Why use a custom domain for tracking links?

Using a custom tracking domain instead of your ESP's default domain provides significant benefits for deliverability and brand presentation.

Reputation isolation: Default ESP tracking domains are shared across all customers. If another sender abuses the platform and gets the tracking domain blocklisted, your click tracking breaks too. A custom domain like track.yourbrand.com isolates you from others' behavior.

Brand consistency: When recipients hover over links, they see your domain instead of a generic or unfamiliar tracking domain. click.yourbrand.com looks legitimate and expected; t.random-esp-domain.com looks suspicious and may discourage clicks.

Spam filter signals: Filters analyze link domains. Consistent use of your own domain throughout the message (From address, links, images) signals legitimacy. Mixed domains with third-party tracking services can appear more spam-like.

Setup process: Configure a CNAME record pointing your subdomain to the ESP's tracking server. The ESP handles the redirect; recipients see your domain in URLs.

Most major ESPs support custom tracking domains. Some include it in standard plans; others charge extra. The deliverability benefits typically justify the effort.

Brand your channel markers. Ships following your buoys know they're in trusted waters.