Struggling with your Wix site name? Whether you’re rebranding or just made a typo, changing your site name on Wix is straightforward but crucial for your digital branding.
It’s key for your visitors and critical for search engines like Google to identify your website correctly.
Your site title isn’t just about appearance; it directly impacts your Search Engine Optimization, affecting your site’s visibility in search results.
Plus, maintaining consistent branding across your domain settings and website elements boosts your online identity, ensuring your content resonates with your audience and stands out.
By following this guide, you’ll learn how to update your site title, customize your homepage details, and make necessary changes in your Wix dashboard.
We’ll also dive into optimizing your page’s metadata and utilizing the domain manager for a seamless transition. Let’s simplify the process so you can confidently manage your digital presence and navigate the web effectively.
How To Change Site Name On Wix: Quick Workflow
Changing the site name on Wix involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps to Change Site Name on Wix
- Log in to your Wix account: Visit Wix.com and sign in with your email and password.
- Go to Your Site’s Dashboard:
- Click on My Sites in the header.
- Select the site you want to rename from the list of sites displayed.
- Rename Your Site:
- In your site’s dashboard, click on Site Actions at the top.
- Select Rename Site from the dropdown menu.
- Enter New Site Name and URL (if applicable):
- Enter your new site name where prompted.
- If you’re using a free Wix URL, you can also edit the Site Address (URL) field if needed.
- Save Changes: Click on Save after making all necessary changes.
Understanding How Wix Domains Work
Types of Domains on Wix
Free Wix subdomains are the starting point for many. Think accountname.wixsite.com/sitename. This is the default option when creating a free site, functional yet with limits. The name screams “Wix” loud and clear, bold branding all around. It’s like an introduction to the web hosting platform, a teaser before diving into customization.
Custom domains, here lies more freedom. These domains are the keys to your digital identity, whether snagging them through Wix or a third-party domain registrar. They allow for a more personal touch, enhancing web presence with a unique URL structure.
Key Components of a Wix Domain
Account name: The initial identifier, your username, your starting point. It paves the way for the rest and sits snugly in the URL path, setting the stage for your individual showcase.
Wix branded domain: This is the default “wixsite.com,” a constant reminder of your hosting choice. While it offers simplicity, it isn’t exactly ideal for a branding overhaul. It limits the opportunity for a full-fledged online branding strategy.
Individual site name: The real star. This component is your chance to shine, individualize, and craft your brand. It’s what people will remember, the name that sticks when people leave your site and think back to what they saw.
Limitations of Free Wix Domains
There are built-in restrictions with free Wix domains. The inescapable “wixsite.com” keeps things from looking fully professional— a hurdle if your ambition includes broad site visibility and robust digital marketing. Free domains are like training wheels.
Upgrading to a premium plan changes the game. It’s about growth, taking your site from a simple space to a real web presence. With more resources, the chance to connect a custom domain, and SEO optimization, the benefits are clear. It’s a step toward improved search engine ranking and better website customization.
Preparing to Change Your Domain Name on Wix
Factors to Consider Before Making Changes
Shifting your domain name isn’t just about naming—it’s like opening the door to altering your entire online presence.
Impact on SEO and website traffic is huge. Imagine the rankings and search engine visibility taking a hit because your chosen keywords no longer align with your new domain. The digital realm can be unforgiving. Traffic that once flowed like a river can slow to a trickle if you’re not careful. It’s about maintaining that steady stream of visitors.
Selection of the right domain name is vital. Consider your digital identity and ensure it reflects your brand, encapsulating your mission and making it easy to remember. A solid domain name is not just aesthetic; it plays into how users find you in the online space. It’s your brand’s front door—choose wisely.
Upgrading to a Premium Wix Plan (If Necessary)
Have you ever tried squeezing a custom domain into a free pocket? Not happening. That’s where premium plans shine. They offer the freedom to connect custom domains—an upgrade that unlocks major perks.
Why even bother with custom domains? Apart from professional credibility, they offer more in SEO optimization and website customization. Your presence feels more polished, more complete. Imagine being able to control every aspect of your site’s URL structure without Hindrances.
