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Step 7 of 10 in this module#87 of 1,000

7. Subdomains vs. Main Domains for Merch

Part 1 • Path C: The $17/yr "Brand Builder" Startup

You have two primary options for structuring your store's URL. You can place it on a subdomain (e.g., shop.yourartistname.com) or, on a full website builder, in a subdirectory of your main domain (e.g., yourartistname.com/shop). For the Shopify Starter plan, using a subdomain is often the most straightforward approach. This cleanly separates your merch store while keeping it under your main brand umbrella. If you ever upgrade to a full Shopify website, you can then integrate it more deeply into the main domain structure. For now, a subdomain is a clean and professional choice.

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In this module: Path C: The $17/yr "Brand Builder" Startup10 steps
  1. 1The Core Philosophy: Digital Real Estate
  2. 2The Tech Stack: Shopify Starter + Custom Domain
  3. 3The Psychological Impact of a Custom Domain
  4. 4Long-Term SEO and Brand Equity
  5. 5How to Choose and Purchase a Domain
  6. 6Connecting Your Domain to Shopify: A High-Level Overview
  7. 7Subdomains vs. Main Domains for Merch
  8. 8The Total Financial Commitment of Path C
  9. 9Path C as the Foundation for Future Growth
  10. 10Final Verdict: Why Path C is the Recommended Standard