How to Set a Custom Domain for Google Blogger

 

Introduction:

Setting a custom domain for your Google Blogger site can enhance your blog’s professional appearance and brand identity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up a custom domain for your Google Blogger blog.

Step 1: Purchase a Domain

Before you can set a custom domain for your Blogger blog, you need to purchase a domain name. You can buy a domain from various domain registrars such as:

• Google Domains
• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Bluehost

Ensure that the domain you choose is unique, memorable, and relevant to your blog content.

Step 2: Access Your Blogger Settings

1. Sign in to Blogger: Go to Blogger and sign in with your Google account.
2. Select Your Blog: Click on the blog you want to set a custom domain for.
3. Navigate to Settings: In the left-hand menu, click on “Settings.”

Step 3: Set Up Your Custom Domain

1. Custom Domain: Scroll down to the “Publishing” section and click on “Custom domain.”
2. Enter Your Domain: Enter the purchased domain name (e.g., www.yourcustomdomain.com) and click “Save.”

At this point, you’ll receive an error message stating that “We have not been able to verify your authority to this domain. Error 12.” This is normal and expected because you need to verify domain ownership and configure DNS settings.

Step 4: Configure DNS Settings

To verify ownership and properly configure your custom domain, you need to update the DNS settings with your domain registrar.

1. Log in to Your Domain Registrar: Access your account on the domain registrar where you purchased your domain.
2. Find DNS Settings: Locate the DNS settings for your domain. This might be under “Manage Domains,” “DNS Management,” or a similar section.
3. Add CNAME Records: Add the following two CNAME records:
   • First CNAME:
     • Name: www
     • Value: ghs.google.com
   • Second CNAME:
     • Name: Provided by Blogger (e.g., abcde12345)
     • Value: Provided by Blogger (e.g., gv-abcde12345.dv.googlehosted.com)

   You will find the exact values for the second CNAME record in the error message from Blogger.

4. Add A Records (Optional): To ensure your domain works without “www” (e.g., yourcustomdomain.com), add A records pointing to Google’s IP addresses:
   • Name: @
   • Value: 216.239.32.21
   • Name: @
   • Value: 216.239.34.21
   • Name: @
   • Value: 216.239.36.21
   • Name: @
   • Value: 216.239.38.21

Step 5: Verify and Save

After updating your DNS settings, return to the Blogger settings page.

1. Retry Custom Domain Setup: In the “Custom domain” section, re-enter your custom domain (e.g., www.yourcustomdomain.com) and click “Save” again.
2. Verification: Blogger will verify the DNS settings. This process might take a few minutes to several hours, depending on DNS propagation.

Step 6: Enable HTTPS

Once your custom domain is set up and verified, enable HTTPS to ensure your site is secure.

1. Enable HTTPS Status: In the Blogger settings, under the “HTTPS” section, toggle on “HTTPS Availability.” Wait for about 15 minutes for Google to set up HTTPS for your custom domain.
2. Enable HTTPS Redirect: After 15 minutes, check if HTTPS is available. Once it is, toggle on “HTTPS Redirect” to ensure all visitors are redirected to the secure version of your site.

Conclusion

Setting a custom domain for your Google Blogger blog can significantly enhance your blog’s credibility and branding. By following these steps, you can easily configure a custom domain and ensure a secure browsing experience for your visitors. Happy blogging!

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