Custom Domain Name (CNAME)

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How to set up a custom domain name (CNAME) for Agency Partners

Introduction

The Custom Domain Name (CNAME) feature in ActiveCampaign is an essential tool for Agency Partners looking to rebrand the URL for their resold client accounts. This functionality allows you to create a custom subdomain that replaces the default ActiveCampaign domain, enhancing the branding experience for your clients. Instead of using the standard URL format of youraccount.activehosted.com, you can customize it to something like client1.yourowndomain.com. This not only provides a unified branding experience but also instills confidence and professionalism in your client communications.

Understanding how to properly set up a CNAME is crucial, particularly for compliance with standards such as RFC 1123, RFC 952, and RFC 2181. Using a CNAME affects all links generated from your account, reflecting your custom domain throughout your marketing efforts.

How to Access the Feature

To utilize the CNAME feature, you must first be logged into your ActiveCampaign account as an Agency Partner. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to make changes to your client's account and that you are subscribed to one of the eligible plans: Plus, Pro, or Enterprise. Please note, it is not possible to set up a CNAME for sandbox accounts.

Step-by-step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to set up a custom domain name using a CNAME.

Step 1: Set Up a CNAME

First, you need to create a CNAME record through your domain registrar or hosting provider. The following instructions are specifically for those utilizing a GoDaddy account:

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

  * Name: Enter the subdomain you want to use. For example, if your overall domain is yourdomain.com, you may enter "newsletter" for the URL newsletter.yourdomain.com.
  * Value: Input your ActiveCampaign account URL. For example, acdemo.activehosted.com.
  * TTL: Set Time to Live to either 43200 (in seconds) or 12 (in hours).

1. Click Save.

Step 2: Add the CNAME to Your ActiveCampaign Account

Now, you need to input the CNAME in your ActiveCampaign Agency Dashboard:

1. Log into your Agency Dashboard.
2. Locate the account, then click the down caret on the right side and select the Change link.
3. Enter the domain alias you created in Step 1 in the Custom Domain/CNAME field.
4. Finally, click the Update button.

It is important to note that it may take up to 48 hours for your changes to propagate. If you find the CNAME is not working immediately, it may simply require more time for the new settings to take effect.

About Wildcard Domains

For accounts sharing the same domain, you can set up a wildcard domain. This allows you to create a single CNAME for all accounts. To set up a wildcard domain, you can use the following steps, also illustrated for GoDaddy:

1. Log into your GoDaddy account.
2. Click on Domains.
3. Select Manage DNS.
4. Click Add and choose CNAME from the dropdown list.
5. Fill in the fields displayed:

 * Host: Set the host name to the wildcard ("*").
 * Points to: Input the URL you are directing the wildcard to, which should be managed-cname-fallback.activehosted.com.
 * TTL: Again set this to 43200 (in seconds) or 12 (in hours).

1. Click Save.

If you need to fix an existing CNAME, the same steps apply. Editing the record will allow you to adjust the settings as necessary.

Configuration Options and Settings

When configuring your CNAME, pay close attention to the following important configuration options:

• Name: Represents the subdomain you wish to use.
• Value: This should always link back to your ActiveCampaign account.
• TTL (Time to Live): The time frame for how long the DNS information is cached; this can affect how quickly changes propagate.

You must ensure that CNAME values meet the necessary acceptance criteria to adhere to the aforementioned standards, including providing a complete domain and top-level domain.

Best Practices and Tips

Here are some best practices for setting up a CNAME:

• Always check your input: Mistakes in the subdomain name or the targeting URL can lead to broken links.
• Allow time for DNS propagation: Be patient, as changes can take up to 48 hours.
• Utilize a professional domain: Ensure your domain reflects your brand positively, as this will be the link your clients will associate with your agency.
• Test functionality: After setting everything up, perform checks to ensure links are directing correctly to your new domains.

Common Use Cases with Examples

There are several scenarios where using a custom domain name via a CNAME is beneficial:

• **Agency Rebranding**: An agency can choose to provide their clients with a URL that reflects their brand, such as newsletter.theirbrand.com for email newsletter campaigns.
• **Client Confidence**: When clients see a familiar domain they recognize immediately, it builds trust and encourages interactions with marketing materials.
• **Streamlined Campaigns**: For running multiple campaigns, using a consistent custom domain enhances brand coherence across different marketing initiatives.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CNAME setup, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• **Check DNS Propagation**: If the CNAME doesn’t seem to work, verify whether DNS changes have propagated. You can use various DNS checker tools online.
• **Confirm Record Configuration**: Revisit your CNAME settings and ensure that the URLs and subdomains entered are correct and complete.
• **Contact Support**: If problems persist, reaching out to ActiveCampaign support may provide specific guidance related to your account setup.

FAQ

• Q: Can I create CNAMEs for sandbox accounts?

 A: No, CNAMEs cannot be set up for sandbox accounts.

• Q: How long does it take for CNAME changes to reflect?

 A: Changes may take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.

• Q: What should I do if the CNAME is not working?

 A: Check DNS settings and allow additional time for propagation; consider contacting support if issues persist.

• Q: Is a CNAME only for Agency Partners?

 A: Yes, the CNAME feature is specific to Agency Partners using eligible plans.

• Q: Can I use the same CNAME for multiple clients?

 A: Yes, however, it is recommended to create distinct subdomains for each client to enhance branding.

• Q: What happens if I enter an invalid CNAME?

 A: If the CNAME validation fails, an inline error message will be displayed, indicating the specific issue.

• Q: How do I check if my CNAME is functioning correctly?

 A: Test the URL in a browser to see if it directs to the expected destination. You may also use DNS lookup tools.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize the Custom Domain Name (CNAME) feature to enhance your branding capabilities as an Agency Partner with ActiveCampaign. ```