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Guide to SSL Click Tracking for Optimove and SendGrid

Heather
  • Updated

Disclaimer: The setup steps might vary depending on your specific CDN provider. Please consult with your provider's support team for detailed instructions tailored to your CDN.

What is SSL Click Tracking, and Why It Matters?

SSL Click Tracking is a process that uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to track and secure user interactions with links in emails. SSL is the standard technology for creating an encrypted link between a web server and a browser, ensuring that all data passed between them remains private. For email marketers, implementing SSL for link tracking is recommended because: 

  • Prevents Security Warnings: Modern browsers like Chrome may show privacy warnings without an SSL certificate, causing trust issues and potential drop-offs.
  • Ensures Link Security: HTTPS is becoming a standard for links, especially for secure domains and calls to action (CTAs). Links might break or show errors if your tracking domain isn't secured. 
  • Protects Subscriber Data: SSL helps secure the sensitive data being transmitted through links, ensuring compliance and security best practices. 

Enabling SSL click tracking ensures that every link interaction is properly tracked and secured for Optimove users leveraging SendGrid, reducing friction for end-users and maintaining a high level of trustworthiness for email communications. 

There are two primary methods to add an SSL certificate for click tracking: using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) or setting up a custom configuration on your own server. Choose the method that best suits your infrastructure and technical requirements. 

Using a CDN to Manage SSL Certificates

This method leverages a CDN provider (such as Cloudflare, Fastly, or KeyCDN) to manage SSL certificates. It is an efficient solution for organizations looking for scalability and ease of use.

Steps:

  • Create an SSL Certificate:
    • Work with your CDN provider to request and manage an SSL certificate for your email link domain (e.g., link.yourdomain.com).
    • Avoid wildcard certificates, as they may cause instability with click tracking. 
  • Update DNS Configuration:
    • Point your white-label link domain to your CDN-managed SSL certificate (e.g., link.yourbrand.com → cdm.link.yourbrand.com).
  • Forward Traffic to SendGrid:
    • Configure your CDN to forward traffic through the SSL certificate and route it to SendGrid (e.g., https://cdm.link.yourbrand.com → sendgrid.net).
  • Confirm with Optimove Team:
    • Once DNS changes are propagated, confirm with the Optimove team to enable SSL click tracking.

Custom SSL Configuration on your Server 

If you prefer more control, you can configure SSL click tracking directly on your own web server. This method requires more technical setup but allows for complete customization. 

Steps:

  • Prepare Your Server:
    • Configure your web server (e.g., NGINX, Apache) to handle traffic for your branded link domain (e.g., link.yourdomain.com).
  • Create and Add SSL Certificate:
    • Obtain an SSL certificate for your domain and add it to your server configuration file (e.g., nginx-example.conf for NGINX).
  • Configure Proxy Pass:
    • Set up a proxy pass to forward traffic securely to SendGrid using the SSL certificate. Use the location and proxy_pass directives in NGINX to ensure proper routing:
    •  
    • location /link.mydomain.com {
      proxy_pass https://sendgrid.net;
      proxy_set_header Host $host;
      }
    •  
    • This setup ensures that any click on a link using your domain is redirected securely to SendGrid's servers for tracking.
  • Forward the HOST Header:
    • Use the proxy_set_header directive to pass the necessary headers from your server to SendGrid. If any header should be omitted, set it to an empty string.
  • Confirm with the Optimove Success Team:
    • Once you have configured the server and SSL certificate correctly, validate the configuration with the Optimove team to switch over to Custom SSL Click Tracking. 

By setting up SSL click tracking, whether through a CDN or your own server configuration, you ensure that your email campaigns are both secure and compliant with modern security standards. This not only protects your subscribers' data but also builds trust with your audience, ensuring a seamless and secure email experience.

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