Changing the name of your Wix website can be an essential step if you’re rebranding, updating your business identity, or simply want a fresh start. However, many Wix users wonder whether this is possible and how it affects their site’s visibility and functionality.
The good news is that Wix offers flexibility in managing your site’s name, but it’s important to understand the distinction between your website’s display name, domain name, and SEO title. Each plays a different role in how your site is perceived by visitors and search engines.
Whether you are a small business owner, a blogger, or an online store operator, knowing how to navigate Wix’s settings to update your site’s name can save you time and help maintain a professional online presence.
In this discussion, we will explore several facets of changing a Wix website name, including the process, implications, and best practices to ensure a smooth transition without losing your site’s credibility.
Understanding the Difference Between Website Name and Domain Name
Many users confuse the website name with the domain name. It’s important to clarify that these are two distinct elements.
Your website name is what appears as the title on your site and in the browser tab, while the domain name is the web address visitors type to access your site.
The website name is easily editable within Wix’s dashboard, allowing you to rebrand or personalize your site as much as you want. On the other hand, changing your domain name is more complex and often involves purchasing a new domain or transferring an existing one.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Website Name: Editable within Wix editor for display purposes.
- Domain Name: The URL visitors use, often purchased through Wix or third-party registrars.
“Changing your website name is straightforward, but changing your domain name requires more planning and potentially additional costs.”
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference helps you decide what needs to be changed based on your goals. If you want to update your brand identity without disrupting your existing traffic, changing only the website name may suffice.
However, if your current domain no longer fits your brand or was initially a temporary choice, you might consider changing it, which involves more steps and affects SEO.
How to Change Your Wix Website Name
Changing your Wix website name is a simple process that can be done within minutes. This name typically appears in your site’s header and browser tab, making it essential for branding and user recognition.
To change your website name in Wix, navigate to your Wix dashboard, then go to the site’s settings. Within the settings, locate the “Site Name” field where you can enter your new name.
This change updates your site’s title but does not affect your domain or SEO settings unless you manually update those.
Here’s a step-by-step summary:
- Log in to your Wix account and select your website.
- Go to “Settings” from the site dashboard.
- Find the “Site Name” option and enter your new desired name.
- Save changes and publish your site for updates to take effect.
“Your website name is one of the first impressions visitors have, so make sure it aligns with your brand’s vision.”
Important Considerations While Changing Name
Keep in mind that changing your website name won’t automatically update your site’s SEO title or social media links. You should also review metadata and connected channels to ensure consistency.
For example, if you use Wix’s SEO Wiz, update the SEO title separately to reflect your new website name and maintain search engine rankings.
Changing Your Wix Domain Name: What You Need to Know
Unlike the website name, changing your Wix domain name is a more involved process that can have significant implications on your site’s traffic and search engine rankings.
Your domain is your site’s web address (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). Wix allows you to connect a new domain purchased either through Wix or an external registrar.
However, Wix does not support renaming an existing domain; instead, you must buy or transfer a new domain.
Here’s how domain changes generally work:
- Purchase a new domain or transfer an existing one to Wix.
- Connect the new domain to your Wix website through the dashboard.
- Set the new domain as your primary domain.
- Redirect the old domain to the new one to preserve SEO value.
| Aspect | Website Name | Domain Name |
| What it is | Displayed title on your site and browser tab | Your website’s URL or web address |
| Change process | Simple edit in Wix settings | Requires purchasing or transferring a new domain |
| Impact on SEO | Minimal, if SEO titles are updated | High, requires redirects to maintain ranking |
SEO Implications of Changing Domains
Switching domains can cause search engines to temporarily lower your site’s rankings. To mitigate this, setting up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one is crucial.
Failing to redirect properly may result in broken links and loss of traffic. Wix offers tools to manage redirects, but it’s wise to consult SEO best practices or professionals for a seamless transition.
How to Update Your SEO Settings After Changing Your Website Name
When you change your Wix website name, you should also update the SEO settings to ensure your site remains visible in search results and accurately reflects your brand.
SEO settings include the page title, meta description, and keywords that help search engines understand your site content. Wix’s SEO Wiz tool simplifies this process by guiding you through essential optimizations.
Steps to update SEO settings after a name change:
- Access the Wix Dashboard and open the SEO section.
- Update the SEO title to match your new website name.
- Revise the meta description to incorporate relevant keywords.
- Ensure all pages reflect the new branding where applicable.
