Custom Domains

Using a custom domain (e.g., link.yourbrand.com instead of fwurl.com) is one of the most impactful ways to increase trust and click-through rates. FWURL makes it easy to connect your own domain.

Why Use a Custom Domain?

• Brand Consistency: Keep your brand name front and center.
• Higher Trust: Users are more likely to click a link that matches your website's domain.
• Better Deliverability: Branded links are less likely to be flagged as spam by email providers.
• Increased CTR: Custom domains can increase click-through rates by up to 34%.

Setting Up Your Custom Domain

Follow these steps to connect your domain to FWURL.

Step 1: Add Your Domain

1. Log in to your FWURL Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Domains in the sidebar.
3. Click the Add Domain button.
4. Enter your desired domain or subdomain (e.g., link.mycompany.com or mybrand.co).
5. Click Add.

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

You need to point your domain to FWURL's servers so we can handle the traffic. You will need to log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare) to do this.

A Record (For root domains or subdomains)

Create an A Record pointing to our server IP:

Note: If you are using a subdomain like link.yoursite.com, the "Name" should be link. If you are using a root domain like yoursite.link, the "Name" should be @.

Step 3: Verify Ownership (TXT Record)

To ensure security and prevent unauthorized use of your domain, we require a verification step.

1. After adding your domain in FWURL, you will see a Verification Token (a long string of text).
2. Go back to your domain registrar's DNS settings.
3. Create a TXT Record with the following details:

Important:

• Root Domain (e.g., yoursite.com): The Name/Host should be _fwurl.
• Subdomain (e.g., link.yoursite.com): The Name/Host should be _fwurl.link (or just _fwurl if your registrar automatically appends the subdomain, but usually you need to specify the subdomain part).

5. In the FWURL Dashboard, click Verify Domain.

Step 4: Start Using Your Domain

Once verified, your domain status will change to Active.

1. When creating a new link, click the Domain dropdown menu.
2. Select your custom domain.
3. Enter your custom alias (e.g., link.mybrand.com/summer-sale).
4. Create your link!

Common Use Cases

Branded Short Links

Instead of fwurl.com/xyz123, use go.nike.com/airmax. This looks professional and trustworthy on social media.

SMS Marketing

Space is limited in SMS. A short, branded link like sms.brand.com/offer saves characters while maintaining brand identity.

Offline Marketing

For print ads, billboards, or business cards, a custom domain is easier to remember and type than a generic short link.

Internal Tools

Use a dedicated domain for internal resources, like staff.company.com/hr-portal or tools.company.com/jira.

Troubleshooting

"Domain not verifying" DNS changes can take time to propagate across the internet. If verification fails immediately, wait 15-30 minutes and try again. You can use a tool like whatsmydns.net to check if your records are visible.

"SSL/HTTPS Certificate" FWURL automatically provisions a free SSL certificate for your custom domain once it is verified and pointed to our IP. This process typically takes less than 15 minutes after verification.