Domain, Launch & Go Live

In This Section, You Will Learn:

• • Why you need a custom domain
• • Where to buy domains
• • Connecting domain to Shopify
• • Removing Shopify branding
• • Choosing the right Shopify plan
• • Launch day checklist

Why You Need a Custom Domain

• Without domain: my-store-123.myshopify.com
• With domain: www.yourbrand.com
• Benefits of Custom Domain:
• • Looks professional (builds trust)
• • Easier to remember
• • Better for SEO (Google ranking)
• • Required for serious business
• • Can use custom email (hello@yourbrand.com)
• Investment: Rs. 2,000-3,500/year (~$10-15)
• It's one of the smallest investments for the biggest impact on credibility.

Where to Buy Domains

• Recommended Domain Registrars:
• GoDaddy:
• • Most popular in Pakistan
• • Easy to use
• • Good customer support
• • Often has first-year discounts
• Namecheap:
• • Usually cheaper
• • Free WhoisGuard (privacy protection)
• • Good for multiple domains
• Shopify Domains:
• • Buy directly from Shopify
• • Auto-connects (easiest option)
• • No DNS configuration needed
• Choosing a Good Domain:
• • Short and easy to spell
• • Your brand name exactly
• • .com preferred (.pk for local only)
• • Avoid numbers and hyphens

Connecting Your Domain

• If you bought from GoDaddy/Namecheap:
• 1. Go to Settings → Domains in Shopify
• 2. Click 'Connect existing domain'
• 3. Enter your domain name
• 4. Choose 'Connect automatically' (if available)
• 5. Shopify will provide DNS records to add
• 6. Log into your registrar (GoDaddy/Namecheap)
• 7. Add the DNS records (A record and CNAME)
• 8. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
• If you bought from Shopify:
• • It auto-connects! No setup needed.
• Verify Connection:
• • Go to Settings → Domains
• • Should show 'Connected' with green checkmark

Removing Shopify Branding

• 'Powered by Shopify' looks amateur. Remove it.
• Method 1 (Easy):
• 1. Online Store → Themes → Customize
• 2. Footer section → Uncheck 'Show powered by Shopify'
• Method 2 (Edit Code):
• 1. Online Store → Themes → Actions → Edit code
• 2. Find 'footer.liquid'
• 3. Search for 'powered_by_link'
• 4. Delete or comment out that line
• 5. Save
• AI Help: 'How to remove Powered by Shopify from [YOUR THEME NAME]?'
• Other Branding to Check:
• • Favicon (your logo as browser tab icon)
• • Social sharing image (when someone shares your link)

Choosing Your Shopify Plan

• When you're ready to launch, you need a paid plan:
• Basic Shopify: $39/month (~Rs. 11,000)
• • Perfect for starting out
• • 2 staff accounts
• • Basic reports
• • 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (if using Shopify Payments)
• Shopify: $105/month (~Rs. 30,000)
• • 5 staff accounts
• • Professional reports
• • Lower transaction fees
• Start with Basic. Upgrade when you're making consistent sales.
• Payment Options in Pakistan:
• • Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
• • Payoneer (if you have funds there)
• • Ask a friend abroad to help (temporary)

Launch Day Checklist

• Before Clicking 'Publish':
• ✅ Domain connected and working
• ✅ Powered by Shopify removed
• ✅ All products have images and descriptions
• ✅ Prices are correct
• ✅ Shipping rates configured
• ✅ Payment method set up
• ✅ Policies added
• ✅ Test order completed
• ✅ WhatsApp chat working
• ✅ Meta Pixel installed
• ✅ Email notifications configured
• ✅ Mobile view looks great
• Post-Launch:
• • Share on personal social media
• • Tell friends and family
• • Post in relevant Facebook groups
• • Celebrate! You've launched a business!