What is a click-tracking and open-tracking domains?

Click-tracking domains are used when ESPs wrap your links to measure clicks. Instead of linking directly to yourdomain.com/page, the email contains a link to track.esp.com/redirect that logs the click before forwarding to your destination. Open-tracking domains host the invisible pixel images that register opens.

Default ESP tracking domains are shared across customers. If another sender uses that domain for malicious purposes, it can get blocklisted, breaking tracking for everyone. Custom tracking domains (click.yourdomain.com, track.yourdomain.com) isolate you from this risk.

Custom tracking domains also look more professional and consistent. Recipients hovering over links see your domain, not a third-party redirect service. This builds trust and reduces the appearance of phishing, which spam filters also notice.

Brand your buoys. When sailors see your markings, they know the channel is yours.