Do you want to move your custom domain Blogger blog to WordPress? Blogger is a free blogging platform that has been around for a very long time.
Normally, a free blog on Blogger has blogspot.com in their website address. For example, myblog.blogspot.com.
In our main Blogger to WordPress migration tutorial, one of our readers asked us for step by step instructions on moving custom domain blogger website to WordPress.
That’s because Blogger also allows users to connect custom domain names to their blogs such as myblog.com.
If you have a custom domain Blogger blog, and you want to move it to WordPress, then this tutorial is for you.
In this step by step guide, we will show you how to easily move a custom domain blog from Blogger to WordPress.
Note: If you’re looking for moving a normal Blogger subdomain blog to WordPress, then see our guide on how to switch from Blogger to WordPress.
Following are the steps we will cover to help you move your custom domain blog from Blogger to WordPress.
- Getting started
- Change DNS settings
- Remove domain redirect
- Install WordPress
- Export content from Blogger
- Import content in WordPress
- Setup Permalinks
- Redirect Blogger feeds to WordPress
- Customizing WordPress
- Extending your WordPress site
Step 1: Getting Started
Before we start, it is important to note that this guide is for the self-hosted WordPress blog. See our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org site vs WordPress.com blog.
In order to get started, you will need a WordPress hosting provider to set up your self hosted WordPress website.
We recommend Bluehost because they are an officially recommended WordPress hosting company, and they are giving WPBeginner users exclusive 60% discount + free domain and SSL.
Basically, you can get started for $2.75 / month.
→ Click Here to Claim This Exclusive Bluehost Offer ←
If you want a Bluehost alternative, then take a look at Siteground. They also have a special offer for WPBeginner users.
Step 2: Change DNS Settings
Blogger allows you to use any domain name registered by a 3rd party. U.S. based users can also use a domain registered with Google Domains.
When you first setup the domain pointing to your Blogger blog, you were asked to add CNAME and A records to your domain’s DNS settings.
These domain name records help browsers decide where to direct users when they enter your domain name. See our guide on domain names and how they work)
You will need to delete those old records and add your new WordPress host’s DNS settings.
You can get DNS settings required by your WordPress hosting company from their documentation or support websites. A typical DNS nameserver looks something like this:
NS1.Bluehost.com
NS2.Bluehost.com
In this guide, we will show you how to update DNS settings in Godaddy. However the basic settings are the same across all popular domain registrars.
Changing DNS Settings in GoDaddy
You need to Login to your Godaddy account and click on the manage button next to domains. After that you need to click on the gear icon next to your domain and then select manage DNS.
[ux_image id=”18263″]You will see your domain information page. Next, you need to click on the DNS Zone File. This is where all the DNS level records for your domain are stored.
[ux_image id=”18264″]On the DNS Zone File page, you need to locate the A record and CNAME aliases you added for your Blogger blog and delete them.
Don’t forget to click on the save changes button to apply your changes.
The next step is to setup nameservers for your WordPress hosting provider.
Go back to manage DNS page for your domain and then click on ‘Manage’ under the namservers section.
[ux_image id=”18265″]On the next page, you need to click on ‘Custom’ and then click on edit nameservers link to add your new WordPress hosts nameservers.
[ux_image id=”18266″]Click on the save button to make your DNS changes go live.
Important: DNS changes may take anywhere between a few hours to one or even two days to fully propagate. During this time, you can access your Blogger blog by logging into your account.
Step 3: Remove Domain Redirect
Your Blogger blog’s original blogspot.com address is redirecting users to your custom domain. Since we have changed the domain settings, we need to remove this from Blogger too.
Simply log into your Blogger account and go to Settings » Basic page. Under the publishing section, click on the cross icon to cancel the redirect.
[ux_image id=”18267″]Step 4: Install WordPress
If your domain’s DNS has propagated now, then you can install WordPress on your hosting provider.
If your domain is registered on a 3rd party service other than your web host, then you will need to add the hosting for the domain.
For example, in Bluehost you will add your domain as an Addon domain through cPanel unless it is the main domain on your account.
[ux_image id=”18268″]After adding domain to your new host, the next step is to install WordPress. Most hosting companies have simple 1-click WordPress installers that you can use to quickly install WordPress.
If you need more help, then follow the instructions in our complete WordPress installation tutorial.
After successful installation of WordPress on your custom domain, you will be ready to import content from your Blogger blog.
Step 5: Export Content From Blogger
Before you can import content into WordPress, first you need to export it from your Blogger blog.
Blogger allows you to export content in an XML file.
Simply login to your Blogger blog and visit Settings » Other page. Under the blog tools, click on the Backup Content link.
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