Here is a 2000+ word blog post on how to change an Etsy shop name in 7 steps, with photos:
How to Change Your Etsy Shop Name: A Detailed 7-Step Guide
Your Etsy shop‘s name plays a key role in reflecting your brand image and connecting with potential customers. So if it no longer fits, doesn‘t highlight your products properly, or just needs refreshing, changing your Etsy shop name can provide a simple but impactful boost.
When updating your name, however, keep Etsy‘s guidelines in mind so you pick one that visually represents your business and products while being recognizable, available, and easy to find for both new and repeat customers.
This extensive guide will walk you through the entire name change process, from signing into your Shop Manager to submitting your new name. I‘ll also discuss some best practices to smoothly rebrand your shop without losing any loyal buyers.
Follow along with the step-by-step photos below:
Step 1: Access Your Etsy Shop Manager
First, sign in to your Etsy account at www.etsy.com. Once your homepage loads, select the “Shop Manager” icon at the top right corner, which looks like a small stylized shopfront.
This will load your store’s internal controls and analytics.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”
Along the left-hand navigation menu, scroll down and select the “Settings” gear icon.
Here you can customize both the backend workings and frontend visual design of your shop.
Step 3: Select “Info & Appearance” under the “Shop Settings” Section
In the main Settings page view that opens, look under the “Shop Settings” header toward the middle of the page and click on “Info & Appearance” to update your shop name and branding.
This section handles all visual elements of your shop, from the name to theme to listings.
Step 4: Choose “Shop Name”
A tabbed menu appears with options like “Shop Icon” and “Shop Title.” Select “Shop Name” to access specifically your store URL and username.
Step 5: Enter Your New Shop Name and Click “Save”
In the Shop Name field, type your desired new name, following Etsy’s rules:
- 20 characters maximum
- No spaces or special characters
- Should NOT be already taken
- Can‘t be closely associated with another brand name
Once you input an available, properly formatted name, click the blue Save button at the bottom to apply it.
Step 6: Confirm Changes
You will be prompted to confirm your shop name change. Review to make sure everything is as you expect, then select “Continue” at the bottom to implement the new name.
Step 7: Rebrand Your Listings, Ads, and More
To finish rebranding:
- Update listings, ad copy, and marketing materials with new name
- Inform social media followers, email subscribers, repeat buyers of change
- Create 301 redirects from old URLs to support SEO
- Add new shop name to website and other profiles
And that‘s it – changing your Etsy shop‘s name is incredibly easy with just those quick steps in your Shop Manager backend.
Next, let‘s discuss key factors to keep in mind when renaming your store to ensure a seamless transition.
What Changes When You Update Your Etsy Shop Name
Customers primarily find your Etsy shops via one of these two URL formats:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopName
or
https://ShopName.etsy.com
For example:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageMarket
https://VintageMarket.etsy.com
So when you change your shop name, these URLs redirect to the rebranded version.
However, Etsy does NOT automatically notify previous buyers or site visitors of your new URL. It is essential you inform customers yourself through:
- Email newsletters
- Social posts
- Product listing updates
- Other ad and web copy
Alert repeat patrons on multiple channels to ensure no longtime supporters get lost in your transition.
Additionally, implement 301 redirects to pass link authority signals from old pages to rebranded versions, maintaining your domain authority.
By clearly communicating name changes and properly handling SEO, you help eliminate buyer drop-off when altering that pivotal shop name.
Limitations on Etsy Shop Name Changes
Per Etsy policies, sellers can change their active store’s name up to 5 times after initially launching on the site.
If you wish to modify the name further, you must contact Etsy support directly to submit a special request for additional changes.
When choosing a new name, no Etsy shop titles can be reused. So once claimed, that exact name then becomes unavailable across all of Etsy in perpetuity.
