Choosing the perfect name for your Wix website is one of the first exciting steps in building your online presence. But what if after launching, you realize that the name no longer fits your brand, or you want to refresh your identity?
Many Wix users wonder, “Can I change my Wix website name for free?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no because it depends on several factors including what you mean by “website name,” your Wix plan, and whether you are referring to your domain or the site title.
Fortunately, Wix offers flexibility in managing your site’s identity, but understanding the nuances can save you from unexpected costs or limitations.
In this post, we’ll explore the possibilities around changing your Wix website name without spending extra money. From updating your site’s display name to switching domains, we’ll cover the key aspects you need to know.
Whether you are a beginner or running an established site, knowing how Wix handles website names will empower you to make the best decisions for your business or personal project.
Understanding the Difference Between Website Name and Domain Name
Before diving into the ability to change your Wix website name for free, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between your website name and your domain name. These are two separate elements that serve different purposes but together shape your online identity.
Your website name is typically the title that appears on your site, in browser tabs, and in search engine results. It reflects your brand or content focus.
Meanwhile, your domain name is the web address visitors type to reach your site, like www.yoursite.com.
Wix allows you to change your website’s display name easily and without any cost. You can update it anytime from your site’s settings, which means you can rebrand or tweak your site’s name to better suit your goals.
Key Differences Explained
- Website Name: Visible to visitors; editable within Wix editor.
- Domain Name: Your website’s URL; usually purchased or connected to Wix.
- Changing Website Name: Free and straightforward inside Wix.
- Changing Domain Name: May involve fees or purchasing a new domain.
“Your website’s name is the face of your brand online, but your domain name is its address—both are vital, yet managed differently.”
How to Change Your Wix Website Name for Free
Changing the name that visitors see on your Wix website is simple and can be done at no cost. This includes the site title and headings you use within your pages.
This flexibility is a great advantage when you want to refine your brand messaging or update your website’s theme.
To change your website name, you simply access the Wix Editor or your site’s dashboard, locate the site title or header, and edit the text. This change is immediate and visible across your site once published.
It’s important to remember that changing your website name inside Wix does not affect your domain or URL. This means your visitors will still access your site using the same web address, which helps maintain consistency and SEO rankings.
Steps to Update Your Website Name
- Log into your Wix account and open your website in the Wix Editor.
- Click on the site title text or header element to edit.
- Type your new website name and style it as desired.
- Preview and publish your changes to make them live.
“Adjusting your website name within Wix is a free and effective way to keep your brand fresh and relevant without impacting your domain or SEO.”
Can You Change Your Domain Name on Wix for Free?
While changing your website’s display name is free, changing your domain name on Wix involves a different process. Your domain is a separate asset that usually requires purchase and renewal fees.
Wix offers domain registration services, but switching to a new domain typically entails costs.
If you have a paid Wix plan that includes a free domain for one year, you might be able to get a new domain at no additional cost during the initial period. However, after that, buying or switching to a new domain will incur standard registration fees.
Transferring or connecting an external domain to your Wix site is possible but also usually involves purchasing the new domain from another provider or paying Wix for domain management. This means that while you can change your domain name, it’s rarely free.
Domain Change Options Summary
| Action | Cost | Notes |
| Change site display name | Free | Immediate via Wix Editor |
| Purchase new domain on Wix | Paid | Annual renewal fees apply |
| Connect external domain | Paid | Requires domain registration elsewhere |
| Transfer domain to Wix | Paid | May require upfront transfer fee |
When and Why You Might Want to Change Your Website Name
Changing your website name can be a strategic decision driven by many reasons. Whether you’re rebranding, expanding your offerings, or correcting a naming mistake, updating your website’s name helps keep your site aligned with your goals.
For example, if you started a blog focused on travel but later shifted to lifestyle content, changing your site name to reflect the broader theme can improve visitor engagement and brand clarity.
Additionally, a website name change can be part of a marketing strategy to refresh your image or attract a new audience. Since Wix makes this easy and free, it’s a low-risk way to adapt your online presence.
Common Reasons for Changing Website Name
- Rebranding or business pivot
- Improving SEO with a more relevant name
- Correcting spelling or branding errors
- Aligning with new products or services
“A website’s name is often the first impression—keeping it current ensures your brand stays relevant and memorable.”
Limitations and Considerations When Changing Your Wix Website Name
Despite the ease of changing your website’s display name on Wix, there are some limitations and important considerations. First, if you have an established domain, changing only the website name does not affect your URL or domain identity.
