How to Setup Custom Domain for BigCommerce store?

To find the things they want to purchase, the average shopper doesn’t need to know anything about the inner workings of the internet. Most people conduct a fast web search or go straight to an online marketplace. It’s easy to get confused while trying to decipher tech jargon or grasp how your website interacts with the internet as a whole if you’re a retailer with a conventional, offline store looking to expand into eCommerce. It can be difficult to know where to begin when an entrepreneur is researching how to start a new online company.

In this article, we will learn about How to set up a custom domain for BigCommerce store

What is a domain?

A domain name is the name of your website. The address at which Internet users can access your website is known as a domain name. A domain name can be any combination of letters and numbers, and it can have one or more domain name extensions, such as.com,.net, and others. There can’t be two websites with the same domain name, and the cost of a domain name is usually between $15 and $25 per year. A domain name is a necessary component of creating a website, but it is just one part of the puzzle.

Why need a custom domain for a BigCommerce store?

Domain names are fundamental for the smooth functioning of the internet. Here’s why they matter:

• Having a custom domain (like mystore.com) makes your business look more professional and trustworthy.
• A custom domain gives you freedom to create unique email addresses
• A catchy domain attracts visitors. It’s like having a cool sign outside your store.
• Your domain is part of your brand identity. Make it memorable!

How to set up a custom domain for a BigCommerce store?

Setting up your shop on BigCommerce allows you to purchase a domain name directly, eliminating extra setup steps and offering benefits such as privacy security and a free SSL certificate.

However, if you've already bought a domain name from a third-party registrar like GoDaddy or HostGator, the process becomes slightly more complex. 

Step 1: Log in to your account

Step 2: Moving from a BigCommerce Subdomain to a Custom Domain

If your store currently uses a .mybigcommerce subdomain, you can follow these instructions to switch to a new custom domain (like mystore.com) or a subdomain of a custom domain (such as store.mystore.com).

• Go to your store's Settings and navigate to the Domain Name section. Click on "Add an existing" to begin the process.

• Enter the first part of your desired domain name (e.g., mystore) in the provided field. This field accepts both top-level domains and subdomains.

• In the "Domain Extension" field, input your desired extension (e.g., .com, .net, .co.uk, etc.).
• Click "Next" to proceed. You'll be directed to a confirmation page with further steps to finalize the domain update process.

Step 3: Moving from one domain to another

• Navigate to Settings › Domain name and locate the store you want to update. Click on "Manage" next to the domain you wish to modify.

• Select "Replace Domain" and then choose either "Add new" to register a new domain or "Add an existing" to assign a domain you already own to your store.
• Enter the first part of your desired domain name (e.g., mystore) in the provided field. You can include top-level domains (like .com) or subdomains (e.g., shop.mystore).
• Input your chosen Domain extension (e.g., .com, .net, .co.uk) in the appropriate field.
• Click "Next" to proceed. You'll be directed to a confirmation page with additional steps to finalize the domain update process.

Step 4: Moving from One BigCommerce Subdomain to Another BigCommerce Subdomain

To switch from one BigCommerce subdomain to another, follow these steps:

• Navigate to Account Settings › Account Overview. Click on the name of your store.

• Choose Change mybigcommerce.com Domain Name 

• Enter your desired new .mybigcommerce subdomain. Once the system confirms the availability of the new subdomain, click "Next."

• You'll be redirected to your store's account plan summary page, where you'll receive a confirmation message that your store's subdomain has been successfully updated.

Some tips for choosing a perfect domain for a BigCommerce store

Use the right domain extensions

When it comes to domain name extensions, one thing is certain: “.com” is still the strongest. While many popular websites use the “.net” and “.org” extensions, your website would likely perform better if it uses the “.com” extension. It’s the most secure bet.

Brandable over generic

Generic is still preferable to creative and brandable. Visitors can search, recall, and share your business on the internet thanks to your domain name. It’s the cornerstone of the company’s identity.

Using domain name generators to come up with unique names. From your initial domain ideas and keywords, these tools will help you build a special, brandable domain name. (At the bottom of this page, we’ll list some of our favorite domain name generators.)

Shorter is better

In general, the shorter the better when it comes to domain length. Aim for 6 to 14 characters, and keep in mind that the shorter the better. Most certainly, the shorter domain names were already taken and sold for thousands of dollars a long time ago.

Make certain it is simple to type

Your website’s visitors should be able to type in your domain name without difficulty. It’s too hard to clarify the spelling more than once for it to be understood. The last thing you want is for potential visitors to type your domain incorrectly and end up on another site.

Make sure it is easy to say

Your domain name can roll off the tip of your tongue as easily as it does off the tips of your fingers. This makes it easier for users to spread the word about your domain name, as well as for you to share your site with friends and potential customers.

Avoid numbers and hyphens

Remember how important it is for your domain name to be simple to spell and pronounce? It’s made more complex by hyphens and numbers. Hyphens and numbers obstruct the smooth and punchy nature of your domain name. Observe the letters!

Consider the long-term rather than the short-term

It will cost you money, branding, and SEO rankings if you plan to change the domain in the future. In a nutshell, it’s a big pain! Consider the long term when selecting a domain. For example, if your company specializes in helping companies optimize their websites for SEO, a domain name like “OptimizedSEO.com” may be appropriate. If you think you can provide more general digital marketing services in the future, such as email marketing, PPC, and so on, it’s a good idea to rethink your domain name.

Make sure it is not either trademarked or in use

Check to see whether a domain name is available on social media platforms and whether any trademarks have already been registered for the name.

It’s best if you use the same name for your domain and social media accounts to create your brand. This establishes confidence and makes it simple for your guests, fans, and customers to find you online. Keep away from names that are already trademarked to avoid legal problems.

Conclusion

Your domain name is your one-of-a-kind online identity. Any person, company, or organization that wishes to have an online presence should purchase a domain name. You and your company would seem more professional if you have your domain name, website, and email addresses. Another justification for a company to register a domain name is to protect its copyrights and trademarks and establish credibility, raise brand recognition, and improve search engine placement.

We hope that this article about How to set up a custom domain for BigCommerce store will give you enough information you want!