Custom domains allow you to use your own domain name for your GoPixLinks instead of the default platform URL. This gives your links a more professional appearance and helps build brand recognition.
What are Custom Domains?
Custom domains let you replace the default GoPixLinks URL (like `gopixlinks.com/your-link`) with your own domain (like `yourdomain.com/your-link`). This creates a more branded and professional experience for your visitors.
Why Use Custom Domains?
- Professional Appearance: Your links look more credible and trustworthy
- Brand Recognition: Visitors associate your links with your brand
- Better Trust: Custom domains appear more legitimate
- SEO Benefits: Links from your own domain can help with SEO
- Consistent Branding: All your links use your brand domain
- Memorable URLs: Easier for people to remember your links
Types of Custom Domains
1. Root Domain
Example: `yourdomain.com`
What it does: Use your main domain for all your links
Best for: Personal brands, businesses with their own domain
2. Subdomain
Example: `links.yourdomain.com`
What it does: Use a subdomain specifically for your links
Best for: Separating link content from main website
3. Subdirectory
Example: `yourdomain.com/links`
What it does: Use a folder on your existing domain
Best for: Adding link functionality to existing websites
Setting Up Your Custom Domain
Step 1: Purchase a Domain
If you don't already have a domain:
- Choose a domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.)
- Search for your desired domain name
- Purchase the domain
- Note down your domain registrar's DNS settings
Step 2: Add Domain to GoPixLinks
- Log in to your GoPixLinks account
- Go to "Domains" in the main navigation
- Click "Add Domain"
- Enter your domain name (e.g., `yourdomain.com`)
- Click "Add Domain"
Step 3: Configure DNS Settings
You'll need to configure your domain's DNS settings:
For Root Domain
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Go to DNS management
- Add a CNAME record:
- Name: @ (or leave blank)
- Value: The GoPixLinks domain provided
- TTL: 3600 (or default)
- Save the DNS record
For Subdomain
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Go to DNS management
- Add a CNAME record:
- Name: links (or your desired subdomain)
- Value: The GoPixLinks domain provided
- TTL: 3600 (or default)
- Save the DNS record
Step 4: Verify Domain
- Wait for DNS propagation (can take up to 48 hours)
- Go back to GoPixLinks Domains section
- Click "Verify" on your domain
- If verification fails, wait longer and try again
Managing Your Custom Domains
Viewing Your Domains
In the Domains section, you can see:
- Domain Name: Your custom domain
- Status: Verified, pending, or failed
- Type: Root domain, subdomain, or subdirectory
- Assigned Links: Which links use this domain
- Creation Date: When the domain was added
Assigning Domains to Links
- Create a new link or edit an existing one
- Look for the "Domain" dropdown
- Select your custom domain from the list
- Save your changes
Editing Domain Settings
- Go to the Domains section
- Find the domain you want to edit
- Click the "Edit" button
- Update domain settings
- Click "Save" to update
Removing Domains
Important: Removing a domain will affect all links using that domain.
