Shopify Store Set Up

How to Create a Subdomain on Shopify

Last modified: March 30, 2026

Updated March 30, 2026 Expert reviewed

Subdomains can be a great way for you to host numerous features on your website. For instance, you might want to host a separate blog or a forum on a subdomain. Or perhaps you would like to sell internationally and would like subdomains for different countries or languages for your audience.

Another option is that you would like to have a subdomain for a website that is for members, loyal customers or wholesale customers. Is this possible on Shopify? And if so, how can it be done.

Key Takeaways

Choose suitable subdomain names and plan structure for effective Shopify subdomain creation.

Ensure consistent design and navigation between main site and subdomains for unified brand experience.

How to Create a Subdomain

When you buy your shop’s domain from Shopify, you’re given the configuration for two subdomains and the root domain. For instance, you will get example.com (root domain), www.example.com and shop.example.com.

If you’re looking to add another subdomain to your Shopify store, you will have to add a CNAME resource record using the OpenSRS interface. To find the information that will allow you to do this, you will need to find the original documentation that you got when you purchased your domain from Shopify.

Then you can set up your subdomain on Shopify by following these steps.

Step 1 - Log in

The first step is to log into your website.

Step 2 - Create Collections

Now you need to create a collection that will be displayed on your subdomain. For instance, if you’re offering premium packages for those who are loyal to your brand, you could label this as a ‘Premium’ collection.

Step 3 - Set Domain Forwarding

Now you can set the domain forwarding record for the subdomain. The destination URL has to be directed to the collection that you’ve created in step 2.

Step 4 - IP Address

When you’ve done step 3, you will be presented with an IP address. This should be used when you create a record for your subdomain.

In some cases, you will find that the IP address will not display. This is a glitch and it’s not anything that you’ve done that has caused this. If you do encounter this problem, then you can speak to the Shopify support team. They will be able to see and give you the IP address to help.

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FAQs

How long does it take to set up a subdomain on Shopify?

Setting up a subdomain on Shopify is typically quick, often completed within a few hours. The duration mainly depends on DNS propagation and your technical proficiency.
Do I need separate Shopify plans for each subdomain?

No, separate Shopify plans are not needed for each subdomain. All subdomains can be managed under your main Shopify plan, simplifying management and reducing costs.
Can I link my Shopify subdomains to external sites?

Yes, Shopify subdomains can link to external sites. This is useful for directing traffic to partner sites, blogs, or other external content relevant to your audience.

Strategies for Creating Subdomains on Shopify

Understanding Subdomains in E-commerce

Subdomains play a crucial role in structuring your online store for better user experience and SEO. Unlike a separate website, a subdomain is part of the main domain, acting as an independent section.

This structure is ideal for organizing different aspects of your e-commerce business, such as international versions of your store or a dedicated blog.

Choosing the Right Subdomain Name

Selecting an appropriate subdomain name is a critical first step. It should reflect the specific function or region it represents.

For example, ‘blog.yourstore.com’ for a content section or ‘us.yourstore.com’ for a United States-focused page. This clarity aids users in navigating and understanding the site’s structure.

Planning Subdomain Structure

Before creating subdomains, planning their structure is essential. Decide how each will serve your business.

Whether it’s for different language versions, customer segments, or product categories, a well-thought-out structure ensures a streamlined user experience and aids in SEO strategy.

Technical Insights on Subdomain Creation

Setting up a subdomain involves technical steps to ensure that your subdomain correctly points to Shopify’s servers, integrating seamlessly with your main domain.

This technical setup is crucial for a smooth and professional online presence.

Optimizing Your Shopify Subdomain

Design and Navigation Consistency

For a cohesive brand experience, it’s important to maintain design and navigation consistency between your main site and subdomains.

This uniformity helps in seamless transition for users navigating between different sections of your online presence.

Linking and SEO Best Practices

For subdomains to effectively contribute to your site’s SEO, they must be optimized. Linking your main site to your subdomain can significantly enhance user experience and SEO.

A well-integrated subdomain can help in targeting specific keywords and customer segments, contributing to better search engine rankings and user engagement.

This includes using relevant keywords in the subdomain name and ensuring each subdomain contains high-quality, unique content. Proper SEO practices for subdomains can significantly boost your overall online visibility.

Maximizing Subdomain Potential

To fully leverage the potential of subdomains, consider their diverse applications.

Setting up email forwarding on Shopify is one such application. By creating a subdomain specifically for email forwarding purposes, you can seamlessly manage communication channels while maintaining brand consistency.

Moreover, integrating cache in Shopify through subdomains can significantly improve website performance and speed. By caching static assets on a subdomain, you can reduce load times and enhance the overall user experience for your customers.

From hosting a mobile-optimized version of your store to creating a dedicated platform for wholesale customers, subdomains offer a flexible solution to cater to varied business needs.

Conclusion: How to Create a Subdomain on Shopify

Creating a subdomain on Shopify is really simple. You do need your own custom domain, but this isn’t too challenging to get for you. Use the steps above to get your subdomain going. Once you get this set up, learn more about more things you can do with your Shopify domain and URL management.

While the process of setting up a subdomain may be simple, the potential for customization and enhancement through Shopify’s advanced features allows you to create a truly unique and impactful online presence.

Whether you’re aiming to optimize for mobile, streamline communication channels, or create dedicated sections for different customer segments, Shopify empowers you to realize your vision effectively.

Written by:

Lindsey Perry

I have 5+ years of experience with Shopify and 15+ years of experiences on other eCommerce platforms. My theme reviews are designed to help store owners find the best theme for them.