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

Introduction
Why Use a Custom Domain for Blogger?
Prerequisites for Setting Up a Custom Domain
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)

Common Issues & Troubleshooting
SEO Benefits of Using a Custom Domain
Maintaining Your Custom Domain
Conclusion & Final Tips

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.

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).

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).

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:

Go to DNS Settings.
Add 4 A Records:

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

Add 2 CNAME Records:

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

B. For Namecheap:

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

C. For GoDaddy:

Go to DNS Management.
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

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

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

Step 4: Enable HTTPS (SSL)

For security and SEO, enable HTTPS:

Go to Settings → Basic → HTTPS Availability → Yes.
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?.

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).

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.

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.

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! 🚀