Custom URL Using Your Own Domain
If you have your own domain, you can customize the URL of your website with the name of your domain. Note: You will have to prove ownership of your domain to do this.
Create A Custom URL Using Your Domain Name
You must own the domain and be able to prove to Google that you own it
That means copying information from your domain provider's admin page and supplying it to Google
Then, you follow the specific steps provided
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To Create A URL Using Your Own Domain Name, Do the Following:
In Edit Mode, click, the cog wheel in the top right
A window opens which looks like the image on the right, below
"Navigation" is highlighted
Choose, "Custom Domain" (the fourth choice in the window that opens)
Click the cog wheel in Edit Mode
This window opens
Click, "Custom Domains"
4. The following window opens (image on left, below)
5. Click, "Start Setup"
6. Enter your domain name in the space provided. (Image on right, below)
Click, "Start Setup"
Type the Name of Your Domain
7. If the name is not a valid domain name, Google will tell you
8. The example below has "mickey.com." It's not a real domain
9. Once you enter the a valid domain name, you will need to prove you own the domain. Click the blue link. (see image on the right, below)
10. Then, follow the directions for "Verifying Your Domain Name" in the next section below
You will get this message if you do not enter a valid domain name.
Once you have entered a valid domain name, click the blue link to verify ownership.
Verifying Your Domain Name
Once you click, "verify your ownership," you will see the "Google Search Console." (below on left)
There are a number of steps you will need to follow in order to verify you own the domain name you wish to use.
You will see the window below after you click, "Verify your ownership"
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Choose the window on the left - "Domain"
1. Choose the window on the left called, "Domain"
2. Click "Continue" at the bottom
3. Note: You may have to get help from your domain provider to complete all the steps below
Choose TXT or CNAME
You can choose the record type you wish you verify by:
TXT
CNAME
Click on the drop down menu to choose
Line you must copy that Google has supplied for you. It has either a txt or CNAME code, based on what you chose
Google supplies the record you need to copy to your
domain provider's websiteGoogle has added the TXT or CNAME record into the DNS configuration (see image on the left)
Click the, "Copy" button. It's a small gray colored button on the right side of the TXT or CNAME record
Sign into your domain name provider (eg. Go Daddy or
other provider)While signed into your domain provider, copy the TXT or CNAME record Google supplies in this window onto the appropriate line on your domain provider's website
Click, "Verify"
Google will tell you if you have verified or failed to verify.
If you have trouble, call you domain provider for help. They can tell you where to paste the line of information you copied.
If Your Domain Name Is Already Verified, You Will See A Different Screen When You Click, "Start Setup"
You may have already verified your domain name, prior to this, at another time
If your domain is already verified, you still start the process by clicking on the cog wheel, in the top right.
In the window that opens, click, "Custom Domains"
Click, "Start Setup" as you would in the directions above.
Once you click, "Start Setup" in the Settings window:
Type the name of your domain
Click, "Next"
If your domain name has already been verified with Google, you will see the screen on the right, below
Follow the directions:
In a separate tab, sign in to your domain registrar’s website
Go to your DNS settings
Create a new CNAME entry
Under CNAME value or alias, enter www
In CNAME destination, enter ghs.googlehosted.com. (include period at the end)
Save changes
Come back to this tab and click Done
IMPORTANT: In order to remain "verified," do not remove the DNS record from your domain provider, after your verification is successful.
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Type your domain name. Click, "Next"
Follow the directions you will see in this window.