This can lead to a mismatch where your site name and domain name don’t align perfectly, which may confuse visitors or impact branding consistency. To resolve this, you might consider purchasing a new domain that matches your new website name, though this comes with costs.
Also, keep in mind that frequent name changes can impact your site’s SEO and brand recognition. It’s best to plan name changes carefully and communicate any rebranding efforts to your audience.
Important Points to Remember
- Website name changes do not update your domain name.
- Domain changes often require additional purchases.
- SEO may be affected if names and URLs are inconsistent.
- Communicate changes to maintain trust and clarity.
“Consistency is key in branding; mismatched site and domain names can dilute your online presence.”
How to Change Your Wix Domain Name: Paid vs. Free Options
When it comes to changing your Wix domain name, your options break down into free and paid categories, though true free domain changes are quite limited. If you want to keep costs low, consider these alternatives and strategies.
For new Wix users, a free domain is often included with annual premium plans. This means you can select a domain during sign-up without extra fees for the first year.
If you want to switch domains later, you will likely need to purchase a new one.
Another option is using a free Wix subdomain, which comes as yourusername.wixsite.com/sitename. You can modify your site name portion here at no cost, but this URL is less professional than a custom domain.
Comparing Domain Change Options
| Option | Cost | Professionalism | Ease of Change |
| Free Wix subdomain | Free | Low | Easy to change |
| New custom domain purchase | Paid | High | Moderate |
| Domain transfer from another provider | Paid | High | Complex |
“While you can adjust your Wix site name for free, investing in a custom domain is worthwhile for professional branding and credibility.”
Tips to Smoothly Change Your Wix Website Name and Domain
Changing your Wix website name and domain can be a smooth process if planned well. Here are some tips to help you manage the transition effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
First, always backup your website content before making major changes. Wix autosaves your progress, but keeping an external backup is a wise precaution.
Second, if you’re changing your domain, set up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one. This helps preserve your SEO rankings and ensures visitors don’t encounter broken links.
Finally, update your marketing materials, social media profiles, and email signatures to reflect the new website name or domain to maintain consistent branding across all channels.
Effective Strategies for Name and Domain Changes
- Backup your website data regularly.
- Use 301 redirects to preserve SEO.
- Inform your audience about the change.
- Update all external links and references.
“A thoughtful approach to changing your website’s name and domain minimizes disruption and maximizes brand continuity.”
Exploring Wix Alternatives for Free Domain Name Changes
If changing your domain name on Wix seems restrictive or costly, you might explore alternatives. Some website builders offer different policies on domain management or may provide free domain changes under certain plans.
While Wix excels in user-friendly design tools and robust features, comparing options could help if your priority is flexible domain name management without added fees. However, keep in mind that free domain changes are rare across major platforms due to the costs involved in domain registration.
Researching alternatives can also inspire you to consider how your website name and domain align with your branding goals. Sometimes, using a subdomain or a different hosting provider temporarily may suit your needs better.
Comparing Wix with Other Platforms
| Platform | Free Domain Change | Ease of Use | Pricing |
| Wix | No (except free subdomains) | High | Moderate |
| WordPress.com | Limited, mostly paid | Moderate | Varies |
| Squarespace | No | High | Higher |
| Weebly | No | High | Lower to Moderate |
“Domain names are valuable assets; most platforms require payment to change them, reflecting their intrinsic market value.”
For more insights on managing names online, you may find the easy steps to change your Shopify store name helpful if you operate across platforms. Also, the step-by-step guide on changing your name on Steam offers useful tips on name changes in digital spaces.
For those curious about caller ID name updates, check out how to update your caller ID name efficiently.
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Wix Website Name for Free
In the world of website building, having control over your brand’s name is essential. Wix provides an easy, no-cost way to change your website’s display name, letting you refresh your site’s identity without hassle.
This flexibility makes it ideal for those evolving their brand or experimenting with new directions.
However, when it comes to changing your domain name, the story is different. Domains are inherently tied to registration services that carry costs, and Wix reflects this industry standard.
While you can switch domains, it often involves purchasing a new domain or transferring an existing one, which is not free.
Understanding these distinctions empowers you to make informed decisions. You can keep your current domain and simply update your website name for free, or you can invest in a new domain to fully align your site’s address with your brand.
Whichever path you choose, planning and clear communication will help you maintain a strong, coherent online presence.
Ultimately, Wix offers the tools to manage your website name effectively, but like many platforms, domain names require thoughtful investment. Balancing cost, branding, and technical factors will ensure your site continues to grow and succeed under the right name.
