What it is
Use a domain you own as the short-URL host.go.acme.com/q2-launch instead of the system default. SSL is auto-issued once the CNAME verifies.
When to use it
- Customer-facing channels: email, social, podcasts, packaging.
- Anywhere the URL is read by a human and brand trust matters.
- Multi-brand agencies running per-client domains.
How to set one up
Pick a subdomain
Recommended: a fresh subdomain like
go.acme.com, link.acme.com, acme.link. Don’t use a domain or subdomain already serving production traffic.Add the domain in linkutm
Sidebar → Domains → Add Domain. Enter
go.acme.com. The system creates the record in pending status and shows you the CNAME target.Configure DNS
In your DNS provider (Cloudflare, Route 53, etc.):
The exact CNAME target is shown in the Domains page after you add the domain.
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
CNAME | go | cname.linkutm.com | 300-3600 |
Verify
Click Verify on the domain row. The system runs a CNAME lookup against your DNS. Status flips to
active once the CNAME points correctly. SSL is issued automatically within ~1 minute.Set as default (optional)
Mark the domain as Default so new links use it without picking. Only one default per workspace.


Real-world example
Acme has two brands, two domains:go.acme.com; Pro team on pro.acme.link. Per-workspace branding stays clean.
Common mistakes
Cloudflare proxy enabled
Cloudflare proxy enabled
Orange-cloud (proxied) breaks the CNAME lookup and SSL handshake. Set to gray-cloud (DNS only).
Apex domain (no subdomain)
Apex domain (no subdomain)
acme.com directly is rarely a good idea - most DNS providers won’t allow CNAME at apex, and it conflicts with your main site. Use a subdomain.Verifying before DNS propagates
Verifying before DNS propagates
DNS changes can take minutes to hours. If verification fails, re-check with
dig CNAME go.acme.com and retry.Deleting a domain that has links
Deleting a domain that has links
Returns
400 Bad Request if any link uses it. Reassign or delete the links first.Edge cases
Domain limit. Each workspace has a maximum number of custom domains. If you reach it, remove an unused one before adding another.
Renaming a domain. Editing the
domain field resets verification. Re-verify after the rename.**System default cannot be deleted. It exists for new workspaces to function out of the box.