How to Use a Domain Name With Blogger

Use a custom domain for your Blogger blog to help your blog stand out.

Blogger is a free blogging platform available from Google. When you create a blog on Blogger, Google automatically gives you a sub-domain on the Blogspot.com URL; for example yourblog.blogspot.com. If you own a domain and you'd rather use your own personal domain with your Blogger blog, you must change the CNAME and A-records information for your domain to point to your Blogger blog. The process can be slightly different depending on where you registered your domain. Google also offers the ability to register a domain with Blogger and automatically sets it up for your Blogger blog.

Instructions

Your Own Domain

1. Open your Web browser and log in to your domain control panel. You can usually access your domain control panel through the website with which you registered your domain. Locate your DNS settings.

2. Locate the "CNAME" or "Alias" section. Enter "www" for the "Name" and "ghs.google.com" for the "Host Name" for the CNAME or Alias record.

3. Locate the "A-records" section. Create four A-records, each pointing to one of the following IP addresses:

   216.239.32.21

   216.239.34.21

   216.239.36.21

   216.239.38.21

4. Save your changes and log out of the control panel. Allow the DNS settings to activate, which usually takes approximately one hour, before moving to the next step.

5. Visit Blogger.com and log in to your Blogger account.

6. Click the "Settings" tab, then click the "Publishing" link below it. Click the "Custom Domain" link. Click "Switched to advanced settings" on the right side of the page. An empty field will appear.

7. Input your domain URL, including "www" preceding it. For example, if your domain is "mydomain.com" enter "www.mydomain.com".

8. Input the word-verification word. Then click "Save Settings." Your domain will now direct visitors to your Blogger blog.

Register Domain Through Blogger

1. Visit Blogger.com and log in to your Blogger account.

2. Click the "Settings" tab, then click the "Publishing" link below it. Click the "Custom Domain" link.

3. Input the desired domain you want to register into the "What address would you like your blog to have" field. Click "Check Availability." Google will search to find out if the domain is available. If not, enter a new domain; if so, click "Continue to registration."

4. Input your registration information into the empty fields such as your name, email address, home address and a phone number.

5. Place check marks next to the terms of service agreements and click "I accept Proceed to Google Checkout."

6. Input your billing information, then click "Agree and Continue."

7. Review the information you provided to make sure it's correct. Click "Place your order now" to register the selected domain. Blogger will automatically assign the new domain to your blog and charge your credit card or PayPal account (based on payment-type chosen). Be aware that it can take up to three days before your domain name activates.

References

• Blogger Help: How Do I Create a CNAME Record for My Custom Domain?
• Blogger Help: How Do I Use a Custom Domain Name for my Blog?