How to Connect a Custom Domain to a URL Shortener (Cloudflare, GoDaddy & Namecheap CNAME Guide)

Connecting your own subdomain (such as `link.yourcompany.com` or `go.yourbrand.com`) is the single most effective way to protect your brand identity and ensure that marketing links look professional and trustworthy. In this guide, we provide step-by-step DNS instructions for the world's most popular domain registrars. --- ### Step 1: Choose Your Subdomain We strongly recommend using a dedicated subdomain rather than your root apex domain. Examples include: * `link.yourbrand.com` * `go.yourbrand.com` * `to.yourbrand.com` This ensures that your primary website remains untouched and operates independently on its own hosting provider. --- ### Step 2: Configure Your DNS CNAME Record Log in to your DNS provider and create a single record: * **Record Type**: CNAME * **Name / Host**: `link` (or your chosen prefix) * **Value / Target**: `cname.ul0.site` * **TTL**: Automatic or 300 seconds #### Special Instructions for Cloudflare If your domain is managed by Cloudflare, ensure that the **Proxy Status** is toggled to **DNS Only (Grey Cloud)** during setup. Cloudflare's orange cloud proxy intercepts edge SSL handshakes and will prevent automated SSL certificate issuance. --- ### Step 3: Verify and Issue SSL Once your CNAME record is saved, navigate to the Domains section of your UL0 dashboard and click **Verify**. Our edge routers check DNS propagation and provision a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate within seconds.