Custom domains let you use your own branded domain for short links instead of a generic shortener domain, so links look like they came from you rather than a third-party tool.
Affiliate marketers, creators, and brands use custom domains for the same reason: it puts your own name on the link instead of a generic shortener's.
This guide covers setup, security, affiliate applications, and best practices for branded links.
Custom Domains Interface
UseClick's interface makes setting up custom domains simple and efficient:
Easily configure and manage multiple custom domains with real-time verification status.
Setting Up Custom Domains
Getting started with custom domains in UseClick involves a few clear steps:
1. Domain Selection
Choose the right domain for your branded links:
- Existing Domains - Use domains you already own for maximum brand recognition
- Dedicated Short Domains - Purchase new domains specifically for short links, such as go.yourbrand.com
- Subdomains - Create subdomains on existing websites for link shortening
- Multiple Domains - Use different domains for different purposes or teams
2. DNS Configuration
Configure your domain's DNS settings to point to UseClick:
CNAME Records
- • Point your domain to UseClick's servers
- • Enable SSL certificate provisioning
- • Maintain existing website functionality
- • Best suited for subdomains (e.g., go.yourbrand.com) - apex/root domains need an A record instead of a CNAME
Verification Process
- • Automatic DNS record validation
- • Real-time configuration status
- • Helpful error diagnostics
- • One-click verification tools
3. SSL and Security
UseClick automatically handles SSL certificates for all custom domains:
Automatic SSL Provisioning
Free SSL certificates for all custom domains
- • Let's Encrypt integration for automatic certificate management
- • Automatic renewal with no downtime
- • HTTP to HTTPS redirection
- • HSTS support for enhanced security
Domain & Link Safety
Your branded domain is locked down to do one job only: redirect your short links
- • Custom domains only resolve short link redirects - no other routes are served
- • Non-redirect paths like /blog or /dashboard return a 404 on a custom domain
- • Destination URLs are screened for critical- or high-risk signals when a link is created
- • Removing a custom domain breaks any links still using it, so migrate links first
Branded Link Benefits
Custom domains have real advantages over generic short link services, especially for affiliate marketers:
Trust and Recognition
Trust at First Glance
A branded domain gives visitors a reason to trust the link before they even click
- • Visitors recognize your domain name instead of an unfamiliar shortener string
- • A link that matches your brand looks intentional rather than a random string of characters
- • Consistent domain branding reinforces recognition across social, email, and print
- • Familiar domains reduce the hesitation someone feels before tapping a link
Brand Reinforcement
Every link becomes a brand touchpoint
- • Consistent brand presence across all channels
- • Professional appearance in all communications
- • Improved brand recall and recognition
- • Enhanced credibility with prospects
Affiliate Marketing Applications
Custom domains matter most for affiliate marketers, who depend on visitors trusting a link enough to click it:
Amazon Affiliate Links
Replace long, complex Amazon affiliate URLs with clean, branded links that increase click-through rates:
A cleaner link means a better click-through rate, more user trust, and a link that fits naturally into your content instead of standing out as an ad.
Multi-Platform Affiliate Management
Create consistent branded links across multiple affiliate networks, then use folders or campaigns to keep each network's links organized and easy to compare:
Content Integration
Add affiliate links into your content without breaking the reading experience:
Trust Building for Higher Commissions
Custom domains help build trust with your audience, leading to higher conversion rates and affiliate commissions:
Advanced Custom Domain Features
UseClick adds these features on top of every custom domain:
Link Management
Organization and Campaigns
Keep your branded links organized and trackable
- • Group links into color-coded campaigns by product or content type (paid plans)
- • Organize links into folders for quick, at-a-glance access
- • Set expiration dates for time-sensitive promotions (paid plans)
- • Create naming conventions for team consistency
Performance Analytics
Track the success of your branded link strategy
- • Click totals and time-series trends by domain and link
- • Geographic performance data with a country/region/city breakdown
- • Device, browser, and OS analytics
- • Referrer sources and bot traffic filtering to see genuine engagement
Link Editing and Updates
Maintain links without breaking existing promotions
- • Update destination URLs without changing the short link
- • A/B test different landing pages with the same link (Growth plan and above)
- • Redirect outdated promotions to new offers
- • Maintain link performance history through updates
Custom Domain Best Practices
Domain Selection Strategy
Choose domains that support your branding goals:
- • Use existing brand domains for maximum recognition
- • Consider short, memorable subdomains (go, link, to)
- • Ensure domains reflect your professional identity
- • Avoid domains that might be blocked by corporate filters
Link Naming Conventions
Create consistent, meaningful link structures:
- • Use descriptive slugs that hint at destination content
- • Maintain consistency across campaigns and content types
- • Include dates for time-sensitive promotions
- • Avoid special characters that might cause issues
- • For organizing your branded links, use campaign management (paid plans) to group related links together for easier management and analysis, or folders if you're on the Free plan.
Performance Monitoring
Regularly review and optimize your custom domain strategy:
- • Monitor click-through rates and engagement metrics
- • Test different link formats and naming conventions
- • Track domain reputation and deliverability
- • Regular review of destination URL accessibility
- • For large numbers of branded links, use our bulk upload feature (paid plans) for efficient management and updates.
Track the performance of your branded links with our analytics dashboard to measure engagement and identify optimization opportunities.
Domain Setup Close-Ups
Two setup options for branded short links, both compatible with tracked redirects.
DNS-Based Domain Setup
Point your domain or subdomain using DNS records at your provider. UseClick verifies configuration and handles secure routing.
File-Based Domain Setup
Upload the required redirect file to your host. Redirect handling and click tracking continue through your branded domain.