Domains

Domains

Domains in Ucliq are web addresses (like yourdomain.com) used to generate tracking links for advertising campaigns. They help route and monitor traffic to offers or smart links on the platform. There are types of domains: Second-Level Domains (e.g., ucliq.com): These are the main domains that can be used across multiple campaigns. Third-Level Domains (e.g., campaign.ucliq.com): Created automatically when a publisher uses a second-level domain. This helps isolate tracking, minimizing the risk of all campaigns being blocked if one publisher’s domain faces issues. Domains allow you to create unique links for different campaigns and publishers. They enhance security, track performance, and offer flexibility in managing multiple campaigns.

Adding a domain via DNS

When adding a domain via DNS, the entire domain is transferred to our system, meaning it cannot be used for any other purposes simultaneously. Pros of DNS integration - Ucliq manages DNS servers, ensuring faster and more stable performance compared to most registrar-provided DNS (especially on free plans). - You can create random subdomains without restrictions. - The domain is fully controlled by Ucliq, so it won’t be available for other uses. This method is ideal if you want a fully optimized and reliable setup without relying on third-party DNS performance. Domain eligibility Before adding a domain, make sure it meets the following criteria: - The domain must be new. It should not be previously used for other purposes. - Purchased from a domain provider - Not linked to other services, it’s not currently associated with any active websites, email services, or other platforms. By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid potential conflicts and ensure a smooth setup. Now, let’s go through the steps to add your domain correctly. How to add a domain via DNS Go to System > Domains section. Add a new domain by clicking the New DNS button and complete the required fields: Name: Enter your second-level domain (e.g., mydomain.com). CDN: Select the Content Delivery Network (CDN) for DNS balancing. Subdomain: Choose how the subdomain will be displayed. Comment (optional): Add any relevant notes about the domain's purpose. - Subdomains are used when the domain is added through the DNS and will be displayed as random letters when option is choosen: After entering the domain details, click Next. You will receive a set of four Name Server (NS) addresses. Update these NS addresses in your domain registrar’s DNS settings (e.g., Cloudflare, NameCheap, GoDaddy). Wait for DNS propagation and save the changes in your registrar's control panel. DNS propagation can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours. Once the domain settings propagate, UCLIQ will automatically issue an SSL certificate for secure communication. Activate the domain by clicking Edit button and changing the status: Updating or Replacing an Existing Domain If you need to update or replace an existing domain, follow these steps: Replace the existing domain Go to System > Domains section. Select the domain you want to replace and click Replace button. Enter the details for the new domain following the steps in the "Adding a New Domain" section. Transfer campaigns and links Decide how you want to handle the campaigns and shortlinks associated with the old domain: - Split Traffic: Distribute traffic between the old and new domains. - Full Transfer: Transfer all campaigns and shortlinks to the new domain. Validate changes Ensure that the new domain is correctly configured in all associated campaigns and shortlinks. Test the links to confirm they are functioning as expected. Best Practices for Managing Domains - Always ensure that DNS settings are configured correctly with your registrar. - Monitor domain health regularly to avoid disruptions in campaigns. - Use clear comments and naming conventions for easy identification of domains in the UCLIQ system. If you encounter any issues or have questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.

Adding a new domain via CNAME

Pros of CNAME integration - Allows you to keep your main domain for other purposes - Easier and more flexible than full DNS delegation - Avoids conflicts with existing services on the root domain Domain eligibility Before adding a domain, make sure it meets the following criteria: - Only subdomains can be added (e.g., www.domain.com, my.domain.com, hello.my.domain.com). - Root domains (e.g., domain.com) cannot be used. - You must configure a CNAME record at your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider before adding it to the system. By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid potential conflicts and ensure a smooth setup. Now, let’s go through the steps to add your domain correctly. How to add a domain via CNAME Set up a CNAME record with your domain registrar or DNS provider: - Create a new CNAME record - Use your subdomain (e.g., www or www.domain.com) as the Host/Name - Set the CNAME value to the CDN address provided by the system - Save the changes - The CDN value (<cdn>) will be provided by the system when you add the domain. Go to System > Domains section. Add a new domain by clicking the CNAME button and complete the required fields: CDN: Select the Content Delivery Network (CDN) for DNS balancing. Domain: Enter your third-level domain (e.g., www.mydomain.com). Comment (optional): Add any relevant notes about the domain's purpose. Click Save to complete the process. Activate the domain by clicking Edit button and changing the status: Updating or Replacing an Existing Domain If you need to update or replace an existing domain, follow these steps: Replace the existing domain Go to System > Domains section. Select the domain you want to replace and click Replace button. Enter the details for the new domain following the steps in the "Adding a New Domain" section. Transfer campaigns and links Decide how you want to handle the campaigns and shortlinks associated with the old domain: - Split Traffic: Distribute traffic between the old and new domains. - Full Transfer: Transfer all campaigns and shortlinks to the new domain. Validate changes Ensure that the new domain is correctly configured in all associated campaigns and shortlinks. Test the links to confirm they are functioning as expected. Best Practices for Managing Domains - Always ensure that DNS settings are configured correctly with your registrar. - Monitor domain health regularly to avoid disruptions in campaigns. - Use clear comments and naming conventions for easy identification of domains in the UCLIQ system. If you encounter any issues or have questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.

