WordPress.com is a blog web hosting service provider (just like Blogger.com and Tumblr.com). It is owned by Automattic and powered by the open source WordPress software. More importantly it is FREE. There is a difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. The former has a free web hosting provided by Automattic itself and the latter is a self-hosted one. They both have their own uses and we’ll see that later.
RELATED: Using Blogspot or Blogger Custom Domain Name
Unlike Blogger or Tumblr, mapping a WordPress.com custom domain name costs. So the choice is yours. WordPress.com has the option to buy domain name directly but I would prefer you to buy it from popular domain registrars like GoDaddy.
If you are confused with picking a good name we have some tips for you, and after purchasing a good domain name you can follow the steps below:
TIP:
Before proceeding you can better change your nameservers pointing to WordPress.com
NS1.WORDPRESS.COM
NS2.WORDPRESS.COM
NS3.WORDPRESS.COM
Get WordPress.com Custom Domain Name
Log into your WordPress.com dashboard, then go to Store > My Domains. Pick the option “Map A Domain Name You Already Own” and also choose your primary domain below.
Now enter the domain name you wish to map. You can also use your subdomain (something like blog.example.com) for mapping, but it all depends on your interest & requirement.
Tell WordPress.com that you already own this domain name and proceed.
Now, we are ready to do the mapping. Kindly remember “Domain Mapping” is not free service on WordPress.com, so you need to pay $13 per year for this service. They also provide full refund within 48 hours of placing your order.
You can use your credit card or your PayPal account to do the transaction.
After your successful payment transaction you’ll proceed to the DNS management section. Custom DNS will help you to configure emails and other settings.
That’s all. Now don’t forget to clear your browser’s cache and try loading your WordPress.com blog with the custom domain name you used. If it is loading properly, then well and good, if it is not, then probably you should try after some time.
Meanwhile if you face any issues while configuring WordPress.com custom domain name, kindly let us know in the comments below.
