Configuring a Wait Period for Recurring Timers

About Wait Time in Recurring Timers

The Wait Time feature allows you to insert a customizable pause between the cycles of a recurring countdown timer. Once a timer reaches zero, it can automatically enter a waiting period before restarting for the next cycle. This is ideal for automating repeated promotions like weekly sales, regular webinars, or monthly launches without needing to recreate the timer each time.

Benefits of Using Wait Time

• Automate recurring campaigns such as flash sales or challenges
• Run evergreen content like weekly webinars with consistent countdowns
• Hide the timer during off-hours to maintain page cleanliness
• Use a single timer across multiple funnels and emails, reducing duplication
• Ensure consistent behavior and redirects during the zero state

How to Set Up a Recurring Timer with Wait Time

Follow these steps to configure your timer. Once set, it will manage itself through each cycle automatically.

1. Go to Marketing → Countdown Timer → New Timer.
2. Select the Recurring option and define your Start and End time offsets.
3. Enable the Custom Wait Time toggle and specify the duration (e.g., 5 days 12 hours).
4. Optionally, enable Hide Timer in Wait State to remove the timer from funnels during the pause.
5. Choose an Expiry Page or URL that visitors will be directed to when interacting with the timer during the Wait state.
6. Save the timer and embed it in your funnels or emails.

Understanding the Timer Lifecycle

It's helpful to know how the timer behaves at each stage to design a smooth user experience.

• Active Cycle: The timer counts down normally in both emails and funnels.
• Wait State: After reaching zero, the timer pauses for the specified duration. In emails, it displays 00:00:00 and links to the expiry page. In funnels, it can be hidden or show zeros based on your settings; refreshing the page during this state redirects to the expiry URL.
• Reset: The timer automatically restarts and begins the next active cycle.

Example Use Cases

• Weekly Sale: Start Friday at 00:00, end Friday at 23:59, with a 6-day 1-minute wait.
• Regular Webinar: Start Monday at 09:00, end Thursday at 17:00, with a 3-day 16-hour wait.
• Monthly Promotion: Run from the 1st at 00:00 to the 3rd at 23:59 each month, with a 27-day wait.

Important Notes and Tips

• The zero state in emails displays as unstyled 00:00:00; custom styling does not apply during Wait.
• The Hide Timer option only affects funnels; emails always show the zero state.
• If a user remains on a page without refreshing when the timer enters Wait, they won't be redirected automatically.
• Wait duration can range from 1 minute to 365 days.
• An analytics event labeled “Timer Expired” is logged when Wait begins, which you can use to trigger automations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wait Time adjust for Daylight Saving Time?

Yes, the timer uses duration-based calculations, so it adjusts automatically for DST changes.

Can I change the wait duration after creation?

Yes, the new duration will apply from the next Wait cycle onward; the current cycle is not affected.

Is it possible to style the zero state in emails?

Not currently; the zero state uses default styling for consistency and deliverability.

Will page refresh redirect if the timer is visible during Wait?

Yes, refreshing the page during Wait always redirects to the expiry URL, even if the timer is visible.

How many cycles can a timer run?

Cycles continue indefinitely until you delete or archive the timer.

Do email timers update in real time?

Yes, when an email is opened, the timer refreshes with live data, replacing any cached versions.

Can non-recurring timers use Wait Time?

No, this feature is only available for Recurring timers.

Next Steps

Try creating a timer for a weekly promotion with a 7-day wait. Embed it in a funnel and test the Wait state behavior. Use the same timer in an email campaign and monitor analytics to optimize your timing.