How to Set Up DNS-Based Branded Domains in useclick.io

What are DNS-Based Branded Domains?

DNS-based branded domains allow you to create professional, clean short links using your own domain with the format yourdomain.com/abc123. Unlike query parameter methods that use ?s=slug format, DNS-based setup routes traffic directly through UseClick's infrastructure, providing enterprise-grade link shortening with automatic SSL certificates and optimal performance.

This is the same approach used by professional link management platforms worldwide, offering superior user experience, higher click-through rates, and complete brand control over your shortened URLs.

Key Features & Benefits

Prerequisites

Before setting up DNS-based branded domains, ensure you have:

• A registered domain: Own a domain from any registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.)
• DNS access: Ability to add CNAME or A records at your domain registrar
• UseClick account: Active account on any plan (Free, Starter, Growth, Pro, or Business)
• Technical comfort: Basic understanding of DNS concepts (we'll guide you step-by-step)

Understanding DNS-Based vs Query Parameter Setup

UseClick offers two methods for using custom branded domains. Here's how they compare:

Feature	DNS-Based Setup	Query Parameter Setup
Link Format	domain.com/abc123	domain.com/?s=abc123
Setup Method	Add DNS record at registrar	Upload HTML file to website
Setup Time	15-30 minutes (DNS propagation)	5 minutes
Technical Difficulty	Moderate (requires DNS access)	Easy (just upload file)
SSL Certificate	Automatic (Vercel provisioned)	Uses your site's existing SSL
Professional Appearance	Excellent (cleanest format)	Good (visible query parameter)
Click-Through Rate	Higher (25% average increase)	Good
Geolocation Accuracy	Excellent (city-level via Cloudflare Worker)	Good (country-level via Vercel)
Performance	Fastest (edge network + caching)	Fast (depends on your hosting)
Best For	Production, professional branding, high-volume campaigns	Testing, temporary campaigns, quick setup

Choosing Between Subdomain and Root Domain

Before configuring DNS, decide whether to use a subdomain or your root domain:

Option 1: Subdomain Setup (Strongly Recommended)

Examples: go.yourdomain.com, link.yourdomain.com, get.yourdomain.com, s.yourdomain.com

Advantages:

• Website protection: Your main site at yourdomain.com continues working normally
• Simpler DNS: Only requires a single CNAME record (no A records needed)
• Faster propagation: Changes typically propagate in 5-15 minutes
• Professional standard: Amazon uses amzn.to, Google uses g.co, Twitter uses t.co
• SEO safe: No impact on your main domain's search rankings
• Flexibility: Use multiple subdomains for different campaigns or brands

Popular subdomain choices:

• go - Clean, short, action-oriented (e.g., go.yourdomain.com)
• link - Clear purpose, memorable (e.g., link.yourdomain.com)
• get - Action word, effective for downloads (e.g., get.yourdomain.com)
• s - Extremely short, minimal characters (e.g., s.yourdomain.com)
• share - Community-focused, social (e.g., share.yourdomain.com)

Option 2: Root Domain Setup (Use With Caution)

Example: yourdomain.com (without www or subdomain prefix)

Advantages:

• Shortest possible links: Saves a few characters compared to subdomains
• Perfect for dedicated domains: Ideal if you own a short domain specifically for links
• Example use case: Own xyz.co solely for link shortening

Disadvantages:

• Website replacement: Your main site becomes inaccessible at the root domain
• Complex DNS: Requires A records instead of simple CNAME
• Slower propagation: Can take 10-60 minutes or longer
• Email impact: May affect email delivery if MX records aren't properly configured

Step-by-Step DNS Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up DNS-based branded domains in UseClick:

Step 1: Add Your Domain in UseClick Dashboard

1. Log into your UseClick account at useclick.io
2. Navigate to Dashboard → Domains from the sidebar
3. Click the "Add Domain" button in the top right
4. In the domain input field, enter your chosen domain or subdomain:
   • For subdomain: go.yourdomain.com
   • For root domain: yourdomain.com
5. Select "Professional (DNS-Based)" as the setup method
6. Click "Continue" to proceed to DNS configuration

Step 2: Get Your DNS Record Details

UseClick will display the exact DNS record you need to add. The record type depends on your domain choice:

For Subdomains (Recommended):

For Root Domains:

Step 3: Add DNS Record at Your Domain Registrar

Now add the DNS record at your domain registrar. Below are detailed instructions for popular providers:

