What is the Custom Subdomain feature?

Custom Subdomains is a new feature allowing users to supply their own custom domain for Tatango’s link shortener feature. With this feature, users can display their own subdomain (e.g. text.children.org) instead of the default Tatango txting.io, which can help build recognition and trust of URLs within your text messages. By seeing your brand's name or something closely related to the brand in the link - instead of a generic domain like txting.io - subscribers may be more likely to click on the link and take action like donating.

How to Setup a Custom Subdomain in Tatango

Domain Needed

You need to own a previously bought and valid domain. Domains can be purchased with services such as GoDaddy, Enom, Namecom, etc.

Restrictions on Subdomains

The domain you intend to use cannot be currently in use by another service. Example: if link.children.org is already being used for your organization’s website, you cannot use it for a Tatango custom subdomain. However, you can use a subdomain that is not in use as your custom subdomain, like text.children.org.

How to Set Up a Custom Subdomain in Tatango

Step 1: Verify that you own your domain and it's not currently in use

In order to set up your own subdomain in Tatango, you need to first have your own custom domain to use. You’d also need to verify it’s not in use, which can be done by going to that URL (e.g. text.children.org). If you do not own the domain (or subdomain), you can purchase one with your DNS provider such as GoDaddy, Google Domains, Enom, Namecom, etc.

Step 2: Sign-in to tatango.com and connect your custom domain

Sign-in with your credentials to tatango.com. Then, go to My Account / Account Settings / Short Links. Fill-in the form, entering your desired subdomain you want to use. Then, click on the Connect a Domain button.

A card will appear below the Connect a Domain button that shows data about your custom domain (shown above). It will show your domain or subdomain is in a “(Verifying)” state as you complete Steps 4 and 5 below.

NOTE: Once you complete this step, you will have 24 hours to add the NAME/VALUE fields into your DNS registrar's website.

Step 3: Locate your DNS settings within your domain registrar

The way you update DNS varies depending on your domain registrar. In general, the process goes something like this:

Log in to your domain registrar's website.
Select the Custom Domain you want to modify.
Find the section for managing DNS entries. The name of this section varies by provider, but is usually something like DNS Configuration, DNS Records, or Advanced DNS.

Step 4: Add the provided CNAME records to your DNS settings

Back in tatango.com under My Account / Account Settings / Short Links, the card appearing below the Connect a Domain button will show two rows of data for two sets of CNAME records. On the first row, click on the copy icons to copy the Name and Value data and add that data to your domain's DNS settings to create your first CNAME record.

Then, repeat the process with the second row. On the second row, click on the copy icons to copy the Name and Value data and add that data to your domain's DNS settings to create your second CNAME record.

Step 5: Wait for the automatic verification process to finish

After you complete those steps, the CNAME record changes can take up to 72 hours to go into effect, but typically they happen much sooner - in just a few minutes. Once it’s completed the state will change from “(Verifying)” to “(Verified)” as shown below.

Note: If your status changed from Verifying to Failed, please visit the FAQ pages or reach out to your Customer Success Manager.

Step 6: Set up a Custom Subdomain for Your List

Back to Tatango, navigate to Lists and click on the Manage button for the list you want to set up a custom subdomain. Then, go to Settings / Integrations. On that page, you will be able to choose which custom subdomain you want to use for that list.