Custom domain name (CNAME)

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How do I set up a custom domain name (CNAME) in ActiveCampaign?

Introduction

A custom domain name allows you to mask your myaccount.activehosted.com URL with your own domain name. This feature not only changes the URL you use to log into your ActiveCampaign account but also ensures that any links generated from your account reflect your domain alias. Utilizing a custom domain name is crucial for enhancing brand recognition and building trust with your audience. This article will guide you through the process of setting up a CNAME for your ActiveCampaign account.

How to Access this Feature

To access the settings for your custom domain name, you need to log into your ActiveCampaign account. Once logged in, navigate to the Settings option located at the bottom left of your screen, and then click on Domains from the left-side menu. From there, you can set up and manage your custom domains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Setting up a custom domain name involves a couple of primary steps: configuring a CNAME record with your domain registrar and adding that CNAME to your ActiveCampaign account. Below are the detailed instructions:

Step 1: Set up a CNAME

To begin the setup, you need to establish a DNS record for a CNAME using your domain registrar or hosting provider. Here, we will provide instructions specifically for Godaddy, but keep in mind that different providers may have different instructions.

1. Log into your GoDaddy account. 2. Click on Domains. 3. Click the Manage DNS link. 4. Click Add and select CNAME from the dropdown list. 5. Complete the required fields as follows:

   * **Name**: Enter the sub-domain of the site. For example, if your website is yourdomain.com, enter 'newsletter' to have the URL as newsletter.yourdomain.com.
   * **Value**: Enter your ActiveCampaign account URL, such as acdemo.activehosted.com.
   * **TTL**: Set the Time to Live. A standard value is 43200 (for seconds), or you could choose 12 (for hours).

6. Click Save Zone File to save your changes.

Step 2: Add the CNAME to Your ActiveCampaign Account

After setting up the CNAME with your domain registrar, you need to link it to your ActiveCampaign account.

1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Click on Settings at the bottom left of your screen. 3. From the left-side menu, select Domains. 4. Type in the Domain Alias you created with your domain registrar or hosting provider. 5. Click Save Settings.

With these steps completed, you can now log into your ActiveCampaign account using your Domain Alias URL.

Configuration Options and Settings

When configuring a custom domain name, keep the following in mind:

• **CNAME Record**: This is a type of DNS record that maps an alias name to a single canonical domain name.
• **Domain Alias**: This is the user-defined domain name that will serve as your custom domain for logging into your ActiveCampaign account.
• **TTL (Time to Live)**: This value determines how long the record will be cached by DNS servers and can be adjusted as needed.

Best Practices and Tips

1. **Monitoring Propagation**: Remember that it can take up to 48 hours for your CNAME to propagate across the internet. Be patient after making changes. 2. **Single Destination**: Note that a CNAME cannot be used for multiple accounts. It must point to a single destination, as per the design of DNS protocols. 3. **Utilize Wildcard Domains**: If your account will share the same domain (e.g., activecampaign.com), you can set up a wildcard domain.

Common Use Cases with Examples

1. **Branding Enhancement**: A company wishing to strengthen its brand can use a custom domain (like newsletter.company.com) that aligns with their brand identity rather than using a generic link provided by ActiveCampaign. 2. **Improved Trustworthiness**: Users may feel more comfortable clicking links directed from a domain alias that they recognize and trust, thereby increasing engagement rates. 3. **Email Campaigns**: When sending email campaigns, links generated will appear under your domain, which can reassure recipients and reduce spam filters' sensitivity.

Troubleshooting Section

If you encounter issues while setting up your custom domain name, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

- Ensure you have correctly configured the CNAME record with your domain registrar. - Double-check that the time allowed for DNS propagation has passed (which can take up to 48 hours). - Confirm that you have entered the correct Domain Alias in the ActiveCampaign settings.

Related Features

For further information on related topics, you might find the following features useful:

• Domains - Learn more about domain management.
• Automations - Understand how to integrate automation in your campaigns.

FAQ

1. How long does it take for my custom domain to become active?

It can take up to 48 hours for your CNAME to propagate and become active.

2. Can I use the same CNAME for multiple ActiveCampaign accounts?

No, a CNAME can only point to a single destination and cannot be used for multiple accounts simultaneously.

3. What do I do if my custom domain is not working?

First, confirm your DNS settings with your domain registrar and ensure the correct Domain Alias is entered in your ActiveCampaign settings.

4. What is a wildcard domain?

A wildcard domain allows your CNAME to handle multiple subdomains under a single domain, useful for accounts that share the same domain.

5. Can I revert to the default ActiveCampaign URL after setting up a custom domain?

Yes, you can remove the custom domain from your settings anytime to revert to your default ActiveCampaign URL.

6. Is there any cost associated with setting up a custom domain name?

Setting up a CNAME might involve costs from your domain registrar, but ActiveCampaign does not charge for this feature.

7. Can I change my custom domain name later?

Yes, you can change the custom domain name by updating the CNAME settings with your domain registrar and adjusting it in your ActiveCampaign account.

This comprehensive guide ensures you're well-equipped to set up and manage your custom domain name (CNAME) within ActiveCampaign effectively. ```