Cloudflare

1. Log into your Cloudflare dashboard
2. Select the domain you want to configure from your domain list
3. Click the DNS tab in the top navigation
4. Click the "Add record" button
5. Fill in the form:
   • Type: Select "CNAME" (for subdomain) or "A" (for root domain)
   • Name: Enter your subdomain (e.g., "go") or "@" for root
   • Target/IPv4 Address: Enter the value from UseClick
   • TTL: Select "Auto" or "86400"
6. Critical: Turn OFF the orange cloud icon (set to "DNS only" - gray cloud). This is required for UseClick to work.
7. Click "Save"

GoDaddy

1. Log into your GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → Domains
3. Find your domain and click the three dots menu → Manage DNS
4. Scroll down to the "Records" section
5. Click "Add" button
6. Select record type: "CNAME" or "A"
7. Fill in the form:
   • Name: Your subdomain (e.g., "go") or "@" for root
   • Value/Points to: The value from UseClick
   • TTL: Select "1 Hour" or "Custom: 86400"
8. Click "Save"

Namecheap

1. Log into your Namecheap account
2. Go to Domain List in the left sidebar
3. Click "Manage" next to your domain
4. Navigate to the "Advanced DNS" tab
5. In the "Host Records" section, click "Add New Record"
6. Select type: "CNAME Record" or "A Record"
7. Fill in the form:
   • Host: Your subdomain (e.g., "go") or "@" for root
   • Value/IP Address: The value from UseClick
   • TTL: Select "Automatic" or "86400"
8. Click the green checkmark to save

Google Domains (Now Squarespace)

1. Log into Squarespace Domains (formerly Google Domains)
2. Select your domain from the list
3. Go to DNS → Manage Custom Records
4. Click "Add Record" or scroll to "Custom Records"
5. Fill in the form:
   • Host Name: Your subdomain (e.g., "go") or leave blank for root
   • Type: Select "CNAME" or "A"
   • TTL: Leave as default or set to "86400"
   • Data/IPv4 Address: The value from UseClick
6. Click "Save"

IONOS (1&1)

1. Log into your IONOS control panel
2. Go to Domains & SSL from the main menu
3. Click on your domain name to manage it
4. Navigate to DNS Settings or DNS
5. Click "Add Record"
6. Select record type: "CNAME" or "A"
7. Fill in the form:
   • Hostname: Your subdomain (e.g., "go") or leave blank for root
   • Points to/IPv4 Address: The value from UseClick
   • TTL: Leave as default
8. Click "Save"

Other DNS Providers

If your registrar isn't listed above, look for these sections in your control panel:

• DNS Settings
• DNS Management
• DNS Records
• Advanced DNS
• Name Servers / DNS Zone

The process is similar across all registrars: find the DNS management section, add a new record, select the type (CNAME or A), and fill in the name and value from UseClick.

Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation

After adding the DNS record, changes must propagate across the internet's DNS infrastructure. Propagation times vary:

Record Type	Typical Time	Maximum Time
CNAME (subdomains)	5-30 minutes	1-2 hours
A (root domains)	10-60 minutes	4-8 hours

Factors affecting propagation speed:

• DNS provider: Cloudflare and Cloudflare-based providers are fastest (5-10 min), traditional registrars like GoDaddy average 15-20 min
• TTL settings: Lower TTL values (e.g., 300 seconds) propagate faster than high values (86400 seconds)
• Geographic location: Changes may propagate to some regions before others
• ISP caching: Your local internet provider may cache old DNS records temporarily

Check propagation status:

You can verify DNS propagation using these free tools:

• whatsmydns.net - Global DNS propagation checker
• dnschecker.org - Check DNS records worldwide
• Command line: nslookup go.yourdomain.com or dig go.yourdomain.com

Step 5: Verify DNS in UseClick

Once DNS has propagated (typically 10-30 minutes), verify the configuration:

1. Return to the UseClick domain setup page (should still be open in your browser)
2. Click the "Verify DNS" button
3. UseClick will check if the DNS record is correctly configured and propagated
4. If successful: You'll see a success message and SSL provisioning will begin automatically
5. If it fails: Wait another 10-15 minutes and click "Verify DNS" again

Step 6: SSL Certificate Provisioning

After successful DNS verification, Vercel automatically provisions an SSL certificate for your domain:

• Provisioning time: Typically 5-10 seconds (nearly instant)
• Certificate authority: Let's Encrypt (trusted by all browsers)
• Automatic renewal: Certificates renew automatically before expiration
• HTTPS enforcement: All links automatically use HTTPS

SSL Status Indicators:

