There are two main methods to change your Shopify blog URL structure. I'll explain both options, starting with the simpler one.
Method 1: Using URL Redirects
This method is safer and recommended for most merchants.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to your Shopify admin panel
- Go to "Settings" (at the bottom of the left sidebar)
- Click on "Navigation"
- Scroll down to "URL Redirects" and click "Create URL redirect"
- In the "Redirect from" field, enter:
/blog - In the "Redirect to" field, enter:
/blogs/news(or whatever your blog name is) - Click "Add URL redirect"
Pros:
- Safe and reversible
- No risk of breaking existing links
- Maintains SEO value
- Works with all Shopify themes
Cons:
- The original URL (/blogs/blog) still exists
- Not a "true" URL change
Method 2: Using Shopify Liquid (Advanced)
This method requires theme code editing and is recommended for developers or technically confident merchants.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to "Online Store" → "Themes"
- Click "Actions" → "Edit code" on your active theme
- Look for the "Layout" folder and open "theme.liquid"
- Find the
<head>section - Add this code:
{% if template contains 'blog' %}
<script>
if (window.location.pathname.includes('/blogs/')) {
const newPath = window.location.pathname.replace('/blogs/your-blog-name', '/blog');
window.location.href = newPath;
}
</script>
{% endif %}
- Replace 'your-blog-name' with your actual blog handle
- Save the changes
Pros:
- Creates a "true" URL change
- More professional appearance
- Clean URLs for all blog posts
Cons:
- Requires code modification
- May need maintenance with theme updates
- Could affect SEO temporarily
Important Notes:
- Backup First: Always backup your theme before making code changes
- SEO Consideration: Either method may temporarily affect your SEO rankings as search engines adjust to the new structure
- Testing: Test all blog links after making changes
- External Links: Update any external links pointing to your blog posts
Alternative Solution: Using a Custom App
If you're not comfortable with either method, consider using specialized Shopify apps from the app store that handle URL restructuring. These apps often provide:
- Easy setup without coding
- Automatic redirects
- SEO preservation
- Analytics tracking
Common Issues and Solutions:
- If posts return 404 errors: Double-check your redirect rules
- If you see duplicate content: Ensure proper canonical tags are in place
- If SEO drops: Give search engines time to recrawl your site (usually 2-4 weeks)
Best Practices:
- Implement changes during low-traffic periods
- Monitor your site's analytics after the change
- Keep old URLs redirected for at least 6 months
- Update your sitemap after making changes
- Consider informing regular readers about the URL change
Remember: The simplest solution (Method 1) is often the best unless you have specific technical requirements or are comfortable with code editing.
