Ever felt like your Etsy shop name doesn’t quite fit anymore? You’re not alone. Many Etsy sellers reach a point where they want a name that better reflects their evolving brand, resonates more with their products, or just feels right. It’s common to wonder, “How can I change my Etsy shop name?” while worrying about the process and its effects. Will it be complicated? What about my shop’s visibility?
This guide aims to clear these doubts. We’re here to make changing your Etsy shop name a straightforward and exciting journey. It’s not just about a new name; it’s about taking a step forward in your Etsy adventure with confidence and ease.
So, let’s dive into the world of renaming, where the only thing standing between you and your new shop name is a few clicks and a dash of creativity.
Table of Contents
How to change your Etsy shop name
Changing your Etsy shop name is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to your Shop Manager in Etsy
- Select Settings
- Choose Info & Appearance
- Choose the Shop name tab
- Enter your new shop name
- Click Save
That’s all there is to it! After completing these steps, the change to your shop name should take effect immediately.
Choosing a new shop name
Picking the right name for your Etsy shop is more than just a creative challenge; it’s a crucial business decision. The wrong name might hinder your shop’s potential, while the right one can boost your business and strengthen customer connections. Your shop’s name is not just a label – it’s the heart of your brand’s identity and a key to attracting and engaging customers.
Forget about SEO
This might sound surprising, but you don’t need to focus on Etsy SEO when naming your shop. Even if a shop name has a role in SEO, which is itself a debatable point, there are more crucial aspects to consider, like branding. Concentrate on how your name represents your brand identity and how it resonates with people.
Reflect on the well-known brands that you can easily recall. How many of them have keywords in their names? Aren’t they typically names that are memorable but don’t necessarily have a specific meaning? Your aim should be to choose a name that sticks in the minds of your customers, not because it’s a bundle of keywords, but because it’s unique and emblematic of your brand’s story and character.
Pick a name that’s easy to understand and remember
Choose a shop name that is easy to understand, pronounce, and remember. This is especially important in a global marketplace like Etsy, where buyers from around the world should feel comfortable using your shop name. A name that transcends language barriers not only becomes memorable but also enhances the accessibility of your shop to potential buyers globally.
Ensure the name is available on Etsy
Before settling on a new name, ensure it’s not already in use on Etsy. Keep in mind that you can’t use the names of currently active Etsy shops or the old names of existing Etsy shops. The easiest way to find out if a name is available is by testing it in an Etsy URL. Simply go to:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/new-shop-name
Replace new-shop-name with the name you are considering. If the page doesn’t exist, the name is likely available.
Check if the name works well with Google
It’s crucial to check if your chosen shop name is not just unique on Etsy, but also unused by other brands outside the platform. Even if a name isn’t trademarked, using a name that’s already associated with another company could overshadow your presence. Ultimately, you’ll want your shop to be easily discoverable on Google and other search engines. Therefore, ensuring your shop name is distinct and unique in the wider market is key to building a strong online presence.
Get ideas from friends and family
Don’t hesitate to involve your friends and family in the brainstorming process. They can offer fresh perspectives and ideas that you might not have considered. Their diverse viewpoints can lead to creative and unique name suggestions.
Get ideas from ChatGPT
If you’re looking for unique and creative shop name ideas, ChatGPT can be a valuable resource. It can generate a variety of suggestions tailored to your shop’s theme or the essence of your brand. This approach allows you to explore a range of inventive and original names, offering fresh perspectives that might not have occurred to you.
Select the right name format
If your shop name consists of multiple words, capitalize each word. This enhances readability and makes the name more visually appealing.
Choose a name you love
Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing your Etsy shop name is that it resonates with your personally. Select a name that you’re passionate about, one that reflects your brand’s story and values. A name you love will not only inspire your business journey but also genuinely connect with your customers.
Etsy shop name criteria
When choosing your Etsy shop name, it’s important to be aware of Etsy’s technical restrictions. You can’t just choose a random sequence of characters and use it as a name. Here are the key limitations to keep in mind:
- The shop name should not be longer than 20 characters.
- Spaces are not allowed in the shop name.
- Punctuation, symbols, or other special characters are not permitted. You’re limited to using Latin letters and numbers.
These rules are designed to keep shop names simple and consistent across the platform. Make sure your chosen name adheres to these criteria to ensure a smooth setup process.
Effects of changing your shop name
Your shop URL will be updated
When you change your Etsy shop name, the URL to your shop will be updated. Your customers can access your shop using the new URLs which will be:
- https://new-shop-name.etsy.com
- https://www.etsy.com/shop/new-shop-name
These new URLs reflect your updated shop name, ensuring customers can find your shop easily under its new identity.
Your old shop URL will still work
The original URL of your Etsy shop will remain valid even after the name change. This means that your existing customers will still be able to find your shop quickly and easily. Moreover, any links you have previously shared across social media or the internet will still be functional. These links will automatically redirect users to your new shop.
Your previous shop name remains reserved
After changing your Etsy shop name, your old shop name will still be reserved for you. This means that no one else will be able to create a new shop with your previous name, safeguarding your brand’s legacy and preventing potential confusion among customers who may be familiar with your old name.
You shop icon will be decorated
Following the name change of your Etsy shop, an icon will be displayed to notify your customers about this update. This icon serves as a visual cue, informing visitors of your shop’s recent rebranding. It will be present for 45 days, providing ample time for both new and returning customers to become accustomed to your shop’s new name.
What to do after changing your shop name
Changing your Etsy shop name might seem like the major hurdle, but it’s actually just the beginning. Depending on how established your business is, you may find there’s a significant amount of work to do following the change. This next section delves into the crucial steps you should take after renaming your shop.
Inform your customers and fans
Informing your customers and fans about your Etsy shop’s name change is crucial, especially if you have an established customer base. Failing to communicate this change could result in losing repeat and loyal customers who might not recognize your new shop name. Utilize every platform where you interact with your audience:
- Social media: Post updates on your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or other social media pages to inform your followers.
- Email communication: Send an email to your mailing list subscribers, explaining the rebranding and what it means for them.
- Shop modifications: Update your Etsy shop announcement and add a message to your shop banner, making the name change clear to visitors.
Additionally, consider using this as an opportunity to boost your Etsy sales. Offer a special discount code to celebrate the rebranding, enticing customers old and new to visit your shop.
These steps will not only keep your audience informed but also help maintain the loyalty and connection they have with your brand.
Update your marketing materials
Consistency in branding is key, so it’s important to update all your marketing materials with your new Etsy shop name. This includes any branded packaging, thank you notes, business cards, and other promotional items you use. Ensuring that all aspects of your branding reflect your new name helps to present a cohesive and professional image to your customers. Make these updates as soon as possible to avoid any confusion and to reinforce your shop’s new identity.
Update your shop name everywhere
Remember to update your shop name across all platforms and communication channels. This step extends beyond the obvious, reaching into the often overlooked corners of your business presence. Make sure to revise your Etsy shop name in:
- Auto-reply messages: If you use automated responses in emails or in Etsy, ensure they reflect your new shop name.
- Email signatures: Update your email signature to include your updated shop name.
- Online links: Adjust any URLs that link to your Etsy shop from external sites like your Facebook page, personal website, or any other online profiles you maintain.
Conclusion
Changing your Etsy shop name marks a new chapter in your business journey. While it involves careful consideration and a bit of follow-up work, the process can rejuvenate your brand and deepen your connection with customers. Remember, this change is more than just a new name; it’s an opportunity to realign with your business goals, refresh your presence in the marketplace, and continue building a loyal customer base. Embrace this change with confidence, knowing you’re taking a significant step forward in your Etsy adventure.
