Custom domain for affiliate portal

A custom domain means the affiliate portal and the tracking links run on an address you own, such as partners.yourcompany.com, instead of an address belonging to the software vendor. Affiliates then see your name in the browser bar, and links shared in public carry your brand rather than the tool's. FirstPromoter, Post Affiliate Pro, Rewardful, Tapfiliate and Tolt are listed with this feature.

Affiliates and their audiences are more willing to sign up and click when the address looks like it belongs to the company they know. A custom domain also keeps links working if you ever change tools, as long as you control the domain. You need it when brand trust matters, for example in finance, health or higher-priced services. If you are testing a programme with a few friendly partners, a vendor address is fine and saves set-up time.

• Ask whether the custom domain applies to the portal, the tracking links or both.
• Test the set-up steps, which usually involve adding a DNS record, and note whether you need help from whoever manages your domain.
• Check whether the security certificate is issued and renewed for you.
• Find out which plans include the feature.