How to Create a Recurring Timer
What is a Recurring Timer?
A recurring timer is a dynamic countdown tool that automatically restarts after reaching zero. It cycles through a set duration repeatedly, making it ideal for promoting events, sales, or deadlines that occur on a regular schedule. Unlike a one-time timer that expires permanently, a recurring timer provides ongoing urgency by resetting itself for a specified number of loops.
Key Benefits of Using a Recurring Timer
- Automated Resets: The timer restarts automatically according to your schedule, eliminating the need for manual updates.
- Sustained Urgency: Visitors always see an active countdown, which encourages timely action.
- Multi-Use Flexibility: Embed the same timer in multiple places, such as websites, emails, or funnels.
- Customizable Loops: Control exactly how many times the timer repeats.
- Brand Alignment: Customize the timer's appearance with your brand's colors, fonts, and styling.
Where to Use Recurring Timers
Recurring timers are versatile and can be applied to various scenarios:
- Weekly Promotions: Highlight recurring sales or special offers that happen every week.
- Monthly Renewals: Remind customers of subscription or membership renewal dates each month.
- Regular Events: Count down to weekly webinars, classes, or meetings.
- Daily Deals: Create urgency for flash sales that repeat daily.
Understanding Loop Events
Loop Events determine how many times your timer will reset and run again. For example, if you set Loop Events to 3, the timer will complete its countdown, reset, and run two additional times (for a total of three cycles). Each loop begins only after the full duration of the previous countdown has elapsed.
How to Create a Recurring Timer
Step 1: Access the Countdown Timers Section
From the left-hand navigation menu, select Marketing. Then, click on Countdown Timers from the top navigation bar.
Step 2: Create a New Timer
Click the blue New button to start creating a timer. You can also choose to edit an existing timer by clicking the pencil icon next to its name.
Step 3: Set the Timer Type
In the settings panel, under the General tab, select Recurring as the timer type.
Step 4: Configure the Timer Settings
Define the following details for your recurring timer:
- Start Date/Time: Set the date and time when the first countdown cycle should begin.
- Loop Events: Specify the total number of times the timer should repeat.
- Countdown Duration: Enter the length of each countdown cycle (e.g., 7 days).
- Countdown Timer Waits For: Optionally set a waiting period between cycles.
- Hide Timer on Site in Wait State: If enabled, the timer will not display on your site during the waiting period between cycles.
Step 5: Set Redirect Links
Configure where users will be directed when they interact with the timer:
- Active Link: The URL users are taken to when the timer is running.
- Expired Link: The URL users are directed to after the timer expires.
Step 6: Customize and Save
Adjust the timer's design elements, such as colors, fonts, and time format. Give your timer a recognizable name and click the blue Save button to activate it.
Wait Time in Recurring Timers
The Countdown Timer Waits For setting allows you to insert a pause between cycles. This can be useful for giving your team time to prepare between promotions. During this wait time, the timer's behavior varies depending on where it's embedded:
- In Emails: The timer displays a zero state, and clicking the link redirects to the expired page.
- In Funnels: The timer can be hidden if the setting is enabled. If a user is on a page when the timer transitions from active to wait, they remain on the page until they refresh, at which point they are redirected to the expired link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Wait Time?
Wait Time creates a gap between timer cycles. For instance, you might have a 24-hour pause between weekly sales to allow for offer updates. It helps manage the campaign rhythm without immediate restarts.
Can I modify the Wait Time or Loop Events after saving the timer?
Yes. You can edit these settings at any time by going to Marketing > Countdown Timers and editing the timer. Changes will apply wherever the timer is used.
Do recurring timers adjust for the visitor's time zone?
No. The timer operates based on the time zone set in its configuration, not the visitor's local time zone.