Blogger is a popular blogging platform that allows users to publish their content online easily. While Blogger offers a free domain with the format yourblog.blogspot.com, many users prefer to use a custom domain to maintain a professional image. A custom domain not only enhances the credibility of your blog but also provides a memorable web address for your audience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of setting up your custom domain on Blogger and configuring the necessary DNS settings to ensure a smooth integration.
Setting Up Your Custom Domain on Blogger
To begin using a custom domain with Blogger, you first need to purchase a domain from a domain registrar such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or any other provider of your choice. Once you have your domain, log into your Blogger dashboard and navigate to the ‘Settings’ section. Here, you’ll find the option to update your blog address. Select ‘+ Setup a 3rd party URL for your blog’ and enter your new custom domain, including the ‘www’ prefix.
Blogger requires verification of your ownership of the domain. Therefore, you will be provided with a set of CNAME records that you need to add to your domain’s DNS settings. These records typically consist of two parts: a unique security token specific to your blog and a general verification code shared by all blogs set up under Blogger. Ensure you copy these records accurately to avoid errors in the next steps.
After entering the CNAME records, it might take some time for the changes to propagate through the internet’s DNS system, which can take up to 24 hours. During this time, periodic checks are advisable to see if the domain setup is completed. You can do this by revisiting the Blogger settings page. If the domain has been verified successfully, Blogger will notify you, and your custom domain will start redirecting to your Blogger blog.
Configuring DNS Settings for Blogger Integration
After verifying the domain with Blogger, you need to configure additional DNS settings to ensure your blog is accessible with just the plain domain (without the ‘www’) and to handle email services linked to your domain, if any. To direct the naked domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) to your blog, set up an ‘A’ record for your domain. Blogger recommends pointing your A records to four IP addresses provided by Google to ensure redundancy and reliability.
To add these A records, go back to your domain registrar’s DNS management section. Create four separate A records, each pointing to one of the Google IPs: 216.239.32.21, 216.239.34.21, 216.239.36.21, and 216.239.38.21. This setup will help users who omit ‘www’ when typing your blog’s URL still land on your site. Make sure these records are added alongside the previously mentioned CNAME records and not replacing them.
Lastly, if you plan to use email services with your custom domain, such as Google Workspace or any other email hosting service, you’ll need to configure MX records accordingly. Each email service provider will give specific instructions and values for these MX records. This step is essential if you want to use a professional email address linked to your custom domain, enhancing your blog’s credibility further.
Setting up a custom domain on Blogger is a straightforward process that can significantly impact the professionalism and accessibility of your blog. By following the steps to configure your domain and DNS settings correctly, you ensure that your audience can find your blog with ease and perceive it as a credible source. Remember, the changes in DNS records can take some time to propagate, so patience and periodic checks can help ensure a smooth transition to your new custom domain. Happy blogging!