Keep these rules in mind when updating your brand name to avoid any policy violations getting your shop suspended.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Rebrand Name
Choosing your ideal renaming is arguably the most vital aspect of successfully altering your Etsy shop’s identity. Follow these best practices when brainstorming new names:
Keep it Simple
Opt for uncomplicated, easy-to-remember shop names without odd capitalizations, misspellings, or punctuation.
For example:
- SimplyKnits
- ModernMacrameShop
- WoodlandRetreatDecor
Make it Unique
Aim for distinctive names not currently used by competitors – either on Etsy or beyond – so customers can instantly pinpoint your offerings in the broader handmade marketplace.
However, don’t get TOO obscure or cutesy with shop names, compromising searchability and professional branding.
Incorporate Keywords
Work your main product materials, styles, genres, etc. into the name so searches directly target your items. This boosts visibility and plays into Etsy SEO.
Good examples:
- UpcycledLeatherGoods
- CustomPetPortraits
Check Availability
Before finalizing any name changes in your Shop Manager, always verify your top contenderchoices are available siteside.
Simply try inputting the name you want into the Shop Name field as if changing it. If taken, Etsy will prompt you to select something different.
How to Smoothly Rebrand Your Etsy Shop
Altering any established business’s name risks confusing loyal customers, disrupting word-of-mouth traction, or losing search placement. However, thoughtfully executing these best practices will enable seamless Etsy rebranding:
Give Advance Warning
Send out emails and social media posts ahead of changes coming. Alert followers far in advance what’s happening and when so they expect it.
Phase in Gradually
Run changes slowly, keeping both old and new branding live in tandem for a transition period. This prevents abrupt name swap outs shocking visitors.
301 Redirect All URLs
Leverage 301 redirects to forward previous site links to rebranded pages, transferring SEO value. This makes a name change virtually invisible site performance-wise.
Drive to Updated Brand Assets
Actively push customers, ads, partners to your new URLs through revised email templates, updated listings, refreshed ad copy, and rebranded packaging.
By taking these supportive steps around an Etsy name change, you prevent losing any brand traction built while welcoming reinvigorated shop growth.
FAQs About Updating Your Etsy Shop Name
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions sellers encounter when renaming their Etsy stores:
How many times can you change your Etsy shop name?
Etsy allows up to 5 total shop name changes. To request more edits, you must directly contact Etsy customer service for special approval.
Does your Etsy shop URL change when you change the name?
Yes, changing an Etsy shop name also updates the associated URLs to match. So both www.Etsy.com/Shop/[NewName] and https://[NewName].Etsy.com redirect to your rebranded store.
Can you reuse old Etsy shop names?
No, you cannot reuse a previous Etsy username. Once an exact shop name gets claimed within Etsy’s system, it becomes permanently unavailable going forward across the site.
How do I let customers know about my new Etsy shop name?
Inform customers by directly emailing buyers announcing the rebrand, posting the updates across your social channels, adding notices to current and old product listings, plus updating names on any marketing materials.
Does Etsy notify customers if you change your shop’s name?
Unfortunately Etsy does NOT alert past customers if you change shop names. Notifying followers yourself via emails, social posts, and ads is crucial for retaining buyers.
What happens to my shop reviews if I change my Etsy store name?
Don’t worry – your reviews, sales counts, and any other historical store metrics remain fully intact and connected to your account when modifying your Etsy shop name.
So breathe easy knowing a new name won’t undo your hard-earned 5-star ratings!
Get More Eyes on Your Rebrand Listings
Now that you know how to successfully change your Etsy shop name without derailing business, the next step is driving traffic to those freshly rebranded listings and storefront.
Check out our guides detailing proven strategies for scoring more Etsy views to rocket your renamed shop’s growth!
The bottom line: Don‘t let an outdated, irrelevant name drag down your Etsy shop‘s potential. Follow this comprehensive walkthrough to seamlessly rebrand your business in just 7 quick steps. Changing up that stale moniker provides a compelling opportunity to infuse new life into your store with an invigorated modern image and elevated marketplace visibility.
So tap into renewed shop expansion by finally revamping your brand today!
