Custom Domains

Use your own domain for branded tracking links. Build trust with your audience by using URLs like go.yourcompany.com

Why Use Custom Domains?

Brand Recognition

Your links look professional and trustworthy with your own domain

Increased Trust

Users are more likely to click links from a domain they recognize

Full SSL/HTTPS

Automatic SSL certificates for secure, encrypted connections

Before & After

Without Custom Domain

https://nextlinks.ai/c/abc123

With Custom Domain

https://go.yourcompany.com/abc123

Setup Instructions

1

Choose Your Subdomain

Pick a subdomain for your tracking links. Common choices:

go.yoursite.com
l.yoursite.com
click.yoursite.com

Note: We recommend using a subdomain rather than your root domain.

2

Add Domain in NextLinks

  1. Go to Settings → Domains
  2. Click Add Domain
  3. Enter your subdomain (e.g., go.yourcompany.com)
  4. Click Add to save
3

Configure DNS

Add a CNAME record at your DNS provider pointing to NextLinks:

TypeName/HostValue/TargetTTL
CNAMEgocname.nextlinks.aiAuto or 3600

Note: Replace "go" with your chosen subdomain. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, though it's usually much faster.

4

Verify Domain

  1. Return to Settings → Domains
  2. Click Verify next to your domain
  3. Wait for DNS verification (usually 5-10 minutes)
  4. Once verified, SSL is automatically provisioned
5

Start Using Your Domain

Once verified, you can create links using your custom domain:

  • Select your domain when creating new links
  • Existing links will continue using their original domain
  • Set your custom domain as the default in Settings

DNS Provider Examples

Cloudflare

  1. Go to DNS settings
  2. Add record → Type: CNAME
  3. Name: your subdomain (e.g., "go")
  4. Target: cname.nextlinks.ai
  5. Proxy status: DNS only (grey cloud)

GoDaddy

  1. Go to DNS Management
  2. Add → Type: CNAME
  3. Host: your subdomain
  4. Points to: cname.nextlinks.ai
  5. TTL: 1 hour

Namecheap

  1. Advanced DNS settings
  2. Add New Record → CNAME
  3. Host: your subdomain
  4. Value: cname.nextlinks.ai
  5. TTL: Automatic

Route 53 (AWS)

  1. Hosted zones → Select domain
  2. Create record
  3. Record name: your subdomain
  4. Record type: CNAME
  5. Value: cname.nextlinks.ai

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Verifying

  • • Wait 5-10 minutes for DNS propagation
  • • Check CNAME spelling matches exactly
  • • Ensure no conflicting A records exist
  • • Try using dnschecker.org to verify

SSL Certificate Issues

  • • SSL is provisioned automatically after verification
  • • May take up to 24 hours in rare cases
  • • If using Cloudflare, disable proxy (use DNS only)

Links Not Working

  • • Verify domain status shows "Active" in settings
  • • Check the link was created with this domain
  • • Clear browser cache and try again

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my root domain?

We recommend using a subdomain (like go.yoursite.com) rather than your root domain. This keeps your main website separate from your tracking links.

How many domains can I add?

You can add multiple custom domains. The limit depends on your plan. Each domain can be used for different campaigns or brands.

What if I change domains later?

Existing links will continue working with their original domain. New links can use any of your verified domains. You can set a new default domain anytime.

Is SSL included?

Yes, SSL certificates are automatically provisioned and renewed for all custom domains at no extra cost.

Next Steps

Once your domain is set up, start creating branded links: