Internet 101: How to Link a domain name to your web host

Connecting your custom domain name to your website or online service involves configuring DNS (Domain Name System) records at your domain registrar.
The specific records you'll need vary by platform, but the fundamental process remains consistent.
This guide outlines the general steps, with specific instructions for Blogger integrated where applicable.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• A functional domain name purchased from a domain registrar.
• Access to your domain's DNS management settings (typically through your domain registrar's control panel).
• An account with the web hosting provider, website builder, or online service (e.g., Blogger, WordPress.com, Shopify, Wix) you wish to connect your domain to.
• The specific DNS records or Name Servers provided by your web host or service.

Step 1: Purchase a Custom Domain

If you haven't already, purchase a domain name from a domain registrar of your choice (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger, Google Domains). This domain will serve as your website's personalized web address (e.g., www.example.com).

• Estimated Cost: Domain registration typically costs between $10 to $20 per year, depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.) and the registrar. Some services offer a free domain for the first year with certain plans.

Step 2: Initiate Domain Connection and Obtain DNS Information from Your Service Provider

This is a crucial step where you tell your service provider (e.g., your web host, website builder, or Blogger) that you intend to use a custom domain. In response, they will provide you with the specific DNS records you need to configure.

1. Access Your Service Provider's Domain Settings:

   • For most Website Builders/Hosts (e.g., Shopify, Wix, general web hosting): Look for a "Domains," "Custom Domain," or "Connect Domain" section within your service's dashboard. You'll typically be prompted to enter your custom domain name.
   • For Blogger:
     • Sign in to Blogger at blogger.com with your Google account.
     • In the top left, click the down arrow and choose the blog you want to connect.
     • From the left-hand menu, click Settings.
     • Under the "Publishing" section, click Custom domain.
     • Type the full URL of your custom domain (e.g., www.example.com).
     • Click Save. You will likely receive an error message: "We have not been able to verify your authority to this domain..." This is expected and provides the necessary information for the next step.

2. Note Down the Required DNS Records: Your service provider will display the specific DNS records you need to add to your domain registrar. These are generally one or more of the following:

   • Name Servers (NS records): These direct your domain to the servers where your website's DNS is managed. Often look like ns1.examplehost.com, ns2.examplehost.com. If your provider gives you Name Servers, using them is often the simplest method as your host will then manage all other DNS records.

   • A Record (Address Record): Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address (e.g., example.com to 192.0.2.1). Used to point your domain directly to an IP address where your website files are hosted.

   • AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record): Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.

   • CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record): Maps an alias name to another canonical domain name. Used for subdomains (like www) or to point to a service's specific host.

     • For Blogger: You will be given two CNAME records:
       • Generic Blog CNAME:
         • Name/Host/Label: www (or a different subdomain like blog if desired, e.g., for blog.mydomain.com).
         • Destination/Target/Value: ghs.google.com.
       • Your Blog's Specific Security CNAME:
         • Name/Host/Label: A unique, auto-generated code (e.g., ABC).
         • Destination/Target/Value: Another unique, auto-generated code ending with dv.googlehosted.com (e.g., gv-XYZ.dv.googlehosted.com). This token is specific to your blog and Google Account.

   • TXT Record (Text Record): Used for various purposes, including domain verification (e.g., for email services or sometimes for domain connection).

   • MX Record (Mail Exchange Record): Specifies mail servers responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain name.

Step 3: Configure DNS Settings at Your Domain Registrar

This is where you add the DNS records obtained in Step 2 to your domain's DNS settings.

1. Access Your Domain Provider's Website: Log in to the control panel of your domain registrar (where you purchased the domain).
2. Locate DNS Management: Find the section related to Domain Name System (DNS) management, DNS settings, zone editor, or name server settings. The exact name varies by provider.
3. Update DNS Records:
   • If your service provider gave you Name Servers: Select the option to use "custom name servers" and replace the default ones with the Name Servers provided by your web host or service.
   • If your service provider gave you A, CNAME, or other records: Locate the section for adding or editing these specific record types.
     • For A records: Enter @ or leave the Host/Name field blank for the root domain, and enter the IP address in the Value/Points To field.
     • For CNAME records: Enter the subdomain (e.g., www) in the Host/Name field, and the target domain (e.g., yourstore.myshopify.com or ghs.google.com) in the Value/Target field.
     • For Blogger's CNAMEs:
       • Add the first CNAME: Name=www, Destination=ghs.google.com..
       • Add the second CNAME: Name= (your unique code from Blogger, e.g., ABC), Destination= (your unique code from Blogger, e.g., gv-XYZ.dv.googlehosted.com).
     • Follow specific instructions for AAAA, TXT, or MX records if required by your service.
4. Save Changes: Save the DNS records.