• "Provisioning" - Certificate is being generated (wait 10 seconds)
• "Active" - Certificate is installed, domain is ready to use
• "Error" - Certificate provisioning failed (check DNS record and re-verify)

Using Your DNS-Based Domain

Once your domain shows as "Active" with SSL enabled, you can start using it for your links:

Creating Links with Your Branded Domain

1. Go to your Dashboard → Links page
2. Click "Create Link" or edit an existing link
3. In the link creation modal, find the "Branded Domain" dropdown
4. Select your newly verified domain from the list (e.g., "go.yourdomain.com")
5. Enter your destination URL and optional custom slug
6. Click "Create Link"

Your link will now use the format: go.yourdomain.com/abc123

Testing Your Links

Always test new domains before sharing links publicly:

1. Copy your newly created branded link
2. Open an incognito/private browser window
3. Paste the link and press Enter
4. Verify it redirects to your intended destination
5. Check that the URL shows HTTPS (lock icon in browser)
6. Test from different devices (mobile, desktop) and browsers

Link Management

Once your domain is active, you can:

• Set as default domain: Make this domain the default for all new links
• Edit existing links: Change old links to use your new branded domain
• Create campaign-specific subdomains: Use different subdomains for different purposes
• Monitor domain health: Check SSL status and DNS configuration in the Domains dashboard

Best Practices

Domain Selection

• Choose short subdomains: Prefer go, link, get, or single letters over long names
• Match your brand: Use subdomains that align with your brand voice (formal vs. casual)
• Consider geography: For international brands, consider region-specific subdomains (e.g., uk.domain.com, eu.domain.com)
• Avoid confusion: Don't use subdomains that could be mistaken for other services (e.g., mail, ftp, admin)

DNS Configuration

• Document your records: Keep a record of all DNS changes for future reference
• Don't delete DNS records: Removing the CNAME/A record will immediately break all links using that domain
• Use consistent TTL: Stick with 86400 seconds (1 day) unless you have a specific reason to change it
• Verify before announcing: Always test your domain thoroughly before sharing links publicly

Security & Maintenance

• Monitor SSL status: Check your domain dashboard monthly to ensure SSL certificates remain active
• Protect DNS access: Use strong passwords and 2FA for your domain registrar account
• Avoid unnecessary changes: Don't modify DNS records unless necessary—stable DNS is reliable DNS
• Set up email alerts: Enable notifications for SSL expiration warnings (though renewal is automatic)

Performance Optimization

• Use Cloudflare Worker for main domains: Deploy the Cloudflare Worker for your primary branded domain to get 5-minute caching and city-level geolocation
• Monitor redirect times: Check analytics for slow redirects and investigate if times exceed 500ms
• Distribute traffic: For high-volume campaigns, consider using multiple branded domains to distribute load
• Test from multiple regions: Verify performance from different geographic locations

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. DNS Verification Fails

Symptoms: Clicking "Verify DNS" shows an error message or "DNS record not found"

Solutions:

• Wait longer: DNS can take 30-60 minutes to propagate. Wait 15 more minutes and try again
• Check for typos: Verify the DNS record values match exactly (common mistakes: extra spaces, wrong capitalization, incorrect domain)
• Confirm record was saved: Log back into your registrar and verify the record appears in your DNS settings
• For Cloudflare users: Ensure the proxy is OFF (gray cloud, not orange cloud)
• Clear browser cache: Hard refresh the UseClick page (Cmd+Shift+R / Ctrl+Shift+R)
• Check propagation: Use whatsmydns.net to see if the record has propagated globally

2. SSL Certificate Not Provisioning

Symptoms: DNS is verified but SSL status shows "Error" or "Provisioning" for more than 10 minutes

Solutions:

• Wait 10 minutes: SSL provisioning can take up to 10 minutes after DNS verification
• Check DNS is still correct: Verify your CNAME/A record hasn't been modified
• Remove and re-add domain: Delete the domain from UseClick and add it again
• Check for CAA records: Some domains have CAA records that prevent Let's Encrypt certificates. Contact your registrar to allow Let's Encrypt
• Verify domain ownership: Ensure you own the domain and have full DNS control

3. Links Show "Page Not Found" or 404 Error

Symptoms: Branded links return 404 errors instead of redirecting

Solutions:

• Verify domain is active: Check Domains dashboard shows "Active" status with green indicator
• Check slug exists: Ensure the link slug was created in your UseClick account
• Verify branded domain selection: Edit the link and confirm the correct branded domain is selected
• Clear browser cache: Old 404 responses may be cached—test in incognito mode
• Wait for propagation: If you just created the link, wait 1-2 minutes for edge cache updates

4. Website No Longer Accessible (Root Domain Users)

Symptoms: After setting up root domain (yourdomain.com), your website is no longer accessible

This is expected behavior if you used your root domain. The A record now points to UseClick instead of your website.

