What is MyShopify?

MyShopify is a subdomain new sites on Shopify receive. Let’s explain what that means…

A domain is just the address of your website-think of it as your online home. For example, google.com is a domain. A URL (aka Uniform Resource Locator) is the full address you type into your browser to reach a specific website.Now, a subdomain is a part of that address.

For instance, blog.yourwebsite.com or store.yourwebsite.com are subdomains of yourwebsite.com. Shopify gives you a MyShopify subdomain when you sign up-something like yourstorename.myshopify.com.

It’s your default store URL when you’re just getting started. But once you’re ready to go pro, you can grab a custom domain (like yourstorename.com), which is way more polished and professional.

How Does MyShopify Work?

When you create a Shopify store, Shopify automatically gives you a MyShopify subdomain (yourstorename.myshopify.com). This free domain is the backbone of your online shop as you start building it out. It’s perfect for getting your feet wet-without having to invest in a custom domain just yet.

Here’s the process:

  1. Sign Up: Shopify hooks you up with a MyShopify URL (like yourstorename.myshopify.com).
  2. Start Building: Use this URL to design your store, upload products, and fine-tune your shipping and payments.
  3. Custom Domain Time: When you’re ready to level up, buy a custom domain (yourstorename.com) to look more legit.
  4. Admin Use: Even after upgrading to a custom domain, the MyShopify URL sticks around in the background for managing your store. You’ll use it to log into the admin panel and run the back end of your business.

Pro Tip: Always log in through the official Shopify site to keep your store secure and avoid phishing attempts. Shopify makes sure everything is locked down, but a little extra caution never hurts!

What Should You Know About MyShopify?

  1. Great for Starting, Not for Long-Term Use: The MyShopify URL is fantastic for getting up and running quickly, but you’ll want to invest in a custom domain sooner rather than later. Once you get your custom domain, customers won’t see the MyShopify URL, but it’s always there for you to manage the back end.
  2. Locked In: Choose your store name carefully when setting up MyShopify because once you’ve picked it, it’s permanent. You can’t change it later.
  3. Looks Matter: Sticking with the MyShopify URL long-term can make your store look incomplete or unprofessional. Customers tend to trust stores with custom domains more. Investing in your custom domain is a small price for building trust and credibility.
  4. Be Aware of Scams: Some shady actors use MyShopify URLs to create scammy stores. They don’t bother upgrading to custom domains, and that can sometimes be a red flag. However, this doesn’t mean every store with a MyShopify URL is a scam, but it’s something for both merchants and customers to be aware of.

Is MyShopify Risky?

Let’s set the record straight-MyShopify itself is NOT dangerous. It’s part of the trusted, widely-used Shopify platform that has empowered millions of businesses around the world. Shopify is known for its rock-solid infrastructure, security features, and user-friendly design. But, like any tool, it can be misused by bad actors.

Here’s the potential risk:
Some scammers create fake stores using the MyShopify URL because they don’t invest in a custom domain. While not all stores using a MyShopify domain are scams, it’s one way scammers might try to cut corners. These fraudulent stores may sell fake products or try to steal personal information.

Stay Safe with Shopify:
Phishing scams are another danger, where fake websites or emails mimic Shopify to steal your login info. Solution? Always log in directly through the official Shopify site or app. Bookmark the login page for an added layer of security. Shopify itself does a great job protecting its merchants, but a little extra care can keep you even safer.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Use Official Shopify Channels: Only log in to Shopify through its official website or app. If you get an email or link asking you to log in, double-check the URL before you click anything.
  • Check Reviews for Stores: If you’re a customer shopping at a store with a MyShopify URL, look for reviews, a social media presence, or other signs of legitimacy before you make a purchase.

Shopify is constantly monitoring the platform for suspicious activity. If you find a store you think might be fraudulent, you can report it to Shopify, and they’ll investigate.