What is a custom domain?
All surveys you send through Netigate come from a domain. By default, you use Netigate's domain - something like [email protected]
.
However, a custom domain is a personalized domain, such as [email protected]
. You can use this domain when sending surveys, instead of the default Netigate domain.
What are the benefits of using a custom domain?
Using a custom domain makes the users receiving your survey more likely to respond. It also:
Boosts trust and brand visibility: A custom domain makes surveys look professional, reinforcing credibility and improving response rates.
Improves email deliverability: Configured domains (with SPF/DKIM/DMARC) help avoid spam filters and ensure consistent sender reputation.
Enables a branded user experience: Clean, recognizable URLs enhance user confidence and align with corporate identity.
Supports better analytics and compliance: Easier tracking in analytics tools, improved data governance, and fewer issues with firewalls or whitelisting.
How can I get started using a Custom Domain?
First, only Admins can create and edit a Custom Domain. Assuming you are an Admin, you can follow this URL, or navigate to Account Settings -> Custom Domain using the steps in the GIF below:
By default the page shows information on all of the Custom Domains that are available. If you would like to add a new domain, click the button in the top right that says "Add Domain".
Then, simply add the domain that you want to use.
We strongly recommend using a sub-domain for sending surveys. Sub-domains are easier to manage and have no impact on your main domain reputation when sending surveys.
Below is an example of the difference between a domain and a subdomain:
Term | Example | Purpose |
Domain |
| Main website or core brand address |
Subdomain |
| Specific section or service under the main domain |
Once you have double checked your domain, click "save". Note that while you have added your domain to Netigate, we need to verify that you actually own that domain before we allow you send emails using it.
How can I verify my domain?
Simply adding a domain is not enough for you to use it to send emails. We have to verify that you are associated with the domain before you can use it. This is to prevent impersonation and security risks.
Assuming you've created a domain, you need to use the three dots to the right of the domain to "view details". See image below:
After clicking view details, you will see information related to the domain. Things like the DMARC, DKIM, SPF, and more. If these terms aren't already familiar to you, you may want to contact a member of your development or IT team.
The information related to this domain (like the DMARC) needs to be taken to your DNS hosting provider. There are a lot of different hosting providers, each with their own steps on how to input the information from Netigate. We have some examples below:
Note that you need to copy the information exactly as it appears in Netigate. We recommend you consult with your IT professional or a similar systems administrator if you are not familiar with this process, as its possible there are edge cases based on your specific domains settings and permissions.
Additionally, it can take up to 48 hours for your domain to be verified in Netigate, from when you put the information into your DNS system. During this time, if you need to send surveys, you can still use Netigate's default domain.
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?
When you send surveys or feedback requests from a custom domain, it's important to make sure your emails are trusted and not marked as spam. That’s where SPF, DKIM, and DMARC come in:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) tells email providers which servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails to prove they haven’t been tampered with.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells email providers what to do if SPF or DKIM checks fail, and helps you monitor email security.
Setting these up improves deliverability and ensures your emails look professional and trustworthy. They are required in order to create and use a Custom Domain in Netigate.
Get help
If you encounter errors setting up your Custom Domain, please contact our Support team using [email protected]