Adding a custom domain to your URL shortener account is a great way to make your shortened links more branded and professional. You can link your own domain (e.g., yourbrand.com) to your account and use it instead of the default domain (e.g., short.ly).

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a custom domain with your URL shortener account. For this tutorial, the IP address of your website is 82.29.157.208, which you’ll use to point your domain to your account.

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain

Before adding your custom domain, you’ll need to ensure that you own the domain and have access to its DNS settings. If you haven’t purchased a domain yet, you can do so from domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.

Step 2: Log Into Your URL Shortener Account

1. Open your browser and go to the URL Shortener Platform login page.

2. Enter your login credentials to access your account.

3. Navigate to the Domain Settings or Custom Domain section.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain

1. Access Domain Settings:

   • After logging into your account, go to the Account Settings or Custom Domain section from your dashboard.

   • Look for the option to Add Custom Domain.

2. Enter Your Custom Domain:

   • In the provided field, enter the custom domain you want to use (e.g., links.yourbrand.com or go.yourbrand.com).

   • Save your settings to proceed.

Step 4: Update Your Domain’s DNS Records

Next, you need to point your domain to the IP address of your server. This step involves configuring the DNS records of your domain at your domain registrar.

1. Login to Your Domain Registrar:

   • Go to your domain registrar’s website (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).

   • Log into your account and navigate to the DNS Management or DNS Settings section for the domain you want to use.

2. Create a New CNAME Record:

   • Add a new CNAME record with the following details:

     • Name: This can be the subdomain you want to use (e.g., links or go).

     • Type: Select CNAME.

     • Value: Point it to 82.29.157.208 (the IP address of your website).

   • If you want to use the root domain (e.g., yourbrand.com), you might need to set an A record instead of a CNAME, but consult your registrar’s support if you’re unsure.

3. TTL (Time to Live):

   • Set the TTL to 3600 seconds (or the default value) so the DNS changes propagate effectively.

Step 5: Verify Your Custom Domain

Once the DNS records are updated, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours for the changes to take effect. You can verify if your custom domain is set up correctly by:

1. Going back to the Custom Domain section in your URL shortener account.

2. Clicking on Verify Domain or Test Domain.

If everything is configured correctly, your custom domain will be verified successfully.

Step 6: Start Using Your Custom Domain

Once your custom domain is connected, you can start using it for shortening links. Here’s how:

1. Go to the URL Shortener tool in your account.

2. When creating a short link, you’ll now be able to choose your custom domain (e.g., links.yourbrand.com).

All of your shortened URLs will now use your custom domain instead of the default domain.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• DNS Propagation: It can take some time for DNS changes to propagate fully across the internet. If your domain isn’t working right away, give it some time before checking again.

• Check DNS Settings: Double-check that the CNAME or A record points to the correct IP address (82.29.157.208).

• Clear Cache: If your domain doesn’t seem to be working, try clearing your browser cache or use a different device to test the domain.

By adding a custom domain, you’ll make your shortened links look more professional and in line with your branding. If you have any issues or need further assistance, feel free to contact our customer support team.