What are redirect domains?

Redirect domains are domains configured to receive requests and forward them elsewhere. In email marketing, they serve several purposes:

Click tracking: The primary use. Links point to your tracking domain, which logs the click and redirects to the actual destination.

Branded short links: Instead of long URLs, use something like go.yourbrand.com/summer that redirects to the full URL. Cleaner appearance, easier to share.

Link management: Redirect domains let you change destinations without editing sent emails. If a page moves, update the redirect target rather than the emails referencing it.

Vanity URLs: Marketing campaigns often use memorable redirect URLs in print or TV that forward to complex web pages.

Implementation typically uses:

HTTP 301 (permanent redirect): Browsers may cache; good for permanent moves

HTTP 302 (temporary redirect): No caching; better for tracking where you want fresh data

For email tracking, most systems use 302 to ensure every click is logged rather than cached.

Caution: Redirect chains (multiple hops) slow load times and can trigger security filters. Keep redirects simple: one hop from tracking domain to destination.