Custom Domain Blogger Blog A Complete How-To Guide
Custom Domain Blogger Blog - A Complete How-To Guide
Blogger, a free platform provided by Google, is a popular choice for beginners in the blogging world. While using Blogger’s subdomain (e.g., yourblog.blogspot.com) is convenient, upgrading to a custom domain not only enhances your blog’s professionalism but also improves its SEO potential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of setting up a custom domain for your Blogger blog.
Why Use a Custom Domain on Blogger?
Using a custom domain has several advantages:
Professionalism: A custom domain (e.g., www.yourblog.com) appears more credible and trustworthy.
Improved SEO: Search engines favor custom domains, giving you a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
Brand Identity: A unique domain name helps in building a memorable brand.
Ownership: With a custom domain, you have more control and flexibility over your blog’s URL.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s dive into the setup process.
Step 1: Choose and Purchase a Domain
The first step is selecting a domain name that reflects your blog’s niche or brand. Here’s how:
Tips for Choosing a Domain Name
Keep it short, simple, and memorable.
Avoid using hyphens or numbers.
Include relevant keywords to enhance SEO.
Use a trusted domain registrar such as Google Domains, Namecheap, or GoDaddy.
Once you’ve decided on a name, purchase it from a domain registrar. Prices typically range from $10 to $15 per year.
Step 2: Configure Your Domain in Blogger
After purchasing your domain, it’s time to link it to your Blogger blog. Follow these steps:
1. Access Blogger Settings
Log in to your Blogger account.
Navigate to Settings > Basic.
Under the “Publishing” section, click Set up a third-party URL for your blog.
2. Enter Your Custom Domain
Input your domain name, including the “www” (e.g., www.yourblog.com).
Click Save. Blogger will show an error along with two CNAME records. These records are required to connect your domain.
Step 3: Update DNS Settings
To complete the connection, you need to configure the DNS settings in your domain registrar’s dashboard.
1. Log In to Your Domain Registrar
Access your domain registrar’s control panel.
Locate the DNS management section.
2. Add CNAME Records
Add the two CNAME records provided by Blogger:
Name: www | Destination: ghs.google.com
Name: Specific code provided by Blogger | Destination: Another specific code provided by Blogger
3. Add A Records (Optional)
To ensure your domain works without the “www,” add four A records pointing to Google’s IP addresses:
216.239.32.21
216.239.34.21
216.239.36.21
216.239.38.21
Save the changes, and wait for the DNS settings to propagate, which can take up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Enable HTTPS
Securing your blog with HTTPS is essential for data encryption and better SEO rankings. Here’s how:
Return to your Blogger Settings.
Under the “HTTPS” section, toggle HTTPS Availability to “Yes.”
Once enabled, ensure “HTTPS Redirect” is also turned on.
Step 5: Test Your Custom Domain
After DNS propagation, test your custom domain by typing it into your browser. If it’s correctly configured, your Blogger blog should load seamlessly. If not, double-check the DNS settings and CNAME records.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. DNS Propagation Delay
It’s normal for DNS changes to take up to 24 hours. Be patient and check periodically.
2. Error 404
Ensure the CNAME and A records are correctly configured.
Verify that you’ve added the domain in Blogger settings.
3. Mixed Content Warnings
If you see warnings about insecure content, ensure all URLs in your blog’s template use “https” instead of “http.”
Optimizing Your Custom Domain for SEO
To maximize the benefits of your custom domain, follow these SEO tips:
Submit Your Blog to Google Search Console
Verify your custom domain in Google Search Console.
Submit your sitemap (e.g.,
www.yourblog.com/sitemap.xml).
Update Backlinks
Update any existing backlinks to reflect your new domain.
Redirect Old Links
Blogger automatically redirects your .blogspot URL to the custom domain, ensuring no loss of traffic.
Optimize Content
Continue creating high-quality, keyword-optimized content.
Use meta descriptions and alt text for images.
Conclusion
Setting up a custom domain for your Blogger blog is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your blog’s professionalism, SEO, and brand identity. By following this guide, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of your blogging journey.
Take the first step today and elevate your Blogger blog with a custom domain! If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow bloggers looking to improve their online presence.
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