How to Set Up the SegMetrics Self-Hosted Pixel

The Self-Hosted Pixel (Custom Tracking Domain) allows you to use your own domain to load the SegMetrics tracking pixel, improving attribution through first-party cookies and bypassing ad-blocking restrictions. Setup requires approval from the SegMetrics support team to ensure proper configuration.

Why Use a Self-Hosted Pixel

The Self-Hosted Pixel provides several advantages:

• First-party cookie solution for improved tracking attribution
• Ad-blocker resistance by avoiding third-party tracking restrictions
• Enhanced data accuracy through custom domain implementation
• Better compliance with privacy regulations

Important: Setup requires SegMetrics support team approval to prevent tracking loss.

Setting Up Your Domain DNS

DNS Configuration Steps

1. Access Your Domain Provider
2. Log in to your domain provider's website
3. Navigate to your domain management page
4. Access DNS (Domain Name System) settings for your chosen domain
5. Create CNAME Record

• Add a new CNAME record (also called Alias)

  Host/Name/Hostname: Choose a unique subdomain name

• Avoid words like "track," "pixel," or "click" (blocked by ad-blockers)
• Recommended: "seg" or "abc"
• Important: Ensure no existing CNAME record exists for this subdomain
• CNAME/Target/Points to/Address/Alias: custom.segtrk.com    

Troubleshooting

• If errors occur, verify no other records exist for your subdomain (A, AAAA, TXT, etc.)
• Remove conflicting records before adding the CNAME
• Save your changes

Example CNAME Record:

Host/Name: seg

Points to: custom.segtrk.com

Result: seg.yourdomain.com → custom.segtrk.com

Configuring SegMetrics

SegMetrics Setup Process

1. Access Settings
   1. Log into your SegMetrics account
   2. Go to Site Settings
2. Enable Self-Hosted Pixel
   1. Under Self-Host Pixel section, click Enable Your Self-Hosted Pixel
   2. In the support request box, paste your complete domain name (e.g., seg.yourdomain.com)
3. Support Approval Process
   1. SegMetrics support team will verify your CNAME configuration
   2. You'll receive an email with final setup instructions
   3. Copy the updated SegMetrics Tracking Pixel code to your site
   4. Begin using your new custom tracking domain

VideoAsk Compatibility

Important Limitation: If you're using VideoAsk, note that this service doesn't support custom or self-hosted tracking snippets. Deploying the self-hosted pixel to VideoAsk pages may cause errors.

Solution:

• Continue using the default SegMetrics tracking pixel on VideoAsk pages
• Use your self-hosted pixel on other landing pages and website builders

Support and Next Steps

The self-hosted pixel setup requires technical validation to ensure proper tracking functionality. After submitting your domain configuration:

1. Support team reviews your CNAME setup
2. Configuration is validated and approved
3. You receive updated tracking code via email
4. Implementation begins with the new custom domain

This process ensures seamless tracking transition without data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does the self-hosted pixel require support approval?

A. To ensure correct setup and prevent tracking data loss. Improper configuration can break attribution, so our team validates all setups before activation

Q. Can I use any subdomain name for my tracking pixel?

A. Yes, but avoid words like "track," "pixel," or "click" as they're commonly blocked by ad-blockers. Use neutral terms like "seg" or "abc" for best results.

Q. How long does the approval process take?

A. The support team typically reviews and approves configurations within 1-2 business days, depending on setup complexity.

Q. Will I lose tracking data during the transition?

A. No, when properly configured with support team guidance, the transition maintains all tracking functionality without data loss.

Q. Can I use the self-hosted pixel with all website builders?

A. Yes, the self-hosted pixel works with most platforms except VideoAsk. You can use it with landing page builders, WordPress, Shopify, and other standard web platforms.