Touchpoints
Custom Domains
Set up custom domains for professional branded short links that build trust and reinforce your brand identity.
Custom Domains
Custom domains allow you to use your own branded domain for short links instead of the defaultli2.ai domain. This creates professional, trustworthy links that reinforce your brand identity and improve click-through rates.
Why Use Custom Domains?
Professional Branding
Links like
yourbrand.com/summer-sale look more professional than generic short links.Increased Trust
Users are more likely to click links from domains they recognize and trust.
Brand Consistency
Maintain your brand across all marketing materials and touchpoints.
Better Analytics
Custom domains can improve tracking and attribution in your analytics tools.
li2.ai/abc123, you could have yourbrand.com/product-launch or links.yourcompany.com/newsletter.
Setting Up Custom Domains
Step 1: Add Your Domain
1
Navigate to domain settings
- Go to Settings in the main menu
- Click Organization Settings in the left sidebar
- Select Customize Domain
-
Click ”+ Add Domain”
2
Enter your domain
In the “Add domain” dialog:
- Enter your custom domain (e.g.,
links.yourcompany.com) - Click “Next” to proceed to verification
Domain Tips: Use a subdomain like
links.yourcompany.com or go.yourcompany.com rather than your main domain. This keeps your main website separate from your short links.Step 2: Verify Domain Ownership
1
Access DNS settings
You’ll need to access your domain’s DNS settings through your domain registrar or hosting provider (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.).
2
Add CNAME record
CNAME Record Setup:
- Name:
@(or leave blank for root domain) - Target:
li2.ai - TTL: Default (usually 3600 or “Automatic”)
If you’re using a subdomain like
links.yourcompany.com, the Name field should be links instead of @.3
Add TXT record for verification
TXT Record Setup:
- Name:
_Li2.ai-shortlink-verification - Content: The verification code shown in Li2.ai (looks like
b3c0fb26-a4a8-4db5-bfac-97cf5ee6e1cc) - TTL: Default
4
Wait for DNS propagation
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide. Most changes happen within a few hours, but be patient if verification doesn’t work immediately.
5
Verify in Li2.ai
- After setting up both DNS records, return to Li2.ai
- Click “Verify” in the domain verification dialog
- If successful, your domain will show as “Verified” in your domain list
- If verification fails, double-check your DNS records and try again
Monitor Verification Status: You can check your domain’s verification status anytime in Settings → Organization Settings → Customize Domain. Domains will show status as “Verifying”, “Verified”, or “Failed”.
Managing Domain Verification
1
Check verification status
Navigate to Settings → Organization Settings → Customize Domain to see all your domains with their current verification status:
- Verifying: Domain verification is in progress
- Verified: Domain is ready to use in touchpoints
- Failed: Verification failed, DNS records need attention
2
Re-verify domains when needed
If a domain verification fails or you need to verify again:
- Find your domain in the custom domains list
- Click the three dots (⋯) menu next to the domain
- Select “Verify” from the action menu
- The system will re-check your DNS records
When to re-verify: After updating DNS records, if verification initially failed, or if a previously verified domain stops working.
3
Delete unused domains
You can also remove domains you no longer need:
- Click the three dots (⋯) menu next to the domain
- Select “Delete” from the action menu
- Confirm deletion
Before deleting: Make sure no active touchpoints are using this domain, as this will break those links.
