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Custom Domains

Set up branded domains for professional link shortening and improved trust

BrandingDNS ConfigurationSSL Security
What Are Custom Domains?

Custom domains allow you to use your own branded domain for UTM link shortening instead of the default utmlink.net. This creates a more professional appearance and increases trust with your audience.

Benefits of Custom Domains

Professional Branding

Use your own domain for a consistent brand experience

Improved Trust

Recipients trust links from your familiar domain

Better Click Rates

Branded links typically see 34% higher click-through rates

Full SSL Security

Automatic SSL certificates ensure secure connections

Domain Status Types

Pending Verification

Domain added but DNS verification pending

Next Steps:

  • Configure DNS records
  • Wait for propagation
  • Verify setup

Active & Verified

Domain is verified and ready for use

Next Steps:

  • Create UTM links
  • Monitor analytics
  • Share with team

Verification Failed

DNS configuration incorrect or incomplete

Next Steps:

  • Check DNS records
  • Contact hosting provider
  • Re-verify domain
DNS Setup Process
1

Add Your Domain

Enter your custom domain in the UTM Manager dashboard.

Use a subdomain like 'links.yourdomain.com' for better organization.

Domain format: subdomain.yourdomain.com

Step 1: Add Your Domain
2

Configure CNAME Record

Add a CNAME record in your DNS provider pointing to our servers.

This tells DNS where to route traffic for your custom domain.

CNAME: links.yourdomain.com → utmlink.net

Step 2: Configure CNAME Record
3

Wait for Propagation

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.

Most changes take effect within 5-15 minutes, but allow up to 48 hours.

TTL: 300 seconds (5 minutes) recommended

4

Verify & Activate

Click the 'Verify' button in the domains page to check your domain configuration and generate SSL certificates.

Once verified, your domain will show as 'Active' and be ready to use.

SSL certificate auto-generated via Let's Encrypt

Step 4: Verify & Activate
Popular DNS Provider Setup
Cloudflare
Easy
  1. 1Log into Cloudflare dashboard
  2. 2Select your domain
  3. 3Go to DNS management
  4. 4Add CNAME record with provided values
  5. 5Set proxy status to 'DNS only' (gray cloud icon)
GoDaddy
Easy
  1. 1Access GoDaddy DNS Manager
  2. 2Find DNS Zone Editor
  3. 3Create new CNAME record
  4. 4Save changes and wait for propagation
Namecheap
Easy
  1. 1Login to Namecheap account
  2. 2Go to Domain List
  3. 3Click 'Manage' next to your domain
  4. 4Add CNAME in Advanced DNS tab
AWS Route 53
Advanced
  1. 1Open Route 53 console
  2. 2Select hosted zone
  3. 3Create record set
  4. 4Configure CNAME with target value
Best Practices & Tips

Domain Selection

  • Use subdomains like 'links.yourdomain.com'
  • Keep subdomain names short and memorable
  • Consider regional domains for international teams

DNS Configuration

  • Set TTL to 300 seconds for faster updates
  • Verify CNAME target is exactly 'utmlink.net'
  • For Cloudflare: Use 'DNS only' (gray cloud) not 'Proxied'
  • Remove any conflicting A or AAAA records
Troubleshooting Common Issues

Domain verification failing

The most common issue is incorrect CNAME configuration or DNS propagation delays. Remember to click the 'Verify' button in the domains page.

Solution: Use online DNS checker tools to verify CNAME record is correctly pointing to utmlink.net, then click 'Verify' in the dashboard.

SSL certificate issues

SSL certificates are automatically generated but may take a few minutes after domain verification.

Solution: Wait 5-10 minutes after verification and refresh the domain status.

Domain shows as 'Failed'

This indicates DNS records are not configured correctly or are not propagated yet.

Solution: Double-check DNS settings and wait for full propagation (up to 48 hours).

Cannot access custom domain links

Links may not work if the domain is not fully verified and SSL certificate is not active.

Solution: Ensure domain status shows 'Active' and SSL certificate is properly configured.

What's Next?

With your custom domain set up, you're ready to create professional branded links and organize your campaigns.