Add Custom Domains

Adding a custom domain to refer.is is a powerful way to enhance your brand's online presence. This feature, available to users with a paid account, allows you to create branded links that reflect your unique domain, increasing trust and recognition among your audience. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adding a custom domain to your refer.is account, ensuring you can take full advantage of this feature.

Benefits of Using a Branded Link Shortener

Using a branded link shortener like refer.is offers numerous advantages. Firstly, branded links increase trust among your audience. When users see a link that includes your brand name, they are more likely to click on it, knowing it comes from a reliable source. This leads to better click-through rates compared to generic short links.

Additionally, branded links enhance your brand recognition. Every time someone shares or clicks on your branded link, they are exposed to your brand, reinforcing your brand identity. This consistent exposure can significantly boost your brand's visibility and reputation.

Moreover, branded links provide better tracking and analytics. With refer.is, you can monitor the performance of each link, gaining insights into user behavior and engagement. This data is invaluable for refining your marketing strategies and improving your overall online presence.

Prerequisites for Adding a Custom Domain

Before you can add a custom domain to refer.is, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet. Firstly, you must own a domain. This can be an apex domain like example.com, but it is often better to use a subdomain of your existing site, such as go.example.com, link.example.com. or get.example.com. Using a subdomain allows you to maintain your primary domain for other purposes while still benefiting from branded links.

Secondly, you need access to your domain's DNS settings. This is typically managed through your domain registrar or hosting provider. You will need to add specific DNS records to verify and connect your domain with refer.is.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Custom Domain

Adding a custom domain to refer.is is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Log in to your refer.is account and navigate to the 'Domains' section. Note that you need a paid plan to access this feature.
2. Click on the 'Add Domain' button.
3. Enter the domain you own in the provided field and click 'Add Domain'.
4. refer.is will provide you with specific DNS records that you need to add to your domain's DNS settings. These records are essential for verifying and connecting your domain.
5. Log in to your domain registrar or hosting provider's dashboard and add the provided DNS records.
6. Return to the refer.is dashboard and click the 'Refresh' button to check if the domain is connected. DNS changes can take some time to propagate, so you may need to wait a few minutes or hours.

Once the domain is successfully connected, you can start using it to create branded links on refer.is.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While adding a custom domain to refer.is is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are solutions to help you troubleshoot:

• DNS Propagation Delays: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate. If your domain is not connecting immediately, wait a bit longer and try refreshing the connection in the refer.is dashboard.
• Incorrect DNS Settings: Ensure that you have correctly entered the DNS records provided by refer.is. Even a small typo can prevent your domain from connecting. Double-check the information in your domain registrar's dashboard.
• Domain Ownership Verification: Make sure you own the domain and have access to its DNS settings. If you are using a subdomain, ensure that it is properly configured under your main domain.

If you continue to experience issues, refer to the detailed information provided on the domain detail page in your refer.is account or contact refer.is support for further assistance.

Managing Your Custom Domain on refer.is

Once your custom domain is connected to refer.is, managing it is simple. Within the refer.is dashboard, you can edit or remove your custom domain as needed. To edit your domain, navigate to the 'Domains' section and select the domain you wish to modify. Here, you can update DNS settings or change the domain name if necessary.

If you need to remove a domain, simply select the domain and click the 'Remove' button. This will disconnect the domain from your refer.is account. This will also remove links that were created using that domain.

Managing your custom domain effectively ensures that your branded links remain functional and aligned with your branding strategy. Regularly check your domain settings and update them as needed to maintain optimal performance.

Best Practices for Using Branded Links

To maximize the impact of your branded links, follow these best practices:

• Keep Links Short and Memorable: Shorter links are easier to remember and share. Use concise, relevant keywords in your branded links to make them more effective.
• Consistent Branding: Ensure that your branded links consistently reflect your brand's identity. Use your brand name or a recognizable variation in the link to reinforce brand recognition.
• Track Performance: Utilize refer.is's analytics to monitor the performance of your branded links. Analyze click-through rates, user engagement, and other metrics to refine your marketing strategies.
• Promote Across Channels: Share your branded links across various marketing channels, including social media, email campaigns, and your website. This increases their visibility and effectiveness.
• Regularly Update Links: Periodically review and update your branded links to ensure they remain relevant and functional. Remove or replace outdated links to maintain a positive user experience.

By following these best practices, you can leverage the full potential of branded links to enhance your online presence and drive better engagement with your audience.