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Custom Domains

What are Custom Domains?

Custom domains allow you to host your partner portal on your own domain name (like partners.yourcompany.com) instead of the standard Journeybee domain. This creates a seamless, white-labelled experience where partners access your programme through your brand's domain.

Benefits of Custom Domains

Enhanced Branding

  • Partners see your domain throughout their experience

  • Consistent brand presence across all partner touchpoints

  • Professional appearance that builds trust and credibility

  • Seamless integration with your existing marketing materials

Improved Partner Experience

  • Familiar domain name partners recognise and trust

  • Reduced confusion about where to access the portal

  • Single sign-on integration works more naturally

  • Easier to bookmark and share with partner teams

Marketing Advantages

  • Include your custom domain in partner recruitment materials

  • Use consistent branding in email communications

  • Create partner-specific landing pages on your domain

  • Better alignment with your overall digital strategy

Setting Up Your Custom Domain

Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Admin access to your Journeybee account (only Admins can configure custom domains)

  • Domain control with the ability to add DNS records

  • SSL certificate management through your domain provider

  • A subdomain dedicated to your partner portal (e.g., partners.yourcompany.com)

Step 1: Access Custom Domain Settings

  1. Navigate to Settings → Company Profile

  2. Scroll down to the Custom Domain section (only visible to Admin users)

  3. You'll see the custom domain configuration interface

Step 2: Connect Your Domain

  1. Enter your desired subdomain in the domain field (e.g., partners.yourcompany.com)

  2. Click "Connect Domain"

  3. Journeybee will immediately begin the verification process

  4. You'll receive detailed DNS configuration instructions

Step 3: Configure DNS Records

After connecting your domain, you'll need to add two DNS records to your domain provider:

CNAME Record

  • Type: CNAME

  • Name: Your full subdomain (e.g., partners.yourcompany.com)

  • Value: The CNAME target provided by Journeybee

  • TTL: Use your provider's default (often 300 seconds)

TXT Record (for verification)

  • Type: TXT

  • Name: _journeybee-verification.yourdomain.com

  • Value: The verification token provided by Journeybee

  • TTL: Use your provider's default

Common DNS Providers

Cloudflare

  1. Log in to Cloudflare dashboard

  2. Select your domain

  3. Go to DNS → Records

  4. Add both CNAME and TXT records as specified

GoDaddy

  1. Access your domain management

  2. Find DNS Management or DNS Zone Editor

  3. Add the required records

Namecheap

  1. Go to Domain List → Manage

  2. Click Advanced DNS

  3. Add both records as specified

Step 4: Verification Process

After adding DNS records:

  1. Propagation: DNS changes can take 15 minutes to 48 hours to propagate

  2. Automatic checking: Journeybee automatically checks your domain every few minutes

  3. Status updates: You'll see status badges showing verification progress

  4. Manual refresh: Click "Refresh" to check status manually

Domain Status Indicators

  • Pending: Domain added but DNS not yet configured

  • Needs DNS: DNS records required (see instructions)

  • Verifying: DNS records detected, verification in progress

  • Verified: Domain confirmed but SSL certificate being configured

  • Configuring SSL: SSL certificate being set up (this can take up to 24 hours)

  • Active: Domain fully operational and secure

Step 5: SSL Certificate Configuration

Once your domain is verified:

  • Journeybee automatically provisions an SSL certificate

  • This process typically takes 15 minutes to 2 hours

  • Your domain will show "Configuring SSL" during this time

  • Once complete, your custom domain will be fully active

Using Your Custom Domain

Partner Access

Once active, partners can access their portal at:

  • https://partners.yourcompany.com (your custom domain)

  • They'll be automatically redirected to their specific partnership

  • All navigation stays within your custom domain

  • The experience is fully branded to your company

Automatic Redirections

Single Partnership Companies

  • Partners are automatically directed to their partnership page

  • No intermediate selection screen

  • Immediate access to their dashboard and tools

Multiple Partnership Access

  • Partners see a selection screen if they have multiple partnerships

  • All options remain on your custom domain

  • Consistent branding throughout the selection process

Authentication and Security

Domain-Scoped Sessions

  • Login sessions are specific to your custom domain

  • Enhanced security through domain isolation

  • OAuth integrations work seamlessly

  • Single sign-on functions normally

SSL/TLS Security

  • All traffic is encrypted with industry-standard SSL

  • Automatic certificate renewal

  • Security headers and protocols applied

  • Trust indicators show your domain in browser

Managing Your Custom Domain

Monitoring Domain Health

Regular Checks

  • Journeybee automatically monitors your domain every 30 seconds

  • SSL certificate expiry is tracked and renewed automatically

  • DNS configuration changes are detected

  • You're notified of any issues via email

Manual Refresh

  • Click "Refresh" to immediately check domain status

  • Useful after making DNS changes

  • Helps diagnose configuration issues

  • Updates status badges in real-time

Updating DNS Configuration

If you need to change DNS settings:

