Let’s employ Domain Mapping to get your domain name connected with WordPress.com. Domain mapping is included with the paid plans. In this guide, we will take a look at How to link your domain to your WordPress blog to help you know more deeply about this topic.
To link your domain to your WordPress blog
How to link your domain to your WordPress blog
1. Update your nameservers to point to WordPress.com.
Currently, your domain is linked to your old host, so you will need to update your nameservers, particularly, your DNS settings. We already have detailed instructions for doing this with the most popular domain registrars. Set your DNS to ns1.wordpress.com, ns2.wordpress.com, and ns3.wordpress.com. (If you have trouble, your domain registrar can help.)
- ns1.wordpress.com
- ns2.wordpress.com
- ns3.wordpress.com
2. Add the Domain Mapping upgrade to your WordPress.com site.
Navigate to the Domainspage. Click on Map an Existing Domain and follow the instructions to insert your domain. Kindly note that all changes may take up to several hours to go live (usually up to 3-4 hours).
3. Set your newly mapped domain as your blog’s primary address.
When the purchase is done, go back to the Domains page, check the button next to the domain you just mapped to your blog, and click “Make Primary.”
In case you use an email address with your custom domain, there are a few more steps to follow. You’ll need an email host first, such as Google Apps or Zoho Mail, and then you’ll need to generate some custom DNS records.
How to migrate your content to your WordPress.com site
The migration process transfers your content (comments, tags/categories, text, photos, and other embedded media) to your WordPress.com site.
First, you will need to create an export file from your self-hosted WordPress site. Just sign in to the dashboard of that site, then go to Tools → Export and follow the given instructions to get your export file. Make sure to keep the old site live until your content is totally imported. Importing your content to your WordPress.com site is just as easy. Log into your WP Admin dashboard on WordPress.com, then go to Tools → Import, select “WordPress” and follow the importer instructions to get your export file uploaded and migrate your content. Please note that your import will not include custom domain, theme, or any personal user settings. You will set those up below.
Domain Mapping Overview
Domain mapping means:
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You keep the domain registered with the company you purchased it from (the registrar) (such as GoDaddy or 1&1) but point the domain here so that it can load your WordPress.com site.
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You will also need to pay the current registrar to keep the domain active each year.
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Some domain settings and configurations will need to be made with the current registrar.
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In case you are trying to map a subdomain (for example blog.flowershop.com instead of flowershop.com), use our Map A Subdomain support page instead.
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In case you would love to manage your site and domain all in one place, you can follow the steps to transfer the domain to us instead of mapping.
Getting Started With Domain Mapping
Follow these steps to map a domain:
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An upgraded WordPress.com plan on your site (like a Personal, Premium or Business plan, etc.)
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To insert a mapping subscription to your site
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To keep the name servers for the domain updated so they point to WordPress.com.
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You can see all steps for adding the mapping subscription and updating the name servers listed below.
Steps for Mapping a Domain
Note that in case you have more than 1 site, go to My Sites → Switch Site and make sure to choose the site you want to add the domain to before following these steps.
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Step 1: Select My Site → Manage→ Domains to go to the Domains page.
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Step 2: Tap Add Domain which is located on the right.
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Step 3: Select Use a domain I own.
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Step 4: Select Map Your Domain when moving to the next screen.
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Step 5: Enter the domain you like to map and tap the Add button. Then complete checkout.
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Step 6: 6. After fishing checkout, you will want to make sure your domain is pointed here by changing the name servers with your current domain registrar if you does not have already.
Conclusion
Thank your for reading! We would like to say that you have the right to use A records to map your domain instead of name servers. We highly recommend using name servers to point your domain to us, but there are some examples where using A records may be the best choice or the only option depending your existing registrar.
