As experienced WordPress experts at WPBeginner, we've helped thousands migrate from Blogger to WordPress. Recently, a reader asked for a detailed guide on moving a custom domain Blogger site to self-hosted WordPress. Blogger supports custom domains from third-party registrars or Google Domains. This proven tutorial walks you through the process safely, preserving your content and SEO.
Note: For standard Blogger subdomain blogs (e.g., yourblog.blogspot.com), see our Blogger to WordPress migration guide. Use this only for custom domains.
This guide assumes you're setting up a self-hosted WordPress.org site, not free WordPress.com. See our guide on WordPress.org vs. WordPress.com for details.
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Your custom domain points to Blogger via CNAME and A records. Now, replace them with your host's nameservers (e.g., for Bluehost: ns1.bluehost.com and ns2.bluehost.com—check your host's docs).
Important: DNS propagation takes 1-48 hours. Access your Blogger site via login during this time.
Updating DNS on GoDaddy (similar for other registrars):
Log in to GoDaddy, select your domain, click the gear icon > Manage DNS.
Edit the DNS zone file, delete Blogger A and CNAME records, then Save Changes.
Go to Nameservers > Custom > Edit, enter your host's nameservers, and save.
Disable the Blogspot-to-custom-domain redirect. In Blogger, go to Settings » Basic > Publishing, and remove the redirect.
Once DNS propagates, add your domain as an addon (via cPanel if not primary) and install WordPress. Follow our complete WordPress installation guide.
Log in to Blogger > Settings » Other > Export blog.
Download the XML file.
In WordPress admin: Tools » Import > Install Blogger importer > Activate > Run importer.
Upload XML, assign author, and import.
Congrats—content is migrated! Now preserve SEO.
Go to Settings » Permalinks > Custom structure: /%year%/%monthnum%/%postname%.html.
Redirect old Blogger feeds. Edit .htaccess in your site root (enable hidden files in FTP like FileZilla).
Add before other rules:
RewriteEngine On RewriteRule atom.xml/? /feed/? [L,R=301] RewriteRule rss.xml/? /feed/? [L,R=301] RewriteRule ^feeds/posts/?.*$ /feed/? [L,R=301] RewriteRule ^feeds/comments/?.*$ /comments/feed/? [L,R=301]
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