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

DNS-based branded domains provide the most professional link shortening experience by allowing you to create clean short links like yourdomain.com/abc123 instead of using query parameters. This method is used by professional link shortening services and provides the best user experience.

Two Domain Setup Methods

UseClick offers two ways to use custom branded domains:

Understanding DNS-Based Domains

DNS-based setup creates the cleanest possible short links by routing your domain's traffic directly through UseClick's servers. This means:

• ✅ Clean URLs: No query parameters or extra characters
• ✅ Automatic SSL: HTTPS certificates are provisioned automatically
• ✅ Professional appearance: Links look identical to major URL shorteners
• ✅ Better click-through rates: Clean links perform better

Choosing the Right Domain

Before setting up DNS-based domains, you need to decide which domain or subdomain to use:

Option 1: Use a Subdomain (Recommended)

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

• ✅ Safest option: Your main website remains completely unaffected
• ✅ Easier DNS setup: Only requires a CNAME record
• ✅ Faster propagation: Changes typically take 5-15 minutes
• ✅ Recommended by professionals: Industry standard practice
• ✅ Examples: Amazon uses amzn.to, Google uses g.co

Option 2: Use Your Root Domain

Example: yourdomain.com (without www or subdomain)

• ⚠️ Your website will be replaced: Visitors to yourdomain.com will no longer see your website
• ⚠️ Use only if: This domain is exclusively for link shortening
• ⚠️ Requires A record: Slightly more complex DNS configuration
• ✅ Shorter links: Slightly shorter than subdomain options
• ✅ Good for dedicated domains: Perfect if you own a short domain just for links

Step-by-Step DNS Setup Guide

Step 1: Add Your Domain in UseClick

1. Go to your Dashboard → Domains
2. Click "Add Domain"
3. Enter your domain or subdomain (e.g., go.yourdomain.com)
4. Select "Professional (DNS-Based)" setup method
5. Click "Continue"

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

UseClick will automatically detect whether you're using a subdomain or root domain and show you the correct DNS record type:

For Subdomains (like go.yourdomain.com):

For Root Domains (like yourdomain.com):

Step 3: Add DNS Record at Your Domain Registrar

Now you need to add this DNS record at your domain registrar. Here's where to find DNS settings for popular providers:

GoDaddy:

1. Log into your GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → Domains
3. Click the three dots next to your domain → Manage DNS
4. Scroll to "Records" section
5. Click "Add" and select CNAME or A record
6. Fill in the values from UseClick
7. Click "Save"

Namecheap:

1. Log into Namecheap
2. Go to Domain List
3. Click "Manage" next to your domain
4. Go to Advanced DNS tab
5. Click "Add New Record"
6. Fill in the values from UseClick
7. Click the green checkmark to save

Cloudflare:

1. Log into Cloudflare dashboard
2. Select your domain
3. Go to DNS tab
4. Click "Add record"
5. Fill in the values from UseClick
6. ⚠️ Important: Turn OFF the orange cloud (set to "DNS only")
7. Click "Save"

IONOS (1&1):

1. Log into IONOS control panel
2. Go to Domains & SSL
3. Click on your domain
4. Go to DNS Settings
5. Click "Add Record"
6. Select "CNAME" or "A" depending on your setup
7. Fill in: Hostname (Name), Points to/IPv4 Address (Value)
8. Click "Save"

Other Providers: Look for sections called: DNS Settings, DNS Management, DNS Records, Advanced DNS, or Name Servers. If you can't find it, contact your registrar's support - they can help you add the record.

Step 4: Wait for DNS Propagation

After adding the DNS record, you need to wait for the changes to propagate across the internet:

• CNAME records (subdomains): Usually 5-30 minutes
• A records (root domains): Usually 10-60 minutes
• Maximum wait time: Up to 48 hours (rare)

Tip: Most DNS changes propagate within 15 minutes, but some providers (like IONOS) can take longer. Don't worry if verification doesn't work immediately!

Step 5: Verify DNS in UseClick

1. After waiting 10-15 minutes, return to UseClick
2. Click "Verify DNS" button in the setup wizard
3. If successful, you'll see a green checkmark ✓
4. If it fails, wait another 10 minutes and try again

Troubleshooting Common Issues

DNS Verification Fails

Solutions:

• Wait longer - DNS can take up to 60 minutes to propagate
• Double-check the DNS record values (common typos: extra spaces, wrong domain)
• Make sure you saved the DNS record at your registrar
• For Cloudflare users: Turn OFF the orange cloud (set to "DNS only")
• Clear your browser cache and try again

Website No Longer Accessible (Root Domain)

If you used your root domain (yourdomain.com) and your website is gone:

• This is expected behavior - the root domain now points to UseClick
• Your website can still be accessed at www.yourdomain.com
• To restore your website, delete the A record and set up a subdomain instead

SSL Certificate Not Working

SSL certificates are automatically provisioned by Vercel, but can take 5-10 minutes:

• Wait 10 minutes after DNS verification
• SSL status will show as "Active" when ready
• All links will automatically use HTTPS

Using Your DNS-Based Domain

Once verified, your DNS-based domain is ready to use:

1. Create a new link or edit an existing one
2. In the "Branded Domain" dropdown, select your verified domain
3. Your link will now use the clean format: yourdomain.com/abc123
4. Share this link anywhere - it works immediately!

Best Practices

• ✅ Always use subdomains unless the domain is exclusively for link shortening
• ✅ Choose short, memorable subdomains: go, link, get, s
• ✅ Test your links after setup to ensure they redirect correctly
• ✅ Keep DNS records in place - deleting them will break your links
• ✅ Monitor SSL status to ensure HTTPS remains active

Comparison: DNS-Based vs Query Parameter

Feature	DNS-Based	Query Parameter
Link Format	domain.com/abc123	domain.com/?s=abc123
Setup Difficulty	Moderate	Easy
Setup Time	15-30 minutes	5 minutes
SSL Certificate	Automatic	Uses existing site SSL
Professional Look	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Click-Through Rate	Higher	Good
Best For	Production, professional use	Testing, quick setup

Need Help?

If you're having trouble setting up DNS-based domains:

• 📧 Email us at [email protected]
• 💬 Contact your domain registrar's support for DNS help
• 📖 Check your registrar's documentation for DNS record instructions

Most setup issues are resolved within 30 minutes once the DNS records are correctly configured!