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How do I add my own domain?

Last updated on March 18, 2025

How to Add a Custom Domain (Subdomain or Main Domain) in urltiger

Overview

Adding a custom domain to urltiger lets you create branded short links, QR codes, and bio pages that boost trust and recognition. This guide covers both subdomain (e.g., links.mydomain.com) and main domain (e.g., mydomain.com) setups, including any additional notes for root-level (apex) domains.

Note: You must be on the Professional plan to use the custom domain feature in urltiger.

1. Steps in urltiger

  1. Go to Your urltiger Dashboard
    Log in and select the Branded Domains tab.
  2. Click “Add Domain”
    A popup or form will appear where you can enter your chosen domain.
  3. Enter Your Custom Domain
    • For a subdomain, type something like links.mydomain.com.
    • For a main domain, simply type mydomain.com.
    • Include the protocol (https://)
  4. Select Domain Usage
    Choose whether the domain will be used for Custom Redirect (URL Shortener & QR Codes) or Bio Pages.
  5. Add Your Domain Root & 404 Page
    • Domain Root: The page to which your root will redirect (e.g., https://mydomain.com/home).
    • 404 Page: A custom page for broken links (e.g., https://mydomain.com/404).
  6. Finalize Setup
    Click Add Domain. You’ll see a message reminding you to configure DNS settings with your registrar (see next section).

2. Steps in Your Domain Registrar

Regardless of whether you’re adding a subdomain or a main domain, you’ll need to set up DNS records so the domain points to urltiger. Below are general guidelines:

A. Subdomain Setup (Recommended)

  1. Log In to Your Domain Registrar
    Access the DNS management for mydomain.com.
  2. Add a CNAME Record
    • Host/Name/Alias: Enter the subdomain (e.g., links).
    • Value/Points to/Target: Enter urltiger.com.
    • TTL: Use the default or set a suitable value (e.g., 1 hour).
  3. Save Changes
    Wait up to 48 hours for DNS propagation, though it typically happens sooner.

Why Subdomains Are Recommended:
Most providers fully support CNAME records for subdomains. It’s a straightforward setup that avoids apex domain complications.

B. Main (Apex) Domain Setup

  1. Check Registrar Compatibility
    Not all registrars or DNS providers allow a CNAME on the apex (root) domain, as it can break email and other essential DNS services. Some providers offer ALIAS or ANAME records (also sometimes called CNAME Flattening) to achieve a similar effect.
  2. Create an ALIAS/ANAME Record (If Supported)
    • Host/Name: Use the root domain (e.g., mydomain.com).
    • Value/Points to: urltiger.com.
    • TTL: Default is fine.
  3. Fallback: A Record
    If your provider doesn’t support ALIAS/ANAME, you may need to create an A record pointing directly to an IP address. However, this setup can be non-ideal because ip changes at urltiger’s end would require updates to your DNS.
    • Host/Name: @ or mydomain.com.
    • Value/Points to: The IP address provided by urltiger (if available).
    • TTL: Default is fine.
  4. Save and Allow DNS Propagation
    Changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.

Note: If your provider does not support ALIAS or ANAME records, using the apex domain for urltiger can be complex. Consider opting for a subdomain (e.g., links.mydomain.com) to avoid these restrictions.

3. Common Hosting Providers and Configuration Tips

Every registrar or DNS provider has a slightly different interface. Below are general guidelines for some popular services. If you don’t see your provider listed, check their documentation for terms like CNAME Flattening, ALIAS, or ANAME records, which are often required for apex (root) domain setups.

1. GoDaddy

  • Subdomain Setup: Typically very straightforward—just add a CNAME pointing links (for example) to urltiger.com.
  • Apex Domain:
    • GoDaddy often doesn’t natively support ALIAS/ANAME for apex domains.
    • Instead, you may need to use the A Record + Forwarding method:
      1. Create an A record pointing @ to a placeholder IP (which can be your hosting server or a known stable IP).
      2. In the Forwarding section of GoDaddy, redirect the root domain (mydomain.com) to the short link subdomain or directly to urltiger.com.
    • This approach can be tricky—if possible, using a subdomain is recommended.

2. Namecheap

  • Offers ALIAS/ANAME: In the Advanced DNS settings, you can create ALIAS records at the apex domain.
  • Steps for ALIAS at the Apex:
    1. Go to Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS.
    2. Click Add New Record → ALIAS Record (or ANAME).
    3. In Host, type @.
    4. In Value, enter urltiger.com.
    5. Save changes.
  • Subdomain:
    • Create a CNAME record instead of ALIAS:
    1. Type: CNAME
    2. Host: links (for links.mydomain.com)
    3. Value: urltiger.com

3. Google Domains

  • Supports Synthetic Records: For subdomains, simply add a CNAME.
  • Apex Domain: Google Domains does not directly support a CNAME on the root. However, you can set up URL forwarding or use an ALIAS-like record if available.
  • Steps for Subdomain:
    1. In DNS → Custom Records, choose CNAME.
    2. Host name: links
    3. Data: urltiger.com
    4. Save and wait for propagation.

