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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
Ad Blocker Prevention

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.

→ cPanel Configuration Guide

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 TypeNameTargetPurpose
CNAMEdre2.yourdomain.comapp.datareshape.netPrimary tracking
CNAME_acme-challenge.dre2.yourdomain.comSSL validation targetSSL 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

  1. Choose your platform guide from the options above
  2. Configure DNS records following the detailed instructions
  3. Contact DATA Reshape team to confirm setup completion
  4. Implement tracking code using your custom subdomain
Ready to Start?

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