Choosing the perfect name for your website on Wix is more than just a branding decision—it’s the first impression visitors get when they land on your page. Your website name reflects your identity, your mission, and the tone you set for your audience.
Whether you’re rebranding, pivoting your business, or simply updating your site to better capture your evolving vision, knowing how to change your website name on Wix is essential. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, but the process can still seem daunting if you’re new to website management.
Fortunately, Wix makes it straightforward to update your website’s name, ensuring your online presence aligns with your current goals.
In addition to changing the name that visitors see, it’s important to understand how this change impacts your site’s SEO, domain, and overall branding strategy. By mastering the steps to rename your site within Wix, you can maintain consistency across your digital platforms and even boost your site’s discoverability.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about changing your website name on Wix, including practical tips and considerations to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Understanding the Website Name vs. Domain on Wix
Before diving into the process of changing your website name, it’s crucial to distinguish between the website name and the domain name on Wix. These two elements, while related, serve different purposes and require different actions when updated.
The website name is the title that appears on your site and in the browser tab. This is what visitors will see and interact with directly.
The domain name, on the other hand, is the web address users type into their browsers to find your website. Changing one does not necessarily mean changing the other.
If you want to change your website’s identity but keep your current domain, Wix allows you to do so easily by updating the site’s name in the dashboard. However, changing the domain involves purchasing a new web address or transferring an existing one, which is a separate process.
“Your website name builds your brand’s personality, whereas your domain serves as your digital address. Both are vital, but they function independently.”
Key Differences in Detail
- Website Name: Displays on the site header and browser tab.
- Domain Name: The URL visitors use to access your website.
- SEO Impact: The domain name carries more weight in SEO than the website title.
- Changing Process: Website name changes are quicker and free; domain changes often incur costs.
How to Change Your Website Name in Wix Dashboard
The Wix dashboard is your control center for managing every aspect of your website, including the site name. Changing your website’s name here is simple and does not require any coding or advanced skills.
Start by logging into your Wix account and selecting the site you want to rename. In the dashboard, navigate to the “Settings” menu where you will find the option to edit your site’s name under the “General Info” section.
Once you update the site name, it will automatically reflect in the browser tab and wherever Wix displays your site title publicly. This is a seamless way to refresh your site’s identity without affecting your domain or published content.
Step-by-Step Process
- Log in to your Wix account and open the dashboard.
- Click on “Settings” in the left-hand menu.
- Locate the “General Info” tab.
- Enter your new website name into the “Site Name” field.
- Save the changes to apply them immediately.
Updating Your Website Name and Its Impact on SEO
Changing your website’s name can influence your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy, depending on how and where the new name is used. While the domain name holds more SEO value, the website name contributes to branding and user engagement metrics.
It’s important to select a name that remains relevant to your content and target audience. A clear, concise, and keyword-friendly website name can enhance click-through rates from search engines by providing users with immediate context about your site.
Keep in mind that frequent or drastic changes to your website’s name might confuse returning visitors or affect your brand recognition. Balancing a fresh look with consistency is key to maintaining SEO health.
SEO Considerations for Website Name Changes
- Consistency: Keep your new name aligned with your niche and content.
- Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords subtly in the site title for better visibility.
- User Experience: Ensure the new name is easy to remember and pronounce.
- Branding: Reflect your brand personality to enhance trust and recognition.
Changing Your Domain Name on Wix: What You Need to Know
While changing your website name is straightforward, changing the domain name on Wix requires more attention and sometimes additional expenses. Your domain is your website’s unique address, and switching it can affect your site’s traffic and SEO if not done carefully.
If you purchase a new domain through Wix or connect an external domain, the process involves updating DNS settings and ensuring redirects are set up correctly to avoid broken links.
Wix offers domain management tools that simplify this process, but you should prepare for a short transition period during which search engines update their indexes.
Domain Change Options
| Option | Description | Cost | Impact |
| Purchase New Domain | Buy a new domain via Wix’s domain marketplace. | Varies by domain | May require SEO optimization and redirects. |
| Connect External Domain | Link a domain purchased elsewhere to your Wix site. | Usually requires premium plan | Needs DNS configuration; potential downtime. |
| Transfer Domain | Move your domain registration to Wix. | Transfer fees apply | Consolidates management; minimal downtime. |
Best Practices for Naming Your Wix Website
Choosing a website name is a critical step that can influence your site’s success. A well-thought-out name resonates with your audience, improves memorability, and supports your marketing efforts.
Consider your target audience, industry trends, and the overall tone you want to convey. The name should be unique yet simple enough to avoid confusion or misspellings.
Additionally, aligning your website name with your domain and social media handles can build a cohesive digital presence and strengthen brand identity.
Tips for Effective Website Naming
- Keep it short and easy to pronounce.
- Use descriptive words that reflect your niche.
- Avoid numbers and special characters.
- Test your name with friends or colleagues for feedback.
Common Issues When Changing Website Names and How to Fix Them
Although changing your website name on Wix is generally hassle-free, some users encounter issues that can cause frustration or confusion. Understanding these common problems helps you avoid pitfalls and ensures a smooth update.
One frequent issue is the website name not updating on the live site after changes are saved. This is often due to caching, which can be resolved by clearing your browser cache or refreshing the site after some time.
Another challenge is inconsistency across different Wix apps or integrations. For example, your site name in email marketing templates might not update automatically and may require manual modification.
“Patience and a systematic check of all connected elements prevent most naming issues on Wix sites.”
Troubleshooting Tips
- Clear browser and site caches after making changes.
- Check all Wix apps and integrations for outdated site names.
- Ensure you have saved changes and published the site.
- Contact Wix support if the name still does not update properly.
Leveraging Wix SEO Tools After Renaming Your Website
After updating your website name, Wix provides several SEO tools to help you optimize your site for search engines. These tools ensure your new site name complements your SEO strategy and helps maintain or improve your rankings.
The Wix SEO Wiz is a guided tool that helps you set up key SEO components, including site titles, meta descriptions, and keywords relevant to your new name.
Regularly monitoring your SEO performance after a name change is important to catch any drops in traffic and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Enhancing SEO Post-Renaming
- Use Wix SEO Wiz to update meta titles with the new website name.
- Check your sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console.
- Update social media profiles to reflect your new website name.
- Analyze traffic changes and adjust keywords if needed.
Conclusion: Embracing Your New Website Identity on Wix
Changing your website name on Wix is a powerful way to renew your brand presence and better connect with your audience. The process itself is accessible and straightforward, yet it carries significant weight for your site’s identity and SEO.
By understanding the distinction between your website name and domain, and following best practices, you can ensure your name change enhances your online visibility without disrupting your existing traffic.
Remember that a successful name change goes beyond the technical steps; it involves thoughtful planning, consistency in branding, and leveraging Wix’s built-in tools to optimize your site’s reach. If you’re exploring other related topics, you might find the discussion on what is the best clan name insightful for naming inspiration or visit what is name day for understanding naming traditions that could influence your branding.
For a creative twist, learn more about what is a good name for a robot to spark unique naming ideas.
Ultimately, your website name is a reflection of your vision and personality. Taking the time to change it thoughtfully ensures that every visitor to your Wix site experiences your brand exactly as you intend.
