Register a domain name for a vanity URL

You need to create and register a domain name with an accredited registrar before you can add it to Hootsuite as a vanity URL. Your vanity URL domain cannot be used with any active websites. It should reflect your brand, but is separate from your website domain. For example, a hotel chain's website might be athenetravel.com and its vanity URL domain could be ath.ene.

Create your domain name

You can create domain names up to 63 characters, but we recommend keeping them to short to save space in your posts. Have several options ready in case your first choice in unavailable. Register your domain name through an accredited registrar. Visit the Accredited Registrar Directory to find out if your domain name registrar, such as Go Daddy, is accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

A web host is an organization you pay (usually monthly), to host your website content. It is common for organizations to offer domain name registration and web hosting as a bundled package. However, you can use a different organization for each. Confirm that your web host offers features you need now, and ones that allow you to grow.

Point your domain name to your web host

If you opt to have a different organization for each, you must point your domain name to your web host so that when people type in your domain name they get directed to your website (Web host).

This process involves entering your web host server information into your domain name registrar's settings. Your domain name registrar will be able to provide you with more help if required.

Use your domain name

When you have a registered domain name and web host, you are ready to add a vanity URL to Hootsuite. See Set up a vanity URL for instructions.