I have been running a typepad blog for three months. I'm serious about this blog, and people have told me I should have my own domain. Is it easy to make this switch? How do I do it? Is it the right move?
Clarification added February 4, 2008:
I want to still use all the typepad tools. Is there a way to keep running my blog as usual, but just under a different domain name?
Good Answers (4)
Philip S.
Business Coach at Minutecoach Business Coaching | PAYG business coaching
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Hi Jesse,
Stephen is almost bang on, but you only need step up your subscription to plus rather than pro ($8.95/m) - there are easy to follow instructions on TypePad, they recommend particular hosts, but if your name is already hosted somewhere give the help desk a ring and check that you can alter the CNAME record.
I would not promote moving to hosting your own Movable Type installation as it is inevitably more technical and time consuming (nor moving to another self-hosted variant inc. WordPress et al unless you have specific need for an element you cannot do without or you want to dabble with code - noted you have been using Blogger) .
Mapping a domain to a TypePad blog is straight forward, but there is an order to follow. Stephen's offer (together with your buddies at work judging from your profile) are great backup, so you'll be fine doing it yourself.
Have a look at the link for a storyboard instruction set. Oh, and yes, it is the right move.
Philip
Links:
André N.
Urban Conversationalist and Writer
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You should be able to purchase a domain and then set it up so that it redirects to the Typepad blog. You could even set it up so that visitors wouldn't know it was not self-hosted.
That said, It would be easy right now though to just import the blog to a self-hosted Movable Type blog, especially since you've only been at it for three months. This way you'd be able to still use the tools that you're used to while having the flexibility to add what you'd like as the readership and needs for the site continue to grow.
I use Wordpress, but I'm sure that someone that uses it often could tell you how easy it would be to import the current posts into the new site.
David H.
Health Care Lawyer, Consultant, Speaker, Thought Leader & Blogger
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You can go to the typepad "pro" or "premium" level (not sure which one off hand - check the website), pay a few more bucks a month, reserve a domain name through one of the usual suspects, and hook up the domain name and the blog. You still use the typepad tools .... I've considered going that route with my own typepad blog, but thus far have not done so. Most folks get to my blog (link below) via links and feeds, so the separate domain seems less than critical. Good luck.
Links:
Stephen L.
AGENCY 3.0 - Boston Web Design, Development & Marketing
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Hi Jesse. Your typepad blog can easily be setup to publish to a custom domain. You have to upgrade to the pro-level account and do some changes to the DNS settings on your registrar, but it is all fairly straightforward. If you need help, I can give you a hand (for free). I am in Boston and can probably help you over the phone if your interested.
