Setting Up a Custom Tracking Domain in send dart 

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Tracking your emails is crucial for understanding your audience’s behavior and improving your email marketing campaigns. With send dart, you can set up a custom tracking domain to monitor your email opens and clicks. This guide will walk you through the process step by step. 

Why Use a Custom Tracking Domain?  #
  • Enhanced Deliverability: Using your own domain for tracking can boost your email deliverability rates. 
  • Branding: Maintain consistent branding by using your own domain instead of a third-party one. 
  • Detailed Insights: Gain insights into email opens, clicks, and other metrics. 

Setting Up Your Custom Tracking Domain  #
Method 1: DNS/CNAME Verification 

  • Notice: This method is recommended for most users as it is universally compatible with all hosting providers. 

Access send dart: 

  • Log into your send dart account. 
  • Navigate to the ‘Sendings’ tab and select ‘Tracking’s Domain’. 

Add Domain: 

  • Click on ‘Add Domain’. 
  • Enter your subdomain (e.g., track.yourdomain.com). Important: Only add a sub-domain, not your primary domain, as it can break your site. 
  • Select the HTTP method when adding the subdomain. 

DNS Record Creation: 

  • Copy the provided CNAME record from send dart. 
  • Access your domain provider’s DNS Zone Editor (e.g., GoDaddy, Hostinger). 
  • Create a new CNAME record and paste the copied value. 
  • Save the changes. Note: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. 

Verification: 

  • Return to send dart and refresh the page. 
  • Your tracking domain should now display as ‘Verified’. 

  • Note: When using the DNS/CNAME verification method, only HTTP is recommended. 

Method 2: Host Redirect Verification (For PHP Servers) 

  • Disclaimer: This method requires a PHP server, making it ideal for WordPress users. Ensure you follow the steps carefully to avoid potential issues. 

Choose Verification Method: 

  • In send dart, under ‘Tracking’s Domain’, select ‘Host Redirect Verification’. 

Add Subdomain: 

  • Enter a new subdomain (e.g., tracking.yourdomain.com). Remember to only use a sub-domain. 
  • Select the HTTPS method when adding the subdomain. 

Download Script: 

  • Click on ‘View’ next to your added domain. 
  • Download the provided tracking script. 

Upload Script to Server: 

  • Access your hosting provider’s file manager. 
  • Navigate to the folder associated with your subdomain. Important: The files are supposed to be uploaded in your sub-domain and not your primary domain. 
  • Upload and extract the downloaded script. 

Test & Verify: 

  • Visit your subdomain in a browser. You should see a message indicating the tracking domain is ready. 
  • In send dart, test the tracking domain. If successful, it will display as ‘Verified’. 

  • Note: When using the script upload method, you can use both HTTP and HTTPS. 

Wrapping Up  #

Setting up a custom tracking domain in send dart is straightforward. Whether you choose DNS/CNAME verification or host redirect verification, the process ensures you have a reliable way to track your email campaigns. If you encounter any challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Happy tracking! 

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