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.

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.

You'll need:

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

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

If your domain isn't already on Cloudflare:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 1Click Add Record
2. 2Configure:

1. 1Click Add

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

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

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

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

1. 1Save the record

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

The process is similar for any DNS provider:

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

We have specific guides for:

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

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.

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

• 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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.