The pricing plans on Wix? Varies from basic to unlimited, each bringing its own collection of benefits. Starting from a small fee, they rise in features and offerings, designed to cater to different needs—from streamlined operations to full-blown web empires.
Knowing this sets the stage. It’s about understanding your visitors, picking the right door, and setting your site on a path to succeed.
How to Change Your Wix Domain Name
Changing a Custom Domain Name
To change a custom domain name, first consider purchasing a new domain. You can get this directly through Wix or perhaps explore third-party providers. The choice often depends on your budget and requirements for domain configuration.
Once you have a new domain, connect it to your Wix site. Start with the Wix dashboard, where you have control over site settings. You can manage redirects, DNS settings, and make your domain align seamlessly with your online presence.
Account settings are another avenue to ensure your custom domain is perfectly attached. Here, check your connections, ensure domain statuses are active, and troubleshoot connections for effortless branding integration.
Changing a Free Wix Subdomain
Switching things up for a free Wix subdomain entails a few steps.
Modifying your account name is possible by navigating to the Account Settings. Find your account section while you explore the backend.
Editing the account name is straightforward. Ensure you have the right spelling, capitalization, and style. Once done, make sure to save changes. This edit will automatically reflect across any associated subdomains.
Renaming your Wix site is a related task. Accessing the site dashboard gives you direct entry to edit your website name.
Updating the site address or URL is easy. It’s right within the dashboard menu, under website management options. Save changes after ensuring everything is right. A fresh name could boost site visibility and improve the overall user experience, aligning brand goals with content visibility.
How to Change the URL of Specific Pages on Your Wix Site
Accessing Page Settings in the Wix Editor
To start, locate the “Pages & Menu” section. Once there, every page of your website awaits. Identify the specific page you want to tweak. Choose wisely; this decision leads directly to URL changes.
Selecting the specific page to edit is smooth sailing. A simple click transports you into its settings. Consistency here ensures a well-maintained website navigation system.
Editing the URL Slug (Page Address)
Begin with the SEO basics section. The URL slug is your focus. Adjust it. Make changes reflect the page’s purpose clearly and succinctly. Every letter counts for SEO optimization.
Best practices for creating SEO-friendly URLs are crucial. Keep it short yet descriptive. Include primary keywords naturally. You want search engines to understand each page instantly. It’s about crafting URLs that resonate with both search bots and human users alike.
Reserved URL Paths You Cannot Use
There’s a list of restricted paths you must know. Avoid names like sitemap.xml and robots.txt. These are off-limits. They serve technical purposes beyond regular content display and require specific server access.
Why these paths are unavailable is clear. They’re fundamental for search engines and involve the site’s structural integrity. Misusing them can lead to website management issues and negatively impact site performance. Avoid at all costs.
Setting Up 301 Redirects After Changing Domain or URLs
Importance of 301 Redirects for SEO
Preventing loss of website traffic is crucial when updating domains. Without 301 redirects, visitors hitting the old address will meet disappointment. But with them, traffic flows smoothly, like a well-paved road guiding users to your new web location. It’s a seamless transition. Maintaining search engine rankings is equally important. Search engines like Google rely on these redirects to understand your content shift. A 301 redirect passes the authority from the old URL to the new. This way, your page authority remains unharmed.
How to Set Up 301 Redirects in Wix
First, dive into the “SEO” section in the Wix dashboard. This is your command center for all things redirection. Here, tackle the links efficiently.
Using the URL Redirect Manager allows for precision.
- Creating single redirects is straightforward. Input the old path and seamlessly link it to the new one.
- For mass changes, setting up group redirects comes in handy. This tool allows you to map multiple old URLs to their new successors—an effective approach for larger sites with many pages.
Testing redirects ensures proper functionality. Always test each redirect to confirm they lead somewhere useful. Load your browser, try out a few URLs, and make sure they land where they should. This proactive step avoids broken links and guarantees a reliable user experience.
What to Do After Changing Your Domain Name on Wix
Updating Internal Links on Your Website
First, there’s the matter of ensuring consistency in navigation menus and content. Every link counts. Tweak those internal links to ensure they point to the right places. Navigation, menus, and content—each needs a check.
Updating External Links and Business Listings
For your social media profiles, update the domain everywhere. Profiles, pages, and any linked content should reflect your changes. Users deserve a seamless online space experience.