Using Custom Domains
Selecting Domains for Touchpoints
1
Domain selection during creation
When creating a new touchpoint:
- In the Short Link section, you’ll see a Domain dropdown
- The default selection is
li2.ai - Click the dropdown to see your verified custom domains
- Select your preferred domain for this touchpoint
- Complete the rest of your touchpoint setup normally
2
Search for domains
If you have multiple custom domains:
- Use the search box in the domain dropdown
- Type part of your domain name to filter options
- Select the appropriate domain for your campaign
Important Domain Limitations
Cannot Change Domains After Creation: Once you create a touchpoint with a specific domain, you cannot change it to a different domain. You can only edit the back-half of the link (e.g., changing
summer-sale to summer-launch).If you need a different domain, you must create a new touchpoint.- Choose your domain carefully before creating touchpoints
- Consider which domain best fits each campaign’s purpose
- Plan domain usage strategy across different marketing channels
Domain Management Best Practices
Choosing Domain Names
Subdomain strategies
Subdomain strategies
Popular subdomain approaches:
links.yourcompany.com- Generic and professionalgo.yourcompany.com- Short and action-orientedshare.yourcompany.com- Social media focusedtrack.yourcompany.com- Analytics and tracking focused
- Keeps short links separate from your main website
- Easier DNS management and troubleshooting
- Professional appearance while maintaining brand
Domain organization
Domain organization
Multiple domain strategy:
- Campaign-specific:
events.company.com,products.company.com - Channel-specific:
social.company.com,email.company.com - Team-specific:
sales.company.com,marketing.company.com
- Simpler to manage and maintain
- Consistent branding across all campaigns
- Easier for team members to remember and use
DNS Management Tips
1
Keep records documented
- Save DNS record details in a secure location
- Document which team member has access to DNS settings
- Note the domain registrar and hosting provider information
- Keep verification codes for future reference
2
Monitor domain health
- Periodically check that your custom domain links are working
- Set up monitoring for critical campaign domains
- Have a backup plan if DNS issues arise
- Keep contact information current with your domain registrar
Troubleshooting Custom Domains
Common DNS Issues
Verification fails
Verification fails
Check these common issues:CNAME Record Problems:
- Ensure the target is exactly
li2.ai(no trailing dots or extra characters) - For subdomains, use the subdomain name (e.g.,
links) not@ - Some DNS providers require different formats - check their documentation
- Verify the name is exactly
_Li2.ai-shortlink-verification - Copy the verification code exactly as shown (no extra spaces)
- Some providers require quotes around the TXT record value
- Wait longer - DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
- Try verification again after a few hours
- Use DNS checker tools to verify your records are visible globally
Domain not appearing in dropdown
Domain not appearing in dropdown
Possible causes:
- Domain verification hasn’t completed yet
- DNS records weren’t set up correctly
- Browser cache needs to be refreshed
- Verify domain status in Settings → Organization Settings → Customize Domain
- Check that domain shows as “Verified” in your domain list
- Refresh your browser and try creating a touchpoint again
- Contact support if domain is verified but not appearing
Links not working after setup
Links not working after setup
Troubleshooting steps:
- Test the link in an incognito/private browser window
- Check if the issue is global or regional (DNS propagation)
- Verify the CNAME record is pointing to
li2.ai - Ensure no other DNS records are conflicting
- Contact your DNS provider if issues persist
Getting Help with DNS
Contact Your DNS Provider
Your domain registrar or hosting provider can help with DNS record setup if you’re having trouble.
Use DNS Tools
Online DNS checker tools can help verify your records are set up correctly and propagated.
Li2.ai Support
Contact us if verification isn’t working after your DNS records are properly configured.
Documentation
Check your DNS provider’s documentation for their specific record setup format.
Domain Security and Maintenance
Security Considerations
Domain security
Domain security
Protect your custom domains:
- Use strong passwords for domain registrar accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
- Keep domain registration and DNS contact information current
- Monitor domain expiration dates and renew on time
- Only give DNS access to trusted team members
- Use DNS providers with good security practices
- Monitor DNS records for unauthorized changes
- Keep records of all legitimate DNS modifications
Backup planning
Backup planning
Prepare for issues:
- Have alternative domains ready if needed
- Keep backups of DNS record configurations
- Document the process for your team
- Plan communication strategy if domains experience issues
- Consider what happens if a domain expires
- Plan for DNS provider changes if needed
- Keep important domain information accessible to your team
- Have contact information for technical support resources
Related Topics
Creating Touchpoints
Learn how to create touchpoints with custom domains from the start.
Managing Touchpoints
Organize and optimize touchpoints across multiple custom domains.
Link Versioning
Understand how link changes work with custom domains.
Analytics Tracking
Track performance across different custom domains and campaigns.
Ready to set up your custom domain? Go to domain settings → or contact support for help →