Custom Domain Setup Overview
Setting up a dedicated subdomain for your server-side tracking infrastructure ensures reliable event collection, improved performance, enhanced privacy compliance, and greater data accuracy across your analytics and marketing platforms.
Why Use a Custom Domain?
Improved Data Accuracy - Bypasses ad blockers and tracking prevention mechanisms for more complete data collection.
Enhanced Performance - Dedicated subdomains provide faster response times and reduced latency for tracking requests.
Better Privacy Compliance - First-party domains help maintain compliance with privacy regulations while providing better control over data collection.
Professional Setup - Custom domains provide a more professional appearance and better brand consistency.
Setup Process
The custom domain setup involves two main components:
1. DNS Configuration
Create a CNAME record that points your chosen subdomain to DATA Reshape's infrastructure:
Type: CNAME
Name: dre2.yourdomain.com
Target: app.datareshape.net
2. SSL Certificate Setup
DATA Reshape automatically provisions and manages SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
Choosing Your Subdomain
Recommended Options:
dre2.yourdomain.com
(recommended)xyz.yourdomain.com
data.yourdomain.com
Avoid obvious tracking-related names like ads
, track
, pixel
, or analytics
as these may be blocked by ad blockers.
Platform-Specific Guides
Choose the setup guide that matches your DNS provider:
General DNS Setup
For most DNS providers and hosting companies.
→ General DNS Configuration Guide
Perfect for GoDaddy, Namecheap, and most hosting providers.
Cloudflare Setup
Specialized configuration for Cloudflare users.
→ Cloudflare Configuration Guide
Includes critical proxy settings and orange/gray cloud configuration.
cPanel Setup
Step-by-step guide for cPanel hosting environments.
For shared hosting with cPanel like HostGator, Bluehost, and SiteGround.
What You Need
Before starting, ensure you have:
- Domain Control - Administrative access to your domain's DNS settings
- Subdomain Choice - We recommend
dre2
but any available subdomain works - Contact with DATA Reshape - Receive target address and coordinate SSL setup
Technical Requirements
DNS Records Required
Record Type | Name | Target | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
CNAME | dre2.yourdomain.com | app.datareshape.net | Primary tracking |
CNAME | _acme-challenge.dre2.yourdomain.com | SSL validation target | SSL certificate |
Important Notes
Record Conflicts - CNAME records cannot coexist with other record types for the same subdomain.
Cloudflare Users - Must disable proxy (gray cloud, not orange) for proper functionality.
DNS Propagation - Changes may take 24-48 hours to propagate globally.
Verification
After configuration, verify your setup:
DNS Check
nslookup dre2.yourdomain.com
# Should return: app.datareshape.net
SSL Verification
Visit https://dre2.yourdomain.com
to confirm SSL certificate is active.
Functionality Test
Contact DATA Reshape team to verify tracking functionality once DNS propagates.
Next Steps
- Choose your platform guide from the options above
- Configure DNS records following the detailed instructions
- Contact DATA Reshape team to confirm setup completion
- Implement tracking code using your custom subdomain
Select your DNS provider's guide above to begin the configuration process. The entire setup typically takes 15-30 minutes plus propagation time.
Support
DATA Reshape Support: [email protected]
When requesting help, include:
- Your chosen subdomain
- DNS provider/hosting company
- Current DNS configuration
- Any error messages encountered