Your Google Business Profile and online directories deserve attention. These platforms drive traffic, so make sure they know where to direct people. A simple edit there can make a world of difference in terms of business listings.
Submitting Your New Sitemap to Search Engines
With the new sitemap, head over to Google Search Console. Submission is key. It’s how you tell search engines that you’ve gone through changes and here’s where everything is now.
Also, take a moment to notify Bing and other search engines. They matter. Use their tools to ensure they see your updated website architecture.
Monitoring Website Performance Post-Change
Tracking traffic and SEO metrics in Google Analytics is a must. Watch those numbers. They’ll tell you if people find you and how they interact with your site. Data here is about actionable insight.
Then, focus on identifying and fixing broken links. Some will slip through the cracks. When you find them, fix them quickly. That’s how you maintain quality user experience while holding on to website traffic.
FAQ on How To Change Site Name On Wix
How do I change the site name on Wix?
To change your site name on Wix, head to the Wix Dashboard. Look for Settings, then select Site Details. Here, you can update your website title.
This change helps reflect your brand identity and improves how your site appears in search engine results.
Will changing the site name affect SEO?
Yes, it can affect SEO. Changing your site name means updating page titles and meta tags, which influence how search engines display your site.
It’s crucial to ensure consistent branding across Wix domain settings. Also, internal and external links should reflect this change for smooth traffic flow.
How do I make sure my new site name appears in search results?
To ensure the new site name shows up in search results, update the meta description and header tags within the Wix SEO settings.
Adding accurate site metadata helps, and use Google Search Console to request indexing. This way, search engines capture and display the revised name.
What should I consider when choosing a new site name?
When picking a new site name, make sure it aligns with your brand identity. Keep it memorable and relevant to your content.
Consider factors like ease of recall and availability of the corresponding domain name. Aim for uniqueness to enhance your site’s visibility in the online space.
Can I change the site’s URL along with the name?
Yes, you can change the URL by going to your Wix domain manager. It’s a good practice when rebranding to ensure all aspects align.
Just make sure to redirect the old URL to avoid losing website traffic. Consistency across your hosting and domain settings is crucial for a seamless transition.
How long does it take for the new site name to show up on search engines?
It might take a few days to weeks for search engines to update your site name. This depends on factors like Google’s crawling frequency.
Submitting a sitemap through Google Search Console can help speed up the process, ensuring search engines quickly adopt the changes.
Do I need to inform my audience about the site name change?
Informing your audience helps maintain engagement and trust. Use email marketing or a blog announcement to communicate the change and its reasons.
Ensuring your followers know about the update helps keep visitor engagement high and maintains smooth interaction with your online community.
How often can I change my site name on Wix?
There’s no strict limit, but frequent changes can confuse visitors and dilute your brand presence.
It’s best to make thoughtful, strategic decisions that align with your long-term branding goals. Consistency is key in building recognition within your audience and among search engines.
Will I need to update other elements on my website?
Yes, updating the site name requires changes in connected elements like social media links, header tags, and any customized branded content across the website.
Consistency in metadata and integration with tools like traffic analytics are important to ensure smooth operation and brand continuity.
Is there a fee to change my site name on Wix?
No, changing your site name on Wix is free of charge. But if you alter your domain name, you might incur costs depending on your domain registrar and whether you need to purchase a new domain name. Ensure you verify any potential fees during the update process.
Conclusion
Changing your site name on Wix is more than a quick edit. It impacts how your brand appears on the internet. It’s about updating your site title in the Wix Dashboard and ensuring your online identity remains consistent and recognizable. Each step, from domain settings to updating relevant meta tags, affects your site’s visibility.
When updating your site name, you’re effectively refining your approach to Search Engine Optimization. Consistency across web pages and connected platforms enhances your online space, maintaining a smooth user experience. Don’t forget to communicate these changes with your audience to keep visitor engagement high.
In essence, changing your site name on Wix has broader influences on branding and traffic analytics. By following the guide provided, you’re equipped to manage these changes effortlessly, ensuring your website identity remains strong and functional. With these adjustments, you’re set to improve your digital branding and navigate the web landscape efficiently.
