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Short answer: A domain in ShortPen is the brand name that appears in every link you share. You can use the default domain or connect your own (recommended), so all links read like https://go.yourbrand.com/slug.

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Why domains matter in ShortPen

Domains are the “front” of every link. Using your own domain improves trust, deliverability (especially in email), and long-term reliability compared to generic senders. In ShortPen, you get a default domain to start, and you can add one or more custom domains for branding and control.
Important notes:
  • If you use shr.pn (the default shared domain), we apply stricter automated checks and rate limits to protect reputation. For full control and fewer restrictions, connect your own domain.
  • Do not connect your primary website domain (e.g., yourbrand.com). Instead, connect a dedicated subdomain used only for links (e.g., go.yourbrand.com or link.yourbrand.com).
Learn more: Why use a custom domain with ShortPen?
  • Primary website domain The address of your site/app (e.g., yourbrand.com). Keep it for your website. Don’t use it directly as a ShortPen link domain to avoid conflicts and DNS issues.
  • Link domain (recommended) A separate domain (brandlinks.com) or, more commonly, a subdomain (go.yourbrand.com) that ShortPen uses to generate links. This keeps your main site untouched and your links on-brand.
Best practice: Use a subdomain just for links.

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Where domains live in ShortPen

  • Organization: Add/manage once in Organization → Domains.
  • Workspace: When creating a link, choose any org domain from the Domain dropdown. Same domain can be reused across many workspaces.
Every link is built from: domain + slug → full URL, which redirects to your destination URL. Example:
https://go.yourbrand.com/summer-offer → Landing Page
The domain makes your URLs readable and brand-safe. The slug keeps them short and memorable.
Learn more: Components of a ShortPen Link

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Using multiple domains

Organizations can connect multiple domains (brand families, clients, regions). Creators pick the domain when making each link. Owners/Admins can change which domain is Default for new links anytime.
The number of domains you can connect depends on your current ShortPen plan. Free plans include one custom domain, while paid plans unlock additional domains for larger teams and multi-brand setups.

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Root domain redirects

If someone types just the domain with no slug (e.g., go.yourbrand.com), set a root domain redirect so they land on a helpful page (homepage, hub, or campaign). This avoids dead-ends and keeps the brand experience tidy.
Learn more: How to set a Root Domain Redirect
If you change the domain or slug, you create a new public URL and the previous link stops working. If that link was using the default domain shr.pn, the previous slug becomes available again. Plan migrations and update assets/prints so users don’t hit an invalid link.
Learn more: How to edit a QR Code after a link change in ShortPen.

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FAQ

Yes. Domains are attached to the Organization and available everywhere you work, subject to permissions.
Not usually. You’ll add a CNAME or TXT record at your DNS provider, then wait for verification in ShortPen.