How to set up a custom tracking domain in Klaviyo

A custom tracking domain makes the links and images in your emails use your own brand domain instead of a shared one. You create a subdomain, add the DNS records Klaviyo provides and wait for verification. This is a one time setup that is worth doing early, and it should be tested once it is verified.

Have this ready.

• Admin access to Klaviyo
• Access to your domain DNS provider
• A subdomain name in mind that matches your brand
• A note of existing DNS records so nothing is overwritten

Steps.

1. 1. Choose the subdomain

   Pick a short subdomain of your main site that you will use only for email tracking. Keep it simple and brand related.

2. 2. Open the domain settings

   In your account settings, find the area for sending and tracking domains and start the custom tracking domain setup.

3. 3. Copy the DNS record

   Klaviyo will show the record you need to add. Copy it exactly, including the record type and value.

4. 4. Add it at your DNS provider

   Log in to your DNS provider and create the record for your chosen subdomain. Avoid changing any existing records.

5. 5. Wait and verify

   DNS changes can take time to spread. Return to Klaviyo and run the verification check, then retry later if it has not passed yet.

6. 6. Confirm links use the new domain

   Send a test email and hover over a link. It should now show your branded subdomain rather than a shared address.

7. 7. Check your own tracking

   Make sure UTM tagging and your analytics still record email traffic correctly after the change.

Common pitfalls.

• Overwriting an existing DNS record by accident.
• Entering the record with a typo or extra characters.
• Deciding the setup failed after a short wait, then making changes mid-propagation.
• Forgetting to test links and images after the switch.

Check it worked.

• DNS record published at the provider
• Klaviyo shows the domain as verified
• Test email links use the branded subdomain
• Images load correctly in the test
• Analytics still tracks email visits

Klaviyo changes its interface from time to time, so treat the steps as the order of work and match the names to what you see on screen.

Rather have this done for you? See our klaviyo email marketing service or book a free audit.