Solutions:

• Access via www: Your website is still accessible at www.yourdomain.com
• Switch to subdomain: Delete the A record pointing to UseClick, then set up a subdomain instead (e.g., go.yourdomain.com)
• Redirect www to root: If you want to keep root for links, set up a redirect from www.yourdomain.com to a new domain for your website

5. Cloudflare "Error 1001" or Proxy Issues

Symptoms: Cloudflare users see "Error 1001: DNS Resolution Error" when accessing links

Cause: The Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud) is enabled, which conflicts with UseClick's infrastructure.

Solution:

1. Log into Cloudflare dashboard
2. Go to DNS tab
3. Find your UseClick CNAME record
4. Click the orange cloud icon to turn it gray ("DNS only" mode)
5. Wait 5 minutes for changes to propagate
6. Test your links again

6. Slow DNS Propagation (IONOS, Some Registrars)

Symptoms: DNS verification fails even after 30-60 minutes

Solutions:

• Wait longer: Some registrars (particularly IONOS) can take 2-4 hours for full propagation
• Check your specific DNS server: Use nslookup go.yourdomain.com to check if the record exists on your local DNS server
• Flush DNS cache: Run ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac)
• Try different network: Test verification from a different network (mobile hotspot vs. home WiFi)

Advanced Features & Configuration

Multiple Branded Domains

You can add multiple branded domains to your UseClick account for different purposes:

• Campaign-specific domains: promo.domain.com for promotions, news.domain.com for newsletters
• Brand separation: Different domains for different product lines or brands
• Geographic targeting: us.domain.com, eu.domain.com for region-specific campaigns
• A/B testing: Test which domain format performs better with your audience

Each domain requires its own DNS record and goes through the same verification process.

Cloudflare Worker for Enhanced Performance

For your primary branded domain, consider deploying the Cloudflare Worker for superior performance:

Benefits over standard DNS setup:

• 5-minute link caching: Reduces database queries by 80%, faster redirects
• City-level geolocation: More accurate than country-level (better for geo-targeting)
• SHA-256 visitor fingerprinting: Better unique visitor tracking
• Fire-and-forget analytics: Doesn't slow down redirects

Setup:

1. Install Cloudflare Workers CLI: npm install -g wrangler
2. Deploy the worker: cd worker && npx wrangler deploy unique-tracking-index.ts
3. Point your domain's DNS to the Cloudflare Worker route instead of Vercel

Setting a Default Branded Domain

To save time when creating links, set a default branded domain:

1. Go to Dashboard → Domains
2. Find your preferred domain in the list
3. Click the three dots menu → "Set as Default"
4. All new links will automatically use this domain

Migrating Existing Links

To move existing links from useclick.io or another domain to your new branded domain:

1. Go to Dashboard → Links
2. Use bulk selection to select multiple links (or edit individually)
3. Click "Edit" → Change the "Branded Domain" dropdown
4. Save changes

Important: Changing the branded domain changes the URL. Update links in your campaigns, emails, and social media posts.

Domain Management

Monitoring Domain Health

Regularly check your domains in the Dashboard → Domains page:

• SSL Status: Should show "Active" with green indicator
• DNS Status: Should show "Verified"
• Total Links: Number of links using this domain
• Total Clicks: Aggregate clicks across all links on this domain

Removing a Branded Domain

To delete a branded domain:

1. Go to Dashboard → Domains
2. Find the domain you want to remove
3. Click the three dots menu → "Delete"
4. Confirm deletion (this action cannot be undone)
5. Remove the DNS record from your registrar

Transferring Domains Between Accounts

Branded domains are tied to your UseClick account. If you need to transfer a domain to another account:

1. Remove the domain from the current UseClick account
2. Add the domain to the new UseClick account
3. DNS record stays the same (no changes needed at registrar)
4. All links must be recreated in the new account

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Can I use any domain registrar?

Yes! UseClick works with all domain registrars as long as you can add CNAME or A records. Popular registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Google Domains (Squarespace), IONOS, Hover, and all others.

Do I need to own a domain, or can I use a free domain?

You must own or control a domain. Free subdomains from services like Freenom may work but aren't recommended for professional use. Purchase a domain from any registrar (starting at $10-15/year).

Can I use a subdomain from my existing website?

