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How to Set Up Custom Domains

A step-by-step guide to connecting your own domain to Linkryse for fully branded short links that build trust and boost click-through rates.

3 min read
Zaheer Khan
Written by Zaheer Khan
December 10, 2025
How to Set Up Custom Domains

Your short links should look like they belong to your brand — not someone else's platform. That's where custom domains come in.

Instead of lnk.rs/launch, your links become go.yourbrand.com/launch. Same powerful analytics, same fast redirects — just with your brand front and center.

Why Custom Domains Matter

Branded short links aren't just a vanity feature. They directly impact performance:

  • Higher CTR — branded links get up to 34% more clicks than generic short URLs
  • Trust — users are more likely to click a link from a domain they recognize
  • Consistency — every touchpoint reinforces your brand identity
  • Deliverability — email providers are less likely to flag branded links as spam

Even if you're just starting out, setting up a custom domain early establishes your brand presence from day one.

Connect Your Domain

The setup process has three steps:

Step 1: Add the Domain in Linkryse

Navigate to Settings → Domains in your dashboard. Click Add Domain and enter your subdomain (e.g., go.yourbrand.com or link.yourbrand.com).

Step 2: Update Your DNS

Linkryse will show you the exact DNS records to add. Typically, this is a single CNAME record:

Type: CNAME
Name: go
Target: domains.linkryse.com

Add this record in your domain registrar's DNS settings (Cloudflare, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.).

Step 3: Verify and Go

Once the DNS propagates (usually 1-5 minutes), Linkryse automatically provisions an SSL certificate for your domain. Your branded short links are ready to use.

DNS propagation can occasionally take up to 24 hours depending on your registrar. If verification fails, wait and try again.

Best Practices

Once your custom domain is live, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use a subdomaingo.yourbrand.com or link.yourbrand.com. Don't use your root domain.
  • Keep it short — the whole point is brevity. go. is better than shortlinks..
  • Be consistent — pick one domain and stick with it across all channels.
  • Monitor analytics — check that redirects are fast and links are resolving correctly.

Troubleshooting

If your domain isn't verifying:

  1. Double-check the CNAME target matches exactly what Linkryse shows
  2. Ensure no conflicting A records exist for the same subdomain
  3. Try clearing your local DNS cache (ipconfig /flushdns on Windows)
  4. Contact support if the issue persists after 24 hours

Custom domains are one of the most impactful features you can set up. A few minutes of configuration gives your brand a professional edge on every link you share.