How to Use the Copy Code Feature for Countdown Timers
Introduction
Countdown timers are effective tools for creating urgency in your marketing materials, such as websites or email campaigns. They help drive conversions by displaying the remaining time for promotions, events, or launches. The Copy Code feature allows you to easily embed these timers into various platforms. This guide explains how to use the Copy Code function, create timers, customize alignment, and handle dynamic timer settings.
What Is the Copy Code Feature?
The Copy Code feature provides a code snippet that you can embed into external platforms like websites or email builders outside of your CRM. Use it when:
- Adding timers to non-CRM websites: Paste the code into your site's HTML to display time-sensitive offers or event countdowns.
- Including timers in non-CRM emails: Insert the code into your email's HTML to show countdowns directly within the message, enhancing urgency.
Types of Countdown Timers
There are three timer types:
- Fixed: Ends at a specific time and requires an end date.
- Recurring: Counts down repeatedly and needs a start date, duration, and loop count.
- Dynamic: Shows a unique deadline for each viewer and requires a unique ID and duration, with the start date based on individual activation.
Do You Need to Edit the Code?
Editing depends on where the timer is used:
- Websites or landing pages: No editing is needed for the start date. The unique ID is optional unless you require page-level analytics.
- Static emails (same deadline for all): Replace the start date placeholder with the email send time (e.g., 2025-01-01T15:30:00Z). Delete or ignore the unique ID.
- Dynamic emails in your CRM: Replace the start date with {{right_now.date_time_iso}} and use the default {{contact.id}} or another contact field for the unique ID.
- Dynamic emails in other platforms (e.g., Mailchimp): Use the platform's current datetime merge tag for the start date and ensure the unique ID is personalized.
How to Use the Copy Code Feature
Step 1: Create a Countdown Timer
Set up your timer by selecting the end date and time, appearance, and format (days, hours, minutes, seconds). Proceed to the next step once configured.
Step 2: Copy the Code
Click the Copy Code button to copy the snippet for use in your website or email.
Step 3: Select Usage and Alignment
Choose whether the code is for an email or website and select the timer alignment that fits your design.
Step 4: Enter a Unique ID for Dynamic Timers (Optional)
For dynamic timers, replace the contact.id in curly braces with a relevant unique identifier (e.g., contactID or userID) to personalize the countdown for each user.
Step 5: Replace the Sender Time
For emails outside your CRM builder, replace the start date with the exact send time in ISO format (e.g., 2025-01-01T15:30:00Z). For dynamic timers within your CRM email builder, use {{right_now.date_time_iso}}.
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Timer doesn't start: Ensure the start date is a valid ISO date or merge tag.
- Everyone sees the same time: Verify the unique ID is personalized with a merge tag, not hard-coded.
- Incorrect timezone: Check that the date ends with Z (UTC) or includes a timezone offset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change the code for CRM websites?
No, the default snippet works since all visitors share the same deadline.
Is the unique ID optional?
Only for static timers. Dynamic timers require it to avoid shared cached images.
Can I test a dynamic email timer before sending?
Yes, send a test to yourself—merge tags populate with your data, showing what recipients will see.
Does Copy Code work inside CRM builders?
You can embed timers directly, but Copy Code is useful for code snippet elements.