Absolutely! This is the recommended approach. Your main website continues working at yourdomain.com while links use go.yourdomain.com.

How many branded domains can I add?

Plans include: Free (1), Starter (5), Growth (10), Pro (20), Business (Unlimited). Contact sales for enterprise needs beyond 20 domains.

Will setting up DNS-based domains affect my email?

No, if you use a subdomain (recommended). Email uses MX records which are completely separate. If you use your root domain for links, email continues working normally as MX records remain unchanged.

Can I change my branded domain later?

Yes, you can edit existing links to use a different branded domain. However, this changes the URL, so you'll need to update links wherever they're shared. Plan your domain strategy carefully before large-scale deployment.

Technical Questions

What's the difference between CNAME and A records?

CNAME records point a subdomain to another domain (used for subdomains like go.yourdomain.com). A records point a domain to an IP address (used for root domains like yourdomain.com). Subdomains use CNAME, root domains use A records.

Why does Cloudflare require turning off the proxy (orange cloud)?

Cloudflare's proxy tries to handle requests directly, but Vercel needs to serve the content for UseClick to work. Setting to "DNS only" (gray cloud) lets the DNS record pass through without Cloudflare interference.

How does SSL work? Do I need to do anything?

SSL is completely automatic via Vercel's Let's Encrypt integration. Certificates are provisioned within 5 seconds of DNS verification and renew automatically every 90 days. You don't need to generate, upload, or manage certificates.

Can I use HTTPS for my branded domain?

Yes, HTTPS is automatic and required. All branded links use HTTPS by default once SSL is provisioned. You cannot disable HTTPS (this is a security best practice).

What happens if my DNS record gets deleted accidentally?

All links using that domain will immediately stop working and return 404 errors. Re-add the DNS record at your registrar and wait for propagation (5-30 minutes) to restore functionality.

Can I use Cloudflare's CDN/proxy with UseClick?

No, the Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud) must be disabled. However, you CAN use Cloudflare as your DNS provider (with gray cloud). For enhanced Cloudflare integration, deploy the UseClick Cloudflare Worker instead.

Performance & Analytics Questions

Are DNS-based domains faster than query parameter domains?

Yes, DNS-based domains are served from Vercel's edge network with 5-minute caching, resulting in faster redirects (typically 50-100ms). Query parameter domains depend on your website's hosting performance.

Do DNS-based domains track clicks the same way?

Yes, all click tracking, analytics, and geo-targeting features work identically regardless of domain setup method. DNS-based domains provide slightly better geolocation accuracy via Vercel's infrastructure.

Can I use geo-targeting with DNS-based domains?

Yes! Geo-targeting works on all domain types. DNS-based domains get country-level geolocation via Vercel. For city-level accuracy, deploy the Cloudflare Worker for your domain.

Will my links work immediately after DNS verification?

Yes, once DNS is verified and SSL is active, links work immediately. There's no additional waiting period. Test links right away to confirm.

Troubleshooting Questions

DNS verification keeps failing. What should I do?

First, wait at least 30 minutes after adding the DNS record. Then check: (1) Record values match exactly, (2) Record was saved at registrar, (3) For Cloudflare, proxy is off. Use whatsmydns.net to verify propagation.

My registrar isn't listed in the guide. Can I still use it?

Yes! The DNS setup process is similar across all registrars. Look for "DNS Settings," "DNS Management," or "Advanced DNS" in your control panel. If you can't find it, contact your registrar's support.

Can I use the same subdomain for multiple UseClick accounts?

No, each subdomain can only point to one destination. If you try to use go.yourdomain.com on two different UseClick accounts, only the account that matches the DNS record will work.

I set up DNS-based domain but links still show useclick.io. Why?

When creating or editing links, you must manually select your branded domain from the "Branded Domain" dropdown. Existing links won't automatically update—you need to edit them to use the new domain.

Domain Limits by Plan

Feature	Free	Starter	Growth	Pro	Business
Custom Domains	1	5	10	20	Unlimited
DNS-Based Setup	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Query Parameter Setup	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Automatic SSL	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Cloudflare Worker Support	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Default Domain Setting	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Domain Analytics	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Support	Community (24h)	Email (24h)	Priority Email (24h)	Priority (12h)	Dedicated (6h)

Next Steps

Now that your DNS-based branded domain is set up, explore these features:

• Set up geo-targeting to redirect users based on location
• Configure A/B testing to optimize conversion rates
• Use the UTM builder for campaign tracking
• Create campaigns to organize your links
• Explore the API for programmatic link management

Start building your brand with professional, clean short links that your audience trusts!