Configuring Your Domains: Whitelabel, API, Sites, Email, and Client Portal

Understanding Domain Configuration in Your CRM

Configuring domains is essential for creating a seamless, branded experience for your clients. This guide covers the different types of domains you can set up within your CRM platform, including Whitelabel, API, Sites, Email Sending, and Client Portal domains.

What is a Domain?

A domain is your digital address on the internet. It allows users to access your online services, such as your website, email, and client portal, by translating a memorable name into a numerical IP address. Proper domain configuration is the foundation for your branded presence within the CRM.

Root Domains vs. Subdomains

It's important to understand the difference between a root domain and a subdomain.

• Root Domain: This is your primary website address (e.g., mybusiness.com).
• Subdomain: This is an extension of your root domain that points to a specific service or section (e.g., app.mybusiness.com for your CRM application).

Important Note: Exercise caution when adding a root domain that is already hosting an existing website or email service, as this can disrupt those services. Using a subdomain is often the recommended and safer approach.

Methods for Connecting Your Domain

Automatic Connection (Domain Connect)

If your domain is registered with providers like Google Domains, Cloudflare, or GoDaddy, you can use the automatic Domain Connect feature. This simplifies the process by configuring the necessary DNS records for you, saving time and reducing potential errors for branded domains, websites, and the client portal.

Manual DNS Configuration

For domain providers that do not support automatic connection, you will need to manually configure your DNS records. The CRM will provide you with the specific record values you need to enter into your domain provider's control panel.

1. Access your domain provider's DNS management section.
2. Create a new DNS record.
3. Select the record type (e.g., CNAME, A record) as specified by the CRM.
4. Enter the provided Hostname into the Name field and the Value into the Target field.
5. Save the record. If you use Cloudflare, ensure the proxy status (the orange cloud icon) is disabled (toggled off).

Where to Configure Domains in Your CRM

Whitelabel Domain

A Whitelabel Domain allows your clients to access the main CRM application using your custom domain instead of the default platform URL. This is crucial for a fully branded experience.

• Location: Agency View > Settings > Company Settings > Whitelabel Domain.
• Recommendation: Use a subdomain, such as app.yourdomain.com.

After creating the required CNAME record with your domain provider and adding the domain in the CRM settings, your clients will see your branding when they log in.

API or Branded Domain

API Domains (also known as Branded Domains) allow you to customize the links generated by the system for features like forms, surveys, and calendars, enhancing brand recognition.

• Agency-Level Setup: Agency View > Settings > Company Settings > API Domain. This sets a default for all sub-accounts.
• Sub-Account Level Setup: Navigate to a specific Sub-Account > Settings > Business Profile > API Domain. This allows for customization per client.
• Recommendation: Always use a subdomain to avoid redirecting traffic away from your main website.

Sites Domain

Adding a domain under the Sites settings enables you to host websites and funnels on your own custom domain. This involves associating the domain with a specific sub-account and ensuring the DNS records are correctly pointed to the CRM's servers.

Email Sending Domain

Configuring an Email Sending Domain authenticates your domain for sending emails, which improves deliverability and ensures your emails appear to come from your brand rather than a generic address.

Client Portal Domain

For features like Communities and Courses, you can set up a dedicated Client Portal Domain. This provides a branded URL for your clients to access these exclusive areas.