If you are planning to start an online store, one of the first things you need to do is choose a domain name.
There are many options for purchasing a domain name, and one of them is through Shopify.
This article will compare the advantages of purchasing your domain through Shopify versus third-party registrars. This will help you make an informed decision for your business.
Let’s get started.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create an online store to sell their products.
It provides various features and tools to help online merchants manage their stores, including payment processing, inventory management, shipping, marketing, and customer service.
Shopify also offers a range of customizable templates and themes to help merchants like you create a professional-looking online store. It is popular for small and medium-sized businesses looking to boost online sales.
Should you buy your domain through Shopify?
Yes, you should.
Some benefits of purchasing your domain through Shopify include the following:
- Convenience: Having your domain and online store in one place can make it easier to manage.
- Integration: Your domain will automatically be connected to your online store, allowing seamless integration.
- Support: If you encounter any issues with your domain, you can contact Shopify’s support team for assistance.
However, you may prefer to purchase your domain through a third-party provider, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap, for a variety of reasons, including:
- Cost: Third-party providers may offer lower prices for domain registration.
- Customization: Some third-party providers offer more options for customizing your domain, such as adding privacy protection or additional subdomains.
- Portability: You can take your domain if you switch to a different online store platform.
How to buy your domain name through Shopify
Follow these steps to buy your domain name through Shopify:
Go to the Shopify website and create an account if you do not already have one.
Click on the “Add Online Store” button on the dashboard.
Select “Start a new online store” and click “Continue.”
Follow the prompts to set up your store, including entering your business information and choosing a plan.
On the “Add a custom domain” screen, you can either choose a free Shopify domain or purchase a custom domain.
If you purchase a custom domain, enter the desired domain name in the search bar and click “Search.”
If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to add it to your cart and checkout.
Follow the prompts to complete the purchase of your domain name.
Should you buy your domain through Shopify or GoDaddy?
Here are some things to consider when deciding between Shopify and GoDaddy:
1. Ease of use
If you are new to building a website or setting up a domain, Shopify may be the more user-friendly option.
It offers a variety of built-in features and templates to help you get started quickly, and its customer support team is available to answer any questions you may have.
On the other hand, GoDaddy may be more suitable for experienced users who are comfortable navigating complex domain management tools.
2. Cost
Both Shopify and GoDaddy offer competitive pricing for domain registration and hosting. However, Shopify’s pricing tends to be higher overall, particularly for its premium plans. If cost is a major factor, GoDaddy may be a more budget-friendly option.
3. Services offered
Shopify is primarily an e-commerce platform, so it offers a variety of tools and features specifically tailored to help you sell products online. This includes payment processing, inventory management, and shipping integrations.
GoDaddy, on the other hand, offers a wider range of services beyond domain registration and hosting, such as website design and development, email marketing, and online marketing tools.
Generally, you should opt for the Shopify domain if you’re setting up an eCommerce store, especially as a beginner. But choose a GoDaddy domain if you’re more experienced and need to do more than just eCommerce.
FAQs
How much does it cost to buy a domain on Shopify?
On average, a .com domain can cost around $14.99 per year.
The cost of purchasing a domain on Shopify varies depending on the domain extension (e.g., “.com,” “.net,” etc.) and the domain provider.
What domain extension is best for a Shopify store?
Using a “.com” domain extension for a Shopify store is best.
This is because it is the most widely recognized and trusted domain extension, making it easier for customers to remember and find your store.
Do you need a domain for your Shopify store?
Yes, you do. A domain is a unique web address that allows customers to access your store online.
Without a domain, your store will not be accessible to the public. You can purchase a domain through Shopify or a third-party domain registrar.
Conclusion
Before you buy your domain through Shopify, define your needs first. If you’ll be setting up your entire website on Shopify to drop ship or manage your eCommerce store, buying your domain on Shopify is the right thing to do.
As I said earlier, Shopify offers a convenient and easy-to-use platform for managing your online store. Buying your domain through them can simplify setting up your online presence.
And you can start right away by visiting Shopify.
However, suppose you’ll be setting up your website using other website builders like WordPress, Wix, and GoDaddy; buying your domain from domain registrars like Name Cheap, Google Domain, and GoDaddy is better.