Connecting a Medium Blog to a Custom Domain: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's digital landscape, having a custom domain can significantly enhance your online presence and reputation. While Medium offers a seamless blogging platform with a vast audience, many users wonder if it's possible to integrate it with their own custom domain. Let's delve into how to successfully link a Medium blog to a custom domain, including the pros and cons you should be aware of.

Requirements for Linking Medium to a Custom Domain

First and foremost, you need to be a Medium member with a paid subscription. This membership is essential because the custom domain feature is not available to free members. If you already have a custom domain, Ensure it's properly configured and managed. If not, you can purchase one from trusted providers such as Goddady.

Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Medium to a Custom Domain

Step 1: Upgrade to Medium Membership

To proceed, you’ll need to upgrade to a Medium membership that supports custom domains. This typically includes a Premium or Pro plan.

Step 2: Access Settings

Sign into your Medium account and navigate to the settings section. This section is usually found in the profile menu or user profile.

Step 3: Custom Domain Section

Within your settings, look for the option related to custom domains. Here, you can enter your desired domain. However, remember that Medium may have restrictions on certain domain extensions.

Step 4: DNS Configuration

The next step involves configuring your domain's DNS settings. This process can vary depending on your domain registrar, but it typically requires you to add a CNAME record that points to Medium's servers. This record should look like the following:

 CNAME m_medium_id_

Make sure to replace with your actual domain and m_medium_id with the unique identifier provided by Medium.

Step 5: Verification

Once the DNS settings are updated, you'll need to complete the verification process to confirm your ownership of the domain. Medium may ask you to upload files, perform a mail tag check, or add a TXT record. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully to complete this step.

Step 6: Wait for Propagation

After completing the above steps, there might be a delay as DNS changes propagate. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your specific circumstances. During this period, your blog may be temporarily inaccessible as you wait for the changes to take effect.

Pros and Cons of Linking Medium to a Custom Domain

Once the setup is complete, linking your Medium blog to a custom domain can offer several advantages:

Branded Identity: A custom domain contributes to a professional and branded identity, making it easier for your audience to find and remember your blog. Unique Experience: A custom domain allows you to tailor your website to your preferences, including custom colors, logo, and branding elements. Loyal Audience: By giving readers a reason to visit your custom domain, you can build a more loyal and engaged audience.

However, it’s important to weigh the pros against the cons:

Domain Authority: Moving your blog from Medium to a custom domain can result in a drop in domain authority, especially if your new domain is brand new. This might affect the visibility of your existing content in search engine results. Redirect Management: Managing redirects can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of posts. This process needs to be done carefully to avoid breaking links or losing traffic. User Experience: The user experience should be seamless, ensuring that landing on your custom domain doesn’t lead to a poorer user experience compared to staying on the Medium platform.

Conclusion

Linking a Medium blog to a custom domain is a significant step that requires careful consideration. With the right preparation and the right approach, you can create a more professional and engaging online presence. However, it requires commitment and can impact your existing search engine traffic. If you are willing to make this investment, the benefits can be substantial.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, I recommend reading my article: How to Attach a Custom Domain With Medium: A Beginner’s Guide.