Set up a custom domain (for shortened URLs)

Sakari offers built-in URL shortening functionality, allowing you to create shortened links for use in your SMS messages.

For the best possible message deliverability, we strongly recommend configuring your own custom-branded domain within Sakari, rather than using a public or shared URL shortening domain.

Using a custom domain helps:

Improve deliverability: Avoid the increased filtering risks associated with public and shared URL shorteners.
Build customer trust: Recipients can recognize links associated with your business.
Maintain brand consistency: Use your own domain when sending shortened links in SMS campaigns and conversations.
Track link engagement: Take advantage of Sakari's built-in link tracking functionality.

For example:

Original URL: https://www.yourcompany.com/promotions/summer-sale
Custom shortened URL: https://links.yourcompany.com/abc123

Important: Do not use the root domain of your business's active website for URL shortening. Instead, use a dedicated subdomain (such as links.yourcompany.com) or a separate root domain that is not being used to host your website.

Configuring a domain for URL shortening involves changing its DNS records. Using your existing website's root domain could disrupt access to your website or other services.

Setting Up Your Custom Domain

Step 1: Obtain a Domain or Choose a Subdomain

To configure a custom domain with Sakari, you must own or purchase a domain through a third-party domain registrar.

Popular domain providers include:

You have two options when configuring your domain:

Option A: Use a subdomain (Recommended)

A subdomain is an extension of a domain you already own.

For example, if your website is yourcompany.com, you could create:

links.yourcompany.com
sms.yourcompany.com
go.yourcompany.com

This is generally the easiest option because you can use your existing business domain without purchasing a separate domain or affecting your primary website.

Option B: Use a separate root domain

A root domain is a standalone domain, such as yourcompanylinks.com.

You can purchase a separate domain specifically for shortening URLs. This domain should not already be in use for an active website or other services.

Note: Domains must be purchased and managed separately through your domain provider. Sakari supports configuring your domain for URL shortening but does not provide domain registration services or provide DNS management.

Step 2: Configure Your Domain's DNS Records

Once you've selected your domain or subdomain, you'll need to update its DNS records through your domain provider.

DNS records tell internet services where requests to your domain should be directed.

Sakari supports two common types of DNS records:

A Record: Points a domain or subdomain to a specific IP address.
CNAME Record: Points a domain or subdomain to another domain name.

The records you configure will depend on whether you're using a subdomain or a separate root domain.

Option A: Configure a Subdomain

For most domain providers, the simplest method is to create a CNAME record pointing your chosen subdomain to Sakari's URL shortening service.

For example, to configure links.yourcompany.com, add the following DNS record:

Type	Name / Host	Value / Destination
CNAME	`links`	`urlshortener.sakari.io`

The Name/Host field should match the subdomain you'd like to use.

For example, if you're setting up sms.yourcompany.com, enter sms as the hostname instead.

Some DNS providers also support configuring subdomains with A records. However, we recommend using the CNAME configuration above whenever supported.

Option B: Configure a Separate Root Domain

If you've purchased a separate root domain specifically for URL shortening, you'll need to configure the appropriate A records to point that domain to Sakari.

Unlike a CNAME record, an A record points directly to an IP address.

Make sure you enter all required A records using the IP addresses shown in the configuration example.

Important: Do not apply these A records to the root domain of your active business website. Doing so may interfere with your existing website's DNS configuration.

DNS Configuration Guides

The steps for adding DNS records vary depending on your domain provider.

The following guides may help:

GoDaddy

Namecheap

Bluehost

Manage DNS Records

If you're unsure how to add or modify DNS records, contact your domain provider for assistance.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain in Sakari

After configuring your DNS records, you'll need to add your custom domain to your Sakari account.

Log in to your Sakari account.
Navigate to Settings → Account Settings.
Select the Advanced tab.
Locate the Custom Domain section.
Enter your custom domain or subdomain (for example, links.yourcompany.com).
Click Setup.

Step 4: Verify Your Domain

After adding your domain, Sakari will prompt you to verify it.

Verification checks that your domain has been configured correctly and that the required DNS records are in place.

Click Verify Domain in Sakari.
Sakari will check your domain's DNS configuration.
Once successfully verified, your custom domain will be available for use with Sakari's URL shortener.

Important: Your custom domain must be successfully verified before it can be used to create shortened URLs in Sakari.

Troubleshooting: Verification Failed

If you receive a Verification Failed error, Sakari was unable to confirm the required DNS configuration.

Here are a few things to check:

Confirm your DNS records: Make sure you've entered the correct record type, hostname, and destination.
Check for conflicting records: Ensure there are no existing DNS records that conflict with the new configuration.
Verify the domain name: The domain entered in Sakari must match the domain or subdomain you've configured with your DNS provider.
Allow time for DNS propagation: DNS changes can take time to become available across the internet. If you've recently updated your records, wait and try verifying again.
Check with your domain provider: If the issue persists, your DNS provider can help confirm whether the records are configured correctly.

Once your domain is successfully verified, you're ready to start creating shortened links.

Step 5: Create Shortened URLs Using Your Custom Domain

After verification, Sakari will use your configured custom domain when generating shortened links.

You can create and manage shortened links directly within Sakari, including through the Inbox and Link Tracking features.

For more information, see:

How to Use the Sakari URL Shortener