Configuring domains

To start working with domains go to the System > Domains section. Start domain setup by clicking on the New DNS button. You’ll be prompted to fill out information about the domain you want to add: Set up name servers Click Next, and UCLIQ will display four Name Server (NS) addresses. Log in to your domain registrar (like Namecheap or GoDaddy) and replace the existing NS records with the ones provided by UCLIQ. Save the settings in your registrar’s portal. Propagation and SSL Certificate After updating the NS records, it may take 15 minutes to 24 hours for changes to propagate. UCLIQ will detect the change and issue an SSL certificate automatically, securing the domain for use. Managing Domain Purposes After assigning a purpose to a domain, you can change or remove it. However, if campaigns or short links are already using the domain for that purpose, you must first move them to another domain. Here are the operations you can perform for domain purposes: - Replace: This replaces an old domain with a new one for a specific purpose (destination slot). - Split: This splits campaigns or short links between the old domain and a newly selected domain. - Transfer: This transfers campaigns or short links from the old domain to a new domain. When performing any of these actions, you’ll need to choose a new domain from the list to use for the transfer or split. Replacement vs. Transfer - Replacement creates a new destination slot for the domain. This means you can’t have an existing assignment of the same type (e.g., for offers, a specific smart link, or short links). - Transfer moves campaigns or short links from one existing slot to another existing slot. After completing any of these operations, affected publishers will receive notifications both in the Publisher Panel and via their associated email. Monitoring and managing domain health - UCLIQ monitors SSL certificates and checks domains against spam lists. - If a domain is flagged or blocked, transfer its campaigns to an alternative domain to ensure uninterrupted service. Removing a Domain 1. Check for Active Campaigns: Ensure no campaigns or short links use the domain. 2. Replace or Transfer Campaigns: If campaigns are using the domain, replace or transfer them to another domain. 3. Delete the Domain: Once all uses are removed, delete the domain from the system.

Tracking Domains Overview

Tracking domains are used to create unique links for publishers' advertising campaigns, leading to offers and smart links on the UCLIQ platform. These domains can be either second-level (e.g., ucliq.com) or third-level (e.g., campaign.ucliq.com). However, only second-level domains should be linked for full functionality within the UCLIQ platform. Binding a Domain To link a domain to UCLIQ, you'll need to perform a domain reassignment via your domain registrar’s website. This is the website where you purchased or transferred the domain. During the process, UCLIQ will provide four new nameserver addresses. These should replace the current nameserver records on your registrar's site. SSL Certificates and Monitoring Once the domain is connected, UCLIQ will automatically generate SSL certificates and update them regularly. The platform will also monitor your domain to ensure it’s not flagged by spam tracking services or violating any domain policies. If your domain is blacklisted, you will be notified, and you'll need to move any active campaigns to a different domain. Domain Security and Load Balancing UCLIQ uses a system that creates a unique third-level domain for each publisher using your second-level domain. This adds extra security because if a domain gets blocked, it typically only affects the publisher's unique domain, not the entire second-level domain. Additionally, UCLIQ automatically balances the number of publishers across multiple domains. When launching a new campaign, the platform will suggest the two least used domains from your list. Publishers can also use their personal third-level domains if they’ve added them through the Publisher Portal (CNAME binding). Uses for Tracking Domains Tracking domains can be used for three purposes: 1. Offer Campaigns: For all offers. 2. Smart Link Campaigns: For specific smart link campaigns. 3. Short Links: To create short links with fixed hidden parameters. A single domain can be linked to multiple uses, such as offers, smart links, and short links. Domain Operations for Campaigns UCLIQ offers several operations for managing campaigns tied to a domain: 1. Replacing a Domain: This operation is used when you want to replace one domain with another across all campaigns and short links. This is necessary if you're retiring a domain. 2. Moving Campaigns: You can move all campaigns and short links to another domain that's already in use. 3. Dividing Campaigns: If too many campaigns are using one domain, you can divide them evenly between two domains to ensure better performance and security. You’ll add a new domain and split the campaigns into two groups. By managing your tracking domains effectively, you can ensure better security, smoother campaign management, and more balanced distribution of publishers.

Nameservers replacement example

Here’s a simple guide to adding a new tracking domain and replacing the nameservers using NameCheap as your DNS registrar. 1. Add a new tracking domain in UCLIQ Start by adding a new domain in the UCLIQ platform**** 2. Get the new nameserver list Once you’ve added the domain, UCLIQ will provide you with a list of new nameservers. 3. Log in to NameCheap Go to your NameCheap account and log in. Then, select the domain you want to modify. 4. Replace nameservers Click on Custom Nameservers. Replace the current nameservers with the ones provided by UCLIQ. 5. Save the changes After updating the nameservers, save the changes in your NameCheap account. 6. Wait for DNSpPropagation It may take some time (up to 24 hours) for the changes to propagate. During this time, the domain status will show as Inactive. 7. Wait for SSL certificate Once DNS propagation is complete, the UCLIQ platform will automatically issue an SSL certificate for your domain. 8. Configure domain allocations Go to the Allocations tab > Actions > Edit Assign the domain to Offers, Smartlinks, or Shortlinks, as needed. 9. Check domain health Ensure there are no warning flags that indicate issues. Sometimes, there might be irrelevant flags that don’t impact the domain's use. 10. Launch a campaign Once everything is set up, launch an offer or a smartlink using the newly added domain and verify that it works as expected.