Why use a custom domain?
When you use a generic tracking URL (like analytics.google.com), ad-blockers instantly recognize and block it. By using a subdomain of your own website (like metrics.myshop.com), the browser treats the request as "internal," significantly increasing data accuracy.
Pro Tip: Using a custom domain also allows us to set "HttpOnly" cookies, which bypass Safari's 7-day ITP limit, extending attribution windows to up to 2 years.
Choosing a subdomain
You can pick any name, but we recommend something generic to avoid detection by aggressive blocklists. Good examples include:
servertrack.yoursite.commetrics.yoursite.comcollect.yoursite.comdata.yoursite.com
Adding the CNAME Record
Log in to your DNS provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and add a new record.
Instead of pointing to a specific IP address, you will point your subdomain to our secure ingress server. Use the following details:
| Type | Name (Host) | Target / Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | data | ingress.servertrack.io | Auto / 1 min |
Note: Replace ingress.servertrack.io with the specific CNAME URL shown in your ServerTrack Dashboard.
Verification Process
Once you have added the record, go back to your ServerTrack dashboard and click "Verify Domain".
- Our system will check if your subdomain (e.g.,
data.yoursite.com) is correctly aliased to our server. - If successful, we will automatically issue a Free SSL Certificate (HTTPS) for your subdomain via Let's Encrypt.
- This process usually takes 1-5 minutes, but DNS propagation can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
Troubleshooting
If verification fails:
- Cloudflare Users: Ensure the cloud icon is Grey (DNS Only), not Orange (Proxied). We handle the SSL termination, so "Orange Cloud" (Proxy) often causes a "Too Many Redirects" error during the initial setup.
- Check for Typographical Errors: Ensure you didn't accidentally type the domain twice (e.g.,
data.yoursite.com.yoursite.com). Most DNS providers only require the prefix (data) in the "Name" field. - Wait Longer: DNS changes are not instant. Use a tool like DNSChecker.org to see if your CNAME has propagated globally.