With creating an online store with Shopify, you’re going to need a domain name.
Should you get your domain name through Shopify domains or use a domain name registrar like Namecheap?
Let’s cover the specifics of each option.
Option 1: Get your domain at Shopify
Go with Shopify domains if you want the ease of use and no configuration. Everything just works out of the proverbial box and you’re okay with paying a little bit more for domain names and plan to use Shopify for the long term.
Option 2: Use a domain name registrar like Namecheap
Namecheap has lower prices than Shopify domain and lower renewal rates. The only extra step you’ll need to do is setup nameservers which require you to copy and past a few DNS records (not complicated at all).
My advice? Use Namecheap. If you ever want to move away from Shopify it’s very easy to point your domain to a new service and Namecheap is simply more cost effective.
Namecheap
Get your domains today. Low prices, free WHOIS protection.
How much does a domain name name cost at Shopify Domains?
A .com at Shopify currently costs $16 a year, you also get free WHOIS protection with your domain. With Shopify domains, you can only pay for one year at a time so you’re subject to any price increases on domains.
With Namecheap, you can register your domain for a low rate for up to 10 years in advanced.
The popular .store domain starts at $9 for the first year and then $50 for each additional year and .shop starts at $10 for the first year then $40 for each year after.
Shopify domains vs Namecheap
With Shopify, you get a free trial to create a store using a sub-domain of Shopify, when you’re ready to launch your brand correctly you must set up a custom domain .
Shopify makes it easy for you to set up a domain name through them, just buy your domain, click a button to connect it to your store and that’s it.
In general, though, I suggest you use Namecheap specifically because:
- Keep your services separate
- Lower cost on renewals and better service
Keep your services separate
I personally like keeping my services separate. While Shopify is an excellent ecommerce platform, they’re main business is not domain registration.
So if you ever want to move to a different platform, you’re still going to have to use Shopify as your domain registrar going forward unless you decide to transfer your domain to a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Lower costs on renewals and better service
Namecheap simply has better prices for domain name registration and lower renewal rates. You also get free WHOIS protection like you do with Shopify and you can register your domain for up to 10 years in advanced.
Namecheap
Get your domains today. Low prices, free WHOIS protection.
How to use Namecheap with Shopify
Once you register your domain name with Namecheap, you’ll need to point it to your Shopify account.
Navigate to your Shopify account and from there:
- From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Domains.
- Click Connect existing domain.
- Enter the domain that you want to connect (the domain you registered at Namecheap).
- Click Next.
- Click Connect automatically.
When you click connect existing domain you’ll have to input the domain you registered at Namecheap:
Once you do that Namecheap will tell you what DNS records to add to your domain name. Simply copy and paste them into your DNS settings:
In Namecheap, go to “manage” your domains and find the DNS settings. There you’ll need to copy and paste in an A record and a CNAME record.
Then save your DNS records and wait 30 minutes or so for propagation.
After your Shopify store should be found at your URL.
Should I get my domain name at Shopify Conclusion
The process for pointing your domain name from a domain name registrar like Namecheap to Shopify is very simple and easy. Just copy and paste a few DNS records in and that’s it.
But if you’re looking for ease of use and no configuration then go ahead and register your domain with Shopify.
Shopify
The industry leading website builder for e-commerce websites.
How I can help you. You're here, let's do this:
1. Website Review Your website may be clear and specific to you, but it may be really confusing to anyone who visits. That's where I come it, I'll give you actionalbe feedback to improve your site with my highly rated gig.2. My YouTube channel Helpful video tutorials showing you how to launch, grow and monetize your audience.