Important Notes on DNS Propagation:

• Changes to DNS records are not instantaneous due to a process called DNS propagation. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 48 hours (occasionally longer, up to 72 hours) for these changes to take effect across the internet.
• During this period, your website may be inaccessible, show old content, or not yet be connected to your new service.

Step 4: Finalize Connection in Your Service Provider's Dashboard (and Optional Redirections)

After allowing sufficient time for DNS propagation (e.g., a few hours or more), you'll often need to complete a final step in your service provider's dashboard and configure any desired redirections.

1. Verify Domain Connection:

   • For most Website Builders/Hosts: Go back to your service's "Domains" or "Custom Domain" settings. Look for a "Connected" or "Active" status for your domain. If it's not yet connected, you might have an option to "Verify" or "Check Connection."
   • For Blogger:
     • Sign in to Blogger at blogger.com.
     • Select your blog.
     • From the left-hand menu, click Settings.
     • Under "Publishing," click Custom domain.
     • Re-type the URL of your domain (e.g., www.example.com) and click Save. If the DNS records have propagated correctly, Blogger should now successfully verify your domain, and the error message will disappear.

2. Set Up Root/Naked Domain Redirection (Optional but Recommended):

   This ensures that visitors who type your domain without "www" (e.g., example.com) are automatically redirected to your preferred address (e.g., www.example.com). This improves user experience and SEO.

   • For most Website Builders/Hosts: Many services automatically handle this redirection once your www domain is connected. Check your service's documentation for "naked domain redirect" or "root domain redirection."
   • For Blogger: This requires specific A-records at your domain registrar:
     • Go to your domain provider’s website and open your DNS settings.
     • Add four A-records that point to Google's IP addresses for redirection:
       • Host/Name/Label: @ or blank (this typically represents the naked domain)
       • Value/Points to:
         • 216.239.32.21
         • 216.239.34.21
         • 216.239.36.21
         • 216.239.38.21 (You will create four separate A-records, each pointing to one of these IP addresses.)
     • Save the A-records.
     • Then, in Blogger: Sign in, select your blog, go to Settings > Publishing, and turn on Redirect domain (e.g., "Redirect mydomain.com to www.mydomain.com").

Step 5: Configure SSL/HTTPS (Important for Security)

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) provides an encrypted connection between your website and your visitors, indicated by "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon. This is crucial for security, SEO, and user trust.

• For most Website Builders/Hosts: Many modern services (e.g., Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, managed WordPress hosts) automatically provide and enable free SSL certificates (often via Let's Encrypt) for custom domains once connected. Check your service's "SSL" or "Security" settings.
• For Blogger: Blogger automatically provides an SSL certificate for custom domains through Let's Encrypt once your domain is successfully connected. You'll find an "HTTPS availability" and "HTTPS redirect" option under Settings > Publishing.
  • Important for CAA Records: If you are using CAA (Certification Authority Authorization) records on your custom domain, you must add a specific record to allow Let's Encrypt to issue and renew your SSL certificate. If you don't, your host won't be able to create or renew your SSL certificate, which can lead to "Not Secure" warnings for your visitors.
    • Go to your domain provider’s website and open your DNS settings.
    • Add a CAA Record:
      • Type: CAA
      • Name/Host/Label: @ or blank
      • Value/Target: 0 issue "letsencrypt.org"

Summary of Key Information and Timelines

• Domain Purchase Cost: $10 - $20 annually.
• DNS Propagation Time (all record types): Typically a few minutes to 48 hours (can sometimes be up to 72 hours).
• Service-Specific Timelines:
  • Blogger Redirect Propagation (blogspot.com to custom domain): Up to 24 hours after successful DNS setup.
  • SSL Certificate Provisioning (General & Blogger): Automatic for many services, but can take a few hours after domain connection and DNS propagation.
  • Naked Domain Redirect Propagation (Blogger): Up to 24 hours after A-records are added.