---
title: "Set up a custom tracking domain (CNAME) | FirstSales"
description: "Point a subdomain at FirstSales with one CNAME record so open, click and unsubscribe tracking runs on your own domain — with SSL provisioned automatically."
canonical: "https://firstsales.io/tutorial/setup-custom-tracking-domain/"
---

[Home](/)/[Tutorials](/tutorial/)/Set up a custom tracking domain (CNAME)

Deliverability

# Set up a custom tracking domain (CNAME)

Point a subdomain at FirstSales with one CNAME record so open, click and unsubscribe tracking runs on your own domain — with SSL provisioned automatically.

8 min read·Intermediate·8 steps

1. 1  
## Open Tracking Domains  
In workspace settings, open **Tracking Domains** and start a new domain.
2. 2  
## Pick a subdomain  
Enter a tracking subdomain like `track.yourcompany.com` in **Your tracking subdomain**. Use a dedicated subdomain, not your root domain.
3. 3  
## Copy the CNAME target  
FirstSales shows a **CNAME target** — click **Copy**. This is the single record you'll add at your registrar.
4. 4  
## Add the CNAME at your registrar  
In your DNS settings add a **CNAME** record: **Host/Name** \= your subdomain (e.g. `track`), **Value/Target** \= the target you copied. Save. Propagation can take up to 48 hours, though it's usually minutes.
5. 5  
## Verify before saving  
FirstSales tests the CNAME in-page; **Save Domain** unlocks only once the CNAME verifies (“CNAME must be verified before saving”). Save it once it passes.
6. 6  
## Watch the status ladder  
The card walks through **CNAME → SSL → HTTPS**: Pending → CNAME OK → SSL OK → **Verified**. It auto-rechecks every 5 minutes, and **SSL is provisioned for you** — there's no certificate to install.  
![Watch the status ladder](/tutorials/tracking-domain-01-verified.webp)
7. 7  
## Handle Failed  
If the status shows **Failed** (after 24 hours), re-check the CNAME host and target for typos and click **Retry Verification**.
8. 8  
## You're done  
Once **Verified**, tracking for **Delivered**, **Opened**, **Clicked**, **Unsubscribed**, and **Re-subscribed** runs on your own domain — better trust and deliverability than a shared tracking link.

## Pro tips

Hard-won shortcuts that keep warm-up on track.

1

### Use a dedicated subdomain

track. or email. keeps tracking isolated from your website's DNS and is easy to reason about later.

2

### CNAME only — SSL is automatic

You add exactly one record. FirstSales provisions the HTTPS certificate itself; don't try to add or upload a cert.

3

### This is not email authentication

A tracking domain doesn't set SPF, DKIM, or DMARC — do those on your sending domain. Both matter; they're separate setups.

4

### Give DNS a few minutes

Propagation is usually fast but can take up to 48 hours. The card auto-rechecks every 5 minutes, so you can leave it and come back.

## Frequently asked questions

What is a tracking domain?

A subdomain you point at FirstSales with one **CNAME** record, so open/click/unsubscribe tracking runs on your own domain instead of a shared one.

How many DNS records do I add?

Just one **CNAME**. SSL is provisioned automatically.

What do I set Host and Value to?

**Host/Name** \= your subdomain (e.g. `track`); **Value/Target** \= the CNAME target FirstSales shows (use **Copy**).

Why won't Save Domain enable?

Save unlocks only after the CNAME verifies. If it's disabled, the record hasn't propagated yet or has a typo.

What do the statuses mean?

**Pending** (waiting for CNAME) → **CNAME OK** → **SSL OK** → **Verified**. **Failed** means it didn't verify within 24 hours.

How long does it take?

Often minutes; DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. The card auto-rechecks every 5 minutes.

Does this set up SPF/DKIM/DMARC?

No — that's email authentication on your sending domain, a separate setup.

What does the tracking domain track?

**Delivered**, **Opened**, **Clicked**, **Unsubscribed**, and **Re-subscribed** events.

## Ready to put this into practice?

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