How to Buy a Domain on Shopify (Step By Step) (2025)

Shopify allows you to purchase a custom domain directly through its platform, simplifying the setup process.
The process involves searching for a domain, selecting an extension, and completing the purchase within Shopify’s admin panel.
Domains cost around $11-$50 per year, depending on the extension, with automatic setup and renewal options.
Consider alternatives like OLITT for building your online store, which may offer different features or pricing.

Ready to give your online store a professional edge?

Securing a custom domain name is a key step in building a strong online presence.

A custom domain not only enhances your store’s credibility but also strengthens your brand and improves search engine optimization (SEO).

Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, makes it easy to purchase and manage your domain directly within its admin panel, streamlining the process for store owners.

Before we talk about the specifics of buying a domain on Shopify, let’s take a moment to explore other options for building your online store.

If you’re considering different platforms, OLITT is an innovative online store builder that offers a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and powerful features like payment integrations and SEO tools.

OLITT is a great alternative for those seeking a seamless e-commerce experience. That said, if you’re already using Shopify or prefer its ecosystem, let’s focus on how to buy a domain through their platform.

What is a Domain?

A domain is your website’s address on the internet, such as “example.com.”

It’s what customers type into their browsers to visit your store.

When you sign up for Shopify, you receive a default domain like “yourstore.myshopify.com,” but a custom domain makes your store look more professional and supports branding efforts.

Additionally, a domain with relevant keywords can improve your store’s visibility on search engines like Google.

Benefits of Buying a Domain on Shopify

Purchasing a domain through Shopify offers several advantages:

Convenience: Manage your domain and store from the same admin panel, reducing the need to juggle multiple platforms.
Automated Setup: Shopify automatically configures your domain to connect to your store, saving you from technical headaches.
Email Forwarding: Set up email addresses like [email protected] that forward to your personal email.
Subdomains: Easily add subdomains (e.g., shop.yourstore.com) for different sections of your site.
International Domains: Target multiple countries by adding country-specific domains, ideal for global businesses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Domain on Shopify

Here’s a detailed guide to purchasing a domain through Shopify:

Log into Your Shopify Admin: Access your admin panel at yourstore.myshopify.com/admin.
Navigate to Domains: Click Settings in the left menu, then select Domains.
Buy a New Domain:
- Click Buy new domain.
- Enter your desired domain name in the search bar.
- Shopify will display available extensions (e.g., .com, .net, .store) with their prices, typically ranging from $11 to $50 per year.
Select and Purchase:
- Choose your preferred domain and click Buy.
- Review the purchase summary, including price and auto-renewal options.
- Click Buy domain to complete the transaction.
Verify Your Email:
- Check your email for a verification link from Shopify.
- Click the link to finalize the registration. You must verify within 15 days to avoid suspension.

Note: Domains are registered for one year and can be renewed annually. You can purchase a domain without an active Shopify plan, making it flexible for future use.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a domain on Shopify, keep these factors in mind:

WHOIS Privacy: Shopify provides WHOIS privacy for most domains, protecting your personal information. However, some extensions (e.g., .abogado, .aero) do not support this, making your details public.
Renewal Fees: Annual renewal fees vary by extension and are separate from your Shopify plan. Check pricing at Shopify Domains.
Email Hosting: Shopify does not offer email hosting. Use email forwarding or a third-party service like Google Workspace for custom email addresses.
Residency Requirements: Some extensions (e.g., .ca for Canada) have residency or business requirements. Verify eligibility to avoid suspension.
Non-Refundable: Domain purchases are non-refundable, so double-check your choice.
TLS/SSL Certificate: Shopify automatically provides an SSL certificate, ensuring secure browsing without extra cost.

Creative Ideas and Tips for Choosing a Domain

Selecting the right domain name is critical for your store’s success. Here are some creative tips:

Keep it Simple and Memorable: Choose a short, easy-to-spell name that sticks in customers’ minds, like “cozythreads.com.”
Include Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords (e.g., “organictea.com”) to boost SEO and clarify your niche.
Use Shopify’s Domain Name Generator: Explore ideas and check availability with Shopify’s free domain name generator.
Choose the Right Extension: While .com is the most trusted, e-commerce-specific extensions like .store or .shop can highlight your business type.
Plan for Growth: Pick a name that won’t limit your business if you expand, avoiding overly specific terms like “justhats.com.”
Check Social Media Handles: Ensure your domain name aligns with available social media usernames for consistent branding.
Test Pronunciation: Say the domain aloud to ensure it’s easy to understand when shared verbally.

Tip	Example	Benefit
Simple Name	cozythreads.com	Easy to remember
Keywords	organictea.com	Improves SEO
Right Extension	mystore.shop	Highlights e-commerce
Social Media Check	@cozythreads	Consistent branding

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems during the purchase:

Domain Taken: Try a different extension or modify the name (e.g., add “shop” or “online”).
Payment Issues: Verify your payment method and ensure a stable internet connection.
No Verification Email: Check your spam folder or update your email in Settings > Domains > Domain settings. Contact Shopify Support if needed.
Post-Purchase Issues: Refer to Shopify’s troubleshooting guide for solutions.

Comparing Shopify with Alternatives

While Shopify is a robust platform, alternatives like OLITT offer unique features.

OLITT provides a free drag-and-drop website builder, customizable templates, and integrations with payment platforms like Stripe and PayPal.

It also emphasizes fast-loading pages and SEO tools to help your store rank higher on Google.

If you’re on a budget or prefer a different interface, OLITT could be a viable option.

However, Shopify’s domain purchasing process is tightly integrated with its ecosystem, making it ideal for users already committed to the platform.