How to Get a Free Domain Name for Your Blogger Blog

Starting a blog on Blogger (Blogspot.com) is an excellent choice for those new to blogging. Blogger offers a straightforward platform to create and manage blogs without the need for advanced technical skills. By default, Blogger provides you with a free subdomain (e.g., yourblog.blogspot.com). However, if you want your blog to look more professional and establish a stronger brand presence, using a custom domain name is the way to go.

The good news is that it’s possible to acquire a free domain name for your Blogger blog. This guide will walk you through various methods, tools, and platforms to secure a free domain and integrate it seamlessly with Blogger.

Why Use a Custom Domain Name?

1. Professionalism and Branding

A custom domain makes your blog look more professional and trustworthy. For example, www.mytravelblog.com appears more credible than mytravelblog.blogspot.com.

2. SEO Benefits

Custom domains often rank better on search engines compared to subdomains. Search engines tend to prioritize unique domain names, giving your blog a competitive edge.

3. Easy to Remember

A short, memorable custom domain is easier for readers to recall and type into their browsers, helping you grow your audience.

Methods to Get a Free Domain for Blogger

There are several ways to acquire a free domain for your blog. Below are the most popular and effective methods:

1. Free Domains from Freenom

Freenom is a platform that offers free domain names with extensions like .tk, .ml, .ga, .cf, and .gq. These domains are entirely free and can be renewed at no cost. Here’s how to get a domain from Freenom:

Steps:

Visit Freenom’s Website: Go to www.freenom.com.
Search for Your Domain: Enter your desired domain name in the search bar and check its availability.
Register Your Domain: Once you find an available domain, click on it and proceed to register.
Set Up DNS Settings: Configure the DNS settings to point to Blogger’s servers:
- Add two CNAME records provided by Blogger.
- Add A records to direct the domain to Google’s IP addresses.
Verify on Blogger: Go to your Blogger dashboard, navigate to “Settings,” and update the blog’s address with your new domain.

2. Subdomains from Free Web Hosting Providers

Some hosting providers offer free subdomains as part of their packages. While not a full custom domain, these can still remove the blogspot.com branding. Examples include:

yourblog.000webhostapp.com
yourblog.infinityfreeapp.com

These platforms also allow you to use custom domains if you upgrade to their premium plans.

3. GitHub Pages for Tech-Savvy Bloggers

If you’re comfortable with basic coding and GitHub, you can host your blog for free using GitHub Pages. While GitHub doesn’t offer domain names, you can pair it with Freenom to create a professional-looking blog. Simply:

Create a repository for your blog.
Set up GitHub Pages in the repository.
Configure a free Freenom domain to point to GitHub Pages.

4. Promotions and Offers from Domain Registrars

Many domain registrars run promotions that include free domain names for the first year. Some notable registrars include:

Namecheap: Offers free domains through its education program.
GoDaddy: Occasionally provides free domains with hosting packages.
Bluehost: Includes a free domain with its hosting plans (though hosting isn’t required for Blogger).

5. Google Domains Free Trial

Google Domains often provides free domain registration trials for a limited period. While the domain might need to be paid for after the trial, this is a good option for testing your blog’s potential with a custom domain.

How to Set Up a Custom Domain on Blogger

Once you have secured a free domain name, the next step is to integrate it with your Blogger account. Follow these steps:

1. Access Blogger Settings

Log in to your Blogger account.
Navigate to the “Settings” tab in the left menu.

2. Add Custom Domain

In the “Publishing” section, click on “Custom Domain.”
Enter your domain name (e.g., www.myblog.tk) and save.

3. Verify Ownership

Blogger will generate two CNAME records to verify domain ownership. These records need to be added to your domain registrar’s DNS settings.

Example:

CNAME 1: Name: www, Value: ghs.google.com
CNAME 2: Name: A unique string, Value: Another unique string

4. Update A Records

Add the following A records to point your domain to Blogger’s IP addresses:

216.239.32.21
216.239.34.21
216.239.36.21
216.239.38.21

5. Enable HTTPS

After verifying your domain, enable HTTPS for added security by toggling the “HTTPS Availability” option in Blogger’s settings.

Pros and Cons of Free Domains

Pros:

Cost-Effective: No upfront payment is required.
Quick Setup: Free domains are easy to register and configure.
No Commitment: Perfect for beginners testing the waters of blogging.

Cons:

Limited Extensions: Free domains often use less common extensions (e.g., .tk, .ml), which may seem less professional.
Renewal Challenges: Some free domains might expire if not actively used or renewed.
Ownership Risks: Free domains may have restrictions or could be reclaimed by the provider.

Tips for Choosing a Domain Name

Keep It Short: A concise name is easier to remember.
Make It Relevant: Ensure your domain aligns with your blog’s niche.
Avoid Hyphens and Numbers: These can confuse visitors and reduce credibility.
Use Keywords: Incorporate terms relevant to your content to improve SEO.

Conclusion

Getting a free domain name for your Blogger blog is a fantastic way to enhance your online presence without incurring additional costs. Whether you choose Freenom, a promotional offer, or another method, having a custom domain boosts your blog’s professionalism and visibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can secure and set up your free domain effortlessly, enabling you to focus on creating high-quality content and growing your audience.

Happy blogging!