Your website's name and domain are crucial for branding and accessibility. As your business evolves, you may need to update these elements. Wix offers straightforward tools to manage these changes, making the transition seamless. Whether you are rebranding, optimizing for SEO, or simply looking for a fresh start, this guide will walk you through the Wix domain change process and how to update your website name on Wix.
Understanding Wix Domains and Website Names
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand the distinction between your website name and domain name. Both play essential roles in your website’s identity, and knowing the difference helps ensure that the changes you make align with your business goals and online visibility.
Website Name: This is the name that appears on your website’s browser tab and typically within the header of your site. It reflects your business or brand name and is often used to create a strong impression for first-time visitors. Your website name should be memorable, relevant to your content, and easily recognizable.
Domain Name: This is your website’s address on the internet, like "yourbusiness.com" or "mywixwebsite.wixsite.com." It’s how visitors find your website online. Your domain name is critical for branding and SEO, so choosing a domain that is easy to remember, concise, and related to your business is a key factor in your online success.
How to Change Your Website Name on Wix
Changing your website name on Wix is an easy process, but it’s important to make sure that the new name aligns with your business goals and branding strategy. Follow these steps to update your website name within the Wix editor:
- Log in to your Wix account: Open your Wix dashboard and navigate to the website editor of the site you want to update.
- Navigate to your website's settings or header section: Depending on your template, the location of your website name field might differ. Look for the "Website Name" or "Site Name" option in the settings or header area.
- Enter your new website name: Choose a name that aligns with your brand and is easy for users to remember. It’s best to avoid using long or complicated phrases that may confuse visitors.
- Preview your website: Ensure that the new website name appears correctly both in the header and on the browser tab. Make sure it is readable and fits with the rest of your design.
- Publish your changes: Once satisfied with the update, click "Publish" to make the new website name live. Don’t forget to check how it looks on both desktop and mobile versions to ensure consistency.
How to Change Your Domain Name on Wix
Changing your domain name on Wix requires a few more steps than changing your website name. Since your domain name serves as the address of your website on the internet, it’s important to follow the process carefully to avoid any issues with accessibility or SEO.
- Log in to your Wix account: Access your dashboard and select the website where you want to change the domain name.
- Go to "Settings" and then "Domains": This section allows you to manage your domain settings, whether you’re connecting a new domain or editing an existing one.
- Select "Connect a domain you already own" or "Buy a new domain": If you already own a domain, you can connect it by following the prompts. Alternatively, you can purchase a new domain directly from Wix if needed.
- Update your website's settings: Once you’ve selected your new domain, update your Wix website’s settings to reflect the changes.
- SEO Considerations: Changing your domain can affect your website’s search engine ranking. It’s important to implement 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one to preserve SEO value.
Wix Domain Name Change Guide: Important Considerations
When you change your domain name on Wix, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
- SEO Impact: Changing your domain can impact your website's search engine rankings, as search engines may treat the new domain as a completely new website. Make sure to implement 301 redirects to preserve your SEO efforts and organic traffic.
- Email Addresses: If you have custom email addresses associated with your old domain, you’ll need to update those settings to reflect the new domain.
- Downtime: While Wix minimizes downtime during the domain change process, there might be brief periods where your website is temporarily inaccessible. It’s essential to plan this change at a time when the impact on your audience is minimal.
- Free Domains: If you’re using a free Wix domain (e.g., yourwebsite.wixsite.com), changing to a custom paid domain offers more branding opportunities and flexibility. Free domains have limitations, so upgrading is often a smart choice for growing businesses.
- Cost: While updating your website name is free, changing the domain itself may involve additional costs, especially if you decide to purchase a new domain.
How to Rename Your Wix Website (Advanced)
If you want to go beyond basic updates and require more advanced customization, you can use Wix's Velo platform or edit your website’s code to dynamically change your website name or URL structure. This allows you to make deeper changes, especially if you want your URL to reflect certain user interactions or specific content.
- Dynamic Website Names: With Velo, you can create personalized website names based on user behavior or data, providing a more tailored experience for visitors.
- Custom URL Structures: Using Velo, you can create custom URL structures for specific pages on your website. This is useful if you want a more organized and SEO-friendly URL system for better user navigation and search engine optimization.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
After changing your domain or website name, you may encounter some unexpected issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Domain Not Connecting | Ensure that your DNS settings are correct and that your domain is properly connected to your Wix account. |
| Website Name Not Updating | Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If the problem persists, log out and back into your Wix account. |
| Redirects Not Working | Check your 301 redirects to ensure they’re correctly set up. This will preserve your SEO rankings and traffic after the domain change. |
Setting Up a New Domain on Wix for New Websites
If you’re just starting a new website on Wix, setting up your domain from the beginning is essential to establishing your online presence. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a domain: Select a domain name that’s easy to remember, reflects your brand, and is short and simple.
- Check domain availability: Use Wix or a third-party domain registrar to check if your desired domain is available.
- Purchase and connect your domain: Once you’ve selected a domain, complete the purchase and follow the steps to connect it to your Wix website.
- Configure your domain: Ensure your domain settings, including DNS records and email forwarding, are configured correctly to avoid any issues.
Useful Links
Renaming Your Site – Learn how to change your site's name within the Wix Editor, including updating the browser tab title and site address.
Replacing Your Site URL with Another Domain Name – A step-by-step guide on changing your site's URL by connecting a new domain, ensuring a smooth transition.
Switching Your Primary and Redirected Domains – Understand how to set a primary domain and manage domain redirection to maintain SEO rankings and user accessibility.
Changing the Title Displayed in the Browser Tab – Instructions on customizing your site's title tag, affecting how your site appears in browser tabs and search results.
Changing Your Site's Name in Search Results – Guide on modifying your site's name as it appears in search engine results, enhancing brand consistency and searchability.
Enhance Your Wix with Powerful Apps!
Elfsight offers a variety of applications designed to enhance your website's functionality and user engagement. Explore these no-code solutions to add features like social feeds, contact forms, and more to your Wix website.
Conclusion
Changing your website and domain names on Wix is a straightforward process when done carefully. By understanding the steps involved, considering SEO impacts, and properly troubleshooting any issues, you can successfully manage your Wix website’s identity. Always remember to back up your website before making any major changes and thoroughly test all elements before making them live to ensure a smooth transition for your visitors.