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SMS custom domains

Overview

Setting up a Custom domain for SMS messages enables you to utilize a dedicated tracking domain distinct from your email communications. This enhances brand recognition, fosters trust, and ensures your SMS messages remain concise.

Additionally, it allows you to incorporate your branding into short URLs, bolstering recognition and trustworthiness while minimizing the length of your SMS messages.

With an SMS domain (e.g., "https://yrbrnd.co"), links such as opt-out links and any URLs you include in SMS messages will be replaced with your SMS domain. For instance, a link like "www.yourbrand.com/product/demo/how-to-start-investing" will appear as "https://yrbrnd.co/-AB1cDEFgHI2j".

TIP: Links in your SMS messages will be shortened with: autl.ink until you verify another domain.

NOTE: SMS custom domains are accessible across all plans, with a limit of 1 domain per plan.

Accessing SMS custom domains

To access the SMS custom domain page, go to Settings > Custom domains.

Managing SMS custom domains

The SMS custom domain page allows users to:

Set up an SMS domain

To add a custom domain for SMS:

  1. Navigate to Custom domains.
  2. Click Add domain under SMS domains.
  3. Enter your Domain name (e.g., brand.co) and choose your Domain provider.
  4. Click Add domain.

CNAME records

You'll receive a CNAME record to add to your domain registrar's settings.

Domain registrar

Next, access your domain registrar's settings. Here are links to instructions for adding CNAME records with some common providers:

NOTE: If you use Cloudflare DNS, remember to adjust your CNAME records by setting each one's Proxy status to DNS only. This step ensures proper configuration for your custom domain.

For a visual guide on setting CNAME records in Ortto, check out our video tutorial below starting at 1:02 in the timeline.

  • After adding your SMS domain, test it to ensure everything is set up correctly.

NOTE:

  • While it's possible to use the same custom domain for both email and SMS, we recommend using different domains for each to mitigate potential issues.
  • If SMS is your primary communication channel, you can opt for an SMS domain only, with emails sent using the default autopilotmail.com domain.
  • For optimal email deliverability, it's best practice to send emails via a custom domain.

Modify an SMS domain

  1. Navigate to Custom domains.
  2. Locate the domain you want to modify.
  3. Select the more (…) icon.
  4. Select Edit.
  5. Select Save to apply your changes.

Delete an SMS domain

  1. Navigate to Custom domains.
  2. Locate the domain you want to modify.
  3. Select the more (…) icon.
  4. Select the trash icon to delete.
  5. Type PERMANENTLY DELETE to confirm.

NOTE: Deleting a custom domain will cause sms links to revert to the default autl.ink domain.

CAUTION: Once a domain has been deleted, it cannot be reinstated. You will need to add the domain again from the beginning.

Domain certification

If you have a Certification Authority Authorization (CAA) record for your domain, you can specify which certificate authorities are authorized to issue certificates.

Ortto uses ZeroSSL (sectigo.com) as the authority to issue certificates for authenticating your custom domain. When you add a custom domain, Ortto automatically sets up a CAA record allowing ZeroSSL to issue a certificate on your behalf. This ensures seamless domain setup without any extra steps on your part.

If you have a custom configuration that prevents this setup, please consult with your IT team about allowing ZeroSSL to issue certificates for your domain.

Domain statuses

The table below explains the different statuses your domain may have.

Status

Description

Default

This indicates that you have set the domain as your default domain.

Pending

Both the domain and tracking subdomain are yet to be verified. Emails will be sent from the default Ortto domain and tracking will fallback to the default Ortto tracking domain.

Subdomain pending

The tracking subdomain is yet to be verified. Emails can be sent from the custom domain and tracking will fallback to the default Ortto tracking domain.

Domain pending

The custom domain is yet to be verified. Emails will be sent from the default Ortto domain but the tracking subdomain will be used for tracking.

Certificate pending

The certificate to authenticate your tracking subdomain is in progress. Emails will be sent from the custom domain but clicks and opens will be handled through the default Ortto domain until the certificate is approved.

Certificate expired

Emails will be sent from the custom domain but clicks and opens will be handled through the default Ortto domain until the certificate is approved.

Email custom domains

Setting up a Custom domain is beneficial because it strengthens your brand identity, improves email deliverability, and builds trust with your recipients. With a custom domain, your emails are sent using your own domain name (e.g., you@yourbrand.com) instead of @autopilotmail.com, making them appear more personalized and professional to your subscribers.

Learn more about custom domains for email.