Connect Custom Domain To Blogger: A Step-by-Step Guide!
Are you ready to elevate your online presence and transform your blog from a free platform to a professional, branded website? Acquiring a custom domain for your blog is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities and establishing a strong identity in the digital landscape.
The journey to owning a personalized blog address begins with a simple yet crucial step: purchasing a domain name. Think of your domain as your blog's unique address on the internet, the digital equivalent of a physical address for a business or home. It's the first impression you make on visitors, shaping their perception of your brand and credibility. And, if you're serious about blogging as a profession, it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. Whether you're a seasoned blogger or a newcomer eager to establish your online footprint, securing a custom domain is an essential move.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
To personalize your blogs website address, you can buy a domain. If youre an administrator, you can manage domains registered through Blogger. When you buy a domain from a domain provider, you give your blog the perfect home. You can get a blogspot.com domain or buy a custom domain with just a few clicks. Don't forget, you can get paid for your hard work.
If you registered your domain while signing up for Blogger, you used to make payments for your domain through Google Wallet. We have since switched to a billing system.
In this tutorial, we will go through the process of pointing a custom domain name to Blogger. You'll use the CNAME record to associate your custom domain with your blog. After registering your domain, decide if you want to use a particular subdomain for your blog. Learn how to connect a custom domain to Blogspot with our detailed guide.
When creating a blog, Blogger assigns a subdomain under the main blogspot.com domain. For instance, if your blog's address is example.blogspot.com, the most frequently used subdomain is "www." However, you can create a custom blogger domain as well.
Consider that if you are a blogger, owning your own blog demonstrates your passion and love for blogging. It provides the freedom to move from one platform to another, when and if needed.
Here is a table detailing some of the advantages of using a custom domain, along with some tips on how to get started:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | A custom domain (e.g., yourblog.com) conveys professionalism and credibility, unlike a subdomain (e.g., yourblog.blogspot.com). |
| Branding | A custom domain allows for consistent branding across all your online platforms, strengthening brand recognition and memorability. |
| Control | You have complete control over your domain, including the name, extension, and associated email addresses. |
| Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | A custom domain can improve your blog's SEO, making it easier for search engines to find and rank your content. |
| Portability | If you decide to move your blog to a different platform in the future, your custom domain can go with you, maintaining your online identity. |
| Cost | Domains typically cost a small annual fee, making them an affordable investment for any blogger. |
| Easy to set up | Connecting a custom domain to a platform like Blogger is a straightforward process that takes only a few steps. |
Reference: For more details about the importance of a custom domain, you can check out resources on domain registration and branding strategies like those offered by Namecheap: Namecheap's Custom Domain Benefits.
First, you need to purchase your domain. Search for your domain name in the search bar near the top of the page. When you find a domain that is available, add it to your cart and purchase it! Give your blog the perfect home. Get a blogspot.com domain or buy a custom domain with just a few clicks.
When setting up your domain, you may not need to enter two CNAME records. Make sure the CNAME name, label, or host is entered correctly. If you encounter any issues, contact your domain provider.
This tutorial is easy to follow for beginner bloggers who have just created a blog and want to install a custom domain on Blogspot using .com / .net / .id / .my.id / and other extensions.Before we start it's important that you realize, it isn't difficult to add a custom domain into your Blogger account.
When you create a new blog on Blogger, your blog points to a unique subdomain under the main blogspot.com domain name. The most commonly used subdomain is www. But you can also create a custom Blogger domain for your blog.
Making a blog with a Blogspot domain is a choice for those who have just started having a free website. Besides being free, Blogspot is also very easy to make. However, as time goes by, sometimes you want to make the blog look more professional by changing it to a custom domain.
Point your own registered URL to your blog. Blogs may not be hosted at naked domains (for example: yourblog.com).When you already have a name that is well-known by the public, of course, you want to make your blog even cooler by removing the domain blogspot.com and replacing it with your own domain.
A CNAME, or canonical name, is a record that points one subdomain (only) to another. In our case, our www subdomain will point to ghs.google.com, a Blogger subdomain. Different domain registrars have different ways of getting it done.
Log in to your domain providers site with your username and password to access your admin panel.Write down the domain name and click the add site button.
The domain extension .com is well known, but you could also consider the Blogger domain extension .blog. This domain extension is also great for blogging platforms, blog apps, and anyone interested in keeping the conversation going. Register your new .blog domain name today and make your voice heard with it!
Here are the basic steps:
- Select a Domain Provider: Choose a reputable domain registrar such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains.
