Why should merchants use a custom domain?

Merchants should use a custom domain because it gives their Shopify store a professional, memorable web address that reinforces their brand.

Key benefits include:

• Builds brand credibility — a branded domain can make a store appear more professional and trustworthy.
• Improves brand recognition — customers can easily associate the domain with the business.
• Creates memorable URLs — short, relevant domains are easier to remember and share.
• Supports marketing — branded URLs can be used consistently across ads, social media, email, and other channels.
• Supports international selling — merchants can use country-specific domains or other market-specific structures.
• Provides greater control — merchants can manage their domain and related DNS settings independently.

A custom domain doesn’t automatically improve search rankings, but it provides a stronger branded foundation for an ecommerce website.