Choosing the right business name is one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of building your brand. A name carries your identity, values, and the promise you make to customers, so it’s no surprise that sometimes entrepreneurs want to change it as their vision evolves.
If you’ve built your website on Wix, you might be wondering, can I change my business name on Wix? The answer is yes, but there are some essential details and considerations you need to know before making the switch.
This process isn’t just about editing text on your homepage; it can impact your branding, SEO, domain, and legal identity.
Whether your business has outgrown its original name or you want a fresh start to better connect with your audience, understanding how Wix handles business name changes will save you time and effort. I’ll walk you through the steps, potential roadblocks, and smart strategies to keep your website strong and recognizable after the change.
Understanding Business Names on Wix
Before diving into how to change your business name on Wix, it’s important to understand what the “business name” means within Wix’s ecosystem. Unlike traditional business registration, Wix primarily focuses on your website’s branding and presentation rather than legal naming.
When you create a website on Wix, the business name is usually the name displayed prominently on your site, in your site’s settings, and sometimes in your domain name. However, Wix does not register your business name legally—that’s a separate process.
The name on Wix is more about your brand identity.
Here’s what you should keep in mind about business names on Wix:
- Displayed Name: This is the name visitors see on your website header, footer, and contact pages.
- Domain Name: Your website’s URL, which may or may not include your business name.
- Account Name: The name associated with your Wix account, which can be different from your business name.
Business Name vs. Domain Name
It’s crucial not to confuse your business name with your domain name. Your domain is your website address, such as www.yourbusiness.com.
Changing your business name doesn’t automatically change your domain.
Many users wonder if they can simply update their domain to match a new business name. Wix allows you to connect new domains, but changing an existing domain requires purchasing a new one or transferring domains, which can be a more complex process.
“Your business name on Wix is your brand’s face, but your domain is its digital address—both are important but managed differently.”
How to Change Your Business Name on Wix Website
Changing your business name on your Wix website itself is straightforward. This process involves editing text fields, logos, and possibly domain settings to reflect your new brand identity.
Start by logging into your Wix dashboard and selecting the site you want to edit. From the editor, you can update the site title and any headers or footers where your business name appears.
This ensures visitors see the new name prominently.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
- Open your Wix Editor and locate your site’s title or header.
- Click on the text or logo representing your business name.
- Edit the name to your new business name.
- Publish your changes to make them live.
Don’t forget to check all pages and sections where your old business name might appear—such as About Us, Contact, and SEO settings—to keep the branding consistent throughout your site.
Updating Your Logo and Visual Identity
If your business name change also comes with a new logo or brand visuals, Wix makes it easy to replace images and design elements. Upload your new logo via the Media Manager and swap it wherever the old logo appears.
Remember, visual consistency is key. Visitors should easily recognize your brand even after the name change, so update colors, fonts, and other branding aspects if necessary.
“Visual updates alongside your business name change help maintain trust and brand recognition among your audience.”
Changing Your Wix Domain to Match Your New Business Name
One of the trickier parts of changing your business name on Wix is updating your domain name to align with your new brand. Since domains are purchased separately, you can’t simply rename an existing domain.
To have a domain that matches your new business name, you’ll need to purchase a new domain or connect an existing domain that fits the new name. Wix allows you to manage multiple domains and redirect old domains to your new one to avoid losing traffic.
Consider these domain-related options:
- Buy a new domain: Use Wix’s domain purchasing service to find and register a domain matching your new business name.
- Connect an existing domain: If you already own a domain that fits your new name, connect it to your Wix site.
- Redirect old domains: Set up domain forwarding so visitors to your old domain automatically land on your new domain.
Domain Change Impact on SEO
Changing your domain can affect your website’s search engine rankings. Search engines index your old domain, so shifting to a new domain requires careful planning to maintain SEO value.
To minimize SEO impact:
- Set up 301 redirects from your old domain to your new domain to preserve link equity.
- Update your sitemap and submit it to search engines.
- Inform your audience and partners about the domain change.
“A domain name change is a significant SEO event; proper redirects and updates are essential to retain your website’s authority.”
Legal Considerations When Changing Your Business Name
While Wix makes it easy to change your business name on your website, it’s essential to remember that your business name also has legal implications beyond your website.
