Changing your store name on Etsy can be an important step in rebranding, improving your shop’s visibility, or simply correcting a mistake. However, Etsy has certain guidelines and limitations regarding changing your shop name, so understanding the process thoroughly is crucial before making any changes.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps required to change your Etsy store name, outline important considerations, and provide useful tips to ensure a smooth transition.
Understanding Etsy Store Names
Your Etsy store name is the identity of your shop. It’s how customers find you and how you build your brand on the platform.
Etsy allows sellers to create unique names, but these names must follow specific rules and cannot be duplicated.
Before attempting to change your store name, consider the following:
- The store name must be between 4 and 20 characters.
- Only letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed — no spaces or special characters.
- The name must be unique; if another seller already uses it, you cannot claim it.
- You can only change your store name once every 30 days.
Pro Tip: Choose a name that represents your brand well and is easy to remember. Avoid frequent changes because it can confuse your customers and impact your shop’s search rankings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Etsy Store Name
Follow these simple steps to change your Etsy store name:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to Your Etsy Account | Go to Etsy.com and sign in with your credentials. |
| 2 | Access Your Shop Manager | Click on Shop Manager located at the top right corner of your Etsy homepage. |
| 3 | Go to Settings > Info & Appearance | Within Shop Manager, find Settings in the left sidebar, then click Info & Appearance. |
| 4 | Edit Shop Name | Under the Shop Name section, click the Edit button next to your current store name. |
| 5 | Enter New Name and Save | Type your desired new shop name and click Save. Etsy will check if the name is available. |
Important Notes on Step 5
If the name you entered is unavailable, Etsy will display an error message. Try variations or entirely new names until you find one that passes Etsy’s availability check.
Remember, you cannot change your shop name more than once every 30 days. If you recently changed it, you will have to wait before making another change.
What Happens After Changing Your Etsy Store Name?
Once you successfully update your store name, Etsy immediately reflects the change across your shop front, listings, and URL.
Your shop’s web address changes to reflect the new name as well. For example:
| Old URL | New URL |
|---|---|
| https://www.etsy.com/shop/OldStoreName | https://www.etsy.com/shop/NewStoreName |
This means any links you shared previously will no longer work unless you update them. It is essential to update your social media profiles, website, and marketing materials with the new URL to avoid losing traffic.
Note: Changing your shop name does not affect your shop reviews, sales history, or Etsy account settings. Your shop’s reputation remains intact.
Common Questions About Etsy Store Name Changes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my Etsy store name anytime? | You can change it, but only once every 30 days. |
| What if my desired name is taken? | You will need to pick a different name or variation not already used by another seller. |
| Will changing my store name affect my sales or SEO? | Changing your name can impact your SEO temporarily, and you should update all external links to avoid losing traffic. |
| Can I revert to my old store name? | Yes, but only if it is still available and you adhere to the 30-day waiting period. |
| Are there any restrictions on the words I use in my store name? | Yes. Etsy prohibits offensive language, trademarked names you don’t own, and certain special characters. |
Tips for Choosing a Great Etsy Store Name
Changing your store name is a great opportunity to align your brand with your products and target audience. Here are some tips to consider:
- Keep it simple and memorable: Easy-to-spell names are easier for customers to remember and find.
- Reflect your niche: Your name should give customers a hint about what you sell.
- Check domain availability: If you plan on building a website, see if your store name’s domain is available for consistency.
- Avoid numbers and special characters: These can confuse customers and make it harder to share your shop link.
- Think long term: Choose a name that can grow with your business and isn’t too restrictive.
Remember: Your store name is your brand’s foundation on Etsy. Investing time upfront to choose the right name saves headaches later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Changing Your Etsy Store Name
Sometimes, sellers encounter difficulties when attempting to change their shop name. Below are some common issues and how to address them:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Name not available | Another seller is already using that name. | Try a variation or a different name entirely. |
| Error saving new name | Special characters or length not within allowed limits. | Remove special characters and ensure name is 4-20 characters. |
| Unable to change name | You changed your store name recently (within 30 days). | Wait until the 30-day period is over before trying again. |
| Links to old shop name broken | Shop URL changed after name update. | Update all external links and notify your customers. |
Additional Considerations Before Changing Your Etsy Store Name
Before finalizing your decision, keep in mind the following:
- Brand Recognition: If your current name has built some brand recognition, changing it might confuse repeat customers.
- Marketing Materials: You will need to update logos, packaging, business cards, and all promotional channels.
- SEO Impact: Your previous shop name may be indexed by search engines. Changing it might cause a temporary drop in search visibility.
- Social Media Handles: Check if your new store name is available on social media platforms to keep branding consistent.
Summary
Changing your Etsy store name is straightforward but requires attention to detail and adherence to Etsy’s policies. This process involves updating your shop information via the Shop Manager and ensuring your new name complies with Etsy’s rules.
Take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen your brand identity, but prepare for the consequences such as URL changes and marketing updates. With proper planning, changing your Etsy store name can be a positive step forward for your business.
Final Thought: Always research and confirm your new store name’s availability and branding potential before committing to a change. This careful approach will protect your shop’s success and customer loyalty.