- Go to the Domains section
- Find the domain you want to remove
- Click the "Delete" button
- Confirm the deletion
- Update any affected links to use a different domain
Domain Best Practices
Choosing the Right Domain
- Keep It Short: Shorter domains are easier to remember
- Make It Memorable: Choose something easy to type
- Brand Consistency: Use your brand name when possible
- Avoid Hyphens: Hyphens can be confusing when spoken
- Consider Keywords: Include relevant keywords if appropriate
DNS Configuration Tips
- Use CNAME Records: CNAME is the recommended method
- Set Appropriate TTL: Use 3600 seconds for faster updates
- Remove Conflicting Records: Remove any conflicting A or CNAME records
- Wait for Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
Security Considerations
- Use HTTPS: Ensure your domain supports HTTPS
- Keep DNS Secure: Use strong passwords for your domain registrar
- Monitor for Issues: Regularly check domain status
- Backup DNS Settings: Keep a record of your DNS configuration
Domain Analytics
Domain Performance
Track how your custom domains are performing:
- Click Count: Total clicks from each domain
- Click Rate: Performance compared to default domains
- Geographic Data: Where visitors are coming from
- Device Information: What devices visitors are using
Domain Comparison
Compare performance across different domains:
- Performance Metrics: See which domains perform best
- Traffic Sources: Understand where traffic comes from
- Conversion Rates: Track conversions by domain
- User Behavior: Analyze how users interact with different domains
Common Domain Issues
DNS Configuration Problems
Domain Not Working
- Check if DNS records are configured correctly
- Verify the CNAME record points to the correct GoPixLinks domain
- Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
- Use online DNS checkers to verify configuration
SSL Certificate Issues
- Ensure your domain supports HTTPS
- Check if SSL certificate is properly configured
- Contact your domain registrar if SSL issues persist
- Consider using a subdomain if root domain has issues
Domain Verification Failing
- Double-check DNS configuration
- Wait longer for DNS propagation
- Try using a different DNS checker
- Contact support if the issue persists
Performance Issues
- Check if your domain registrar is reliable
- Consider using a CDN for better performance
- Monitor domain response times
- Contact your domain registrar for performance issues
Advanced Domain Features
Multiple Domains
Use multiple domains for different purposes:
- Brand Domains: Use your main brand domain
- Campaign Domains: Use specific domains for campaigns
- Regional Domains: Use country-specific domains
- Product Domains: Use domains for specific products
Domain Aliases
Set up multiple domains pointing to the same content:
- Primary Domain: Your main domain
- Alias Domains: Additional domains that redirect
- Automatic Redirects: Visitors are redirected to primary domain
- SEO Benefits: Consolidate link equity
Domain Analytics
Advanced analytics for your domains:
- Domain Performance Reports: Detailed domain analytics
- Cross-Domain Comparison: Compare multiple domains
- Traffic Attribution: Understand traffic sources
- Conversion Tracking: Track conversions by domain
Domain Security
SSL Certificates
Ensure your domains are secure:
- Automatic SSL: GoPixLinks provides SSL certificates
- HTTPS Enforcement: All traffic is encrypted
- Certificate Monitoring: Automatic certificate renewal
- Security Headers: Additional security measures
Domain Protection
- Domain Locking: Prevent unauthorized transfers
- Privacy Protection: Hide domain registration details
- Two-Factor Authentication: Secure domain registrar access
- Regular Monitoring: Check for suspicious activity
Domain Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
Domain Not Loading
- Check DNS configuration
- Verify domain is pointing to correct GoPixLinks domain
- Wait for DNS propagation
- Test domain with online DNS checkers
SSL Certificate Errors
- Wait for SSL certificate to be issued
- Check if domain supports HTTPS
- Contact support if SSL issues persist
- Consider using a different domain
Domain Verification Issues
- Ensure DNS records are correct
- Wait longer for DNS propagation
- Try verifying from different locations
- Contact support for assistance
Domain Integration
API Access
For advanced users, manage domains programmatically:
- Add Domains via API: Automate domain addition
- Domain Management API: Manage domains programmatically
- DNS Configuration API: Automate DNS setup
- Domain Analytics API: Access domain performance data
Third-Party Integrations
Connect with external domain services:
- Domain Registrars: Integrate with popular registrars
- DNS Providers: Connect with DNS management services
- SSL Providers: Integrate with SSL certificate services
- Monitoring Services: Connect with domain monitoring tools
Tips for Effective Domain Management
- Choose Wisely: Select domains that align with your brand
- Plan Ahead: Consider future domain needs
- Monitor Performance: Track how domains are performing
- Keep Records: Document DNS configurations
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically review domain settings
- Security First: Prioritize domain security
- Test Regularly: Verify domains are working correctly
- Backup Configurations: Keep backups of DNS settings