Queries About Custom Domain, All Questions Answered

The last few days have been so hectic. First I went crazy deciding whether to move domain or not, then finding answers to a zillion questions and then actually understanding the process and on top of all the technology celebrating my Blogoversary. I'm pretty proud to say I did it myself without any pro-help. 

The switch from a blogspot subdomain to a custom domain was daunting initially but trust me it was pretty easy to switch and I was done within minutes. Here is a quick tutorial for you in case you need help - How To Setup Custom Domain, Step-By-Step Tutorial. I am delighted with the response to my post and the trust my fellow bloggers have placed in me and taken the leap to switch as well. The many email I've received has made me realise that they have the same fears, concerns and queries as I had myself.  So today I'll try to answer a few questions that I am able to... 

Do I have to redirect all my posts individually to the new URL?
NO, Blogger automatically redirects all your old posts to the new links using the 301 redirect. For example, the post http://www.icynosureblogspot.in/2013/03/put-yourself-first_18.html automatically redirects to http://www.icynosure.in/2013/03/put-yourself-first_18.html. 

Will the new URL work with or without 'www'?
YES, Ideally the new URL should work both with and without the 'www'. However, if it doesn't, go to Blogger Settings and edit the custom domain name to redirect it to the nak*d domain www.yournewurl.com.

Is there any limitation on bandwidth, comments, visitors, etc? 
NO, There are no limits imposed with a custom domain. 

Will the switch mess up my SEO? How would search engines find my blog?
NO, The 301 redirect ensures that search engines are made aware of the new URL. Traffic may go down for a bit and so would the rankings, however, it will continue to flow and all will be regained in a few weeks. 

Will I lose my Page Rank and Alexa Rank? 
YES, As you will be using a brand new domain the ranks will be affected. However, as answered in the previous question you will not lose traffic or search engine traffic which is more important and so the ranks shall be regained in a few weeks.

Will my stats be reset to zero? 
NO, The stats that are displayed on the blog via the stats gadgets (Visitors, Page Views, etc) are not reset, they continue as normal.

Will I lose the blog followers after the switch?
NO, This refers to all three GFC, G+ and Bloglovin. The followers remain unless there is a problem with the gadget. All my followers have remained, phew am so glad. 

Will I lose the blog comments after the switch?
YES/NO, I have no clue as to why this happens but yes all comments made via G+ commenting platform are lost. However, if you have the regular Blogger commenting platform your comments are all safely visible on the blog. I've been told that G+ comments can be restored... have been implementing those HTML codes, but none seem to be working at the moment. Will update as and when things move on, on this front. 

Will I lose my Reading (Blog) List?
YES, You will lose your blog list once you connect your new domain, so it will be best to save your blog list links so you can quickly add them again.

What is the transition period? 
Usually, when you switch to a custom domain it takes about 30 minutes for the same to be connected. During this time, the blogspot address is still active and readers are able to access the same. However, in some cases, the transition takes a longer period too, up to 12 hours. 

That's it. I really hope that answered many of your questions however, if you have more questions or want to add to one of the responses above, do leave a comment.

Happy Moving, 
~ Heena

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Want To Shop And Save, Here's How

Over the last decade online shopping has become such a routine thing that for most people it is a task they do from the comfort of their own homes, enabling them to compare prices and products at a click of the mouse. Gone are the days when you forget to get a particular item or stand in long queue to make the payments or carry heavy bags around. The beauty of technology, for which we have to thank all those geeks working on these developments.

The concept of online shopping was first introduced in the late ninety's by Amazon and as the company witnessing a profitable development, others followed suit. A large number of online portals sprang up and ventured into the sector to maximize the early entry gains. E-commerce has made shopping such a pleasure, as one can get everything from clothes to beauty products, shoes to books and even electronics after comparisions without any worry. The service industry too hasn't lagged behind with banking, payments, travel arrangements and even movie tickets all being offered electronically.

Naturally this would pinch the until now authorative organised Offline sector and thus began the clash between traditional and e-commerce giants. To pull the customers towards them each tried to overdo the other and thus consumers were offered discount coupons, sales and free gifts on purchases,etc etc to lure them in. And the advantage in this crazy circle of 'trade-war' for the first time moved from the business houses to the 'aam adami'. Yes, you and I are the biggest gainers today.

So wherever you are, you cannot remain aloof from this maze and once you jump in to explore it, you shall have a tough time getting out.

The icing on the cake became creamier with numerous online portals now offering not only Discount Coupons but also attractive Cashback Percentages on purchases.... a DOUBLE DHAMAAL, a 'twice as nice savings' for consumers. In the hustle bustle to create brand loyatly portals are initiating tie-ups with numerous brands offering practical every product and service available.