- Search for Your Domain: Use the search bar on the provider's website to check the availability of your desired domain name.
- Purchase Your Domain: Once you've found an available domain, add it to your cart and complete the purchase.
- Connect Your Domain to Blogger: Go to your Blogger settings and follow the instructions to connect your custom domain. You'll need to update your DNS settings with your domain registrar.
A deeper look at connecting a custom domain to Blogger:
Connecting a custom domain to Blogger is a relatively straightforward process. However, it requires a clear understanding of DNS records and how to configure them. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
- Access Blogger Settings: Log in to your Blogger account and go to the settings of the blog you want to connect to your custom domain.
- Navigate to Publishing: In the settings menu, locate the "Publishing" section.
- Select "Custom Domain": Click on "Custom Domain" to begin the setup process.
- Enter Your Domain: In the provided field, enter the custom domain name you purchased (e.g., yourblog.com) and click save.
- DNS Configuration: Blogger will now display two CNAME records and four A records. You'll need to configure these records in your domain registrar's DNS settings.
- Access Domain Registrar: Log in to the website of your domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy).
- Find DNS Settings: Locate the DNS management or DNS records section for your domain.
- Add CNAME Records:
- Create two CNAME records. The first will typically have "www" as the "Host" or "Name" and "ghs.google.com" as the "Destination" or "Value".
- The second CNAME record will often have the subdomain (if any) or the blog's unique code provided by Blogger.
- Add A Records:
- Add four A records pointing to Google's IP addresses. These IPs are usually provided by Blogger.
- The host for these A records is typically "@" or left blank.
- Save Changes: Save the DNS settings in your domain registrar's control panel.
- Verify and Redirect: Go back to your Blogger settings and click save again. Allow time for the DNS changes to propagate (this can take up to 48 hours).
- Enable HTTPS: After your domain is successfully connected, Blogger will provide an option to enable HTTPS, further securing your blog.
Essential Tips to Get It Right:
- Double-Check Everything: Carefully review each step, ensuring that the information entered matches the values provided by Blogger and your domain registrar.
- DNS Propagation: Be patient and allow time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet.
- Error Messages: If you encounter errors, check for common issues such as incorrect host names, typos, or missing records.
- Provider Support: Don't hesitate to contact your domain registrar's support team for assistance.
- Backups: As you make changes to your DNS settings, it's always a good idea to have backups of your domain records. This helps to restore any misconfigurations.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them:
- Incorrect CNAME Records: Ensure the "Name" or "Host" fields are set correctly (usually "www" or the provided subdomain). The "Destination" or "Value" should be "ghs.google.com".
- Incorrect A Records: Make sure the A records point to the correct Google IP addresses provided by Blogger.
- Propagation Delays: Wait up to 48 hours for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet.
- Typos: Carefully check for any typos in your domain name or the values of DNS records.
- Conflict with Other Records: Be aware that other DNS records for the domain might interfere, and adjust as needed.
- Firewall issues: In some cases, firewall settings at your domain registrar or hosting provider may block the connection. Check these settings if you are experiencing issues.
Subdomains and Blogger:
Subdomains allow you to create separate sections within your website using names that come before your main domain name. For example, "blog.yourdomain.com" or "shop.yourdomain.com" can be subdomains. You can use subdomains for different aspects of your site or organize your content. When using Blogger, you often use "www" as the subdomain. If you want a different subdomain, you'll need to configure this in your DNS settings.
Choosing the Right Domain Extension:
The domain extension (the part after your domain name, such as .com, .net, or .org) can affect your blog's perception. .com is a widely recognized and trusted choice for business and personal websites. Other options include .net for networks, and .org for organizations. The .blog extension is specific to blogs and is a great option for bloggers, blog apps, and for keeping the conversation going.
Keeping Your Domain Secure:
Once you have your custom domain, it's important to keep it secure. This involves protecting your login credentials, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and keeping your contact information up-to-date. Renew your domain well before its expiration date to prevent losing access to your blog. Consider using WHOIS privacy to hide your contact information from the public to prevent potential spam or identity theft.
Final Thoughts:
Transforming your Blogger site to one with a custom domain is an investment in your online presence. It's a statement of dedication to your blog and a step towards building a professional brand. The process involves securing a domain, configuring DNS settings, and setting up your blog in Blogger. While it may seem technical, it's an accessible process that can be learned with these detailed guidelines. By following the steps and troubleshooting common issues, you'll be able to move your blog from Blogspot to a custom domain and boost your online image and reach.