“SEO is not just about keywords; it’s about ensuring your site’s identity is coherent across all digital touchpoints.”
Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring SEO updates after a name change can confuse search engines, resulting in lower rankings.
Also, avoid duplicating titles or using generic descriptions that don’t match your new brand identity. Regularly audit your site to maintain SEO health and monitor performance in search results.
What Happens to Your Wix Website URL When You Change the Name?
Changing your Wix website name does not automatically change your URL. Your site’s address remains the same unless you specifically purchase and connect a new domain.
This means visitors can still access your website via the original URL, even if your site’s title and branding have changed. However, if you want your URL to match your new website name or brand, you must obtain a new domain.
Consider the following:
- Website name changes update visible titles but not the URL.
- Domain name changes require purchasing a new domain.
- Redirects are necessary if changing domains to avoid losing traffic.
| Change Type | Effect on URL | Required Action |
| Website Name Change | No change | Update SEO titles and branding |
| Domain Name Change | URL changes | Purchase/connect new domain and set redirects |
Impact on Branding and User Experience
Having a URL that aligns with your website name makes it easier for visitors to remember and trust your brand. It also improves your professional image and marketing efforts.
If your URL differs significantly from your website name, consider notifying your audience via newsletters or social media to avoid confusion.
Can You Change Your Wix Site Name Without Losing SEO Rankings?
Yes, you can change your Wix website name without losing SEO rankings if you manage the process carefully. Since the website name itself is different from the domain and SEO title, updating it alone generally poses no risk.
However, if you change your domain or do not update SEO settings like page titles and meta descriptions, you risk losing search engine visibility. Strategic planning is necessary to maintain or improve your SEO performance.
- Update all SEO titles to reflect the new website name.
- Maintain consistent branding across your site and external platforms.
- Use Wix’s SEO tools to monitor your site’s health post-change.
“SEO success after a rebranding effort depends largely on how well you manage your site’s metadata and redirects.”
Best Practices for SEO Maintenance
Regularly check Google Search Console and Wix’s SEO Wiz to identify any crawl errors or ranking drops.
Consider creating a sitemap and submitting it to search engines to help them index your updated content faster.
Tips for Choosing a New Wix Website Name
Choosing the right new website name is crucial for brand recognition and searchability. The name should be memorable, relevant to your niche, and easy to spell.
Keep your audience in mind and consider how the name reflects your business values and goals. Avoid overly complicated or generic names that may confuse visitors or dilute your brand.
- Make it short and easy to remember.
- Ensure it aligns with your brand identity and message.
- Check for domain availability to secure matching URLs.
- Consider SEO-friendly keywords related to your niche.
Examples of Effective Website Names
For instance, if you run a fitness blog, a name like “FitLifeDaily” is straightforward and descriptive. If you operate a creative agency, a unique name like “BrightSpark Studios” can stand out.
Choosing wisely now can save you from additional changes later and help establish a strong online presence.
Common Questions About Changing Wix Website Names
Many Wix users have similar questions about what changing their website name entails and how it impacts their site. Here are some frequently asked questions with clear answers.
- Can I change my Wix website name for free? Yes, changing the website name within Wix settings is free and unlimited.
- Will changing my website name affect my site’s content? No, the content remains unchanged unless you manually edit it.
- Do I need to inform my visitors about the name change? It’s best practice to notify your audience to avoid confusion.
- Is changing my domain name recommended? Only if your current domain no longer fits your brand or marketing strategy.
“Transparency with your audience during website changes builds trust and maintains engagement.”
For more insights on maintaining online presence and brand identity, explore related topics such as what is a good store name and what is a good instagram name. These can help inspire your rebranding efforts.
Conclusion
Changing your Wix website name is a straightforward and user-friendly process that allows you to refresh your brand without technical hurdles. However, it’s vital to distinguish the website name from your domain name, as the latter involves more complex steps and potential SEO risks.
By carefully managing your site’s SEO settings, updating metadata, and planning any domain changes thoughtfully, you can maintain your site’s visibility and audience trust. Remember that a website name is part of your brand’s identity, so choose a name that resonates with your mission and audience.
Taking advantage of Wix’s built-in tools and following best practices ensures a seamless transition. Whether you are rebranding, launching a new venture, or simply improving your site’s appeal, changing your Wix website name can be a powerful step forward.
For additional perspectives on naming and identity, consider visiting posts like what is the meaning of the name quinn and what is the meaning of the name ezra to inspire your creative process.
