# How to set up a branded domain?

**URL:** <https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-set-up-a-branded-domain/100>\
**Category:** Domain\
**Tags:** branded-domain, domain\
**Created:** [September 16, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-set-up-a-branded-domain/100 "2024-09-16T19:23:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![linko](https://discussions.linko.me/user_avatar/discussions.linko.me/linko/32/337_2.png) [@linko](https://discussions.linko.me/u/linko)\
**Post date:** [September 16, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://discussions.linko.me/t/how-to-set-up-a-branded-domain/100/1 "2024-09-16T19:23:32Z")

</div>

## Custom Domain Setup Guide

There are two ways to set up your branded domain with Linko, depending on your DNS provider:

- **Using Cloudflare** → Follow Guide A: Custom Domain with Cloudflare

- **Using other DNS providers** (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) → Follow Guide B: Custom Domain without Cloudflare

* * *

## Guide A: Custom Domain with Cloudflare

If you’re already using Cloudflare or prefer their DNS management, follow this guide.

## Step 1: Add Your Domain to Linko

1. **Log in** to your Linko account.

2. Go to the **Domains** section.

3. Click **Add Domain**.

4. Enter your **branded domain**.

5. (Optional) Set up **Domain Root** and **Domain 404** for better visitor handling.

* * *

## Step 2: Configure DNS in Cloudflare

### For a Root Domain ( **`yourbrand.com`** )

1. Go to your Cloudflare DNS settings.

2. Create a **CNAME** record:

> ⚠ **Important** : Do not create an A record with the same host as your CNAME. This causes DNS conflicts and your short links won’t work.

* * *

### For a Subdomain ( **`go.yourbrand.com`** )

1. Go to your Cloudflare DNS settings.

2. Create a **CNAME** record:

* * *

## Step 3: Configure SSL in Cloudflare

1. Ensure proxy status is **Proxied** (orange cloud).

2. Go to **SSL/TLS** \> **Overview**.

3. Change encryption mode from **Flexible** to **Full**.

* * *

### Helpful Cloudflare Links

- [Create a Cloudflare account](https://developers.cloudflare.com/fundamentals/setup/account/create-account/)
- [Add a domain to Cloudflare](https://developers.cloudflare.com/fundamentals/setup/manage-domains/add-site/)
- [Change your nameservers](https://developers.cloudflare.com/dns/zone-setups/full-setup/setup/#update-your-nameservers)

* * *

## Guide B: Custom Domain without Cloudflare

If you use GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Porkbun, Hover, or any other DNS provider, follow this guide.

> Linko automatically provisions SSL certificates for your domain.

## Step 1: Add Your Domain to Linko

1. **Log in** to your Linko account.

2. Go to the **Domains** section.

3. Click **Add Domain**.

4. Enter your **branded domain**.

5. (Optional) Set up **Domain Root** and **Domain 404** for better visitor handling.

* * *

## Step 2: Configure DNS at Your Provider

### For a Root Domain ( **`yourbrand.com`** )

1. Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).

2. Go to DNS settings.

3. Create a **CNAME** record:

* * *

### For a Subdomain ( **`go.yourbrand.com`** )

1. Log in to your domain registrar.

2. Go to DNS settings.

3. Create a **CNAME** record:

* * *

## Step 3: Wait for SSL Provisioning

Linko automatically provisions an SSL certificate for your domain once DNS propagates. This typically takes:

- **DNS propagation** : 5 minutes to 48 hours

- **SSL provisioning** : Automatic after DNS is verified

Check your domain status in Linko’s domain settings. Once it shows **Active** , your domain is ready.

 ![Domain and SSL Status at Linko Domain Page](https://discussions.linko.me/uploads/default/original/1X/01f0fa0502c86107c2aa179befbf06a082246af9.png)

* * *

## Glossary

### What is a branded domain?

A custom web address (like `yourbrand.com`) that replaces the default `linko.me` domain. Branded domains build trust and reinforce your brand with every link shared.

### What is Domain Root?

The page visitors see when they visit your domain directly (e.g., `yourbrand.com` without a short alias). Set this to redirect to your homepage or any page you choose.

### What is Domain 404?

The error page shown when someone visits a short URL that doesn’t exist. Customize this to display a branded message or redirect users to a useful page.

### What are Logo and Favicon options?

You can customize your short links and client portals with your brand’s logo and favicon:

- [Favicon guide](https://discussions.linko.me/t/can-i-add-my-brand-logo-or-icon-to-my-shortened-links/128)