Custom Short Domains: Setup Guides for Cloudflare, Vercel, and Netlify

Using a custom domain for your short links builds trust and reinforces your brand. Instead of generic links like bit.ly/xyz, you can create branded links like go.yourcompany.com/demo or link.yourbrand.co/signup.

In this guide, we'll walk through setting up custom short link domains with three popular platforms: Cloudflare, Vercel, and Netlify.

Why Use a Custom Short Domain?

Brand recognition: Every link reinforces your brand name, even when shared by others.

Increased trust: Users are more likely to click links they recognize than generic short URLs.

Better deliverability: Custom domains are less likely to be flagged by spam filters compared to shared shortener domains.

Full control: You own the domain, so your links aren't dependent on a third-party service staying in business.

For more on the benefits, see our guide on why custom domains matter.

Before You Start

You'll need:

1. 1
   A domain or subdomain for your short links
2. 2
   Access to your DNS provider
3. 3
   A Linkly account

Domain options:

• Subdomain: go.yoursite.com or link.yoursite.com (use your existing domain)
• New domain: Register a short domain like yourbrand.link or ybr.co

Option 1: Cloudflare DNS Setup

Cloudflare is a popular choice for DNS management due to its speed, security, and free tier.

Step 1: Add Your Domain to Cloudflare

If your domain isn't already on Cloudflare:

1. 1
   Log into Cloudflare
2. 2
   Click Add Site
3. 3
   Enter your domain and select the Free plan
4. 4
   Cloudflare will scan your existing DNS records
5. 5
   Update your domain's nameservers at your registrar to point to Cloudflare

Step 2: Create the DNS Record

1. 1
   In Cloudflare, go to DNS → Records
2. 2
   Click Add Record
3. 3
   Configure the record:

Important: The proxy status must be "DNS only" (gray cloud), not "Proxied" (orange cloud). Cloudflare's proxy can interfere with Linkly's redirect handling.

For more details, see our guide on disabling Cloudflare proxy.

Step 3: Add the Domain in Linkly

1. 1
   Log into your Linkly dashboard
2. 2
   Go to Settings → Custom Domains
3. 3
   Click Add Domain
4. 4
   Enter your full domain (e.g., go.yourdomain.com)
5. 5
   Linkly will verify the DNS configuration

Step 4: SSL Certificate

Linkly automatically provisions an SSL certificate for your custom domain. This may take a few minutes after DNS propagation completes.

Option 2: Vercel DNS Setup

If you're using Vercel to host your website, you can manage DNS there too.

Step 1: Access DNS Settings

1. 1
   Log into Vercel
2. 2
   Go to your team's Domains section
3. 3
   Click on your domain

Step 2: Add a CNAME Record

1. 1
   Click Add Record
2. 2
   Configure:

1. 1
   Click Add

Step 3: Verify in Linkly

Add the domain in Linkly as described above. Vercel DNS typically propagates quickly.

Option 3: Netlify DNS Setup

Netlify also offers DNS management for domains connected to Netlify sites.

Step 1: Access DNS Settings

1. 1
   Log into Netlify
2. 2
   Go to Domains
3. 3
   Click on your domain

Step 2: Add a DNS Record

1. 1
   Click Add new record
2. 2
   Configure:

1. 1
   Save the record

Step 3: Verify in Linkly

Add the domain in Linkly and wait for DNS propagation (usually 5-30 minutes).

Setup for Other DNS Providers

The process is similar for any DNS provider:

1. 1
   Create a CNAME record
2. 2
   Point your subdomain to custom.linklyhq.com
3. 3
   Add the domain in Linkly

We have specific guides for:

• GoDaddy CNAME setup
• Namecheap CNAME setup
• Namecheap A record setup
• Squarespace CNAME setup

Using an Apex Domain

If you want to use a root domain (like yourbrand.link instead of go.yourbrand.link), you'll need to use an A record instead of CNAME, or use a provider that supports CNAME flattening (like Cloudflare).

For A record setup, point to Linkly's IP addresses. Contact support or check the custom domain documentation for current IP addresses.

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Verifying

• DNS propagation: Wait up to 24 hours, though most changes propagate within an hour
• Wrong record type: Ensure you created a CNAME, not an A record (unless using apex domain)
• Typo in target: Double-check custom.linklyhq.com is spelled correctly
• Proxy enabled: If using Cloudflare, ensure proxy is disabled (gray cloud)

SSL Certificate Issues

• SSL certificates are provisioned automatically after DNS verification
• This can take up to 24 hours in rare cases
• If issues persist, contact Linkly support

Links Not Redirecting

• Verify the domain is active in your Linkly dashboard
• Test DNS with: dig CNAME yourdomain.com or use a tool like dnschecker.org
• Clear your browser cache and try in an incognito window

Best Practices for Custom Short Domains

Choose a Memorable Domain

Good options:

• go.yourbrand.com
• link.yourbrand.com
• yourbrand.link
• Short, brandable .co or .io domains

Avoid:

• Overly long subdomains
• Domains that look spammy
• Domains similar to well-known shorteners

Keep It Consistent

Use the same short domain across all channels (email, social, print) for brand consistency and consolidated analytics.

Set Up Redirects for the Root

If someone visits your short domain directly (without a slug), set up a default redirect to your main website or a landing page. This is configurable in Linkly's domain settings.

Monitor Domain Health

Periodically check that:

• SSL certificate is valid
• DNS records are correct
• Links are redirecting properly

Linkly monitors your custom domains and will alert you to issues.

Using Your Custom Domain

Once set up, all new links can use your custom domain:

1. 1
   When creating a link, select your custom domain from the dropdown
2. 2
   Choose a memorable slug (e.g., go.yoursite.com/demo)
3. 3
   Your branded link is ready to share

You can also:

• Create vanity URLs with custom slugs
• Set a default domain for all new links
• Generate branded QR codes with your domain

Conclusion

Setting up a custom short domain takes just a few minutes but delivers lasting benefits: stronger branding, increased trust, and better link performance. Whether you use Cloudflare, Vercel, Netlify, or another DNS provider, the process is straightforward.

Ready to create branded short links? Get started with Linkly and connect your custom domain for professional, trustworthy links.