Quick navigation
- Creating a CNAME record
- Checking if the CNAME record is already propagated
- Two possible ways of setting up a custom domain
- Possible problems (separate article)
Introduction
This guide provides comprehensive instructions for parking a custom domain in Post Affiliate Pro. Follow the steps below to ensure your domain is set up correctly and securely.
Each hosted Post Affiliate Pro account uses a default domain, e.g., mycompany.postaffiliatepro.com. For a more professional appearance, you can park your own custom domain, such as partners.mycompany.com. To do this, your custom domain must be secured with an SSL certificate.
Creating a CNAME DNS record
To set up your custom domain, you first need to create a CNAME record in your domain management panel. The CNAME record must point from your chosen custom subdomain (e.g., partners.mycompany.com) to your Post Affiliate Pro account domain (e.g., mycompany.postaffiliatepro.com). Each domain management panel is different, so consult your hosting provider or server administrator if necessary.
Example:
Record Type: CNAME
Name/Host: partners.mycompany.com
Value/Points to: mycompany.postaffiliatepro.com
Proxy: Disabled (not proxied)
The image below shows two incorrect examples and one correct example (the last one). Notice that the record should be of type CNAME, should point to the default Post Affiliate Pro domain, and should not be proxied.
Checking if the CNAME record has propagated
After setting the CNAME record, verify that it has propagated worldwide. This process can take up to 24 hours, but it typically completes within minutes. Use tools like whatsmydns.net to check propagation. Enter your custom domain and ensure that your Post Affiliate Pro account URL appears at all global locations before proceeding.
Two Possible Ways to Set Up a Custom Domain
Parking your custom domain also requires an SSL certificate. You can use either a certificate generated specifically for your subdomain (e.g., partners.mycompany.com) or a wildcard certificate (e.g., *.mycompany.com). If you are unsure which type you have, contact your hosting provider, SSL issuer, or server administrator.
Depending on your SSL status, follow the appropriate steps below:
Once your CNAME record has propagated, there are two possible ways to park your custom domain, depending on whether your custom domain is currently secured by an SSL certificate.
1. My Custom Domain Is Already Secured by an SSL Certificate
If your custom domain already has a valid SSL certificate, please note that in the Post Affiliate Pro > Domain settings, you can only upload the certificate, not the private key. To complete the setup, contact the Post Affiliate Pro support team via email or live chat. They will assist you with installing your custom domain and SSL certificate.
Required information:
Your private key for the SSL certificate
The SSL certificate issued for your custom domain
Any intermediate/root certificates (often provided by your SSL issuer or hosting provider, typically in a ZIP file or as a CA bundle)
If you did not receive all the necessary certificate files, contact your SSL issuer or hosting provider.
Insert the certificate content and any intermediate certificates using the "Setup" button next to the Certificate field. Do not insert the CSR into the Certificate field—use only your certificate and intermediate/root certificates.
If your certificate chain includes end-user, intermediate, and root certificates, paste them all in order. An incorrect order may cause errors—see troubleshooting if needed.
2. My Custom Domain Is Not Yet Secured by an SSL Certificate
If your custom domain is not yet secured, you can generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) directly from the Post Affiliate Pro > Domain settings.
Steps:
- In your merchant panel, navigate to Configuration > Domain settings.
- Click the pencil icon in the "Custom domain" section.
- Select "Managed certificate (Let's Encrypt)".
- Enter your custom domain in the Custom domain field (without http:// or https://). At this step, your custom domain's CNAME must already be set.
- Complete the setup to activate your new SSL certificate.
Your settings and SSL certificate will be applied within several minutes after saving. Once complete, your Post Affiliate Pro mini website, merchant portal, and affiliate portal will be accessible from your custom domain.
By following this guide, you can successfully park your custom domain in Post Affiliate Pro, ensuring a professional and secure online presence. If you require further assistance, please contact the Post Affiliate Pro support team.