, a step that demands serious consideration as it’s a pivotal element of your brand identity. Your domain should be captivating and unforgettable while remaining closely aligned with your business for effective branding.

Ensuring the complete originality of your chosen domain name is essential. Shopify offers a helpful domain name generator for this purpose. Once you’ve settled on a name and the desired TLD, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Shopify admin and access the Settings section, then select Domains.
• Click on the “Buy New Domain” option.
• Input the unique domain name you wish to purchase.
• Examine the available TLD extensions. If your preferred extension is unavailable, you can either choose an alternative or initiate a fresh search. It’s worth noting that TLD extension availability may change, so check back later if needed.
• Click the “Buy” button for your desired domain name.

Secondly, carefully review your purchase before payment, verifying the accuracy of your personal details, domain renewal preferences, and information privacy inclusion:

• Examine the “Domain to be registered” section to enable automatic renewal before expiry if desired.
• In the “Contact information” section, ensure that the Shopify store owner’s email and information are correct.
• Confirm the inclusion of WHOIS privacy for your domain extension; a message will indicate its presence.

Then, furnish the required payment details for finalizing your domain acquisition. Shopify supports a range of payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Following these stages:

• Within the “Payment method section,” select your preferred payment method for the domain purchase
• Review the ICANN policy and Domain Registration Agreement before proceeding. 
• Click on “Buy domain.”

Thirdly, verify your email address to complete the purchase. The emails from Shopify may cover purchase confirmation, email address verification, and data-sharing preferences.

Read more:

• Shopify Email Pricing | How Much Does Shopify Email Cost?
• Shopify Fulfillment Network: How Much Does It Cost?
• Pause And Build Plan Shopify | Ultimate Guidelines For Shopify Merchants

Best Practices For Choosing And Buying A Domain On Shopify

Tips for choosing a good domain name

To choose an effective domain name for your store, consider the following tips:

Simplicity

Opt for a domain name that is short and easy to spell and type. Complicated names can lead to user errors and make it harder for people to find your website. Avoid using slang or words with multiple spellings.

Incorporate relevant SEO keywords

If possible, include keywords related to your products or services in your domain name, making it brandable. This can improve your website’s search engine visibility.

Example: For a dog grooming service, a suitable domain name might be “DogGroomingPros.com,” making it easy for potential customers to understand the services offered.

Consider brand identity

Your domain should align with your brand’s identity and message. It should reflect your business’s core values, mission, and the products or services you offer.

Example: For a sustainability products store, a domain like “GreenCleanLiving.com” aligns with the brand’s value and message, which is the commitment to a green and clean lifestyle.

Thorough research

Before finalizing your domain, conduct a comprehensive search to ensure it’s not trademarked by someone else. Additionally, check for similar domains to avoid potential legal issues or brand confusion.

Choose the right domain extension

The domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), should align with your business type. Common TLDs like .com are versatile, but they may be unavailable with your desired name. You can consider choosing other specific TLDs for your niche, such as

• .store – e-commerce and retail businesses
• .tech – technology and IT-related companies
• .info – information-based websites, blogs, or knowledge-sharing platforms
• .edu – educational institutions
• .sale – businesses focused on selling products or services
• .app – mobile apps and software applications

Scalability and future-proofing

Think about the long term. Your domain should be flexible enough to accommodate potential business growth and diversification.

Example: For a digital marketing agency, a domain like “evolvedigitalsolutions.com” acknowledges the potential for growth and diversification in services and solutions while maintaining a professional and adaptable image. It doesn’t restrict the agency to a specific niche, allowing it to expand its offerings as the industry evolves.

Strategies to get a cost-effective domain for your store

In your quest for the perfect domain name, employing effective strategies to find an available and cost-effective option is paramount. Here are several keys you must catch your eye on:

Use Shopify domain name generators

Domain name generators, like Shopify’s tool, provide creative suggestions based on your input. These tools can jumpstart your brainstorming process and offer unique domain ideas you might not have thought of that align with your business.

Check for expired domains

Some domains that were once registered may become available again when their ownership expires. Expired domains can offer cost-effective solutions, sometimes with established backlinks and traffic. 

However, be cautious, as the domain’s history and any potential issues should be thoroughly researched.

Register for multiple years

Register your domain for at least two years to secure it for a longer duration. It would provide several benefits, including price stability and avoiding the risk of forgetting to renew the domain annually. It also enhances your commitment to your online presence, which can positively impact your brand image.

Compare prices from different registrars

Evaluate domain registration costs across various registrars to find the best deal. Different registrars may offer varying prices and additional services. Comparing prices ensures you’re getting the most cost-effective option while also considering the quality of service provided.

Look for promotions

Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts offered by domain registrars. Promotions can significantly reduce domain registration costs, especially for the initial purchase. 

However, it’s essential to read the fine print to understand the renewal fees after the promotional period ends.

Read More: Shopify Domain Checker – How to Find Perfect Domain Name

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Shopify offers convenient and prospectus benefits for domain registration if you intend to run a business on it. The price would deserve what you get from this platform.

To secure a cost-effective domain, it’s crucial to leverage the tips and strategies we have provided. By doing so, you can strike the right balance between cost and value while establishing a strong online presence for your business.

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