The Ultimate Guide to Using a Custom Domain for Your Blogger/Blogspot Site

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Use a Custom Domain for Blogger?
3. Prerequisites for Setting Up a Custom Domain
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring a Custom Domain

• Step 1: Purchase a Domain Name
• Step 2: Configure DNS Settings
• Step 3: Set Up the Domain in Blogger
• Step 4: Enable HTTPS (SSL)

1. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
2. SEO Benefits of Using a Custom Domain
3. Maintaining Your Custom Domain
4. Conclusion & Final Tips

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1. Introduction

Blogger (also known as Blogspot) is a free and easy-to-use blogging platform by Google. While it provides a default domain like yourblog.blogspot.com, using a custom domain (e.g., yourblog.com) makes your site look more professional, improves branding, and enhances SEO.

This guide will walk you through how to set up, configure, and optimize a custom domain for your Blogger site, along with troubleshooting tips and best practices.

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2. Why Use a Custom Domain for Blogger?

✅ Professionalism & Branding

• A custom domain (yourblog.com) looks more credible than a .blogspot.com subdomain.
• Builds trust with readers, advertisers, and potential collaborators.

✅ Better SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

• Google ranks custom domains slightly higher than subdomains.
• Easier to build backlinks and authority.

✅ Future-Proofing Your Blog

• If you ever switch from Blogger to WordPress or another platform, you can keep your domain.
• Protects your brand identity.

✅ Custom Email Addresses

• You can set up professional emails like contact@yourblog.com (using Google Workspace or Zoho Mail).

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3. Prerequisites for Setting Up a Custom Domain

Before you begin, ensure you have:
✔ A Blogger/Blogspot account with an existing blog.
✔ A purchased domain name (from Google Domains, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.).
✔ Access to your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
✔ Patience (DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate).

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4. Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring a Custom Domain

Step 1: Purchase a Domain Name

If you don’t already own a domain, buy one from:

• Google Domains (now Squarespace Domains)
• Namecheap (affordable)
• GoDaddy (popular but pricier)
• Cloudflare Registrar (cheapest option)

💡 Pro Tip:

• Choose a .com domain if possible.
• Keep it short, memorable, and brandable.

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

After purchasing the domain, you need to update DNS records to point to Blogger.

A. For Google Domains / Squarespace Domains:

1. Go to DNS Settings.
2. Add 4 A Records:

   @ → 216.239.32.21  
   @ → 216.239.34.21  
   @ → 216.239.36.21  
   @ → 216.239.38.21  

3. Add 2 CNAME Records:

   www → ghs.google.com  
   (Second CNAME will be provided by Blogger)  

B. For Namecheap:

1. Go to Advanced DNS.
2. Add the same A & CNAME records as above.

C. For GoDaddy:

1. Go to DNS Management.
2. Add the A & CNAME records as listed.

✅ Save changes and wait (DNS propagation can take 5 minutes to 48 hours).

Step 3: Set Up the Domain in Blogger

1. Go to Blogger Dashboard.
2. Select your blog → Settings → Basic.
3. Under “Publishing”, click “Set up a third-party URL”.
4. Enter your domain (e.g., www.yourblog.com).
5. Check ✅ “Redirect yourblog.com to www.yourblog.com” (for SEO consistency).
6. Click Save.

📌 Blogger will display two CNAME records—keep this tab open.

Step 4: Enable HTTPS (SSL)

For security and SEO, enable HTTPS:

1. Go to Settings → Basic → HTTPS Availability → Yes.
2. Wait up to 24 hours for SSL activation.

✔ Test your site:

• Visit http://yourblog.com (should redirect to https://www.yourblog.com).
• Check SSL status at Why No Padlock?.

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5. Common Issues & Troubleshooting

❌ Problem: “Another blog is using this domain”

🔹 Solution: Remove the domain from any other Blogger account.

❌ Problem: SSL Not Working After 24 Hours

🔹 Solution: Clear browser cache or try a different device.

❌ Problem: Site Not Loading After DNS Changes

🔹 Solution: Verify DNS propagation at DNS Checker.

❌ Problem: Mixed Content Warnings

🔹 Solution: Ensure all images/scripts use HTTPS (not HTTP).

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6. SEO Benefits of Using a Custom Domain

• Higher rankings in Google search results.
• Better click-through rates (CTR) from search engines.
• Easier to build backlinks (other sites prefer linking to custom domains).
• Stronger brand recognition in search results.

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7. Maintaining Your Custom Domain

• Renew your domain annually (set auto-renewal if possible).
• Monitor DNS settings in case Blogger’s IPs change.
• Use Google Search Console to track indexing.

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8. Conclusion & Final Tips

✅ Use a .com domain for maximum credibility.
✅ Enable HTTPS for security and SEO.
✅ Redirect non-www to www (or vice versa) for consistency.
✅ Test your setup in incognito mode.

By following this guide, you’ve successfully upgraded your Blogger site to a professional custom domain without needing paid hosting! 🎉

💬 Need help? Drop a comment below! 🚀