Overview

This article guides readers through the process of creating a custom shortened URL for use with PostBeyond by setting up a CNAME record in their DNS. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a domain different from the company's main domain to avoid conflicts, particularly with LinkedIn. The article provides step-by-step instructions for DNS configuration and coordination with PostBeyond's Customer Success Manager to implement the custom URL.

Information

What is the Short URL?

When using PostBeyond to share content on your social network, you may notice "share.postbeyond.com" within the link snippet. The short URL is used to track clickthroughs. It does not change the way the URL functions—it simply shortens it, similar to services like bit.ly and what Twitter does.

For example:

Twitter

You can customize this URL by creating a CNAME record in your DNS pointing to share.postbeyond.com and then use it as a customized Short URL within PostBeyond.

Requirements to Create a Short URL

Before you get started, you will need to choose a Short URL and ensure that it has a different domain compared to your company's domain.

The domain must not match the company domain

For example, if your Company is Top Notch:

The company website might be www.topnotch.com, which means the domain is 'topnotch.com'. Do not select a custom short URL that contains this domain. Instead, select something that is similar and represents the brand, for instance, share.topnotch.social (the domain being 'topnotch.social').

Why do the domains have to be different?

We have noticed an ongoing issue with LinkedIn, where if the short URL domain matches the domain of the URL being shared, custom actions applied to the PostBeyond shared content will be overridden. For example, if a custom image was applied in PostBeyond, it will not display when shared to LinkedIn.

We do not know the specifics of what causes this issue since it is caused by an external platform.

Purchasing a domain

Your company may need to purchase the domain. Please speak with your IT department to complete this process. Domains are relatively inexpensive and can quickly be obtained.

NOTE: Please make sure when purchasing a domain to include Route53 nameserver in the configuration.

Format

Always make sure to add a subdomain as well!

For example, use share.topnotch.social not just topnotch.social.

How to Implement a Custom Short URL

Implementing a custom short URL involves a few key steps, including DNS configuration and coordination with your Customer Success Manager (CSM) at PostBeyond. Follow these steps to set up your custom short URL.

Steps

Determine your short URL, such as media.company.com. Ensure it does not match your company's main domain to avoid conflicts.
Create a CNAME entry in your DNS records pointing to share.postbeyond.com. Below is an example of how to do this in AWS Route 53, though your DNS management console may vary.

DNS Configuration

Go to Route 53.
Select "Hosted Zones".
Choose the desired domain name (e.g., company.com).
Click on "Create Record Set".
Enter the details for a CNAME record as illustrated below.

PostBeyond Setup

Contact your CSM at PostBeyond to set your short URL to the chosen address (e.g., media.company.com). The image below shows what the CSM will see in their settings.

After completing these steps, PostBeyond will confirm when the change is effective. You will then see the new short URL in your shared posts.

Helpful Resources

Explore the following articles for more information:

FAQ

Why is it important to choose a short URL domain that is different from my company's main domain?

It is important to choose a different domain to avoid conflicts with social media platforms like LinkedIn, which can override custom actions applied to shared content if the short URL domain matches the company's main domain.

What is a CNAME record and why do I need to create one for a custom short URL?

A CNAME record is a type of DNS record that maps an alias name to a true or canonical domain name. Creating a CNAME record for a custom short URL points the alias to the service (in this case, share.postbeyond.com) that generates the shortened URL.

How can I implement a custom short URL for my company?

To implement a custom short URL, determine a unique URL that doesn't match your company's main domain, create a CNAME entry in your DNS records pointing to share.postbeyond.com, and coordinate with your PostBeyond Customer Success Manager to set up the short URL.

What should I do if I have questions or encounter issues while setting up my custom short URL?

If you have any questions or issues during the setup process, you should reach out to PostBeyond support by emailing support@postbeyond.com for assistance.