FreeurlBranded short links
Custom domain URL shortener
Share links that carry your own name, like go.yourbrand.com/sale, instead of a generic short domain. Free, with step-by-step DNS help and automatic HTTPS.
Why a branded domain is worth the ten minutes
A short link on a generic domain says nothing about who sent it. People are right to be careful with those, because they are also where phishing hides. A link on your own domain looks like it comes from you, because it does. In practice that means more people click it, and fewer messages from customers asking if a link is safe.
It also keeps your links in your hands. If you ever move to a different service, the links you printed keep your name on them, and you can point the domain somewhere else.
How it works
- Pick a domain or subdomain. Most people use a subdomain such as
go.yourbrand.comorlink.yourbrand.com, because it leaves the main website alone. A short second domain you own, likeyourbrand.link, works well too. - Add it in your dashboard. Open Domains, press Add domain and type it in. We show the exact DNS records for your case.
- Create the records at your registrar. This is the only technical step. You copy two values into the DNS settings at the company where you bought the domain (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Google Domains and similar).
- We check and switch it on. Press Check DNS. When the records are found, the domain turns green and gets an HTTPS certificate.
- Use it. When you create a link, pick your domain from the list. You can make it your default so new links use it automatically.
The DNS records, explained
A subdomain like go.yourbrand.com uses a CNAME record. It tells the internet "this name is an alias for ours".
| Type | Host | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | go | cname.freeurl.net |
| TXT | _freeurl-verify.go | (a code we generate for you) |
A root domain like yourbrand.com cannot use a CNAME (the DNS rules do not allow it), so it uses an A record with our server address instead. The dashboard shows the right records for whichever you add, so you do not need to work this out yourself.
yourbrand.com, do not point it to us. Use a subdomain instead, or visitors will stop seeing your website.Common problems
- "Waiting for DNS" for a long time. DNS can take from minutes to a few hours. Check that the host was copied exactly. Some registrars want only
go, others want the fullgo.yourbrand.com. - An old record is in the way. A host can only have one CNAME, and it cannot share a name with other records. Delete the old one first.
- Proxy turned on. If your DNS is on Cloudflare, set the record to "DNS only" (grey cloud) until the domain is verified.
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect my own domain?
Add the domain in your dashboard, then create the DNS records we show you at your domain registrar: a CNAME or A record to point traffic to us and a TXT record to prove you own the domain. We check the records and switch the domain on when they are found.
Can I use a root domain like yourbrand.com?
Yes. Root domains use an A record because DNS does not allow a CNAME on the root. Subdomains like go.yourbrand.com use a CNAME record.
Do custom domains get HTTPS?
Yes. Once your DNS records are verified, a free certificate is set up for your domain so links open securely.
How long does DNS take?
Usually a few minutes, sometimes up to a few hours. You can leave the page and come back; we keep checking.
How many domains can I add?
A free account can connect up to 3 domains.
Ready for links with your name on them?
Create a free account, then add your domain from the dashboard.
Create a free account