Choosing the perfect name for your website is a pivotal step in establishing your online presence, especially when using platforms like Wix. Your website name represents your brand identity and can significantly impact how visitors perceive your business or personal project.
But what happens if you realize that your initial choice no longer fits your evolving vision? Can you change your website name on Wix without starting from scratch?
Understanding the flexibility Wix offers in terms of website naming is crucial for anyone wanting to maintain a professional and consistent brand image.
Changing a website name on Wix might seem straightforward, but it involves several considerations, such as domain names, branding, and SEO implications. Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger, or creative professional, knowing the process and potential consequences can save you time and help you make informed decisions.
Let’s explore how Wix handles website name changes and what you need to keep in mind to ensure this transition is smooth and effective.
Understanding Wix Website Naming Basics
Before diving into changing your website name, it’s essential to understand how Wix structures website names and domain names. Wix offers two primary ways to identify your website: the site name displayed within your Wix dashboard and the domain name visitors use to access your site.
The site name in Wix is mainly an internal label used to organize your projects. It doesn’t necessarily affect how your visitors find you unless it’s linked to your domain.
Conversely, the domain name is the web address (URL) that users enter to visit your site.
When you create a website with Wix, you can use a free Wix subdomain or connect a custom domain you’ve purchased. Changing your website’s displayed name is different from changing the domain, and each has its own set of rules and implications.
“Your website’s name within Wix is a flexible label, but your domain name is your online address — changing one doesn’t automatically change the other.”
Site Name vs. Domain Name
- Site Name: The title you assign in your Wix dashboard; it can be changed anytime without affecting visitors.
- Domain Name: The actual URL people use to access your site; changing it is more complex and can affect SEO and branding.
- Subdomain: Free Wix sites use a Wix subdomain (e.g., username.wixsite.com/sitename), which can be changed but with limitations.
How to Change Your Website Name on Wix Dashboard
Changing the website name displayed in your Wix dashboard is quick and straightforward. This name helps you identify your projects internally but doesn’t affect your site’s public URL unless you update domain settings accordingly.
To change your site name, simply open your Wix account, find your site in the dashboard, and select the “Site Actions” menu. From there, you can rename your site to whatever you prefer.
This helps keep your projects organized and aligned with your branding.
However, remember that this change is purely administrative. Your visitors will not see this new name unless you update site content or domain information.
- Log into your Wix account dashboard
- Hover over the site and click on the three dots to open “Site Actions”
- Select “Rename Site” and enter the new name
- Save the changes; the new name appears in your dashboard
“Renaming your site in the dashboard is a simple way to keep your projects organized but does not update your public-facing website URL.”
Changing Your Domain Name on Wix
Unlike the site name, changing your domain name is a more significant step. The domain is how visitors find your website on the internet, and it plays a vital role in your branding and search engine optimization (SEO).
If you are using a free Wix subdomain, Wix allows limited flexibility to change the subdomain, but it often requires creating a new site or adjusting the site address. For custom domains, the process involves purchasing a new domain and connecting it to your site, as Wix does not allow direct domain renaming.
Here’s what you need to know about changing domain names:
- Free Wix Subdomains: You can change the subdomain by creating a new site and selecting a new address, but existing links won’t redirect automatically.
- Custom Domains: You must purchase a new domain or transfer an existing one, then connect it to your Wix site.
- SEO Impact: Changing your domain can affect your search rankings unless you properly set up redirects.
Steps to Update Your Domain
| Step | Action | Details |
| Purchase New Domain | Buy a new domain from Wix or third-party providers | Ensure the domain matches your new website name and branding |
| Connect Domain | Use Wix’s domain connection tools | Follow instructions to link your domain to your existing site |
| Set Up Redirects | Implement 301 redirects from old domain to new | Preserves SEO value and directs visitors seamlessly |
“Changing a domain name is more than just a technical update; it requires strategic planning to maintain your online presence and SEO rankings.”
Impact of Changing Your Website Name on SEO
The name of your website, particularly your domain, plays an essential role in how search engines rank your site. Changing your website name or domain without proper steps can lead to a temporary or permanent drop in search engine rankings.
