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Custom domain: point DNS & enable branded links

Use your own domain for branded links to improve trust and standardize campaign URLs.

DNS propagation may take a few minutes up to 24 hours depending on provider.

Quick table of contents
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Prerequisites

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Make sure you can edit DNS (Cloudflare/Namecheap/GoDaddy/…). Decide whether to use root domain or a subdomain (recommended: go.domain.com or link.domain.com).

  • Use a subdomain for easier management (go/link).
  • Ensure DNS is not locked and records can be added/edited.
  • If using Cloudflare, check proxy settings per system requirements.

1) Add the domain in the system

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Go to Dashboard → Domains → Add domain, and enter the domain/subdomain for branded links.

  • Use correct format: go.example.com or example.com.
  • After saving, follow DNS instructions shown in the dashboard.

2) Configure DNS (CNAME/A)

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Depending on your setup, you may need a CNAME or an A record. Use the exact values provided by the dashboard.

CNAME (recommended for subdomain)
Example

Point go.example.com to the system target host (e.g., cname.1linkad.com).

Name/Host go
Type CNAME
Target/Value cname.1linkad.com
TTL Auto / 300
Cloudflare users: proxy may need to be on/off per dashboard instructions.
A record (often for root domain)
Example

Point example.com to the system IP (e.g., 1.2.3.4) if required.

Name/Host @
Type A
Target/Value 1.2.3.4
TTL Auto / 300
Root domains sometimes also require a www record (CNAME/A) depending on setup.
Notes
  • Avoid multiple conflicting records for the same host (go/@).
  • Edit existing records instead of adding duplicates.
  • Wait for propagation before verifying.

3) Verify the domain

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Return to dashboard and click Verify/Check DNS. Once correct, the domain becomes ready.

  • If verification fails, re-check record host/target/TTL.
  • Wait 10–30 minutes and try again (can be up to 24h).

4) Enable SSL (recommended)

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SSL prevents browser warnings and improves trust. If auto SSL is supported, enable it after successful verification.

  • Cloudflare: choose proper SSL/TLS mode (often Full/Full Strict if you have cert).
  • Avoid mixed content on destination pages.

5) Test branded link

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Create a new link using the domain and test on mobile/desktop. Confirm tracking and redirects work.

  • Test on at least two browsers (Chrome/Safari).
  • If using UTM, confirm query strings are preserved.
  • Confirm 301/302 behavior matches your configuration.

Quick troubleshooting

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Common issues and quick fixes.

Cases

Check host (go/@), target/value, and remove conflicting old records.

Wait for SSL issuance; confirm Cloudflare SSL mode; verify domain before enabling SSL.

Review rules/targets and avoid loops between your domain and destination.

FAQ

We recommend a subdomain (go/link) for easier DNS control and to avoid impacting your main website.

Anywhere from minutes up to 24 hours. Lower TTL (300) often propagates faster.

Depends on your system setup. Sometimes “DNS only” is required for accurate verify/SSL. Follow dashboard guidance.

DNS ready? Create branded links now

Open the dashboard to add domain, verify, and start creating branded links.

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