How To Connect Domain To Shopify: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

As we continue to spend more of our time online, it is now more relevant than ever for any business to create an online brand. Bootstrap entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs freelancers, and independent artists, need an efficient online presence that raises brand visibility and allows for smooth established-client interactions. Connecting those custom domains to platforms like Shopify can enhance this presence even further.

Prerequisites to Connect Domain with Shopify

Before proceeding further, make sure you have the following:

1. Active Accounts: Have full access and working knowledge of the Domain services and have access to the Shopify back-end for your domain
2. Domain Ownership: A registered domain with full access
3. Basic Technical Knowledge: It will be useful to know about DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Although not strictly necessary, it can be useful info

Steps to Connect Custom Domain with Shopify

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Access Your DNS Settings

1. Log In: For this process, first, have full access to your domain, and then log in to the account you’ve created
2. Manage Domain: From your account dashboard, navigate to ‘Domains’ and then select the domain you would like to connect to the Shopify store
3. DNS Settings: You will get the option ‘DNS Settings’ or ‘Manage DNS’ to view your domain’s DNS records

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

To direct your domain to Shopify, you’ll need to adjust the following DNS records:

1. Access DNS Settings: Find the option for ‘DNS Settings’ or ‘DNS Management’ within your domain management area.
2. Modify the A Record:
   • Host: Enter ‘@’ or leave it blank, depending on your domain’s requirements
   • Type: Select ‘A Record’
   • Value: Enter Shopify’s IP address
   • TTL: Set to the default value or the lowest possible option
3. Modify the CNAME Record:
   • Host: Enter ‘www’
   • Type: Select ‘CNAME’
   • Value: Enter shops.myshopify.com
   • TTL: Set to the default value

Note: If existing A or CNAME records conflict with these entries, update them accordingly. Incorrect DNS settings can prevent your domain from connecting properly.

Step 3: Connect Domain in Shopify

1. Access Shopify Admin: Log in to your Shopify admin panel
2. Navigate to Domains:
   • Click on ‘Settings’ in the bottom-left corner
   • Select ‘Domains’ from the settings menu
3. Connect Existing Domain:
   • Click ‘Connect existing domain’
   • Enter your custom domain (e.g., www.yourstore.com) and click ‘Next’
4. Verify Connection:
   • Shopify will attempt to verify your domain’s connection
   • If DNS settings are correctly configured, verification should succeed
   • If verification fails, recheck your DNS settings in Crazy Domains for accuracy

Important: Changes in DNS can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully. However, they often update within a few hours. During this period, your domain may not immediately connect to Shopify, so be patient.

Step 4: Set Primary Domain

Once your domain is connected and verified:

1. Access Domains in Shopify: In the ‘Domains’ section of your Shopify admin.
2. Set as Primary:
   • Locate your newly connected domain.
   • Click ‘Set as primary’ to make this domain the default for your store.

This ensures customers can see your custom domain when visiting your store.

Why Connect a Custom Domain to Shopify?

A domain or domain name is the URL on the internet. Your website address, for instance, could be www.yourstore.com. You can get a default domain such as ‘yourstorename.myshopify.com’. However, integrating your own custom domain name that has something to do with the store business adds credibility and professionalism. Shopify lets you purchase a domain from them or link one that you bought from other service providers.

Troubleshooting Tips

• DNS Propagation: As pointed out earlier, with DNS changes, it may take some time before the results are complete. In case your domain is not working through, try to work on it after say a few hours later.
• DNS Record Accuracy: Attention to the IP address and CNAME because even a single mis-type can lead to connection problems.
• Existing Records:  There’s no problem if there are other A or CNAME records on the record set; however, these ought to be deleted or changed since they interfere with the new configurations
• Support: If problems remain unresolved, contact your Domain support or visit the Shopify Help Center.

Wrapping Up

Through an uncomplicated and seamless process, you can connect your custom domain to your Shopify store easily and effectively. The ability to connect a custom domain to a Shopify store helps to build professionalism and credibility for your brand. Register and connect your own custom domain with Shopify today using Crazy Domains’ domain solutions. The relatively simple procedure guarantees that newcomers create an unshakable and credible presence on the Internet, providing customers with the same shopping experience.