How to Get a Domain Name for Your Dropshipping Store

When I first started my dropshipping store, I thought picking a domain would be the easiest part.

It turns out, it’s one of the most important steps that can make or break how people see your brand.

If your domain looks cheap or sketchy, people won’t trust your store. That means fewer clicks, less traffic, and lower conversions.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get a domain name for your dropshipping or print-on-demand store.

I’ll share the tools I use, mistakes to avoid, and what actually works from both a branding and SEO perspective.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Domain Name and Why It Matters

A domain name is just your store’s online address. It’s what people type into the browser to find you — like mystore.com.

Think of it like your storefront sign. If the sign looks sketchy, messy, or confusing, people keep walking. Same thing online.

Here’s what a domain does:

• Builds trust with customers
• Helps with SEO (search engine optimization)
• Makes your brand look legit
• Allows you to set up professional email addresses (like [email protected])

I’ve seen people run entire stores on a free Shopify or Wix subdomain, like coolshirts.myshopify.com, and wonder why nobody buys from them. It just doesn’t look trustworthy.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

You want to land in that second row — short, clear, branded.

Don’t Use the Free Subdomain — Here’s Why

If you’re using Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace, you get a free subdomain by default. Something like:

• yourstore.myshopify.com
• yourstore.wixsite.com

Sure, it’s free. But that free tag comes at a cost.

Here’s why it’s a bad idea long-term:

• You look like a beginner — people assume you’re new and unproven.
• No control over the domain — if you move platforms, you can’t take it with you.
• Email limitations — you can’t create branded email addresses.
• Bad for SEO — search engines see you as a sub-property of Shopify or Wix.

People trust dot-coms. Even in 2025, that hasn’t changed. And for less than $15 a year, it’s not worth skimping on.

How to Choose the Right Domain Name

This part is where most people get stuck. Your domain name is your identity.

It should be memorable, easy to say, and tie back to your product or niche.

Here are the 3 rules I always follow when picking a domain name:

1. Keep it short and clear

• Aim for 2–3 words max.
• Avoid hyphens, numbers, or weird spellings.
• Make it easy to type and remember.

2. Make it brandable

• Think of something people can associate with a brand, not just a product.
• For example, Bluecrate is memorable. BestDropshippingGear247 is not.

3. Avoid trademarks

• Don’t include brand names (like “Nike” or “Marvel”) in your domain.
• It can lead to legal issues and domain suspension.

Good vs Bad Examples:

If you’re stuck, try using a tool like:

• LeanDomainSearch.com – type one keyword, get 100+ ideas
• Namechk.com – checks domain + social handles at once
• InstantDomainSearch.com – see what’s available in real time

Where to Buy Your Domain Name

There are lots of places to register a domain, but they’re not all created equal.

Here are the most common options and what I recommend based on experience:

1. Namecheap

• My go-to
• Domains usually cost $8–$12 per year
• Free WHOIS privacy
• Easy DNS settings

2. Shopify

• More expensive ($14–$20/year), but simple if you’re on Shopify
• Automatic setup
• No need to deal with DNS records

3. Google Domains (now sold to Squarespace Domains)

• Clean interface
• Good for managing multiple domains
• Still a solid option

4. GoDaddy

• Popular, but full of upsells
• Domains start at $12.99/year
• Watch out for price hikes on renewals

Registrar Comparison Table:

Pro tip: Always register the domain yourself. Never let an agency or freelancer do it — they could hold it hostage.

How to Set Up Your Domain (Shopify and WooCommerce Examples)

Once you’ve bought your domain, you’ll need to connect it to your store platform.

Shopify Setup

1. Log in to your Shopify dashboard
2. Go to Settings > Domains
3. Click “Connect Existing Domain” or “Buy New Domain”
4. If you bought the domain elsewhere, you’ll need to:
   • Enter your domain name
   • Update the DNS settings at your registrar
   • Point the A record to Shopify’s IP (23.227.38.65)
5. Verify and save

Shopify walks you through it pretty clearly.

WooCommerce Setup (via WordPress)

1. Log in to your hosting dashboard (SiteGround, Bluehost, etc.)
2. Go to Domain Settings > Add Domain
3. If it’s a new domain, connect it to your hosting
4. Install WordPress
5. Add WooCommerce plugin
6. Done

DNS propagation can take a few hours, but in most cases it’s quick.

Should You Use .COM or Something Else?

Everyone wants a .com — and for good reason. It’s the default. But what if it’s taken?

You’ve got a few options:

Top alternatives to .com:

• .store
• .shop
• .co
• .io (less common for ecom but trendy)

These are fine, especially if you can’t get the .com. But I’d avoid anything too obscure, like:

• .xyz
• .biz
• .info

Here’s a simple rule: If people can’t remember it, they won’t visit.

TLD Comparison:

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Domain

I’ve seen people blow hundreds of dollars on domains they never use, or worse, pick domains that end up hurting their business.

Avoid these:

• Buying expired or spammy domains without checking their history (use tools like Archive.org)
• Stuffing keywords in the domain (looks spammy)
• Using trademarked terms — even accidentally
• Picking a name too narrow — e.g., “justtshirts.com” limits you if you want to expand later

Stick with something you can grow into.

Final Thoughts

Getting your domain name right is a small but critical piece of launching a dropshipping or print-on-demand store. Y

ou don’t need to overthink it, but you shouldn’t ignore it either.

To recap:

• Don’t use a free subdomain. It kills trust.
• Keep your domain short, clear, and brandable.
• Register it yourself on Namecheap, Shopify, or Squarespace.
• Connect it cleanly to your store.
• Own the dot-com if you can, but .store and .shop are fine alternatives.

Once you’ve locked in a domain, you’re one step closer to looking like a real business — not just another copy-paste store.

Next up: connect your domain, build your homepage, and start driving traffic.

You’re building something real.