How to purchase a domain and connect it to your
Blogger blog in a step-by-step manner.
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Acquiring a domain and linking it with a Blogger blog can
be a strategic move to create a professional online presence. Here’s a detailed
guide on how to purchase a domain and connect it to your Blogger blog in a
step-by-step manner.
Step 1:
Purchasing a Domain
1. Choose a Domain
Registrar: Start by selecting a domain registrar. Some popular
options include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. These platforms offer a
wide range of domain extensions and competitive pricing.
2. Search for a Domain: Use
the search function on the registrar's website to find an available domain that
suits your blog's niche and is easy to remember. Aim for a domain name that
reflects your content and brand.
3. Purchase the Domain: Once
you find an available domain, proceed to purchase it. You will need to provide
some basic information and payment details. Consider purchasing additional
privacy protection to keep your personal information secure.
Step 2:
Setting Up Your Domain with Blogger
1. Access Blogger
Settings: Log in to your Blogger account. Navigate to the blog
you want to connect to your new domain. Go to the “Settings” section of your
blog.
2. Set Up a Custom Domain: In
the “Publishing” section, click on “Custom Domain.” Enter your new domain name
in the format www.yourdomain.com and save the settings.
Blogger will display an error message along with two CNAME records. These
records are essential for the next step.
3. Configure DNS Settings: Go
back to your domain registrar’s website and log in to your account. Locate the
DNS settings for your domain. This is where you’ll add the CNAME records
provided by Blogger.
4. Add CNAME Records: In
the DNS settings, add the first CNAME record by entering "www" in the
Name/Host field and the corresponding value provided by Blogger. Then, add the
second CNAME record, typically a longer string provided by Blogger in both the
Name/Host and Value/Points to fields.
5. Save DNS Changes: Save
the changes in your domain registrar's DNS settings. It may take up to 48 hours
for the changes to propagate, though it often happens much faster.
Step 3:
Finalizing the Setup in Blogger
1. Verify the Domain: After
the DNS changes have propagated, return to the Blogger settings and try saving
your custom domain again. If everything is set up correctly, Blogger will
accept the domain, and your blog will be accessible via the new domain.
2. Redirect Non-www to
www: Ensure that visitors who type in your domain without
“www” are redirected correctly. In Blogger's custom domain settings, enable the
option “Redirect yourdomain.com to www.yourdomain.com.”
3. Enable HTTPS: To
secure your blog, enable HTTPS in the Blogger settings. This ensures that your
visitors access your site securely. Blogger provides a free HTTPS certificate
for custom domains.
Step 4:
Testing and Troubleshooting
1. Test Your Domain: After
everything is set up, test your new domain by entering it in your browser. It
should redirect to your Blogger blog seamlessly.
2. Check for Errors: If
you encounter any errors, double-check your DNS settings and ensure the CNAME
records are correct. You may need to wait a bit longer for DNS propagation if
the changes were made recently.
3. Use Google Search
Console: To help with SEO and monitor your site’s performance,
add your new domain to Google Search Console. This tool provides insights into
how your site is performing in Google Search and helps you troubleshoot any
issues.
By following these
detailed steps, you can successfully purchase a domain and link it to your
Blogger blog, giving your online presence a more professional look and
potentially improving your blog’s visibility and credibility.