Branded Links

Branded links allow you to use your own domain with Print.one. You can then use your domain when you shorten and/or track QR codes in your designs.

This will improve brand recognition and will build trust with your audience. This guide will walk you through each step, from configuring your DNS records with your domain registrar to linking your domain in the Print.one dashboard.

Let’s get started!

Overview

Branded links use your domain (e.g., `mybrand.com`) rather than the generic Print.one URL (`scan-my.link`). This reinforces your brand identity and boosts customer confidence when scanning your QR codes.

What you’ll do:

  1. Add your domain in Print.one’s dashboard to connect your branded link to your account.

  2. Configure your DNS records at your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap).

  3. Troubleshoot common issues and learn about the next steps if something isn’t working as expected.

Before You Begin

Before starting the process, make sure you have:

  • Access to this feature, as it is in early access mode.

  • An active domain name.

  • Access to your domain registrar's control panel.

Note: Some DNS changes take effect within seconds, but they may take 1 to 48 hours to propagate globally.

Warning: Please watch out; changing the wrong DNS settings can have catastrophic results.

Step 1: Add Your Domain

To use your domain with Print.one, you’ll need to add it to your account and verify ownership. Follow these steps to get started.

1.1 Access Your Print.one Dashboard

  1. Log in to your Print.one account.

  2. Navigate to the Branded Links section. You can find this under Settings > Company > Branded Links.

1.2 Add Your Domain

  1. Click “Create Branded Link” to start the process.

  2. Enter the domain name you want to use (e.g., `go.mybrand.com` or `mybrand.com`) in the provided field.

In the next step, we will guide you through adding the values in the image below to your DNS. The numbers in the picture below will be referenced like (value 3)

Step 2: Configure Your DNS Records

To point your domain to Print.one, you must add specific DNS records through your registrar’s control panel. The steps below provide a general guide that applies to most registrars.

2.1 Login and navigate to DNS management

  1. Log in to your domain registrar’s website.

  2. Navigate to your domain's DNS management section. This section might be labeled “DNS Settings,” “Manage DNS,” or “Domain Management.”

When you have entered a subdomain like `go.mybrand.com`, go to step 2.2.a and skip 2.2.b, and continue to 2.3.

When you have entered an entire domain like `mybrand.com`, go to step 2.2.b, skip 2.2.a, and continue to 2.3.

2.2.a Add a CNAME Record

  1. Type: Choose CNAME.

  2. Name/Host: Enter the subdomain used in the Print.one dashboard (value 1).

  3. Value/Target: Enter the exact value: scan-my.link. (notice the period at the end) (value 2).

  4. TTL: Use the default setting, but 5 minutes is fine.

2.2.b Add an A Record

  1. Type: Choose A.

  2. Name/Host: Enter @ to indicate your main domain.

  3. Value/Target: Enter the exact value: 34.110.187.87

  4. TTL: Use the default setting, but 5 minutes is fine.

  5. Bonus: if you want to match any undefined subdomain, add the same A record but with Name/Host *.

2.3 Add a TXT Record for Domain Verification

  1. Type: Choose TXT.

  2. Name/Host: Usually “_print-one-validate” or as specified (value 3).

  3. Value: Enter the verification code provided by Print.one exactly as given (notice the quotes around the value) (value 4).

  4. TTL: Use the default value, but 5 minutes is fine.

2.4 Save your changes and return to the Print.one dashboard

Remember: DNS changes may take some time to take effect. If your domain doesn’t verify immediately, please wait a bit (from 1 second up to 48 hours sometimes).

Step 3: Verify Your Domain

After adding the DNS records, you can verify your domain in the Print.one dashboard. If the verification fails, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

3.1 Check the Verification Status

  1. Return to the Branded Links section.

  2. Click the "Validate" button. If the status is:

    1. “Branded link is set up correctly”: Your domain is ready to use.   

    2. “Invalid domain” / "Domain is not valid": The domain provided in step 1.2 is incorrect. Please check if your input is a valid domain.

    3. "A record does not match": Check your domain registrar to ensure you entered the correct values. If it has the proper values, go to the troubleshooting question about DNS propagation.

    4. "Domain has no TXT record" / "TXT record does not match": Check your domain registrar to ensure you entered the correct values. If it has the proper values, go to the troubleshooting question about DNS propagation.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Q: My domain isn’t verifying. What should I do?

  • Wait for Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to update globally.

  • Double-check your entries: Verify that you’ve entered the DNS record values exactly as provided, no extra spaces or incorrect characters.

  • Separate Domains: For branded links, it’s best to use a subdomain (go.mybrand.com) or a dedicated domain (go-brand.com).

Q: I’m getting an error about record conflicts.

  • Check Existing Records: If an A record exists for the same host, remove it before adding your CNAME.

  • Consult Your Registrar: Some registrars have specific rules. Refer to your registrar’s help articles for guidance.

Q: How do I know when the DNS changes have taken effect (propagation)?

  • Use Online Tools: Tools like whatsmydns.net or dns.google can help check DNS propagation.

  • Clicking on the "Validate" button another time will also recheck the DNS.

Need More Assistance?

If you feel uncomfortable with any steps or if problems persist, please don’t hesitate to contact us on support.print.one.