Buying a Custom Domain on Namecheap: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Namecheap Domain

If you are starting a blog on Blogger or any other platform, one of the best decisions you can make is buying a custom domain. A custom domain makes your website look more professional, improves SEO, and builds trust with readers.

Many beginners rely on the free Blogspot domain (example: yourblog.blogspot.com), but upgrading to a custom domain (like yourblog.com) is a game-changer. One of the most affordable and reliable places to buy a domain is Namecheap.

In this guide, I will show you everything you need to know about buying a custom domain on Namecheap, connecting it to Blogger, and fixing common issues.


Why You Need a Custom Domain

Before we go into the step-by-step tutorial, let’s understand why a custom domain is important:

1. Professional Branding

A domain like digitalprofitpixel.com looks more credible than digitalprofitpixel.blogspot.com. It tells your readers that you are serious about your blog.

2. SEO Benefits

Google prefers websites with custom domains when ranking search results. This improves your chances of getting indexed faster (see our post on Common Blog Indexing Problems and How to Fix Them).

3. Easy to Remember

A short, simple domain is easier for readers to recall and share compared to a long Blogspot link.

4. Monetization

Ad networks like Google AdSense often prefer custom domains before approving your blog.


Step 1: Go to Namecheap Website

Visit Namecheap.com. You’ll see a search bar where you can type in your preferred blog name.

Example: If your blog name is Digital Profit Pixel, type digitalprofitpixel.com to check if it is available.


Step 2: Search for Your Domain Name

  • Enter your desired domain name in the search bar.

  • Click Search.

  • If it’s available, you will see a green check mark and the price.

  • If it’s not available, Namecheap will suggest alternatives like .net, .org, .co, etc.

Tip: Always go for a .com domain if available, because it is the most popular and trusted extension.


Step 3: Add Domain to Cart

  • Once you find your preferred domain, click Add to Cart.

  • Namecheap usually offers domains at discounted prices for the first year.

  • Make sure to check if Free WhoisGuard is included. This feature hides your personal details from the public.


Step 4: Review Your Cart and Checkout

  • Click the Checkout button.

  • Review your order details.

  • Choose the number of years you want to register the domain (1 year is fine for beginners).

  • Confirm that WhoisGuard protection is enabled.


Step 5: Create or Log in to Your Namecheap Account

If you don’t have a Namecheap account yet:

  • Click Create Account.

  • Fill in your email, username, and password.

  • If you already have an account, just log in.


Step 6: Payment

  • Namecheap allows you to pay using Debit/Credit Card, PayPal, or Bitcoin.

  • Enter your payment details and confirm your purchase.

  • Once payment is complete, your domain is officially yours.


Step 7: Connect Domain to Blogger

After buying your domain, the next step is to connect it to your Blogger blog.

1. Go to Blogger Settings

  • Log in to your Blogger dashboard.

  • Click on Settings > Publishing.

  • Under "Custom Domain," click + Set up a 3rd party domain for your blog.

2. Enter Your Domain

3. Add Records in Namecheap

  • Log in to your Namecheap account.

  • Go to Domain List > Manage > Advanced DNS.

  • Add the CNAME and A-records provided by Blogger.

4. Save Changes

  • Wait for DNS propagation (it may take a few hours).

  • Go back to Blogger and click Save.

  • Your custom domain should now be connected.


Common Issues When Connecting Domain

Sometimes, you may face errors after setting up your custom domain. Let’s fix them:

1. Domain Not Found

If Blogger says your domain doesn’t exist, double-check your DNS settings in Namecheap.

2. Redirect Issues

If your site opens without "www" but not with it, enable the Redirect option in Blogger settings.

3. SSL Certificate Not Working

Blogger offers a free HTTPS certificate. If your site doesn’t show HTTPS:

  • Go to Blogger Settings > HTTPS.

  • Turn on HTTPS Availability.

  • Wait for a few minutes, and it should activate.

For detailed fixes, see our guide: Using Google Search Console to Solve Indexing Issues.


Benefits of Buying from Namecheap

Now you may ask, “Why Namecheap instead of GoDaddy or others?”

1. Affordable Pricing

Namecheap domains are cheaper, especially during promotions.

2. Free WhoisGuard

Some providers charge extra for this, but Namecheap includes it for free.

3. Easy Interface

Even beginners find Namecheap’s dashboard simple to use.

4. 24/7 Support

They offer live chat support if you get stuck during setup.


Tips for Choosing the Right Domain Name

Before you rush to buy, consider these tips:

  • Keep it short and simple (avoid long names).

  • Avoid numbers and hyphens (confusing for readers).

  • Use keywords if possible (like fitnessguide.com for a fitness blog).

  • Think long-term (pick a name you can use for years).

For more guidance, check out our article on KDP Niches That Sell Fast, where we also cover the importance of keywords.


FAQs About Buying a Domain on Namecheap

Q1: How much does a domain cost on Namecheap?
Domains usually cost between $8 – $12 per year, with discounts for first-time buyers.

Q2: Can I transfer my domain later?
Yes, you can transfer to another provider if needed.

Q3: Do I need hosting for Blogger?
No. Blogger provides free hosting, so you only need the domain.

Q4: How long does it take to connect?
Usually within a few hours, but sometimes up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.


Conclusion

Buying a custom domain on Namecheap is one of the smartest investments for your blogging journey. It makes your blog look professional, improves SEO, and opens more opportunities for monetization.

If you’re on Blogger, the setup is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Once connected, make sure you also verify your site in Google Search Console to help with indexing.

Related Reading:

Take action today: go to Namecheap, search for your dream domain, and secure it before someone else does! 

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