Search engines value consistency and trust, which can be disrupted by domain changes. However, if you plan carefully, you can mitigate the negative effects and even improve your SEO with a better, more relevant name.
Key factors to consider include:
- Setting up 301 redirects from your old URLs to the new ones
- Updating your sitemap and submitting it to Google Search Console
- Maintaining consistent branding across all platforms
- Monitoring traffic and rankings post-change to catch any issues
SEO Best Practices When Changing Names
It’s crucial to communicate changes clearly to both users and search engines. Avoid abrupt domain switches without redirects, as this can lead to broken links and loss of valuable traffic.
Using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console can help track performance and ensure your changes don’t negatively affect your site’s visibility.
“A well-managed name change can revitalize your brand and boost your SEO—neglecting it can cause lasting damage.”
Updating Your Website Name in Wix Settings and Content
Beyond the site and domain names, your website’s visible name appears in various places such as the header, title tags, and metadata. Updating these elements is necessary to reflect your new website name fully.
Wix makes it easy to edit your site’s title and metadata, which are critical for SEO and user experience. The site title appears in browser tabs, search results, and social media previews, so it should match your new name precisely.
- Navigate to your site’s SEO (Google) settings
- Update the site title and description to reflect the new name
- Change visible text on headers, footers, and logos
- Ensure all internal links and references use the new name consistently
Why Consistency Matters
Consistency in your website name across content and metadata improves trust and helps visitors recognize your brand easily. It also prevents confusion and reinforces your identity online.
For example, if you rename your site from “Creative Studio” to “Innovate Lab,” updating every mention of the old name ensures visitors see a unified brand message.
“Your website name is your digital handshake—make sure it’s consistent and professional everywhere.”
Common Challenges When Changing Your Website Name on Wix
While Wix offers flexibility, changing your website name or domain can come with some challenges. Understanding these obstacles beforehand helps you prepare and avoid setbacks.
Some typical challenges include:
- Domain Availability: The desired new domain name might already be taken or expensive to acquire.
- SEO Downtime: Improper redirects or delays in updating search engines can cause traffic drops.
- Brand Confusion: Existing customers might get confused if the change isn’t communicated well.
- Technical Setup: Connecting new domains and setting redirects requires technical know-how.
It’s advisable to plan carefully, consult Wix’s support resources, or seek professional help if needed. This mitigates risks and ensures a smooth transition.
Troubleshooting Tips
Always back up your site before making major changes. Test your new domain and links thoroughly.
If you encounter issues with domain connection or redirects, Wix’s customer support and community forums are valuable resources.
“Anticipate challenges and address them proactively to keep your online presence strong during a website name change.”
Alternatives to Changing Your Website Name on Wix
If changing your website name or domain seems too daunting or risky, there are alternative approaches to consider. Sometimes, a full name change may not be necessary to refresh your brand or improve your site’s impact.
Alternatives include:
- Rebranding Within Existing Domain: Update logos, colors, and content while keeping the same domain name.
- Subdomains or Subfolders: Create a new section or microsite under your existing domain with a different name.
- Redirects and Aliases: Use domain forwarding to direct users from an old or alternative name to your main site.
Benefits of Alternatives
These strategies reduce SEO risks and technical complications while allowing you to evolve your brand. They can be especially helpful for businesses with established customer bases.
For those interested in broader naming strategies, exploring topics like how to change your Shopify store name or changing domain names on GoDaddy can offer useful insights.
“Sometimes, evolving your brand doesn’t require a full name change—strategic updates can achieve the same goals with less risk.”
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Website Name on Wix
Changing your website name on Wix involves more than just a quick edit. While the internal site name is flexible and easy to update, your domain name—the core of your online identity—requires deliberate planning and action.
Weighing the pros and cons, understanding the technical steps, and considering SEO implications will help you make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a complete name change or explore alternative rebranding options, maintaining consistency and communication with your audience is key.
Remember, your website name is a fundamental part of your brand’s story. Taking the time to manage it thoughtfully ensures your website remains a strong and recognizable platform for your visitors and customers alike.
For deeper dives into related naming topics, you might find it helpful to read about updating caller ID names or how to change your name on Steam for parallels in digital identity management.
