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Zones: Global vs User

In Snipzr, zones are containers that hold your short links. Each zone is associated with a domain, and understanding the difference between Global and User zones helps you choose the right option for your needs.

What's a Zone?​

Think of a zone as a domain for short links - it's both:

  • The domain used in your short URLs (snipzr.com or go.yourbrand.com)
  • A workspace for organizing and managing those links

The Two Types​

TypeWhat It IsExample DomainWho Can Use
Global ZoneSnipzr's default domainssnipzr.com, zor.fiEveryone (all plans)
User ZoneYour custom domaingo.yourbrand.comAll plans (Free includes 1)

Global Zones (Snipzr Default Domains)​

What They Are​

Global zones are Snipzr's built-in short domains that all users can use immediately.

Available domains:

  • snipzr.com (primary)
  • zor.fi
  • Other Snipzr domains

Characteristics​

✅ Instant Access

  • No setup required
  • Available immediately after signup
  • Free on all plans

✅ Shared Infrastructure

  • All users can create links on these domains
  • Snipzr manages DNS and SSL
  • Links format: snipzr.com/your-slug

✅ Slug Uniqueness

  • Each slug must be unique per domain
  • Example: snipzr.com/sale can only exist once
  • But zor.fi/sale is a different link (different domain)

When to Use Global Zones​

Perfect for:

  • 🎯 Personal projects
  • 🧪 Testing and development
  • 💬 Quick sharing
  • 👥 Internal team links
  • 🚀 Getting started with Snipzr

Example links:

https://snipzr.com/my-blog
https://zor.fi/docs
https://snipzr.com/promo-2026

User Zones (Custom Domains)​

What They Are​

User zones are created when you connect your own domain to Snipzr.

Examples:

  • go.yourbrand.com
  • link.company.com
  • get.product.io

Characteristics​

✅ Your Brand

  • Use your own domain name
  • Full control over branding
  • Builds trust with your audience

✅ Dedicated Space

  • Your own zone/workspace
  • Separate analytics
  • Independent slug namespace

✅ Professional Features

  • Custom SSL certificate (automatic)
  • Full analytics and tracking
  • API access

How User Zones Are Created​

User zones are automatically created when you Connect a custom domain in Snipzr "Zones" dashboard.

Once active, your custom domain becomes a User Zone.

When to Use User Zones​

Perfect for:

  • 🎨 Brand visibility and trust
  • 📢 Professional marketing campaigns
  • 👔 Client-facing materials
  • 🏢 Company-wide link shortening
  • 💼 White-label solutions

Example links:

https://go.yourbrand.com/summer-sale
https://link.company.com/onboarding
https://get.product.io/demo

Requirements​

  • Plan: any plan. Free includes 1 custom domain; Pro includes 3, Team 10
  • Domain: Own a domain or subdomain
  • DNS Access: Ability to add DNS records
  • Time: 5 minutes - 24 hours for setup

Comparison​

Feature Comparison​

FeatureGlobal ZonesUser Zones
Use CasesPersonal, testingProfessional, marketing
Setup TimeInstant5 min - 24 hours
CostFree (all plans)Included on every plan + domain
BrandingSnipzr brandingYour branding
Domain ControlSnipzr managedYou manage
Slug SpaceShared (must be unique)Private (your slugs only)
SSL/HTTPSIncludedIncluded (auto)
AnalyticsFull analyticsFull analytics
API AccessYesYes

Trust & Credibility​

Global Zones:

  • ✅ Quick and easy
  • ⚠️ Generic appearance
  • ⚠️ Users see "snipzr.com" domain

User Zones:

  • ✅ Professional appearance
  • ✅ Your brand reinforced
  • ✅ Higher click-through rates
  • ✅ Builds trust

Working with Both Types​

Multiple Zones​

You can use both global and user zones simultaneously:

  • Global zones: For internal testing
  • User zone: For public campaigns

When creating a link, you select which zone (domain) to use:

  1. Click "Create New" from "Links" dashboard
  2. Select zone (domain) from dropdown:
    • snipzr.com (global)
    • zor.fi (global)
    • go.yourbrand.com (your user zone)
  3. Create link

Setting a Default​

Choose which zone is used by default for new links:

  1. From the header dropdown, choose Zones to visit "Zones" dashboard
  2. For the desired zone, click the ︙ icon (next to the zone) → Set as Default

Slug Uniqueness​

Understanding how slugs work in different zones:

Global Zones​

Since all users share global zones, slugs must be globally unique:

✅ You: snipzr.com/summer-sale
❌ Other user: snipzr.com/summer-sale (already taken)
✅ You: zor.fi/summer-sale (different domain, allowed)

User Zones​

Your user zone has its own slug namespace - only you control it:

✅ You: go.yourbrand.com/sale
✅ Other user: go.otherbrand.com/sale (different domain)
✅ Even if: snipzr.com/sale exists (different zone)

Organization​

Use zones to organize campaigns:

Global zones:

snipzr.com/test-promo-1
snipzr.com/test-promo-2

User zones:

go.brand.com/spring-campaign
go.brand.com/summer-campaign

Migration Path​

Starting Out​

Phase 1: Learn with Global Zones

  1. Sign up (Free plan)
  2. Create links with snipzr.com
  3. Learn the platform
  4. Test features

Phase 2: Add Branding

  1. Connect a custom domain (Free includes 1)
  2. Verify DNS
  3. Create user zone
  4. Start using branded links

Phase 3: Professional Setup

  1. All public links use custom domain
  2. Global zones for internal testing
  3. Multiple user zones for different brands

Common Questions​

Can I have multiple user zones?​

Yes! Paid plans support multiple custom domains (Pro: 3, Team: 10):

  • go.brand-a.com
  • link.brand-b.com
  • get.product.com

Each becomes a separate user zone.

Nothing! Your snipzr.com links continue working. You can:

  • Keep using them
  • Migrate to custom domain
  • Use both simultaneously

Do user zones cost extra?​

The user zone itself carries no extra Snipzr fee on any plan. You pay for:

  • Your Snipzr plan, if you need more than the Free allowance
  • Domain registration (~$12/year if purchasing new)

Can I delete a user zone?​

Yes, but:

  • All links in that zone will stop working
  • You'll need to migrate them to an active zone first

Which should I choose?​

Choose Global Zones if:

  • Just starting out
  • Personal use
  • Testing features
  • Budget constraints

Choose User Zones if:

  • Professional branding needed
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Client-facing materials
  • Building brand trust

Technical Details​

How Zones Work​

  1. Link Creation

    • You choose a zone (domain)
    • Enter a slug
    • Snipzr creates: [domain]/[slug]
  2. DNS Resolution

    • Someone clicks your link
    • DNS resolves to Snipzr servers
    • Snipzr looks up the destination
    • Redirects to final URL
  3. Tracking

    • Snipzr logs the click
    • Records analytics data
    • Updates your dashboard

Zone Data Structure​

Each zone stores:

  • Domain configuration
  • DNS verification status
  • SSL certificate and status
  • Default settings
  • All links in that zone

Next Steps​

Using Global Zones​

Setting Up User Zones​

Learn More​

Need Help?​

Understanding zones helps you make the most of Snipzr!