Heeeeey lemlister! 👋
If you’re wondering why a custom tracking domain (CTD) is essential and how to set it up, you’re in the right place! A CTD not only enhances your email deliverability but also boosts your brand visibility and protects your domain reputation. Let’s explore the benefits and walk you through the setup process step by step.
Why Do You Need a Custom Tracking Domain?
By default, lemlist uses a shared tracking domain to monitor email metrics like opens, link clicks, and unsubscribe clicks. While this is great for testing, a CTD tailored to your needs offers several advantages:
1️⃣ Improved Deliverability
Using a CTD helps define a unique sending reputation for your domain. Combined with proper SPF and DKIM authentication, it ensures your emails land in inboxes, not spam folders. 🗳
2️⃣ Enhanced Brand Visibility
With a CTD, your links reflect your domain, not lemlist’s. Subscribers are more likely to trust and engage with branded links, increasing open and click rates.
3️⃣ Better Domain Reputation
The shared default tracking domain’s reputation is affected by all users. With a CTD, your domain’s reputation depends solely on your sending practices, offering greater control and reliability.
How to Set Up Your Custom Tracking Domain
Step 1: Access lemlist Settings
1️⃣ Log in to your lemlist account.
2️⃣ Click your name at the bottom-left corner to access Settings.
3️⃣ Navigate to Sending Settings under the email address you want to configure.
4️⃣ Click on the Custom Tracking Domain section.
lemlist will automatically generate the required information (e.g., Host, Value, Points To). Keep these details handy.
Step 2: Create a CNAME Record in Your DNS
To set up a CNAME:
1️⃣ Go to your domain provider’s dashboard (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
2️⃣ Locate the DNS or Domain Management section.
3️⃣ Add a new CNAME record with these fields:
Type: CNAME
Name/Host: Use the name lemlist provided, like
trail,route, orlemtrail.Value/Points To:
custom.lemlist.com.(leave the final dot if accepted).
💡 Tips for Cloudflare Users: Set the CNAME record to DNS only by clicking the orange cloud icon.
Step 3: Configure Your CTD in lemlist
1️⃣ Return to the lemlist Custom Tracking Domain section.
Or you can apply it on a team level here (if it's applied on a team level, it will be used by all teammates, not just one email address)
2️⃣ Enter the domain you created, such as trail.yourdomain.com.
3️⃣ lemlist will verify your DNS setup. If it’s not ready, wait up to 72 hours for DNS propagation.
Step 4: Test Your New Domain
To confirm everything works:
1️⃣ Copy and paste your CTD (e.g., trail.yourdomain.com) into a browser.
2️⃣ If the setup is correct, you’ll see a confirmation message. 🎉
Tips for Teams and Multiple Domains
Single Domain Teams: Configure the CTD under Settings > Team, so all team members can use it.
Multiple Domains: Each user needs their own CTD. Create separate CNAMEs with unique subdomains like
lemtrail.yourdomain.comorroute.yourdomain.com.
⚠️ You cannot reuse the same CTD across different teams for security reasons.
Why CTD Matters for Tracking and Deliverability
Track Click Rates: Without a CTD, you won’t get click rate stats in your Reports section.
Boost Deliverability: A CTD ensures your domain reputation remains independent of other lemlist users.
White-Labeling: Replace the lemlist footprint with your brand’s identity.
Still Have Questions?
Don’t worry if you run into issues or have questions! Ping us on chat, and our team will assist you quickly.
Enjoy your improved email deliverability and tracking with your custom tracking domain! 🚀❤️