When starting a new Shopify store, founders often ask: "Should I register my LLC first, or buy my domain name first?"
The short answer: Buy your domain name first.
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Here is why registering your LLC before securing your online assets is one of the most common—and expensive—mistakes new e-commerce entrepreneurs make.
The Problem with Registering an LLC First
Registering an LLC is a legal process that locks in your official business name with your state or country.
Imagine you spend $300 to register "Stellar Candles LLC". The paperwork clears. You're officially a business owner! But when you go to buy stellarcandles.com for your Shopify store, you discover it’s owned by a domain squatter demanding $5,000, and the Instagram handle @stellarcandles is taken by someone in a different country.
You are now stuck. You either have to:
- Use an awkward domain like
stellarcandles-shop.com(which hurts trust). - Pay the squatter.
- Pay more fees to file a "Doing Business As" (DBA) or change your LLC name.
The Correct Sequence
To avoid this headache, follow this exact sequence:
Step 1: Brainstorm and Check Availability
Before you talk to a lawyer or file any paperwork, brainstorm names and check their availability across the entire internet simultaneously. You can use a tool like Namecheckly to instantly verify if the .com and major social media handles (Instagram, TikTok, X) are available.
If you are struggling for ideas, try a Shopify Store Name Generator to find names where the .com is guaranteed to be available.
Step 2: Buy the Domain Name
Domain names are incredibly cheap—usually around $10–$15 per year. If you find a great name with an available .com, buy it immediately. You can always let it expire next year if you change your mind, but $15 is cheap insurance to secure your brand.
Tip: You don't have to buy the domain through Shopify. You can buy it cheaper on Namecheap and connect it to Shopify later.
Step 3: Claim Social Handles
Immediately claim the matching handles on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Do this even if you aren't ready to post content yet.
Step 4: Register the LLC
Now that you own the digital real estate, you can safely file your LLC paperwork knowing your brand name is fully secured.
Conclusion
You do not need a business license or an LLC to purchase a domain name. Secure your digital assets first, and handle the legal paperwork second.