Being a new momma, online shopping is a boon for me especially when the lists get longer every month. Instead of stepping out with my princess looking for great bargins in supermarkets on specific days while being pushed around by a zillion women trying to grab the last discounted piece on the shelves, I prefer to order from the comfort of my home when princess is resting.

A monthly order of around INR 3000 for princess's toiletries enables me to save close to 750 INR by way of bargains (combo offers), discounts and cash back.

INR 3000 for Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Lotion, Baby Cleansing Milk, Baby Shampoo, Disney Bubble Bath and a few other toiletries. Portals on an average offer 20% discount and I saved over INR 600, paying INR 2215 on delivery. I received most of the products in 24 hours and the lotion in 2 days straight. The day I received all the products, an alert on my email notified me that I had a confirmed Cashback in my Coupon's account. So who in their right minds would go to the retail outlets, looks for offers and end up paying full MRP after standing in the queue for hours and lugging the bags around.

I've used Online Shopping successfully to save money and you could too. It's free to join and every transaction you make to Shop, enables you Only to Save More through fantastic BARGAINS, COUPONS and CASHBACK. Try it, you've nothing to lose. Simply loads to gain!

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Baggit's New Collection Launched

Welcome spring with the LIFE AQUATIC collection from Baggit, one of India’s favourite bag brands!

The serene collection is set against a pearlised palette with a cool splash of watery shades ranging from pale turquoise, shimmering navy and brimming blue! The brilliantly crafted collection is inspired by the swirling water pools and refreshing waves of the ocean seamlessly merged with abstract prints of the aquatic world.

Baggit's chic 'Life Aquatic' collection includes a range of bags, wallets and belts making your wardrobe complete. The bags are stylishly designed keeping in mind both functionality and fashion. So with these easy to pick-and-move bags carry a cool attitude in spring! 

What: Life Aquatic Collection by Baggit
Where: Across all Baggit exclusive stores
Starting Price Bags: Rs 1975 onwards
Starting Price Wallets and Belts: Rs 650 onwards

Baggit is India’s leading fashion accessory brand, founded in 1990 by Nina Lekhi with its first launch in standalone retail store before moving on to Large Retail Format stores and then finally launching its own Exclusive Brand Outlets in several cities across the country. A brand that incorporates eco-friendly values to luxury products, Brand’s strong belief in 'Beauty without cruelty' won it a PETA Proggy award.

Aimed at the Modern Indian Woman, Baggit offers a wide range of accessories such as bags, belts, caps, wallets, iPad cases, multi-utility pouches along with several more wardrobe must-haves. Taking into consideration the need to be organised through the day, each bag by Baggit offers several pockets and slots, making it easier to access one's vitals.

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Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Setup Custom Domain

Hello... I'm sure you've noticed or maybe not, that we've moved to a custom domain. Here is what you need to do if you want to move, too... just a little help. yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!

Am so happy that I've finally accomplished it. It was such a Yes-No-Yes-Not Sure-Yes kinda decision as there were so many unanswered questions, a zillion queries buzzing through my mind, and much more. I asked around and realised most of my blogger friends were as clueless as myself and so the entire last week has been all about research and research. It did look like a daunting task in the beginning, but once I understood the nitty-gritty it really was okay. The move is a one-time thing and then you don't have to worry about it anymore.

I always wanted to own a custom domain and finally after a parking my chosen domain name, I finally took the plunge with GoDaddy to register ICynosure.in at a great price. So here it is for you.

Once you decide to go with a custom domain, first register your chosen name with any registrar you wish and then follow the steps outlined below. I've tried my best to keep it simple and self-explanatory, but should you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me. 

Go to Blogger Settings; Basic; Publishing

Click Add a Custom Domain; Input the Domain Address; Save
Custom Domain Address in my case is www.icynosure.in

Once you Save, you will get an error message. And that's absolutely fine, cause you are getting some important information from there. Check marked circle. 

Info to input in Domain Registrar's Zone File Editor Page (Check Image 6 below)

Also for the option "Where would you like to host your blog?"  
Of the two options choose - On a top-level domain (www.example.com). 
Next step is to update your blog details on the registrar account. 

Go to GoDaddy (or which every host you got your domain from); 
Domain Dashboard; Select Domain Name; Launch
You will be directed to Domain Details page.

Click on DNS Zone File; Edit
A new window opens to display a Zone File Editor.

Go to CNAME (Alias); Input Blogger Error Details (Image 3); Click Save Zone File

You're almost done... Now Go back to the Domain Dashboard and launch. 

Select Domain; Forward; Forwarding Domains; Add Custom Domain; Save

Tada... you're done. 
Now wait a couple of hours and you are ready to flaunt your new URL. Congratulations!

Hope this helps. Do leave me your comments about this tutorial, whether it has been helpful or not. 
~ Heena

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