Custom Domain Setup
DATA Reshape uses a subdomain on your own domain (e.g. dre2.yourdomain.com) 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 receive the SSL validation target and confirm activation
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
Add both records in your DNS management panel:
| Type | Name | Target | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | dre2 | app.datareshape.net | Auto / 3600 |
| CNAME | _acme-challenge.dre2 | dre2.yourdomain.com.5c7e7c9aba529dca.dcv.cloudflare.com | Auto / 3600 |
The first record routes tracking requests. The second is for automatic SSL certificate provisioning.
Replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain everywhere in the table above — both in the Name and Target fields.
Some providers require the full domain format (e.g. dre2.yourdomain.com instead of dre2). Try short format first.
3. Verify
DNS check:
nslookup dre2.yourdomain.com
# Should resolve to: app.datareshape.net
SSL check: visit https://dre2.yourdomain.com — 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.yourdomain.com) 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