Choosing the perfect name for your website is a crucial step in establishing your brand and online presence. But what happens when you realize that the name you initially picked no longer fits your vision or business goals?
For many Wix Premium users, the question arises: can I change my website name on Wix Premium? Whether it’s because of a rebranding effort, a shift in focus, or simply a change of heart, understanding the options and limitations around renaming your Wix website is essential.
The good news is, Wix offers flexibility, but with a few important considerations to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll explore how to navigate Wix’s platform, what exactly can be changed, and how it affects your domain and SEO.
Knowing your way around these details will save you time and frustration while ensuring your site’s identity remains strong and consistent.
Understanding Website Name Versus Domain Name on Wix
Before diving into the specifics of changing your website name, it’s important to clarify the difference between your site’s name and its domain name. These two are often confused but serve distinct roles.
The website name typically refers to the title that visitors see on your webpage and browser tab, while the domain name is the web address people type into their browser to access your site.
Wix allows you to edit your website’s title quite easily, but changing the domain name can be a bit more complex, especially if you have a premium plan linked to a specific domain.
Website Name Explained
Your website name, sometimes called the site title, is the name displayed at the top of your browser tab and often used in search engine results. Changing this name is a straightforward process inside the Wix Editor or Dashboard.
This name impacts branding and user recognition but does not affect your website address.
For example, if your site is named “Sunny Days Photography,” this title will appear in the browser and search results but does not correspond to the domain unless you specifically purchase a matching domain.
“Your website name is your brand’s front door; it’s what visitors remember and associate with your content.”
Domain Name Overview
The domain name is your site’s unique address, like www.sunnydaysphoto.com. This is what people use to visit your site directly.
Wix Premium plans allow you to connect a custom domain, and this domain can be purchased through Wix or a third-party registrar.
Changing your domain name means either buying a new domain or transferring a different one to your Wix account. This process is more involved and often requires additional costs and setup time.
| Feature | Website Name | Domain Name |
| Visibility | Displayed on browser tab and search results | Typed into browser address bar |
| Change Process | Simple, done inside Wix editor | Requires purchase or transfer, more complex |
| Effect on SEO | Indirect, via branding and click-through rates | Direct, impacts search rankings and traffic |
How to Change Your Website Name on Wix Premium
Changing your website’s name on Wix Premium is a straightforward task that can be accomplished within minutes. This tweak helps refresh your brand without altering your domain or affecting your site’s technical setup.
The Wix Editor and Dashboard are user-friendly, allowing you to update your site title easily. This change affects how your site appears to visitors and in search engine results.
Steps to Update Your Website Title
To change your website name, follow these simple steps:
- Log into your Wix account and select your site.
- Open the Wix Editor or go to your site’s dashboard.
- Navigate to the site settings or SEO settings.
- Locate the “Site Title” or “Page Title” field.
- Enter your new website name and save the changes.
Once updated, the new name will be visible in the browser tab and on search engines once they crawl your site again.
Considerations When Changing Your Website Name
While changing your website name is simple, it’s important to consider branding consistency. Your site title should align with your business identity and domain to avoid confusing visitors.
Remember, frequent changes to your website name can affect your site’s recognition and SEO performance over time. It’s best to finalize a name that truly represents your brand for the long term.
Pro Tip: Always check how your new website name looks in search engine previews to ensure it’s clear and appealing.
Can You Change Your Domain Name on Wix Premium?
Unlike your website name, changing your domain name on Wix Premium is not as simple. The domain name is tied to your hosting and billing, making it a more involved process.
If you want a new domain name, you’ll need to either purchase a new domain through Wix or transfer an existing domain from another registrar.
Options for Changing Your Domain Name
Wix offers several options depending on your needs:
- Purchase a new domain: Buy a new domain directly on Wix and connect it to your site.
- Transfer a domain: Transfer an existing domain from another provider to Wix for easier management.
- Connect an external domain: Point a domain purchased elsewhere to your Wix site using DNS settings.
Each option has its own set of costs and technical steps, so choosing the right one depends on your situation.
What Happens to Your Old Domain?
If you switch to a new domain, your old one does not automatically redirect visitors. You must set up domain forwarding or maintain the old domain to avoid losing traffic.
Without proper forwarding, visitors might encounter broken links or confusion, affecting your SEO and user experience.
| Domain Change Method | Pros | Cons |
| Purchase New Domain | Easy setup, full control | Additional cost, setup time |
| Domain Transfer | Centralized management | Transfer fees, waiting period |
| Connect External Domain | Use existing domains, cost-effective | Requires DNS knowledge, manual updates |
SEO Implications of Changing Your Website Name or Domain
Altering your website name or domain can have significant effects on your site’s SEO. Understanding these impacts helps you plan changes without hurting your search engine rankings.
