Using a custom domain name allows you to create branded links like for example links.yourbrand.com/link-name instead of rcl.ink/xyz.
With a custom domain, you are able to significantly increase your links’ clickthrough rate. Branded links are also a lot more professional and help you maintain brand consistency.
There are two types of custom domains that can be used with RocketLink.
- Custom Subdomain (ex. link.yourbrand.com)
- Custom Root Domain (ex. myshort.link)
How to set up a custom subdomain?
In order to add a custom subdomain to your RocketLink account and start creating branded links, you need to add a CNAME record in your DNS. Here is an example setting:
link.yourbrand.com
- Name/Host/Alias: your subdomain, for example, for link.yourbrand.com your subdomain is link
- TTL: 3600
- Record Type: CNAME
- Value/Answer/Destination: cname.rocketlink.io
How to set up a custom root domain?
In order to add a custom root domain to your RocketLink account and start creating branded links, you need to add an A record in your DNS. Here is an example setting:
myshort.link
- Name/Host/Alias: @
- TTL: 3600
- Record Type: A
- Value/Answer/Destination: 3.131.87.202
How to add a custom domain to your RocketLink account?
Changes submitted at your DNS need to propagate. It usually takes a few minutes, but in some cases may last 24-48 hours. To check if DNS propagation is complete go to this link then type in your chosen domain name.
For subdomains choose “A” from the dropdown menu and click “Start”. If you see “cname.rocketlink.io” in most of the regions, you are good to go.
For root domains choose “CNAME” from the dropdown menu and click “Start”. If you see “3.131.87.202” in most of the regions, you are good to go.
When your DNS is set, you can add your domain to your RocketLink account. To do so, navigate to Domains>Add Custom Domain and add your domain.
Important notes
You cannot use the same domain for multiple purposes. If you host a website at yourbrand.com, you cannot use yourbrand.com for your links. The recommended solution is using a subdomain, ex. link.yourbrand.com. You can also register a separate root domain for your links, like yourbrand.link.
If you’re using Cloudflare, you need to turn off the HTTP Proxy for your custom domain (orange cloud icon needs to turn grey).
If you have questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
