Custom Domains

Created on 24 November, 2024Docs • 35 views • 3 minutes read

Custom domains for status pages enable businesses to enhance their branding, provide transparency, and communicate updates effectively to their audience.

This feature allows users to use their own domain or subdomain for status pages, ensuring a professional appearance and better integration into their ecosystem.

Why Custom Domains for Status Pages Are Important

Key Benefits:

  1. Brand Consistency:
  2. Using a custom domain, such as status.yourcompany.com, keeps the branding consistent and builds trust with users.
  3. It avoids confusion that may arise from redirecting users to a third-party domain.
  4. Improved Client Relationships:
  5. For agencies or service providers, creating branded status pages for clients helps reinforce a professional image and enhances credibility.
  6. SEO and Visibility:
  7. Custom domains make it easier to optimize status pages for search engines, improving visibility for relevant updates.
  8. Transparency and Trust:
  9. Customers feel reassured when service updates are displayed on a dedicated, branded domain.

Steps to Set Up a Custom Domain for Status Pages in Pingtr

Step 1: Configure Your DNS

Before configuring a custom domain in Pingtr, ensure that your domain or subdomain has a CNAME record pointing to Pingtr.

Example Configurations:

  1. Custom Domain:
  2. Domain: status.yourcompany.com
  3. CNAME: status.pingtr.com
  4. Custom Subdomain:
  5. Domain: updates.yourcompany.com
  6. CNAME: pingtr.com

Step 2: Create the Custom Domain in Pingtr

Visit https://pingtr.com/domain-create and fill out the following sections:

  1. Domain or Subdomain Name:
  2. Enter the domain or subdomain you configured in your DNS settings (e.g., status.yourcompany.com).
  3. Custom Index URL (Optional):
  4. Redirect visitors landing on the domain's index to a specific URL.
  5. Example: If you don’t want to use the domain exclusively for a status page, you might redirect status.yourcompany.com to yourcompany.com/support.
  6. Custom 404 Not Found URL (Optional):
  7. Redirect visitors landing on non-existent pages of the custom domain to a specific URL.
  8. Example: Redirect visitors who mistype the URL to yourcompany.com/error.
  9. Save your settings.

Step 3: Wait for Propagation

Once configured, the DNS changes may take some time (up to 24 hours) to propagate. During this time, Pingtr will verify your domain.

Step 4: Create a Status Page

After your custom domain is ready:

  1. Go to https://pingtr.com/status-page-create.
  2. Fill out the required details for the status page.
  3. Select your custom domain from the dropdown menu during status page creation.
  4. Save the status page and test its functionality.

Use Cases for Custom Status Pages

1. For SaaS Companies:

  1. Scenario: A SaaS platform wants to keep its customers informed about system performance and downtime.
  2. Implementation: Create a status page using a subdomain like status.saasplatform.com and use it for uptime tracking and incident communication.
  3. Benefit: Builds trust by showing transparency in handling outages and performance updates.

2. For Agencies Providing Client Monitoring:

  1. Scenario: A digital agency monitors multiple client websites and creates individual status pages for each client.
  2. Implementation: Use custom domains like client1.agencyname.comand client2.agencyname.com to display real-time status updates.
  3. Benefit: Enhances the agency’s image as a professional and reliable partner.

3. For E-commerce Businesses:

  1. Scenario: An e-commerce business wants to communicate the status of its payment gateway and order processing system.
  2. Implementation: Create a branded status page, such as status.shoponline.com, to provide real-time updates on system health.
  3. Benefit: Keeps customers informed during downtime, reducing frustration and support queries.

4. For IT Service Providers:

  1. Scenario: A managed IT services company uses status pages to inform clients about the health of critical systems.
  2. Implementation: Set up custom domains like status.clientsite.comfor individual clients.
  3. Benefit: Provides personalized monitoring while maintaining branding for each client.

Tips for Using Custom Domains Effectively

  1. Choose a Memorable Domain:
  2. Use a subdomain like statusupdates, or health that users can easily remember.
  3. Regularly Update Status Pages:
  4. Keep the information accurate and up-to-date to maintain user trust.
  5. Integrate with Notifications:
  6. Link your custom domain status page with Pingtr's notification system (e.g., Slack, email) for real-time updates.
  7. Use SSL Certificates:
  8. Ensure your custom domain is secure by enabling SSL, which Pingtr can handle automatically.

By setting up a custom domain for your status pages, you can offer a professional, branded experience that enhances communication with your audience while ensuring transparency and trust.