Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Domain to Shopify

Step 1: Purchase a Domain

If you don't already have a domain, you can purchase one directly through Shopify or from popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. If you buy through Shopify, the domain will automatically be connected to your store. If you purchase from another registrar, you will need to manually connect it.

Step 2: Add Your Domain to Shopify

If you've purchased your domain outside Shopify:

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.

2. Navigate to Online Store and then Domains.

3. Click Connect existing domain.

4. Enter your domain name and click Next.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings at Your Domain Registrar

To point your domain to your Shopify store, you need to modify the DNS settings. This involves updating the A record and the CNAME record.

1. Log into the account where your domain is registered.

2. Find the DNS settings. This could be under sections labeled something like 'DNS Management', 'Name Server Management', or 'Domain Management'.

3. Edit your A Record:

   • Point the A record to Shopify's IP address: 23.227.38.65

4. Edit your CNAME Record:

   • Find the CNAME record and change it to point to shops.myshopify.com. This usually involves editing the www CNAME record.

Note: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.

Step 4: Verify Connection in Shopify

After updating your DNS settings:

1. Return to your Shopify admin panel.

2. Go to Online Store > Domains, select your domain, then click Verify connection. It may take some time for Shopify to recognize the changes, especially if DNS changes are still propagating.

Step 5: Set Your Primary Domain

Once Shopify verifies your domain connection:

1. In the Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Domains.

2. Select your newly connected domain.

3. Click Set as primary if you want this domain to be the main domain for your Shopify store. This means that all your other domains will redirect to this domain.

Step 6: SSL Certificates

Shopify automatically generates SSL certificates for your domains once they are connected and set as primary. This process can take up to 48 hours. SSL certificates encrypt data and are important for protecting your and your customers' information.

Final Check

After all these steps, make sure to test your website by visiting your domain. It should lead you directly to your Shopify store. If you encounter issues, double-check your DNS settings or reach out to your domain registrar for support.

Need Help?

If you're running into any snags or just want to ensure everything is set up correctly, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Connecting your domain is a big step towards making your store uniquely yours, and I'm here to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Contact me for personalized assistance with your Shopify setup.