If your business is registered with a government agency or has trademarks associated with its name, you must update these records separately. Wix does not handle legal business name changes or registrations.
Key legal steps include:
- Check for name availability with your local business registry.
- File a name change with the appropriate government office.
- Update your tax, banking, and licensing information.
- Notify customers, suppliers, and partners about the name change.
Trademark and Branding Protection
Ensuring your new business name is not already trademarked protects you from legal disputes. Before finalizing your new name, research trademarks, domain availability, and social media handles.
This proactive approach secures your brand’s identity and prevents potential conflicts down the road.
“Your website’s business name is just one piece of the puzzle; securing legal rights to your new name is equally critical.”
Updating SEO and Marketing Materials After Your Business Name Change
A business name change affects more than just your website—it influences your entire online presence and marketing materials. Updating SEO settings ensures search engines properly index your new name.
Within Wix, you can update your SEO titles, descriptions, and keywords to reflect your new business name. This helps maintain and grow your organic search traffic, especially if your previous name was well-ranked.
Beyond SEO, don’t forget to update:
- Social media profiles and bios.
- Email signatures and newsletters.
- Business cards, brochures, and print materials.
- Online directories and review platforms.
Leveraging Content to Announce Your New Name
Communicating your business name change through blog posts or announcements builds transparency and trust. Consider writing about why you chose to rename your business and how it reflects your evolving mission.
For inspiration on naming and branding, check out fun business name ideas and inspiration. It can help spark creativity for your new brand identity.
“Effective communication of your business name change can turn a transition into an opportunity to reengage customers.”
Common Challenges When Changing Your Business Name on Wix
While Wix offers user-friendly tools for editing your site, some challenges may arise during a business name change. Understanding these hurdles in advance helps you plan a smooth transition.
Common issues include:
- Domain availability: Your preferred new domain might be taken or costly.
- SEO fluctuations: Temporary dips in traffic during domain or name changes.
- Brand recognition: Risk of confusing existing customers if changes are not clearly communicated.
- Third-party integrations: Updating external services linked to your old business name.
Strategies to Overcome These Challenges
To mitigate these risks, create a detailed plan that includes timelines, backups, and clear messaging. Engage your audience early and use tools like 301 redirects and consistent branding across all channels.
Patience is key—brand transitions take time but can lead to stronger, more aligned business identities.
“A well-executed name change can revitalize your business, but it requires strategic planning and consistent effort.”
Additional Wix Features to Support Your Business Name Change
Wix provides various features that support your business evolution beyond just changing your name. These tools help you maintain a professional, cohesive online presence as your brand grows.
Consider leveraging:
- Wix SEO Wiz: A guided tool to optimize your site for search engines with your new business name.
- Wix Email Marketing: Reach your customers with announcements and promotions related to your name change.
- Wix Logo Maker: Design a fresh logo that complements your new business name.
- Wix Domains: Manage multiple domains and domain forwarding with ease.
Integrating Wix Apps for Branding Consistency
Wix’s App Market offers tools to enhance customer interaction and brand engagement. For example, live chat apps can help answer visitor questions about your name change in real time.
Exploring these features can make your transition smoother and keep your business looking polished.
“Wix’s integrated tools empower you to control every aspect of your brand’s online identity, making name changes less daunting.”
Conclusion
Changing your business name on Wix is entirely possible and can breathe new life into your brand, but it requires careful execution. From simply updating your website’s displayed name to managing domain changes and legal registrations, every step matters in preserving your brand equity.
By understanding the difference between your site’s name, domain, and legal business name, you can approach the change strategically. Remember to update SEO settings and marketing materials to ensure your audience stays connected.
Embrace Wix’s powerful features to support your new identity and communicate transparently with your customers.
Ultimately, a business name change is more than a cosmetic update—it’s a chance to clarify your mission, attract new customers, and grow in a competitive marketplace. If you’re looking for more inspiration on naming and branding, exploring related topics like what is the merchant name and why it matters or What is the Legal Name of a Company and Why It Matters can provide valuable insights.
With thoughtful planning and Wix’s flexible platform, your new business name can set the stage for lasting success.
