When I first created Mom Spark, I was using the free Blogger platform, so my blog address was http://MomSpark.blogspot.com. When I started taking myself more seriously, I wanted to simplify that url. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat right now or similar (maybe with WordPress.com) and want to officially change your blog url to a simple, custom address. I’m here to save the day! It’s not difficult to do and makes a world of difference regarding the professionalism of your blog or website. In this post, I will be provide a few tips and websites I have used to help walk me through the process of setting up a custom domain for free hosted blogs.
BLOGGER USERS
You have the easiest instructions!
- Go to the Settings tab in your Dashboard.
- Click on the Publishing link.
- Click on “Need a domain? Buy one now!” From here you can search for your custom url. Check to see if your blog’s name is available, and if not, try to pick something that is similar, but easy to remember. (I have more suggestions below, as well) Blogger uses GoDaddy or eNom registration sites and will automatically configure the DNS (Domain Name System) and attach your new custom url to your current blog. It’s also inexpensive, starting around $10/year.
If you would like to use a registration service other then GoDaddy and eNom, or use an existing domain name, you will need to configure your DNS and CNAME manually. Blogger has step-by-step instructions on how to do this HERE.
Have an easy, memorable url. Try to reserve the .com if possible, too. (I know, I know)
WORDPRESS.COM USERS
If you are currently using WordPress’ free blog hosting (WordPress.com), you can use what is called “domain mapping” to create a custom url for your blog. For instructions on how to assign a new or existing custom domain to your WordPress.com blog, follow the instructions HERE.
You can also move your blog from WordPress.com over to self-hosted WordPress.org. For instructions on how to do this, click HERE.
Be aware of when your domains expire and sign up for the auto-renew if your registration host offers it. You don’t want to loose your custom domain a year from now because you forgot to renew.
THE DOMAIN YOU WANT ISN’T AVAILABLE
Many of us are in this boat. We started our blogs using free platforms, and didn’t realize our blog urls were already registered until it was too late. There are a few things you can do at this point.
- Contact the owner of the url. Yes, this information is public. You should see a “get info” link when searching for reserved domains. Try to email, call, or write the owner of the url, especially if the url isn’t being utilized. You may be able to purchase the domain from the owner or work out another deal. You will also be able to see the expiration date of the domain registration.
- Use a domain purchasing service. Most domain registration sites offer a domain purchasing service, but it is pricey and does not guarantee that the owner will want to sell their url. Consider this a last chance effort to attain the domain.
- Pick a different domain name. If your efforts in retrieving your dream domain fails, pick a new name. Yes, it won’t be easy, but your domain will be yours and yours only.
Questions? Leave a comment!
Want to see more from our Blogging 101 series? Click here to see more! Have an idea for a future Blogging 101? Please email us at momspark@gmail.com.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
About Mom Spark
Susan Bischer on 
rebecca on 
MannaB on 
How much does it cost? and what about hosting and etc?
JamericanSpice´s last blog ..Did You Have To Choose A Primary Race For Your Multi-Ethnic Child
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
June 29th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Sorry I forgot to include that. I know that Godaddy is only $10/year!
[Reply]
I use godaddy and it is about $10 a year and when I went for the hosting it was free..
Rachel Tiller´s last blog ..Neutrogena UltraSheer® Liquid Daily Sunblock
[Reply]
My domain name is being used for a Sales ad site. Someone who works for a trucking company purchased it. What would they do with http://www.Nightowlmama.com Grrrr. Their rights are up on Jan 1st. Word to the wise don’t mention to NO one else that your purchasing a domain name. It just may get snatched up before you buy it.
I think mine was just .99 when I bought it on a sale when I blogged at Focus on Motherhood.com
Interesting article. thanks I’ve been meaning to switch but can’t stand the thought of paying monthly for hosting. We can’t afford during the winter when hubby gets laid off
[Reply]
If you switch from blogspot the way you are describing, do you lose your blog setup, and your followers, etc?
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 11:40 am
@Helena, Are you talking about switching to blogspot to WordPress? If so, that is a whole other topic. No, I didn’t lose my followers, but I did need a new blog template.
Mom Spark´s last blog ..No-brainer Recipe- Secret Ingredient Banana Smoothie
[Reply]
Helena Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Mom Spark, Sorry, I have a blogspot blog, and I am thinking of switching to a simpler URL (just like you described in your post). And I was wondering if I do that, will I lose the followers I have, and will I have to completely redo my blog? Or does it stay the same, only with a different URL?
Does that make sense?
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
@Helena, No, you won’t lose your followers or anything. Everything will remain the same, except you’ll have a custom url!
Mom Spark´s last blog ..No-brainer Recipe- Secret Ingredient Banana Smoothie
Awesome! Thank you.
[Reply]
I just bought my domain name with godaddy, but blogger is telling me i need to refigure the site. So in my case, it didn’t automatically publish to my new domain… any help?
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@Linda @ Craftaholics Anonymous, Did you purchase it directly through Blogger or separately through Godaddy? If separately, you’ll need to follow the instructions above to manual configure your DNS & CNAME.
Mom Spark´s last blog ..No-brainer Recipe- Secret Ingredient Banana Smoothie
[Reply]
Oh gosh, I remember when I switched to sofawned.com — I was pretty confused at first, but thankfully it’s not so bad once you take a careful look!
Desiree Fawn´s last blog ..Love List
[Reply]
I moved off a free WordPress a long time ago. I heard stories (and maybe they were just stories) about blogs being shut down by WP for violating terms of service. I did not want to put work into something only to have it taken away.
[Reply]
Thanks for the info. I’m pretty new to blogging and learning everything I can! Once I get my feet under me and my brain out of hyper-drive, this info will help a lot!
Have a lovely day!
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
@Becky Jane, You are welcome!
Mom Spark´s last blog ..AVG – Free Anti-Virus Services
[Reply]
Funny you should write about this. I have a wordpress site and I’m going through a rebranding of sorts. I’ve been wracking my brain for the last 3 days trying to come up with a domain name. I can’t decide. lol
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
That is one of the hardest decisions to make, I know! Good luck!
[Reply]
I was talking to a friend just last week about doing this! I’m with blogger, the url I want is taken.
What are ur thoughts on offering to “buy” it from the owner?! Also, what about a (-) between words? Is that a bad idea?
Genevieve Le Bel´s last blog ..fishies swimming in bubbles!
[Reply]
Mom Spark Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
@Genevieve Le Bel, Is the url being used? Have you contacted the owner? I wouldn’t do – between words, it’s too confusing to remember.
Mom Spark´s last blog ..Seattle’s Best Toddy Cold Brew System Review Giveaway
[Reply]
genevieve lebel Reply:
August 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
looks like the url is being used. I sent an email offering to buy but got no response. My hub thinks I won’t hear back and should move on. They don’t expire till 04/11. As for (-), I was thinking that too… I HATE that I can’t have what I want!!!!!!!!!!!!! <>
[Reply]