Branded Domains Guide: Setup, Plans, and Custom Links
Using a custom branded domain (like go.yourbrand.com instead of smplu.link) is the single most effective way to build trust and increase engagement with your links. This guide covers how branded domains work across SimpleURL, how to set them up, and which plans include them.
What is a Branded Domain?
A branded domain replaces the generic SimpleURL domain with your own custom web address.
Why it matters:
- Trust & Security: People are increasingly wary of clicking generic short links. Seeing your brand name in the URL reassures them that the link is safe.
- Increased Click-Through Rates (CTR): Branded links typically see a 2-3x increase in clicks compared to generic links.
- Brand Consistency: Every link you share reinforces your brand identity.
How Branded Domains Work Across SimpleURL
Once you connect a branded domain to your SimpleURL account, it becomes available across all our tools:
- Short Links: Create branded short links like
go.yourbrand.com/sale. - QR Codes: Generate QR codes that point to your branded links, ensuring a consistent experience from print to digital.
- Link-in-Bio: Host your bio page on your custom domain, like
links.yourbrand.com.
You can use the same branded domain for all three features simultaneously.
Plan Limits
Branded domains are a premium feature available on HOBBY plans and above.
| Plan | Branded Domains Allowed |
|---|---|
| FREE2 | 0 domains |
| HOBBY | 1 domain |
| PRO2 | 3 domains |
| TEAM | 10 domains |
DNS Setup Overview
Connecting a branded domain involves adding a specific DNS record at your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare).
Subdomain vs. Apex Domain
- Subdomain (Recommended): Uses a prefix before your main domain (e.g.,
go.yourbrand.com,link.yourbrand.com).- Setup: Requires a CNAME record. This is the easiest and most common setup.
- Apex / Root Domain: Uses your domain directly without a prefix (e.g.,
yourbrand.com).- Setup: Requires an A record. Only use this if you are dedicating the entire domain exclusively to SimpleURL and not using it for a website.
How to Connect
- Go to the Branded Domains page in your SimpleURL dashboard.
- Click Add Domain and enter your desired domain (e.g.,
link.yourbrand.com). - SimpleURL will provide you with the exact DNS record you need to create.
- Log in to your domain registrar and add the required CNAME or A record.
- Wait for propagation.
For a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough and troubleshooting, see our Custom Domain Not Connecting guide.
Understanding Domain Status
When you add a domain, you will see its status in the dashboard:
- PENDING DNS: SimpleURL is waiting to detect the correct DNS record. Ensure you have added the record at your registrar.
- CONFIGURING / PENDING NGINX: We have detected the DNS record and are automatically provisioning SSL certificates and configuring routing. This usually takes a few minutes.
- ACTIVE: Your domain is fully connected and ready to use!
Best Practices
- Use a short, memorable subdomain:
go,link,click, orvisitare great choices (e.g.,go.yourbrand.com). - Don't mix with email: Never use the same subdomain you use for email (e.g.,
mail.yourdomain.com), as the DNS records will conflict. - Test before printing: If you are using a branded domain for a QR code in a print campaign, always test the final printed code to ensure it resolves correctly.
Common Mistakes
- Cloudflare Proxy: If you use Cloudflare, make sure the DNS record for your branded domain is set to DNS Only (Gray Cloud), not Proxied (Orange Cloud). The proxy prevents our systems from verifying the connection and provisioning SSL.
- Leftover Records: Ensure there are no old A or CNAME records conflicting with your new SimpleURL record for the chosen subdomain.
Need Help?
If your domain is stuck in PENDING DNS for more than 48 hours, contact us at contact@simpleurl.tech. Please include your domain name and a screenshot of your DNS settings.