Custom Domains - Disclosurely DNS Configuration Guide

Configure custom domains for your whistleblowing portal (reports.yourcompany.com). SSL certificates, DNS setup, and domain verification included automatically.

Custom Domains

Use your own domain for your whistleblowing reporting portal. Create a professional, branded experience like reports.yourcompany.com.

Available on: Pro and Enterprise plans

Benefits of Custom Domains

Professional Appearance

  • Use your own domain (reports.yourcompany.com)
  • Builds trust with employees
  • Reinforces brand identity
  • Shows organizational commitment

Increased Trust

  • Employees recognize your domain
  • Reduces phishing concerns
  • Higher submission rates
  • Better engagement

SEO & Analytics

  • Own the web presence
  • Track traffic in your analytics
  • Control SEO for compliance pages

Requirements

Before setting up a custom domain:

Subscription: Pro or Enterprise plan ✅ Domain Ownership: You must own the domain ✅ DNS Access: Ability to modify DNS records ✅ SSL Certificate: Automatically provided by Disclosurely

Setup Process

Step 1: Add Domain in Disclosurely

  1. Navigate to Settings > Custom Domains
  2. Click "Add Custom Domain"
  3. Enter your desired subdomain:
    • reports.yourcompany.com
    • speakup.yourcompany.com
    • ethics.yourcompany.com
  4. Click "Add Domain"

Step 2: Create DNS Records

You'll receive DNS configuration instructions:

CNAME Record:

  • Name/Host: reports (or your chosen subdomain)
  • Value/Points to: cname.disclosurely.com
  • TTL: 3600 (or automatic)

Verification TXT Record (temporary):

  • Name/Host: _disclosurely-verify.reports
  • Value: [unique verification token]
  • TTL: 3600

Step 3: Configure DNS Provider

Log into your DNS provider (examples):

Cloudflare:

  1. Go to DNS settings
  2. Add CNAME record
  3. Add TXT record for verification
  4. Save changes

GoDaddy:

  1. Navigate to DNS Management
  2. Add new CNAME record
  3. Add TXT record
  4. Save

Google Domains:

  1. Go to DNS settings
  2. Add Custom Resource Records
  3. Type: CNAME, TXT
  4. Save

Step 4: Verify Domain

Back in Disclosurely:

  1. Click "Verify Domain"
  2. System checks DNS records
  3. Verification usually completes within minutes
  4. May take up to 48 hours for DNS propagation

Step 5: SSL Certificate Provisioning

Once verified:

  1. SSL certificate automatically provisioned
  2. Takes 5-15 minutes
  3. HTTPS automatically enabled
  4. Domain goes live

Domain Status

Pending Verification

  • DNS records not detected yet
  • Check DNS configuration
  • Wait for DNS propagation

Verified

  • DNS records confirmed
  • SSL provisioning in progress

Active

  • SSL certificate issued
  • Domain is live
  • Reports can be submitted

Failed

  • Verification failed
  • Check DNS records
  • Re-verify or contact support

Managing Domains

Set Primary Domain

If you have multiple domains:

  1. Go to Settings > Custom Domains
  2. Click "Set as Primary" next to desired domain
  3. This becomes the default reporting URL

Remove Domain

To remove a custom domain:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Custom Domains
  2. Click "Remove" next to domain
  3. Confirm removal
  4. Domain stops working immediately
  5. Original disclosurely.com link remains active

Domain Analytics

View domain-specific analytics:

  • Visits to custom domain
  • Reports submitted via domain
  • Geographic distribution
  • Referral sources

Troubleshooting

Domain not verifying:

  • Check DNS records are correct
  • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
  • Ensure no conflicting records
  • Verify subdomain is correct

SSL certificate not provisioning:

  • Ensure DNS is fully propagated
  • Check for CAA records blocking issuance
  • Wait 15-30 minutes
  • Contact support if issue persists

Domain shows error:

  • Check domain status in dashboard
  • Verify SSL certificate is active
  • Test from different network
  • Clear browser cache

Best Practices

Use descriptive subdomain: reports, speakup, ethics, whistleblow ✅ Communicate the URL: Share in employee communications ✅ Update materials: Change posters, handbooks, emails ✅ Test thoroughly: Submit test reports before announcement ✅ Monitor analytics: Track usage and engagement

Multi-Domain Setup (Enterprise)

Enterprise customers can configure multiple domains:

Use Cases:

  • Different domains per region
  • Separate domains per business unit
  • Language-specific domains
  • Acquisition integration

Setup:

  1. Add multiple domains via Settings
  2. Each gets unique DNS configuration
  3. All point to same organization
  4. Shared reporting and case management

Next Steps:

Custom Domains - Disclosurely DNS Configuration Guide | Disclosurely Docs