Monitor Custom Domain SSL for Newsletter Publishers

As a newsletter creator, your custom domain is your brand's front door. Ensure subscribers always reach your content without security warnings or access issues, protecting your hard-earned reputation and readership.

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The problem

Newsletter platforms like Substack, Beehiiv, or ConvertKit usually handle SSL for custom domains, but misconfigurations or platform-specific glitches can still occur, especially when migrating DNS. An unexpected SSL expiry can immediately block thousands of subscribers from accessing your latest issue, leading to a flurry of support emails and a significant drop in engagement. This direct disruption damages subscriber trust and your ability to monetize.

Many creators link their custom domain via a CNAME record, making them reliant on the underlying platform's certificate management. However, if your own DNS records are incorrect, or if you use a third-party service that requires its own cert, a failure can cause a "Not Secure" warning. This not only deters new sign-ups but also signals to email providers that your content might be untrustworthy, potentially impacting deliverability rates.

How Certfly solves it

Automatically detect and alert you to SSL certificate expirations on your newsletter's custom domain before subscribers are impacted.

Verify the certificate issuer and SANs, ensuring your branded domain is always served securely and correctly by platforms like Ghost or Substack.

Receive proactive notifications for impending expiry, allowing ample time to address any DNS or platform-related SSL issues.

Concrete example

Cert Status: OK

Domain: yournewsletter.com

Issuer: Cloudflare Inc ECC CA-3

Expires: 2024-11-15 (in 120 days)

SANs: yournewsletter.com, *.yournewsletter.com

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Watch your TLS certs so you don't have to.

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Frequently asked questions

How does Certfly handle SSL for custom domains on Substack or Beehiiv?

Certfly monitors your specific custom domain (e.g., newsletter.com) regardless of where it's hosted. We check the live certificate presented to browsers, alerting you if it's nearing expiry or becomes invalid, even if the platform is responsible.

Will an expired SSL on my newsletter domain affect my email deliverability?

While direct email deliverability is tied to your email sending domain's SPF/DKIM, a "Not Secure" custom domain can erode subscriber trust. This might lead to fewer clicks, lower engagement, and potentially impact future email performance or spam filter perception indirectly.

Can I monitor multiple custom domains for different newsletters?

Yes, Certfly allows you to monitor multiple hostnames. If you manage several newsletters, each with its own custom domain, you can add them all to your Certfly dashboard and receive consolidated alerts.