Custom Domain Setup
DATA Reshape uses a subdomain on your own domain (e.g. dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD) to collect tracking data as first-party. This avoids ad blockers and third-party cookie restrictions, improving data accuracy.
Prerequisites
You will need:
- Domain control — administrative access to your domain's DNS settings
- Subdomain choice — we recommend
dre2but any available subdomain works - Contact with DATA Reshape — to confirm the subdomain and activate it
Avoid obvious tracking-related names like ads, track, pixel, or analytics — these are commonly blocked.
Platform-Specific Guides
For Cloudflare or cPanel, use the dedicated guides instead:
| DNS Provider | Guide |
|---|---|
| Cloudflare | Cloudflare Setup |
| cPanel hosting (HostGator, Bluehost, SiteGround) | cPanel Setup |
The steps below cover most other DNS providers: GoDaddy, Namecheap, and similar.
Configuration Steps
1. Access DNS Management
Log into your domain registrar or hosting provider and navigate to DNS settings. Common labels: "Manage DNS", "DNS Zone Editor", "Advanced DNS", "Domain Settings".
2. Create Both CNAME Records
Fill in your domain and the two records are written out below, ready to copy.
Enter your domain and everything below is written with it.
| Type | Name | Target | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | dre2 | app.datareshape.net | Auto |
| CNAME | _acme-challenge.dre2 | dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com | Auto |
The first record routes the tracking requests. The second one lets the SSL certificate issue and renew on its own. Some providers want the full name instead of the short one — dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD rather than dre2; try the short form first.
3. Verify
DNS check:
nslookup dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD
# Should resolve to: app.datareshape.net
SSL check: visit https://dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD — you should see a valid SSL certificate once provisioned (allow 24-48h).
Provider Notes
GoDaddy — DNS → Manage Zones → Add Record. Use short format: dre2.
Namecheap — Advanced DNS → Add New Record. Use short format: dre2.
Other providers — try short format first (dre2), then full format (dre2.YOUR_DOMAIN.TLD) if it doesn't work.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cannot find DNS settings | Check if DNS is managed externally (Cloudflare, etc.). Look for "Zone Editor" or "Domain Settings" |
| CNAME conflict | Remove any existing A, AAAA, or TXT records for the same subdomain first |
| Error about format | Try short format vs full format — some providers auto-complete the domain |
| Not resolving after 24h+ | Verify values are exactly correct. Use a DNS checker tool |
Next Steps
- Contact the DATA Reshape team at [email protected] to confirm setup completion
- Once confirmed, implement the tracking code — see Global Code Setup