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Custom Domains [Add-On]

Replace geni.us/ with your own branded domain!

Written by Matt Mustarde

Do you have a custom domain that you would like to use instead of our "geni.us/" domain? No problem! You can now better brand your links by using your own domain to ensure that your branding and message aren't lost in translation.

There are a few steps to get your custom domain set up, so please contact us to get the process started. Once you're in touch with us, and we're ready to move forward, we will ask you to follow the instructions below to modify your domain’s DNS settings.

Note: Custom domains are currently only available as an Add-On for $50 a month. Please let us know if you have any questions about this, and we'll be happy to help!

Before we get started: If you are using the domain requested for anything other than building shortlinks e.g. email, website, blog, updating these nameservers will break those other uses. If the domain is already in use, please refer to the Setup - Point a subdomain section for the next steps.


Configuring your custom domain

There are two options for configuring your custom domain:

  1. Point a subdomain to us

  2. Point a root domain to us

Depending on which route you choose, here are the steps you'll need to take to set things up!

Setup - Point a sub-domain to us (e.g., https://go.mydomain.com/VanityCode)

This is best if you DO want to run other services under this same domain (e.g., blog, website, email, etc), and/or are OK with a subdomain.
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To configure:

  1. Log in to your DNS management account (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Squarespace, etc.).
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  2. Find where you add DNS records
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  3. Add this record:

    1. Type: CName

    2. Name/Value: DNS provider

    3. Value/point to: client-domain.geni.us
      ​

Setup - Point a primary domain to us (e.g. https://mydomain.com/VanityCode)

The root domain must be dedicated solely for geni.us links (e.g., NO blog, mail, website, etc., can be used on the domain)

To configure:

  1. Check if you can create something called: ALIAS, ANAME, or APEX ALIAS (Your DNS provider will have one of these options.)
    ​

  2. If no, proceed to step 3. If yes, set up the following:

    1. Type: ALIAS/ANAME

    2. Name/Host:

    3. Value/Points to: client-domain.geni.us
      ​

  3. If you DO NOT see ALIAS / ANAME / APEX ALIAS, set up the following:

    1. Type:
      A
      A
      A
      A

    2. Name/Host:

    3. Value

      151.101.3.52

      151.101.67.52

      151.101.131.52
      151.101.195.52
      ​

Next steps:
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Reply to the thread you already have going with the Geniuslink Client Success team about your custom subdomain. We'll ensure that the domain is now pointing to our services and run some tests.
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Once our tests are complete, you'll be able to log in to your account and use your own domain for any shortened link you create (see screenshot at the top).
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That's it! You're now taking full advantage of our global infrastructure, which guarantees your links send each user to your chosen destinations as quickly as possible. Nice work!
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​Note: Depending on your domain's existing DNS settings, these changes may take up to a few days to fully propagate across the internet.
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Switching over from another URL shortener, like bit.ly?

Make sure you contact us before doing any of the above! We'll need to coordinate with you to ensure there's no downtime during the switch, so please reach out to us before changing settings. You'll also want to export all your links, then pass them to us so we can add them to your account and continue serving them for you.

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