4. HostGator

  • Subdomain Setup:
    1. Go to cPanel → Zone Editor (or DNS Manager).
    2. Choose Add CNAME.
    3. Name: links (for links.mydomain.com).
    4. CNAME: urltiger.com.
  • Main Domain:
    • You may need an ALIAS/ANAME if HostGator supports it. Otherwise, you can set up an A record pointing to an IP address if provided by urltiger or consider forwarding.

5. Bluehost

  • Subdomain Setup:
    1. In Domains → Zone Editor, pick your domain.
    2. Create a CNAME for links pointing to urltiger.com.
  • Apex Domain:
    • Similar to other providers, may require advanced settings or an A record.
    • Check if Bluehost allows ALIAS/ANAME. If not, a subdomain is simpler.

6. DreamHost

  • Subdomain Setup:
    1. Go to Manage Domains → DNS.
    2. Add a CNAME record: links → urltiger.com.
  • Apex Domain:
    • DreamHost offers an ALIAS-like feature in some cases. Check the DreamHost panel for “CNAME Flattening” or “ANAME” settings.

7. Other Registrars

  • Key Terms to Look For: CNAME Flattening, ANAME, ALIAS.
  • Fallback: If the provider lacks ALIAS/ANAME support, you can try an A record (if urltiger offers a stable IP). Otherwise, consider using a subdomain to avoid issues.

Which Option Is Best?

  • Subdomain: By far the easiest and most universally supported method.
  • Apex Domain: Requires ALIAS/ANAME (or an equivalent). Not all registrars support this feature, making it more complex.

Tip: Always allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation, although many changes take effect within a few hours. If you run into issues, double-check that no conflicting DNS records exist for the same host, and ensure spelling (e.g., urltiger.com) is correct.

4. Verifying and Troubleshooting

  1. Propagation Time
    Wait up to 48 hours for DNS to propagate, though many changes apply in just a few hours.
  2. urltiger Dashboard Status
    Return to Branded Domains in your urltiger dashboard. If the domain is correctly set up, you’ll see a status indicating it’s connected and ready to use.
  3. Issues or Errors
    • Incorrect DNS Record: Double-check spelling (urltiger.com spelled correctly, no extra dots).
    • Conflicting Records: Remove old A or CNAME records for the same host before adding new ones.
    • No ALIAS/ANAME Support: If you can’t set these records at the apex, consider using a subdomain.

5. Usage Limitations and Redirects

  • Dedicated Domain Use:
    A domain or subdomain assigned to urltiger should not be used to host another website.
    • For subdomains: No conflict if your main website runs at mydomain.com and your short links run at links.mydomain.com.
    • For apex domains: If you assign mydomain.com to urltiger, that domain is exclusively used for urltiger’s services.
  • Base Domain Redirect:
    In your urltiger Branded Domains settings, you can redirect your base domain (e.g., mydomain.com) to your own homepage or any other URL you choose. This ensures visitors who type just your root domain still land on a functional website.

6. FAQ

  1. Why do you recommend subdomains for custom URL shorteners?
    • Subdomains simplify DNS, as a basic CNAME record generally works with minimal fuss.
  2. Can I use my apex (root) domain without ALIAS/ANAME support?
    • It’s possible with an A record (pointing to an IP address), but changes at urltiger’s end might require DNS updates. Confirm if urltiger provides a stable IP or supports a fallback.
  3. How long until my domain is active?
    • It may take up to 48 hours for DNS propagation, but typically it’s much faster.
  4. What plan do I need for custom domains?
    • A Professional plan (or higher) is required. Lower-tier plans may not include this feature.
  5. Can I still use my main website if I use the apex domain for urltiger?
    • Technically, no. If you dedicate your entire root domain to urltiger, the domain is reserved for short links, QR codes, or bio pages. However, you can specify a default redirect for the root in the urltiger dashboard.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a subdomain (e.g., links.mydomain.com) or your main domain (mydomain.com), urltiger allows you to maintain brand consistency by using your own URL for short links, QR codes, and bio pages. For most users, subdomains are the simplest and most flexible option. If you prefer using the apex domain, make sure your registrar supports ALIAS, ANAME, or CNAME Flattening for a smooth setup. If you have any further questions, reach out to our support team—we’re happy to help!

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