  1. Update records at your DNS provider

  2. Allow time for propagation (15 minutes to 48 hours)

  3. Use "Refresh" button to check updated status

  4. Contact support if issues persist after 48 hours

Removing Your Custom Domain

To disconnect your custom domain:

  1. Click "Remove" next to your domain

  2. Confirm the removal in the popup

  3. Partners will be redirected to standard Journeybee domains

  4. DNS records can be safely removed from your provider

Important: Removing a custom domain immediately affects partner access. Ensure partners are notified of any changes.

Partner Portal Experience

Branded Interface

Partners accessing your custom domain experience:

  • Custom branding reflecting your company identity

  • Consistent URLs that never leave your domain

  • Professional appearance that builds confidence

  • Familiar domain they recognise and trust

Navigation and Features

All standard partner portal features work on custom domains:

  • Dashboard and analytics

  • Lead and deal management

  • Resource libraries and training materials

  • Communication and collaboration tools

  • Settings and profile management

  • File sharing and document access

Mobile Experience

Custom domains work seamlessly on mobile devices:

  • Responsive design maintained

  • Touch-friendly navigation

  • App-like experience when bookmarked

  • Consistent branding across all devices

Troubleshooting Common Issues

DNS Configuration Problems

CNAME Record Issues

  • Ensure the CNAME points to the exact target provided by Journeybee

  • Don't include "http://" or "https://" in the CNAME value

  • Some providers require a trailing dot (e.g., target.journeybee.io.)

  • Remove any existing A records that conflict with the CNAME

TXT Record Problems

  • Include the full verification subdomain (_journeybee-verification.yourdomain.com)

  • Paste the verification token exactly as provided

  • Some providers require quotes around the TXT value

  • Ensure no extra spaces or hidden characters

Verification Delays

Propagation Time

  • DNS changes typically propagate within 15 minutes to 2 hours

  • Some providers or regions may take up to 48 hours

  • Use DNS checking tools (like WhatsMyDNS.net) to verify propagation

  • Contact your DNS provider if delays persist beyond 48 hours

SSL Configuration Time

  • SSL certificate provisioning can take 15 minutes to 24 hours

  • This is normal and happens automatically

  • Don't make DNS changes during SSL provisioning

  • Contact support if SSL configuration takes longer than 24 hours

Access Issues

Partners Can't Access Domain

  • Verify domain status shows "Active"

  • Check that DNS records are correctly configured

  • Ensure partners are using https:// (not http://)

  • Confirm partners have active partnerships

Redirect Problems

  • Clear browser cache and cookies

  • Try accessing in an incognito/private window

  • Check for browser security extensions blocking redirects

  • Verify the partnership is active and not archived

Best Practices

Domain Selection

Choose Appropriate Subdomains

  • Use descriptive names like "partners", "portal", or "channel"

  • Avoid generic terms that might be confused with other services

  • Keep subdomain names professional and brand-appropriate

  • Consider how the domain will appear in marketing materials

Security Considerations

  • Never use sensitive subdomains like "admin" or "api"

  • Ensure your main domain has proper security measures

  • Keep DNS provider credentials secure

  • Monitor domain ownership and renewal dates

Communication Strategy

Partner Notification

  • Announce custom domain launch with clear instructions

  • Provide transition timeline if moving from standard domain

  • Include custom domain in all partner communications

  • Update existing bookmarks and saved links

Marketing Integration

  • Use custom domain in partner recruitment materials

  • Include domain in email signatures and business cards

  • Feature custom domain prominently on partner-facing content

  • Ensure consistency across all marketing channels

Ongoing Management

Regular Monitoring

  • Check domain status monthly through Journeybee settings

  • Monitor DNS provider for any configuration changes

  • Review SSL certificate status and renewal dates

  • Keep contact information updated with DNS provider

Maintenance Planning

  • Plan for DNS provider migrations carefully

  • Test changes in staging environments when possible

  • Schedule maintenance during low-partner-activity periods

  • Maintain backup communication methods for partners

Important Notes

  • Custom domains are only available to Admin users for configuration

  • DNS propagation times vary by provider and geographic location

  • SSL certificates are automatically managed and renewed by Journeybee

  • Removing a custom domain immediately affects partner access

  • All partner portal features work identically on custom domains

  • Custom domains improve SEO and brand recognition for partner-facing content

This powerful feature creates a seamless, professional experience that strengthens your partner relationships while maintaining full control over your brand presentation.

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