Website name changes influence branding and click-through rates, while domain changes affect URL structure and indexing.
Impact of Changing Website Name
Changing your website’s title can refresh your brand and improve click-through rates if done thoughtfully. However, abrupt changes might confuse returning visitors or dilute brand recognition.
Keep your meta titles and descriptions updated to maintain SEO relevance, and consider informing your audience about the change.
Domain Name Change SEO Risks
Switching domains is riskier for SEO because URLs change, which can lead to loss of traffic and rankings if not handled properly. Proper 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones are essential.
Failing to set up redirects or notifying search engines can result in broken links and decreased visibility.
“A domain change without proper SEO care is like moving your store without telling your customers where to find you.”
How to Effectively Manage a Domain Name Change on Wix
If you decide to change your domain name, managing the transition carefully can preserve your SEO and customer base. Wix provides tools and best practices to help you through this process.
Planning and executing a smooth transition ensures minimal disruption and maintains your website’s authority on search engines.
Steps for a Successful Domain Transition
- Purchase or transfer your new domain through Wix or another provider.
- Set up 301 redirects from your old domain URLs to the new domain URLs.
- Update all external links, social media, and marketing materials with the new domain.
- Submit the new sitemap to Google Search Console and other search engines.
- Monitor traffic and rankings closely during the transition period.
Following these steps helps maintain your search rankings and user trust throughout the change.
Using Wix’s Tools to Simplify the Process
Wix’s built-in domain management tools make it easier to connect and forward domains. Their support team and detailed help articles are valuable resources for troubleshooting.
Additionally, Wix’s SEO Wiz tool can help update your SEO settings to reflect the new domain and site name effectively.
Customizing Your Website Name for Branding and Marketing
Your website name is more than just text; it’s a strategic asset for your brand’s identity and marketing efforts. Customizing it to reflect your mission and audience is key to standing out online.
A well-chosen site name increases memorability, trust, and customer engagement.
Tips for Choosing and Changing Your Website Name
- Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your niche.
- Test how it sounds and looks in headers and search results.
- Ensure it aligns with your domain name or brand for consistency.
- Consider SEO keywords that describe your business or services.
Regularly revisit your website name to ensure it still fits your evolving brand and audience expectations.
Examples of Effective Website Name Changes
Many businesses successfully rebrand by changing their website name to reflect broader services or new directions. For instance, a photography site might change from “Sunny Days Photography” to “Sunny Days Creative Studio” to showcase expanded offerings.
Such changes, when done thoughtfully, can breathe new life into your online presence without alienating existing visitors.
What You Cannot Change on Wix Premium Related to Names
While Wix offers flexibility, there are some limitations to what you can change regarding names on your site and account.
Understanding these boundaries helps set realistic expectations and prevents confusion.
Limitations on Wix Account and User Names
Your Wix account username, used for logging in and billing, cannot be changed once set. This is a security and identification measure.
Similarly, the unique site ID assigned by Wix remains constant and cannot be altered, as it links your site to Wix’s internal systems.
Restrictions on Domain Name Changes
Directly renaming an existing domain is impossible; instead, you must obtain a new domain and link it to your site. Wix does not support renaming domains without purchase or transfer.
This is common across domain registrars and ensures domain ownership and security.
Note: Always plan domain name changes carefully due to these restrictions.
Additional Resources to Help You Navigate Website Name Changes
Changing your website name or domain can feel overwhelming, but numerous resources can guide you through the process effectively.
Wix’s official support pages, community forums, and third-party tutorials provide in-depth help tailored to various scenarios.
Recommended Reading and Tools
- Wix’s SEO Wiz for updating site SEO after name changes.
- Google Search Console for monitoring site performance and indexing.
- Domain management tutorials on Wix’s help center.
For related insights on name changes in different contexts, consider exploring topics like changing store names on other platforms or understanding caller ID name updates.
Learning from Other Name Change Stories
Reading real-world examples of name changes can provide perspective and inspiration. For instance, the story behind Dove Cameron’s name change reveals how personal branding evolves over time.
These narratives highlight the importance of thoughtful decision-making when it comes to names in any digital or professional setting.
Changing your website name on Wix Premium is an achievable task that can revitalize your brand and better represent your business goals. While the site title is easy to update and offers immediate branding benefits, changing your domain name requires careful planning and additional resources.
Balancing these changes with SEO best practices ensures your online presence remains strong and accessible. By utilizing Wix’s tools and following strategic steps, you can transition smoothly while maintaining your audience’s trust.
Remember, your website name is a vital part of your identity — treat it with care and intention to maximize its impact. For further guidance on managing names across platforms, exploring topics like changing names on Steam or Battle Net name updates can provide useful parallels and tips.
Ultimately, embracing change with a clear plan will help you build a website that truly reflects who you are and where you want to go.
