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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
  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.

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